American Legion program in Dunedin supplies veterans with laptops
BY Pinellas County
DUNEDIN, Fla. — The American Legion Veterans Technology Program helps veterans get the computers they need for school. It was created by Post 275 in Dunedin in 2021.
They’re currently providing, on average, a laptop a month to local veterans.
Army veteran Luke Olson is one of the recipients. He is a student at Kaiser University studying cybersecurity and married with two children.
With his major, he knew a good computer was essential, but the cost created a challenge.
“I tried to use a Chromebook, but it’s basically a web browser with a Gmail account,” he said. “I got a MacBook that I repaired, but it was on the older side as a 2014, and unfortunately, the software and the updates don’t come in anymore because it’s 11 years old.”
David Hahn said it’s these types of issues that led to his post creating the program.
They have a committee that goes through applications before choosing people like Olson.
“We’re really trying to identify those veterans and active-duty military members who really have something going on, where this is really going to bless their lives and make a difference,” Hahn said.
Hahn is happy they’re able to help veterans, and Olson is grateful for the program.
However, both said the cost of a computer is a roadblock for veterans across the country.
“I’m just one person, and I know if I have the problem, thousands of others in different schools across the country probably have the same problem where they have to get specific equipment for their major,” Olson said.
Spectrum News reached out to the Department of Veterans Affairs and asked about the options veterans have to purchase laptops.
They said, “Post 9-11 GI Bill beneficiaries receive a monthly housing allowance and an annual $1,000 stipend for books and supplies, which can be used at their discretion, including for the purchase of a laptop.”
The GI Bill currently covers tuition and fees, a monthly housing allowance, books and a supply stipend up to $1,000 a year for approved education.
