Fort Bragg's 1st Sustainment Command (Theater) donates computers to local school

By Staff Sgt. Josephine PrideJuly 23, 2015

1st Sustainment Command (Theater) donates computers to local school
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Kaleb Allen, 10, a Fort Bragg Family member and student at New Life Christian Academy, uses a laptop computer July 21 at the school in Fayetteville, N.C. Through the Defense Logistics Agency's Computers for Learning program, 1st Sustainment Command (... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
1st Sustainment Command (Theater) donates computers to local school
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Tyler Jordan, 4, shows his skills on a laptop computer to his grandfather, Lloyd Jordan, of Fayetteville, N.C., at New Life Christian Academy July 21. The computer was donated by 1st Sustainment Command (Theater) as part of the Defense Logistics Agen... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT BRAGG, N.C. -- Students of New Life Christian Academy in Fayetteville, North Carolina received a technology upgrade thanks to 50 DELL laptop computers donated by the 1st Sustainment Command (Theater) July 21.

The donation was made possible through the Department of Defense Computers for Learning Program, stemmed from Executive Order 12999, signed in 1996 by President Bill Clinton.

The executive order streamlines the transfer of excess and surplus federal computer equipment into the hands of our nation's classrooms while making modern computer technology an integral part of every class.

The 1st TSC worked hand-in-hand with the Defense Logistics Agency and U.S. Forces Command since January to make the donation a success.

"These computers will assist my instructors in working collectively with several students," said Allen McLauchlin, pastor of New Life Bible Church and senior administrator of the school. "We are very appreciative of Fort Bragg and their staff and what they have done."

To qualify for the program, organizations must serve pre-K through grade 12 students.

Lt. Col. Andre Burks, 1st TSC chief information officer said the donation is a great start for the program.

"As of right now this is the only school in North Carolina approved to receive these computers," said Burks. "I think any school, especially Fayetteville, Spring Lake and anywhere in this community will greatly benefit from it."

Through the program, schools are able to receive equipment such as computers, printers, modems and servers.

Capt. Cherby Allen, human resources officer, G-1, U.S. Army Reserve Command, helped the school register for the program. Her son, Kaleb Allen, 10, will be a fifth grader this year and has been a student at the school since he was in kindergarten.

"It's awesome to see the first and only school registered so far receive this great equipment," said Allen. "This helps our children to be competitive, and they need these computers and the skills. I am glad I was able to help the school and the students."

According to the academy's web site, New Life Christian Academy first opened in 1997. Since then the academy has provided a structured yet nurturing academic environment for over 600 students.

Prior to the donation, the school only had five computers for 75 students that are currently enrolled.

Valued at about $100,000, Maj. Eddie Diaz, deputy G6, is hopeful the computer systems will enhance the school's ability to teach more students on the increased number of systems installed in their classrooms.

The CFL program helps the school save money giving the excess computers a second life instead of being destroyed.

"This helps the Army because donations provide an environmentally-friendly way of discarding hardware and keeps excess computers out of area landfills," said Jose Aguero, program manager for DOD Computers for Learning Program. "This also encourages strong relationships between the Army and the local communities."

The computers were scanned multiple times to ensure they met the Defense Logistics Agency disposition requirements before they were donated to the school, said Diaz.

Schools and educational non-profit organizations registered with the CFL program do not pay for computer equipment they receive through the program. However, the recipient is responsible for the shipping and handling costs and any refurbishing costs.

Schools and organizations interested in the program may fill out an online request at the Defense Logistics Agency website at http://www.dispositionservices.dla.mil/rtd03/cfl/.

(The 1st Sustainment Command (Theater) provides Theater Sustainment Mission Command to Army, joint, and multinational forces in support of U.S. Central Command Unified Land Operations in order to enable the combatant commander's ability to prevent, shape, and win our nation's wars. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/1stTheaterSustainmentCommand)

Related Links:

Fayetteville Christian school gets 50 new computers from Ft. Bragg program

Register for Computers for Learning Program

School receives Fort Bragg computers through little-known program