News

Robins donates used computer equipment to schools, and agencies through DOD program

  • Published
  • By Holly Birchfield
  • 78th ABW/PA
Robins Air Force Base, GA --  A Department of Defense initiative is helping Robins Air Force Base's used computer equipment and related items go to good use.

The Computers for Learning program, which took effect through a presidential executive order in 1996, enables federal agencies like Robins to give surplus computers and their peripheral components to area schools and law enforcement departments to avoid wasting the items.

Anthony Moore, a materials examiner and identifier in the Information Technology Directorate, said the program benefits the government as much as it does those who receive the equipment.

"I take in excess computers and all of the peripherals that go with it from the base to decide whether it's going to be reused on base or donated to schools, police departments, or (whether) other bases will take control of it," he said.

Mr. Moore said the program saves Robins from having to find a place to store computers in the already crowded Defense Reutilization Marketing Office.

Robins donated about $3 million in used computers and related items to schools and police departments in 2007.

"It helps our kids to be better prepared," he said. "They are our leaders for the next generation. We didn't have a program like this when I was in school, and I take pride in helping them out."

Those who receive the equipment are certainly appreciative.

Maj. Jamie McDaniel, major over patrol and the Criminal Suppression Unit at the Twiggs County Sheriff Department, said the program has helped his department save taxpayers lots of money.

"We put it to use in our deputy's office and our administrative offices," he said. "Twiggs County is basically a rural county and we have to fight for every dollar we can get. (When the base gives us computers), we turn around and put them to good use. The department tries to save the taxpayers some money."

Whiley Williams, a technician for software deployment for Houston County schools, said the school system has received at least 2,000 computers in the five years the school system has used the base program.

Mr. Williams said the computers are placed in classrooms throughout the school system. He said with the school system's budget ever-tightening, the assistance is helpful.

Major McDaniel said he's glad that his department can count on Robins for support.

"Anthony does a jam up job," he said. "I just really want to thank Robins and Anthony (for) the job they do by helping Twiggs County out. It means a lot to us."

Eligible groups may visit https://www.drms.dla.mil/cfl online to fill out a form to request the used computer equipment. Once approved, schools and police departments must send in their requests on company letterhead.