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News | March 14, 2019

Former Air Force computers serve Alabama students

By Tim Hoyle DLA Disposition Services

Computers that once supported airmen at Maxwell Air Force Base continue to help users soar as they help educate students in Prattville, Alabama.

Rachel Mattis of the 42nd Communications Squadron said there was a large refresh at Maxwell as they converted to the Windows 10 operating system.

“There are certain machines that you can use with Windows 10, but we had a bunch of computers that were only a couple of years old that were not compatible while still very usable,” Mattis said.

The machines were received in place from Maxwell by DLA Disposition Services’ site at Fort Benning, Georgia, and then provided to Prattville Junior High School through the Defense Department’s Computers for Learning Program. The CFL program provides useful information technology equipment to schools and is designed to streamline the transfer of excess and surplus property.

Getting Maxwell’s machines into the CFL program came from Larry Bohannon’s efforts at the 42nd Communications Squadron. Bohannon said DLA Disposition Services’ Raphael Berrios helped get the process going.

“Once the paperwork was completed, we did business as usual,” Bohannon said. 

Principal Janice Stockman said the computers were put to use at Prattville in a variety of ways.  Stockman said some went into the Science Lab for use in research projects by eight classes divided evenly between 7th and 8th graders. Resource classrooms use them for students with individual needs, helping approximately 70 students throughout the day. Students taking 7th grade electives in journalism and English enhancement use them. All students have access to the computers placed in the Library Media Center for assessments and classroom research in a variety of subjects.

“Ultimately, these computes are available for all 1,000 of our students in one manner or the other,” Stockman said.

In an email to the staff at the CFL office at DLA Disposition Services, Stockman said the “donation went a long way in upgrading our technology!  We can't thank you enough.  Our students are benefiting on a daily basis!”

Bohannon said he gets a good feeling from looking at the empty holding areas where these computers were, “knowing they are now helping develop our children’s skills for the future.”

Other schools and educational nonprofit organizations serving grades pre-kindergarten through 12th grade who are interested in the program should visit the CFL website for information on how to participate.