Mobile Technology Lab helps military families communicate

The Mobile Technology Lab does, and it's making it possible for families and communities to show appreciation for and communicate with soldiers overseas by sending personalized messages.

The lab is part of Operation: Military Kids, an outreach program that helps military youth cope before, during and after their parents are deployed.

"With an estimated 6,276 soldiers overseas, the Mobile Technology Lab gives families access to resources they may not have in their own home," said Chris Cook-Leitz, Purdue University Extension specialist and co-project director for Operation: Military Kids. "The lab has a variety of media available for visitors to use to contact these soldiers."

The Mobile Technology Lab contains 15 laptop computers, a digital camera, a digital video camera, a printer and different software packages used to create a variety of media items that can be sent to loved ones who are serving in active duty. These messages can be sent via e-mail or burned onto a CD and mailed.

"There are a lot of people that want to support the troops and this helps them do that," said Scott Gabbard, Shelby County Purdue Extension educator. "We are very proud that we can use our skills, technology and resources to help others and genuinely make a difference in the lives of others."

Not only does the lab provide family members a different way to communicate with their loved ones overseas, but it also allows community members to show their support by linking them with soldiers, even though they may not know them directly.

"It is the little things that can really carry a long way," Gabbard said. "A small thank you can come off in a very big way."

The Mobile Technology Lab, funded through a grant from the Department of Defense, is staffed by local volunteers, Extension specialists and readiness groups trained to help individuals create and send their messages.

The lab has been in Indiana for a little over a year and has helped more than 1,000 individuals communicate with soldiers overseas. It gives families and communities the option to choose from a variety of media to send a message.

The Mobile Technology Lab is scheduled to appear at the Indiana State Fair and the following county fairs: Allen, Boone, Elkhart, Fayette and Morgan.

For more information about Operation: Military Kids, visit the Web site.

National partners of Operation: Military Kids are 4-H, Boys and Girls Clubs of America, Military Child Education Coalition, Army Child and Youth Services, the American Legion and National Association of Child Care Resource Referral Agencies.

Writer: Julie Douglas, (765) 496-1050, douglajk@purdue.edu

Sources: Chris Cook-Leitz, (765) 496-8433, cookleit@purdue.edu

Steve McKinley, (765) 494-8435, mckinles@purdue.edu

Scott Gabbard, (317) 392-6460, gabbardd@purdue.edu

Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722;
Beth Forbes, forbes@purdue.edu
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