Memorial Day falls on May 28 this year, and one way to honor the sacrifice of our fallen military men and women is to assist those who are coming home.
Jason Rorie was an Information System Technician in the United States Navy, and when he reentered civilian life it was with a mission in mind. “I knew I could help my fellow returning veterans through technology, and along with Gary Moore founded the nonprofit organization Tech For Vets,” says Rorie. Moore and Rorie served in the Navy together, and with pride in their service identified a way to reach out through practical, tangible means. Honor, loyalty, respect, selfless service, and integrity are the core values of the organization.
As a technology consultant, Rorie has seen many companies recycle or destroy old, but functional, computers and other devices. From that observation, an idea was born last year and the 501c3 was formed by veterans, specifically for veterans. Tech For Vets provides free, refurbished computers to deserving men and women with the motto, “Helping Those Who Have Served Their Country.”
The goal is to assist veterans in finding a better life through access to computers. Many face financial hardships, devastating injuries and a tough job market. Getting computers into the hands of former military men and women can make a huge difference in their quality of life. Computers serve an important role by providing opportunities for veterans to job hunt or find a place to live. It’s also a necessary tool if a veteran has plans to go back to school. Tech For Vets has a mission to provide needy veterans, especially those who have been wounded or are in homeless shelters or jobless, with an opportunity to build a brighter future. “Helping the men and women who have served this country is such a worthwhile venture. Their gratitude speaks volumes as to who they are,” says Rorie.
One recipient of a refurbished computer is a young veteran who was wounded while serving in the Army during the Global War on Terrorism. At just 33-years-old he was collecting disability and requested a laptop to search for a job and research veteran benefits. Another wrote:
“My new computer is already a great help in my job search. I go to job fairs and 25% of the exhibitors are real employers and they always say “Apply online”. Now I can fill out those half hour to two hour long compatibility quizzes from home instead of at the library or work center. With free available online software I can even tune my resume and email it on a one by one basis. Thank you again!” – Julie Van Dyck
The organization is located at Park 10 and accepts donations from companies near and far. Katy businesses and families are invited to bring their old computers and laptops to the center or call for a pick up. These donations are vitally important, and without them the veterans must wait until a computer can be refurbished and shipped. Tech For Vets also used the funds raised from their successful FundaGeek campaign to pay for repair parts, to purchase refurbished laptop and desktop systems, and to ship them where they are needed. “Shipping costs are astronomical, especially when we send computers across the country,” says Rorie. “All donations are tax-deductible and very much appreciated as we find ways to meet the needs of veterans who seek technology.”
If you are a military veteran and need assistance with getting computer devices, please contact Tech for Vets. 16350 Park Ten Place, Suite 213 Houston, TX 77084 281-653-7726 info@techforvets.org www.techforvets.org
Caption: Tech for Vets Director Jason Rorie (right) accepts a donation from local business owner Charles Mazzini.
