AEP donates PCs to veterans group

AEP IT employees presented members of the Vietnam Veterans Association of America Chapter 1045 with 20 laptop computers. Front row (l-r): Gary Lewis, US Army, Ret.,  AEP employee Victor Linsten, US Army, Ret., Mike Deible, US Air Force, Ret., and AEP employee Jason Sebourn, U.S Army, Ret. Back row (l-r) Aaron Huffman, U.S. Air Force, Ret., and AEP employee Steve Shepherd, .

(Story by Pamela Busby)

AEP made the holidays a little brighter for Vietnam veterans with the donation of 20 surplus laptop computers. The computers will be distributed to members of the Vietnam Veterans Association of America Chapter 1045 in Lancaster, Ohio.

Steve Shepherd, manager-IT Service Desk, said the idea for the donation came from Jeannie Phillips-Ball, an IT support technician who reports to him. “It’s great when employees recognize organizations like the Vietnam Veterans and I’m glad we were able to donate the computers to those who have done so much for us and our freedom,” Shepherd said.

Normally, IT sends surplus assets to its vendor Intechra for safe and secure recycling. Each donated PC was equipped with OEM operating system, carrying case and power supply. All AEP data was removed. Shepherd said his team was able to prepare the PCs while fulfilling their regular duties, so there was no significant cost to the company.

Philips-Ball, a self-described Army brat, volunteers with the Lancaster Chapter and helped bring the traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial to Lancaster in November. She also leads an expressive signing group called Remnants who performs at local events including the annual “Freedom Isn’t Free” Veterans Day program.

Having gotten to know many veterans over the years, Phillips-Ball was concerned that those who couldn’t attend the monthly meetings were missing out. “A lot of them are older and they either don’t have the funds to purchase computers or aren’t sure what to do with them if they were to get one,” Phillips-Ball said.  Homebound veterans can use the computers keep up with chapter activities, keep in touch with family and friends or access their  healthcare benefits online.

“They’re a great group of guys. Who better to honor and do what we can for those who fought for our freedom,” she concluded.