Veterans received free laptop computers at 15 Los Angeles County Library branches on Friday, Dec. 22.
County crews distributed 1,000 computers as part of the Delete The Divide program, an initiative to advance digital equity in underserved communities. The effort includes a range of support programs and services, including issuing laptops to households in need.
Jack Kafkadjian, who served in the Marines from 2004 to 2007, picked up a laptop at the San Fernando branch.
“These amazing people emailed me and told me about the registration program and that I qualified for it,” Kafkadjian. “So I’m here today, and I still can’t believe I got a laptop for free.”
Kafkadjian was deployed to Iraq and fought in the battle of Fallujah, where he survived several close calls, including a Humvee he was riding in being destroyed by a roadside bomb.
“Well, you really don’t know what to expect when you’re going over there, especially for the first time, and you’re a young kid,” said Kafkadjian. “So I’m glad we got the training that we got, and we were able to, God willing, come back in one piece. A lot of my buddies didn’t come back, so I was one of the fortunate ones.”
The computer distribution launched on Nov. 28, with the first 1,000 veterans to submit a completed needs assessment getting a free laptop.
The response was enormous, with all spots filled within three days by veterans from the various military branches.
The amount of participation demonstrates the need for technology access among veterans, officials said. Whether it’s reconnecting with loved ones during the holidays, accessing health care and benefits, seeking job opportunities or pursuing online education, veterans are able to tap the program for help.
In all, Delete The Divide has provided more than 2,500 free laptops across the county to students, seniors, families, veterans, community-based organizations and people experiencing homelessness.
In 2024, the goal is to distribute an additional 7,500 new laptops to constituents in need with funding from the American Rescue Plan Act and a grant from the California Public Utilities Commission.
Vietnam Veteran and Purple Heart recipient Pasqual Ramirez, 77, said he would use the new laptop for his volunteer work with the National Veterans Golden Age Games.
The organization is a sports and recreational program designed to improve the quality of life and fitness level for veterans 55 years and over. Ramirez is also a competitor in the games.