By Mike Schindler / For The Herald
Shortly after Microsoft was founded in April 1975, Paul Allen and Bill Gates set the goal of a computer on every desk and in every home. In Gates’ words, “It was a bold idea, and a lot of people thought we were out of our minds to imagine it was possible.”
Nearly 40 years later, that vision is almost a reality: Our world is overwhelmingly digital, with more than 90 percent of American households now connected to the internet, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Yet too many people are still being left behind, and among them are those who have selflessly served our country.
Bridging the digital divide for veterans has become a paramount mission for Operation Military Family for 2024 and beyond. This endeavor’s impact reaches far beyond providing access to technology; it empowers veterans, ensuring they aren’t left behind in the evolving digital landscape. It’s an important issue in Washington, which is home to more than a half-million veterans.
In our work to support military and veteran families, Edmonds-based Operation Military Family has seen the clear and ever-expanding role that technology plays in almost every aspect of our lives. Navigating the digital realm with confidence is integral to everything from researching employment opportunities and launching new small businesses to accessing essential services and pursuing education and professional development. It is also imperative for running a business, something veterans know well: In Washington state, there are nearly 2,000 certified veteran-owned businesses, with 265 in King County alone.
Veterans who are digitally literate can seamlessly transition into civilian life, finding new career paths, becoming entrepreneurs, connecting with support networks and getting access to health care resources efficiently.
That’s why in 2023, Operation Military Family partnered with Comcast to provide almost 300 laptops and digital training to military and veteran families. This critical partnership enabled many families to stay connected online, facilitating job searches, communication and access to critical resources, while creating a sense of belonging. This digital empowerment can also support veterans’ mental health and well-being as they engage in virtual communities.
Operation Military Family is committed to helping veterans transition to civilian and professional life, and we understand the value of enduring partnerships. Corporate partners such as Comcast can contribute not only financial resources but also expertise, mentorship and cutting-edge technologies.
Sustained collaborations allow us to adapt to the changing needs of veterans and the advancing digital landscape with comprehensive programs that address a spectrum of challenges veterans face over time.
While digital access is crucial for all veterans, we pay special attention to those 50 and older, who may face unique challenges adapting to the digital landscape. Digital equity, in this context, means ensuring that veterans of all ages have the skills and resources to participate fully in the digital society, from their careers and business aspirations to simply meeting their everyday needs in life.
For veterans over 50, it is critical to tailor digital literacy programs to address these specific needs and challenges, considering factors such as unfamiliarity with technology, potential physical limitations and a range of comfort levels with digital platforms.
Focusing on digital equity for older veterans is not just a matter of necessity; it’s a matter of honoring their service and ensuring that they are not excluded from the benefits of the digital age.
Bridging the digital divide for veterans is a multifaceted mission with wide-ranging implications. The impact on veterans’ lives is immediate and sets the stage for their long-term personal and professional success and well-being. Through enduring partnerships and a commitment to digital equity, we can ensure that veterans, regardless of age, are equipped with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive in this fast-changing, increasingly complex digital era.
Join us in connecting veterans with the support and resources they need to succeed. If you would like to help, you can get involved in Operation Military Family as a mentor, corporate partner or donor. If you are a veteran returning to civilian life, please reach out to us; we’re here to help.
And let’s all work together to make this mission possible.
Mike Schindler is the founder of Operation Military Family, a nonprofit based in Edmonds that provides pathways for veterans to transition to civilian life and thrive in their professional and family lives.
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