Post 26 in Aiken, S.C., now is home to a Comcast Lift Zone and recipient of 50 new laptops.
When an American Legion post in South Carolina was approached by Comcast about installing Wi-Fi in the post, there was no hesitation on the part of the post.
And now, American Legion Post 26 in Aiken not only has the Wi-Fi, but also dozens of laptops for area veterans to use to access crucial services – including U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs health care.
Post 26 now is home to a Comcast Lift Zone, which is aimed at enhancing digital literacy and expanding access to technology for local residents. Comcast Lift Zones provide free, high-capacity Wi-Fi to assist individuals with accessing online resources, participating in virtual learning and strengthening their computer skills. Since 2022, Comcast has installed more than 1,250 Lift Zones across the country, connecting 6 million users to Wi-Fi.
“We needed Wi-Fi in our post,” Post 26 Commander Frank Carson said. “If we’re going to attract younger members to our post, we have to provide things younger members want and need, and Wi-Fi’s one of those things.”
Carson had already seen the impact of having access to high-speed Internet on a veteran. “My dad’s a Legionnaire and lives about 9,000 miles out in the middle of nowhere,” Carson said. “(He) Literally just got high-speed Internet a year ago. Up until a year ago … for him to be able to access VA health care was a 45-minute drive one way.
“So, I saw firsthand what the high-speed Internet could do for a veteran that doesn’t have it. Once we found out (about Comcast’s offer), that was a no-brainer. If we can open that up to our community and our Legionnaires and other veterans, there is literally no negative.”
In addition to the Wi-Fi, Comcast also gifted Post 26 with 50 new laptops. “For some of our members – I hate to use the term ‘priceless’, but that’s kind of what this was,” Carson said. “We have some members … they’ve got a laptop, but it’s on its last leg and barely does what it’s supposed to do. To be able to get them a new laptop and a venue where they can now go to the post, get somebody that’s computer savvy and teach them some of the things that they can do, that’s priceless.”
Carson said another member of the post now is using one of the laptops to track the post’s support activities, including those provided to the Aiken VA Clinic. “He is now using that laptop to provide services to more veterans at a VA facility,” said Carson.
The unveiling of the new Wi-Fi and laptops was attended by multiple Comcast executives, as well as Aiken Chamber of Commerce President Jim Tunison.
“Today is about making an impact on those who have dedicated so much in service to our country,” said Mark Fetterolf, Regional Vice President Operations of Technical Operations for Comcast’s Big South Region. “This effort reflects our commitment to expanding access to the digital tools and resources that lead to new opportunities. Community investment is part of our DNA, and we are honored to stand alongside partners who share our dedication to serving those who have served us all.”
Carson said Comcast wants to provide similar services to other veteran service organizations and urged posts to reach out to the communications company to establish a similar relationship.
“Internet access and tech skills are essential for everything from staying connected with loved ones to accessing healthcare, education, and career opportunities,” he said. “For our veterans, these tools can make a real difference. (Comcast is) actively looking other VSOs to work with. They are all-in.”
- Community