CAMDEN — By SHEA WILSON
Feature writer
Are you a veteran? Do you need assistance with technology? If so, mark your calendars for the upcoming “Technology Teach-in.”
Sponsored by Lockheed Martin, the event is designed to teach participants how to utilize email and use basic Internet searches; video chat and ways to communicate; and Google Suite (maps, Google Drive, Hangout). Veterans also are invited to bring their own devices to learn about new applications and programs, according to Jim Bob Davis, Ouachita County Veterans Services officer.
The “Technology Teach-in” will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Camden Public Library, 405 Cash Road, on Oct. 26.
The event is free and is being facilitated by Give 2 Get, a national organization that assists corporations, among others, impact communities where they operate in positive ways.
Tory Woods, G2G manager of social impact, said Wednesday that Lockheed Martin is having a “Be the Difference Day” at all of its locations in October. G2G is working with Lockheed in 11 of those markets.
“All of their events are focused on veterans nationally,” Woods said, adding that the Camden event will be supported by local volunteers.
“About 20 to 30 volunteers from Lockheed actually will be teaching these lessons.”
The “Technology Teach-in” will be set up with booths so veterans can stop by and get help in areas of need.
“We do find a lack of knowledge in how to use tablets or additional resources, overall, to enhance daily lives, whether it is accessing an e-book from the library system or how to use FaceTime,” Woods said.
All of the teach-in opportunities are focused on improving daily life skills by using technology, which can help with job searches and other interests for veterans. Woods said that often volunteer events center on serving meals to veterans, so this one is a “new spin.”
“This is a new spin for volunteers. This is a nice opportunity to provide skills-based volunteering.”
The teach-in will have free food and refreshments. Additionally, tablets will be donated to a local veterans organization for continued use. Veterans are encouraged to come out and participate, regardless of experience level.
“This is to support skills of veterans,” Davis said. “This is just to help veterans. There is a new world of technology out there and Lockheed wants to help. They are very supportive of local veterans.”