GTECH Indiana donated a computer lab – the first of its kind donated by the company in the nation – to HVAF of Indiana, a United Way nonprofit which focuses on improving the lives of homeless Hoosier veterans and their families. The lab, which cost $15,000, includes eight Dell desktop computers, a Dell SonicWALL, an all-in-one printer and software from Microsoft.

Charles Haenlein, HVAF’s president, said the ability to access that lab will serve as “one more lifeline” for veterans like Mark Williams, a 53-year-old Marine Corps veteran who is continuing his education at Ivy Tech Community College. “In many cases it will mean an outlet for continued education, applying for veterans benefits, communications and connecting with friends and relatives,” says Haenlein.

54-year-old Army and Marine Corps veteran Mark W. addressed the group and said the computer lab is more convenient than waiting in line at the library.

“This computer lab could not have come at a better time,” says Mark. “Anymore, you have to use a computer for just about everything we do to transition back into a normal life.”

Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard – who is a Marine Corps veteran – said the lab will provide “critical resources to help America’s heroes find jobs.”

And Indiana Secretary of State Connie Lawson said she couldn’t “think of a better way to thank our veterans” for “heroic service to our state and country” than helping them “apply for jobs, search for housing and gain additional education.”

Special thanks to Bill Moreau and Bob Grand of Barnes & Thornburg LLP. 

Media coverage included Indy Star, WTHR, WISH-TV, The Statehouse File and NPR. View the stories at the links below.