By Tim Kelly
The proliferation of new technology has helped make many tasks easier for many people. However, some folks have a more difficult adjustment than others to the digital age.
Michael Doliszny, an Ocean City Eagle Scout, wants to make life with computers easier for our veterans, particularly older ones.
“It’s a real problem for many vets,” Michael said in a recent interview. “Job applications, filing for veterans’ benefits and many other instances occur in which veterans must go online. Digital technology can be a great thing, if it’s used right. My goal is to help veterans feel more comfortable using computers, which in turn makes them more self-sufficient.”
To that end, Michael is in the process of launching a free technology course for veterans. The first class takes place on Saturday at the Atlantic Cape Community College computer lab at the campus in Cape May Court House from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. A free lunch and refreshments will be provided.
Michael’s veterans’ program is a spinoff of his original Eagle Scout service project. He developed a smartphone app that locates electric car charging stations throughout Cape May County. Last January, the Cape May County Freeholder Board unanimously supported the project.
Any money raised through the app was to be donated to local veterans’ organizations. In facilitating the donation, Michael interacted with the freeholders and veterans, and became aware of the need for many vets to become more computer-literate.
“By improving veterans’ computer skills, we are able to improve their quality of life,” Michael said. “That’s something I wanted to address because our vets have given so much to our community, and I wanted to do more to give something back.”
Michael, an 18-year-old senior at St. Augustine Prep, recently spoke before a group of more than 100 veterans to explain his idea, and he was warmly received. He also raised nearly $19,000 in donations and pledges to help sustain the course in the future.
“This young man has given of his time, effort and computer skills, all for the betterment of our veterans,” Freeholder Marie Hayes said. “The freeholders support Michael wholeheartedly and we hope our community does the same.”
Michael raised the funds from local individuals, organizations and businesses over the last six weeks. The money will pay for a total of 52 courses to help approximately 375 veterans, he said.
Congressman Jeff Van Drew also has pledged to support Michael’s initiative.
The program is in collaboration with the Citizens/Veterans Advisory Council of Cape May County (CVAC), ACCC, the freeholders and local veterans groups.
Michael feels computer literacy for veterans is a concept whose time has come.
“Computer literacy can make veterans more employable, more independent, and simply make their lives less stressful and more enjoyable,” he said. “Our vets have experience and skills to offer employers and the community. Sometimes it is lost or underutilized because the veteran might not have the required basic tech skills. That’s the idea behind the course.”
ACCC donated the use of its computer labs to host the course, and one of its computer science faculty members worked with Michael to develop the curriculum.
The first class is full, Michael’s mom Kristina Doliszny said, with the next one scheduled for March 30 at the Free Public Library of Ocean City. Other classes will take place at the Wildwood Public Library and other locations to be announced.
Call Nelson Gonzalez at CVAC to secure a spot in the next available class at (609) 413-1451. Each class is limited to 22 students and spaces are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
“Technology doesn’t have to be something that gets in the way. It should be something that is helpful,” Michael said.
Click on link for program flyer:
https://ocnjdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Vet-Computer-Skills-Flyer-updated.pdf
