College to offer interactive hookup
to troops stationed in Iraq

For immediate release

Lars Hafner was listening to National Public Radio when he heard of a new initiative that had just opened in Orlando and Panama City.

Facilities in those cities were able to connect with three locations in Iraq to offer two-way interactive hookups for families to talk and see their loved ones.

‘With all of the technology that we have, it seemed like something we were well-suited to offer for residents in this area," said Hafner, associate vice president, University Partnership Center and Athletics.

Hafner approached President Carl M. Kuttler Jr., who agreed. "Anything we can do to help the families of our military men and women we will support 100 percent," Kuttler said.

Through the Freedom Calls Foundation, Operation Hometown Link is now available at the Seminole Campus.

Taji, Fallujah and Al Assad are the camps that have access to participate. "We can reach about 25 percent of the servicemen and women who are in Iraq through these camps," Hafner said. "The program is expanding and that percentage will be increasing."

The most difficult part is getting the word to those in Iraq, Hafner said. "Oftentimes, they can’t tell their families where they are. We have to get the word out. We want to do all we can to show our support of the troops."

Hafner said the technology is in place and his office will coordinate the appointments. "We understand the time difference and will remain flexible to accommodate families and their loved ones," Hafner said.

There is no cost to participate.

To make an appointment, or learn more, contact Lars Hafner at (727) 341-4656.

SPC                                                                                                                                          4-17-06 (updated 6/4/07)

 

Back to FreedomCalls at SPC