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Eagles Can Fly Looks to Bring Veterans Into The Digital Age

Eagles Can Fly Classes to Cover Computer Basics to Programs Like the Microsoft Suite

The United States Department of Veteran Affairs reported in 2016 that an average of 20 veterans died per day in 2014 due to suicide. This is a troubling number that Doug Cannon and Marshall Burnett are trying to alleviate through their non-profit organization Eagles Can Fly, an educational program comprised of a series of tech classes which teach veterans how to use computers and other digital devices.

Eagles Can Fly

“These guys come back after two or three tours and the technology has left them,” Cannon said in a phone interview. “They come back and they don’t know how to use the skills, computers or the phones.”

“It’s due to the lack of connection when they come back from war to get back to society,” Cannon continued. We’re going to put a dent into it. We won’t cure it, we’ll put a dent into it.”

Cannon will be the instructor of the course and director of business development while Burnett assists in the classroom and aids those who need more information. Burnett is also in charge of the website and social media.

According to the official website, Cannon has over twenty years of experience with computers and has run his own worldwide technical computer support company known as American Networking since 2003. Burnett is currently seeking his Associates Degree in Computer Networking Technology at Yavapai College and works as a student worker in the college’s ITS department where he assists students and staff with computer issues.

The classes are scheduled to take place quarterly and run for twelve weeks with two classes each week for two hours. Lessons will start off simple with how to log in and a create passwords, get hooked up to the internet, set up an email account and the ability to cut, paste, drag and drop-known as the big four.

eagles can fly

“That’s (the big four) the main of a computer right there,” Cannon said. “If you know how to do that, you can rock and roll pretty good with it.”

Online Banking, Microsoft Office

The class will advance from there to researching information online like banking and programs such as Microsoft Office. Toward the end of the class, veterans will learn how to use cell phones for a variety of purposes.

“It’s like a ladder,” Cannon said, mentioning the syllabus was the first thing the two did before incorporating. “It’s one rung at a time and when they get the one thing done, they can go onto to the next part and the next part.”

Providing Laptops to Veterans

Once the class is through, the veterans will receive the laptop they have been working on, fully loaded with the information they need to be successful.

“(Having their own computer) is really important, especially if they want to go back to school, Burnett said. “A lot of jobs these days also need your own computer.”

Fundraising, Grant Writing

Burnett and Cannon said the Goodwill in Prescott generously donated a room for the class to take place in. Now, the two must focus on fundraising and grant writing as it was mentioned they need about $17,000 for the first class to take place.

“I really feel like once we finish our first class successfully, it’s going to be a lot easier to raise funds,” Burnett said.

More information and how to apply for the class can be found on the Eagles Can Fly website. Those who are wishing to donate can either click here or the non-profit organization’s GoFundMe page.

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