BLUE GRASS, Iowa – When it comes to understanding computers, technology, doing business online and avoiding scams, some older veterans need a bit of help. That’s the view of Abigail Johnson of Blue Grass. “Some of them have issues with technology. … and I love technology,” said Ms. Johnson, 15, who is a sophomore at […]
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BLUE GRASS, Iowa – When it comes to understanding computers, technology, doing business online and avoiding scams, some older veterans need a bit of help.
That’s the view of Abigail Johnson of Blue Grass. “Some of them have issues with technology. … and I love technology,” said Ms. Johnson, 15, who is a sophomore at Davenport North High School and the daughter of Glen and Sally Johnson.
Abigail Johnson, who is a member of the American Legion Post 711 Auxiliary in Blue Grass, has been taking her love of technology and putting it to good use to help local veterans adjust to the ever-changing technology world. She has helped them set up their calendars on new phones, set up email, figure out QR codes, access medical portals and make appointments with their doctor as well as set up online accounts with their banks and other businesses. The need is heightened in a time when many organizations are going paperless and require members to have online accounts.
“These are things that will help them in daily life,” she added.
That technological support is going to another level. Ms. Johnson recently formed a nonprofit group called Veterans Tech Support to teach computer basic skills to local veterans and their families. If all goes as planned, she will begin teaching those computer skills classes on a monthly basis later this month at the American Legion Post 711 in Blue Grass. She met with legion members in September to start scheduling training this fall. Also, the first laptop computers for that training arrived in early October.
Gary Berndt, a member of the American Legion post, said the upcoming computer classes are a good idea that will help many people in his generation.
“I know just enough to turn that on,” Mr. Berndt said, pointing to a computer inside the American Legion building.
He added that he needs help figuring out the “fancy phone” he just bought. He even had to get help from a young relative to answer the phone.
“You can’t use buttons to answer it. You have to swipe it. You have to swipe it. … I can take photos (with the phone), but what do I do with them? I don’t know how to send them,” Mr. Berndt said.
In addition to helping vets with computer and phone skills, Ms. Johnson has big goals for the new organization including attracting volunteers, donors, business support, and eventually expanding the support group to every state in the nation.
“I want to continue classes until they aren’t needed,” Ms. Johnson recently told the QCBJ.
But, before those big plans move forward, she needs the computers, printers, software and other equipment to get classes started in Blue Grass. Thankfully, she got a financial helping hand when she was selected to receive a $10,000 grant through the Pilot Pen 2021-2022 Science FriXion STEM Student group.
That money is helping buy needed equipment, but more donations and financial support are welcome. (Go to the group’s website at veteranstechsupport.com for more information.)
Veterans Tech Support also recently gained some national recognition with people in the computer technology world. In August, Ms. Johnson attended a conference in Las Vegas called DEF CON 30. She called the event a “hacker convention” where the latest technology and anti-hacking methods in the field are showcased. The area student attended the event to learn about some new technology and connect with people who may be interested in the Veterans Tech Support group.
“I also ran into a lot of people who are interested in volunteering, so I can begin to create a strong basis of excellent technical knowledge to help support various levels of veterans, from those with no computer knowledge to those with complex needs,” she wrote in her blog on the DEF CON 30 trip.
In addition to getting support, she was invited to another conference to showcase the tech support group. That event is the 5G and Telemedicine Security Conference in Austin, Texas, set for February.
“I’m just very proud of her. … There’s been a lot of feedback that nothing like this (support group) exists,” her mother Sally Johnson said.
The young tech expert also is getting support from veterans who have heard about her efforts.
“A lot of veterans came up to me and said that this is wonderful,” she added.
But, for Ms. Johnson, setting up the Veterans Tech Support group is just the latest in a long list of activities that keep her busy. Here is a glimpse into those activities:
In addition to being a student at Davenport North (with a 4.0 grade point average and first in her class), she is also enrolled at Eastern Iowa Community College. She expects to complete her associate’s degree at the same time as her high school diploma in 2025.
She also is a varsity cheerleader, on the student council, in anime club, sings in the chamber choir and is in tennis club.
Outside of school, she is first vice president of Iowa’s Children of the American Revolution; and grand officer for Iowa in the International Order of Rainbow for Girls.
Her career goal is to pursue a medical degree and bring her skills to the field of cardiovascular surgery, specializing in pediatric cardiothoracic surgery.
“She is incredibly involved in everything she does. … She can handle it,” said her mother.
Ms. Johnson said she doesn’t feel overwhelmed by her busy schedule and looks forward to her next challenge of setting up computer classes.
“I do a lot. … What’s one more thing?” she said with a laugh.
