Connected Nation: Working to Connect Veterans during Military Appreciation Month

“Will Yarborough is serving his country in the Texas Army National Guard. Digital Works, a program of Connected Nation, helped him train for remote work. Read his story here.”

(May 30, 2018) - May is National Military Appreciation Month, and as the month comes to an end, we at Connected Nation want to recognize and thank all those who have served our nation.

One of our goals is to make sure that every veteran has the opportunity to get connected to the internet. Unfortunately, many have been left on the wrong side of the Digital Divide.

Research from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) shows that veterans are less likely to use the internet at home or work, and those who do are more likely to be connected via slow dial-up service.

Veterans are also less likely than other internet users to access a number of life-changing online tools, such as social media networks; searching for jobs online; taking classes or conducting job training online; or using an online health-monitoring service.

Despite the challenges to veterans, active military, and their spouses, we believe that the number of important services available online make it imperative to help make broadband accessible to everyone.

For example, the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) reports that it served more than 702,000 patients via telehealth in fiscal year 2016, and offers telehealth services for more than 50 specialty areas of care. Those services can be a great opportunity, particularly for the millions of veterans living in rural parts of the country who have limited access to health care specialists.

Without broadband, this isn’t an option, making getting them connected vital.

So this month, CN wants veterans to know that we appreciate you, and we are working hard to get you connected. We know it’s a life-changing event.







About the Author: Chris McGovern is the Director of Research Development for Connected Nation. He works with Connected Nation staff and external stakeholders to develop research deliverables and provide critical analysis. He uses qualitative and quantitative techniques to interpret data, formulate reports, and make substantiated recommendations based on research findings.