From Afghanistan to South Florida: Technology Unites Soldier and Wife for Birth of their Child

CompUSA and Forgotten Soldiers Outreach Celebrate Independence Day with the Spirit of Giving

Independence Day brings family and friends together nationwide as all Americans celebrate our shared history. This Fourth of July, CompUSA and Forgotten Soldiers Outreach (FSO) ease some of the challenges posed by distance, time zones and ongoing military duties for a South Florida-based couple. The two companies have teamed up to help Vanesia Butler and her husband, Darvin, who is currently serving in Afghanistan. Vanesia, who is six-months pregnant, has been preparing for the birth of their child knowing that her husband’s military service will keep him overseas. However, thanks to advanced technology and a donation from CompUSA, the couple will be able to see and speak to each other via webcams on the big day.

“I was overwhelmed with happiness when I found out that my husband will get to be by my side in the hospital room, at least virtually, to experience the birth of our baby,” said Vanesia. “Now he’ll be able to hear the baby’s first cry even from thousands of miles away from home.”

A team of CompUSA technology experts delivered two Hewlett-Packard ProBook 4510s with built-in webcams to Vanesia at her place of business, located in Coral Springs, on Wednesday, July 1st. They showed Vanesia how to make video and voice calls using Skype, a free software package that enables the world’s communications.

“As we celebrate one of the most patriotic holidays of the year, we salute U.S. military families everywhere. It is so wonderful to see CompUSA take the initiative to join our program in support of America’s troops,” said Lynelle Chauncey Zelnar, Executive Director of FSO. “This donation will ensure that a soldier does not have to miss the birth of his child while serving our country overseas. I can’t even imagine delivering without my spouse by my side. This will truly make a lifelong difference in this military family’s life.”

In addition to the laptops, CompUSA and CA, one of the world’s leading independent IT management software companies, will donate a $10,000 scholarship for the Butler family to open a college savings account for their new baby.

“As Independence Day approaches, many military families will celebrate together — but many others will not because of a call to duty. We are honored to be a part of a worthwhile organization like FSO, which inspires soldiers with hope, strength and courage,” said Gilbert Fiorentino, Chief Executive of Systemax Technology Group, which includes CompUSA. “We wish Vanesia and her husband only the best as they embark on their exciting new adventure in parenthood and we are happy to provide technology to bring them together during these special times.”

About CompUSA

CompUSA (http://www.compUSA.com) serves the needs of both personal and business computer users, selling consumer electronics, computers, digital media technology and peripherals via retail stores, business to business sales, catalogs and Internet channels. CompUSA is wholly-owned by Systemax Inc.

About CA

CA (NASDAQ: CA) is the world’s leading independent IT management software company. With CA’s Enterprise IT Management (EITM) vision and expertise, organizations can more effectively govern, manage and secure IT to optimize business performance and sustain competitive advantage. For more information, visit www.ca.com.

About Forgotten Soldiers Outreach

Forgotten Soldiers Outreach, Inc., a 501(c)3 tax exempt corporation established in October 2003 with the sole mission of shipping monthly “We Care” packages to our U.S. Servicemen and women that are currently deployed overseas. FSO is a member of America Supports You, an ongoing nationwide program organized by the Department of Defense to showcase Americans’ support for the men and women of the Armed Forces and their families. For more information about Forgotten Soldiers Outreach, please log on to www.forgottensoldiers.org.
Contacts

For CompUSA
Amanda Rich, 561-504-4997
or
Lynelle Chauncey Zelnar, 561-248-6064