March 23rd, 2005

Internet access is a must-have for members of the military. Our government requires each soldier to access the Internet at least monthly to maintain the "necessary high level of readiness," states Specialist Brian Sardeson with LaPorte?s Alpha "Renegades" Company. Unfortunately, not all members of our armed forces have access to a computer and of those who do, many lack broadband (high-speed) access which is needed to easily retrieve the required information.

"I was honored when Specialist Sardeson, Communication Specialist / Combat Engineer, approached CSInet in need of high-speed Internet. Providing a free, complementary, high-speed wireless Internet link to the Alpha "Renegades" Company of the 113 th Combat Engineer Battalion, Indiana Army National Guard, La Porte Armory, was the least I could do," responded Doug Konieczny, president and CEO of CSInet Internet Access.

The Army?s Knowledge On-line (AKO) program gives each soldier an email account, access to personnel records, civilian and military education opportunities, active and veteran benefits information, medical records access and important notices for vaccinations, legal and travel assistance, job postings, career counseling, finance and pay records, and access to both secure and public sites.

Continuing education and military training are required of each soldier and "the government is actively promoting and requiring the use of email and the Internet to save tax dollars by reducing the costs of publication of manuals, training literature, correspondence courses, and mass communication efforts," said Sardeson.

Many members of our armed forces have had this technology thrust upon them and have no knowledge or training in the use of computers. Public-use computers cannot be configured by a non-administrator for the proper access to AKO. The state supplies Alpha Company with three computers and Internet access for their official duties. However, other soldiers may not use those. While the government makes this access mandatory, it leaves the wherewithal to do so up to each individual.

Alpha Company has approximately 110 soldiers and only about 30% of them own a personal computer.

"CSInet stands firmly behind all of our troops, whether they are deployed in Iraq, Afghanistan, or stationed back here in the US. I have the highest regard and respect for all the men and women that serve and protect our nation. Some have given the ultimate sacrifice to protect our families here at home. When you sit back and think about the sacrifices these troops have given, it really hits home and makes you grateful for what you have and the life we all lead. I strongly support the Iraq war and the incredible progress our courageous troops have made," says Konieczny.

CSInet Internet Access is a locally owned and operated small business established in 1995. They offer business and residential Internet access including high-speed wireless, DSL, and dial-up with 365 days a year technical support. Other business services include high-speed T1 dedicated lines, website hosting and design, server co-location, network setup, and VoIP phone service. Visit www.csinet.net or call 219-326-5252.