Bedford PD donates phone cards to deployed Airmen

  • Published
  • By J.C. Corcoran
  • 66th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  It was an idea born from the desire to help our men and women in uniform keep in touch with their loved ones at home, while they served overseas, that spawned the program "Cell Phones For Soldiers" back in 2004. Under the program, old cell phones are turned in for recycling. In return, cell phone cards are exchanged for use by military personnel.

Then, 13-year old Brittany Bergquist and her 12-year old brother Robbie of Norwell, Mass., after hearing about one soldier's plight regarding an enormous phone bill, decided they wanted to help. Today, what began as a local program, Cell Phones for Soldiers has now grown into an international effort whereby old cell phones are "turned into" prepaid calling cards for U.S. troops deployed in support of their country.

Bedford Police Officer Kristen Dineen has led the local effort to collect discarded and replaced cell phones, blackberries and even ink cartridges to support the program started by the Bergquist children.

"Thanks to the Bergquist family, who sent over extra cards, we were able to present 400 calling cards for those Airmen at Hanscom who are, or will be, deploying," said Officer Dineen.

"I especially wanted to get the word out to remind folks to drop off old phones and equipment especially with the holiday season fast approaching. I don't want any of our men and women forgotten about while they enable us to go through our day to day lives safely," she said.

"Timing for this presentation couldn't have been better," said Lieutenant Colonel Chris Echols, 66th Security Forces Squadron commander.

"Several of our folks will be deploying soon and not only will they be able to use them to keep in touch with home, but they'll be able to share some of these with those already there so that they too can benefit from the generosity of our communities. It's terrific and greatly appreciated," he said.

According to Officer Dineen credit for the success of the Bedford program is shared by many. "It's with the support of Chief Jim Hicks [Bedford Chief of Police], my fellow officers and of course the community at large, that we are able to continue to be able to support our men and women in uniform through this worthwhile program," she said.

"The program is a "win win" situation in that we not only help out those who are fighting for our country, but we also help out the environment as the phones are recycled instead of ending up in a land fill somewhere. We've been very fortunate that the support we've receive has continued since the program began," Officer Dineen said.

According to the Cell Phones for Soldiers web site, the Bergquist family hopes to raise more than $9 million in the coming years to fund new programs such as providing video phones with prepaid service to allow those stationed abroad to see their families on a regular basis.

For more information on the program or to find the nearest drop off point closest to you go to www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com and click on Find a Drop-Off Point.