Saugus VFW goes hi-tech with new Skype capability

SAUGUS – A new addition at the Saugus Veterans of Foreign Wars Post will allow families to connect with loved ones serving overseas.Zachary Natale Jr., commander of VFW Post 2346, recently installed Skype, the free internet-based video chat service.Natale, with the help of Army veteran and Mens Auxillary President Rick Cushman, set up a 37-inch Sharp flat screen connected to a desktop computer with a keyboard, microphone, wireless mouse and web cam. The computer can also be hooked up to a much larger flat screen mounted on the wall above.?When I took over command, I said I wanted to get us on Facebook and Skype,” said Natale. “Rick is very intelligent in the computer field and technology and he set us right up. I designed this one here for the ones that do not have a computer and would like to have their privacy. They can bring their family members down and talk to their loved ones and we?d give them the privacy they need.”The Skype setup can be found in the back of the vast VFW hall, but huge sliding doors can be folded out to block off the back room for privacy.?I think it?s a great system,” said Natale. “It saves money because it?s all free and it?s a valuable tool for them if they haven?t talked to their loved ones in a while. Seeing their family?s faces and seeing them on the other end instead of just letters? It?s a big morale booster right there.”Natale, a 24-year Army veteran, served in Vietnam from 1969 to 1970, and said he would have loved to have had a service like Skype back then.Cushman said the new setup can be used to reach soldiers anywhere in the world.?I have some friends in Germany so it?s kind of fun to pull them up here sometimes,” said Cushman.Natale conceded that he hasn?t had anyone come in to Skype yet, but he?s hoping the VFW?s new Facebook page will help get the word out.?We?re just waiting,” said Natale.?We haven?t gotten any takers yet because there are a lot of people with computers and they do it privately in their homes.”To become a member of the VFW, Natale said you have to be a combat veteran. If you?re a non-combat veteran, or the son or a daughter of a veteran, you can join the Mens or Ladies Auxiliary.Natale said anyone interested in Skyping with a loved one, whether they?re a member or not, can come to the VFW anytime Monday through Thursday between 9 a.m. and midnight. The VFW can be reached at 339-600-7325. The VFW can also be found on their Facebook page.Matt Tempesta can be reached at [email protected].