Andrew Martinez: Brighton Marine to donate hundreds of iPads to veterans in Holyoke, Chelsea Soldiers' Homes

May 4--Veterans in the Chelsea and Holyoke Soldiers' Homes will receive iPads to connect with family and friends while visitation are prohibited amid the coronavirus pandemic, the non-profit Brighton Marine announced Monday.

Brighton Marine will deliver a total of 375 iPads to the Holyoke Soldiers' Home 1 p.m. Tuesday and to the Chelsea home later this week, the organization announced.

"By providing these iPads, veterans can now stay in contact remotely with those who care and worry about them," said Tom Lyons, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at the Chelsea Soldiers' Home and member of Brighton Marine's Board of Directors in a statement.

At least 62 veterans have died from COVID-19 at the Holyoke Soldiers' Home, prompting state and federal investigations. Over a dozen residents have died at the Chelsea Soldiers Home while over 50 staff members have contracted the virus, officials said last month.

Brighton Marine said the iPads will also enable veterans to talk with counselors and conduct telehealth sessions.

"We saw a very real need for Veterans in isolation to be able to connect with loved ones during this pandemic, and are taking action to help solve that problem," said Michael Dwyer, president at Bright Marine in a statement.

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