As the U.S. military downsizes and closes bases throughout Europe, the Army established a humanitarian program to donate surplus equipment to nonprofit organizations. And since one man's trash is another man's treasure, REC Information Exchange Leader Winston Bowman was quick to investigate this opportunity. The American Embassy in Hungary confirmed the REC's eligibility for the program and a small delegation headed to the Army warehouse in Wurtzburg, Germany.
"Like a kid in a candy store, I wanted to get one of everything," said Bowman. During this first "shopping" expedition, they selected furniture to equip the library and administration building at the REC's new head office in Szentendre, which is scheduled to officially open this fall. Two trailers full of desks, tables, chairs, and instruments for a marching band, with an estimated value of USD 13,000 were donated last year. "I'm not sure why we received the instruments, maybe they thought we'd be entertaining," quipped Bowman.
The REC then followed up with a request for surplus vehicles. The Army located three. A 26-passenger Mercedes bus, a Volkswagon van, and a utility vehicle were delivered to the REC in May Re-painted white and all mechanically sound, the vehicles carry an in-kind value of USD 49,700 The extra transportation capabilities will help support the increased conference activity envisioned for the new Szentendre site, as well as the daily transit needs of the REC.