Of course now that I want it, I can't find a reference for it . .
On of the issues in doing a project like this for free, is that many customers equate the cost of an item or service with its value. In the case Anonymous Coward mentioned above the system/website has no cost so some will feel that is has no value. It can also extend to the persons time to develop/maintain the system. As the system grows, change requests are submitted that 'cost' the developer but, add no cost or value in the eyes of the customer.
Several companies that offered support for 'free' services discovered that customers from the free service were much more demanding and intolerant that those that paid even a nominal fee for the same or a similar service. A few companies even discontinued their 'free' offerings as the cost to maintain those services became too burdensome.
Scientific Community
Cheerios are by far the best in the cereal aisle at growing chemically productive fungi
Blue Press
Cheerios discovered to harbor a wide range of funguses
I'd startup a conversation with these folks www.botball.org. My son and several of his friends have participated and it was a great experience for them. While the kits are a pricey, the setup they use for competition isn't. Once you have the kits it shouldn't take that much effort to let the vets do their own thing or even organize botball-esque events within the VA.
CPL
U.S Army
1985-1990
Medical Hold
1989-1990
"This is, without a doubt, a really stupid thing to actually try. So don't."
Hmm, wow. Nope the really stupid idea is posting a story on the InterWeb about a really stupid idea and warning us that it's "a really stupid idea". Road & Track should be ashamed that many Slashdoters are now searching E-Bay, CarMax and the trades for an S-Class to try this out in or texting their friends (hopefully not while driving to see them) with S-Class' to try this out. Responsible media, right! Telling geeks about a hack, is like giving crack to a junkie. Tomorrow's lead, dozens die recreating S-Class hack.
Oh, yeah, please PM me your findings.
The hardest part of climbing the ladder of success is getting through the crowd at the bottom.