Credit unions in Missouri and Oregon are stepping up their support this summer for Homes for Our Troops, the Massachusetts charity building specially adapted homes for severely injured war veterans.
In separate events, the Missouri Credit Union Association said it will turn over the keys June 26 in a ceremony marking completion of a new home in Columbia for Sgt. Robert Canine, who lost both legs below the knees while serving in Iraq.
And in Oregon, the $720 million Advantis CU said it plans to break ground in August to build adapted homes for injured Portland and Hood River war vets as part of its statewide fundraising campaign as coordinated by Homes for Our Troops of Taunton, Mass. which picks eligible vets and helps arrange property purchases.
Advantis of Milwaukie, Ore., said in sponsoring two homes it has a fundraising goal of $100,000 with $34,000 raised so far as the CU partners with local radio outlets for an eight-week drive. Advantis seeks to build homes for National Guard Staff Sgt. Christian Bagge in Parkdale and Army Specialist Kevin Pannell in Sandy.
In Missouri, MCUA has already hit its $100,000 fundraising goal to finance Sgt. Canine's home.
"Even in an economic downturn, the Missouri credit union community maintains its priority of helping others," said Roshara Holub, MCUA president/CEO. Sgt. Canine "has sacrificed so much in our behalf. This home will give Robert and his family much deserved comfort and stability," said Holub. "We look forward to presenting the keys to Robert on the 26th of June."
