DENVER — More than 200 Colorado credit union executives, volunteers and staffers are now signed up to be part of the hosting duties welcoming delegates and visitors to the Democratic National Convention opening here in two weeks with a “Home for the Troops” deeding ceremony a cornerstone of the industry's imaging effort.

“We're pretty well psyched up but right now we have to devote our attention to a grassroots effort for the Colorado primary election here tomorrow in which we have three Congressional candidates we support,” said Chris Kemm, grassroots advocacy manager for the Credit Union Association of Colorado/Wyoming.

The candidates include: Ted Harvey, R-6th District; Jeff Crank, R. 5th District and Joan Fitz-Gerald, D-2nd District.

Meanwhile, amidst a flurry of activity surrounding CU participation in media and delegate welcoming receptions and gatherings, CUNA in Washington said it has now raised more than $260,000 as part of its “Homes for the Troops” campaign to build two homes for severely injured Iraqi War veterans, one in nearby Golden, Colo. and the other in Woodbury, Minn. coinciding with the Republican National Convention opening Sept. 1 in St. Paul.

Under the Colorado timetable, keys to the Golden home to be occupied by Army Sgt. Travis Strong and his family will be presented Aug. 27 with delegates invited to participate and media coverage being readied.

For weeks, CUNA, the Colorado league along with hundreds of CU staffers and volunteers and building trades workers have donated supplies and hours to build and landscape the home for Sgt. Strong, 31, who lost both legs above the knee as a result of injuries sustained during a grenade attack in November 2006. The home is being specially adapted for SSG Strong and is being built at no cost to his family.