SAN ANTONIO — The financial crisis was President Bush's toppriority on his visit to San Antonio last week, but in a noteworthysidelight, he also to extended one of the nation's highestvolunteer honors to a CU executive.

At a ceremony on the tarmac of the San Antonio airport, Bushawarded Randolph-Brooks FCU Vice President of Sales, Operations andMarketing Sonja McDonald the President's Volunteer Service Awardfor her fundraising prowess and dedication to the cause of aidinginjured war veterans. She has worked to raise $217,000 for theFisher House Foundation as well as contributions to ReturningHeroes Home, two organizations aiding wounded Iraqi and Afghanistanvets.

“It was a real thrill for me and my family to meet thePresident, and I was appreciative of the honor,” said McDonald.McDonald now numbers among 650 volunteers across the U.S. honoredby the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation.

McDonald said she got into volunteer work for military veterans“since I wanted to do something positive for the community while myhusband was deployed to Iraq.” Her husband, Jim, a captain in theU.S. Air Force, along with her two young children were on hand forthe airport ceremony.

“What a tremendous honor for Ms. McDonald, and, of course,Randolph-Brooks FCU,” commented Dick Ensweiler, president/CEO ofthe Texas Credit Union League. “I am confident that I speak for theentire credit union community when I say Ms. McDonald is more thandeserving of receiving an award of this caliber. The tirelesscommitment and energy she has devoted to this noteworthy cause isto be applauded. She is indicative of the type of leader we arefortunate to have serving in our movement.”

In January 2006, McDonald spearheaded fundraising to benefitFisher House of Fort Sam Houston, a national foundation thatprovides military families a home away from home so they can benear their loved ones during hospitalization for illness or injury.Her goal was to raise $200,000 between Memorial Day andIndependence Day 2006. Through a Randolph-Brooks matching programand innovative solicitation, she exceeded that goal.

Apart from Fisher House, McDonald is a director of ReturningHeroes Home, which is building a 12,000-square-foot house at FortSam Houston due to open in December where military members andtheir families can learn how to cope with war-related injuries.

“We are indeed proud of Sonja,” said her boss, John Kelly,senior vice president of planning and marketing, who also thankedDavid Coker, the president/CEO of Fisher House for drawing Sonja'swork to the attention of the White House.

–[email protected]