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I am sure that you noticed that the front page of
this quarter’s newsletter dealt with RBCU’s
support of Minnesota Veterans through our
donations to the Honoring All Veterans Memorial
being constructed in Richfield. I am proud to say
that your credit union’s support of Minnesota
veterans does not stop there. I would like to
dedicate this quarter’s letter to informing all of
you about another fantastic organization called
Homes for our Troops.
Homes for Our Troops is a national, non-profit,
non-partisan organization committed to assisting
severely injured and disabled servicemen and
women and their immediate families. They work
with local contractors to build new homes that are
handicap-accessible, often for veterans living with
multiple amputations or with spinal cord injuries.
In conjunction with this year’s Republican
National Convention being held in St. Paul, the
Minnesota Credit Union Network (MnCUN) is
teaming up with Homes for Our Troops and the
Committee on Arrangements for the 2008
Republican National Convention to raise funds
necessary to construct a specially-adapted home in
the St. Paul area. A parallel home building project
is taking place in Denver, the site of the August
Democratic National Convention. Credit Union
involvement in both states is being coordinated by
the Credit Union National Association (CUNA).
The St. Paul house is being built for Sergeant
Marcus Kuboy, a lifelong Minnesota resident. Sgt.
Kuboy served three years of active duty for the
Minnesota National Guard until sustaining
injuries from an improvised explosive device
(IED) that exploded under the vehicle he was
riding in while patrolling the outskirts of Fallujah,
Iraq. Sgt. Kuboy was ejected from the vehicle and
sustained severe injuries to his legs, his left arm, jaw, as well as having his back broken. Nine
months and eight surgeries later, Sgt. Kuboy was
recovering, but a serious bone infection may still
require the amputation of his left leg.
As you know, the credit union movement centers
around a “people helping people” philosophy.
When credit unions see a need in their
communities, they do what they can to help. This
philosophy is a large part of what makes working for RBCU such a pleasure and I am proud that
RBCU is part of the larger Minnesota credit union
efforts on projects such as this. As Governor
Pawlenty has said, “As Minnesotans and
Americans, we are all so proud of our heroes
serving in the United States military. We need to
thank them both with our words and our deeds.
Homes for Our Troops and Minnesota credit
unions should be commended for showing their
appreciation and support by building a new home
for Sgt. Kuboy.”
As chair of the Minnesota Credit Union
fundraising committee, I am pleased to report that
a number of contributions have already been
accepted. The goal of Minnesota Credit Unions is
to raise $150,000 towards the cost of building this
home. Contributions are being accepted through
the Minnesota Credit Union Foundation
(www.mncufoundation.org). Once on that site,
click the large “Homes for Our Troops” button
link on the bottom of the page (look for the
American Flag) to obtain more information about
the program, Sgt. Kuboy, and how to donate.
Even if this is not something you are able to
support, I’d like to thank each and every one of
you for all you do. RBCU members consistently
support a great many causes with their time and
donations. It is a pleasure to serve members
like you. |
