The Georgia credit union community recently participated in an effort to support wounded American troops as part of the  Homes for Our Troops initiative. Homes for Our Troops is a non-profit organization committed to building specially adapted homes across the United States for severely wounded American soldiers. These custom outfitted homes are provided at zero cost to the veterans. 

The efforts of the Georgia credit union community are an integral part of a larger credit union movement initiative launched by the Credit Union National Association (CUNA), in concert with the Democratic and Republican national conventions, to raise a minimum of $300K for this worthy cause. At each national party convention, CUNA and America’s credit unions seek opportunities to give back to the host cities. For the 2008 conventions, CUNA committed to the challenge to help build a new, custom-tailored home for a disabled veteran in each of the host cities of Denver, CO and Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN.
“Georgia’s credit unions are pleased to be able to support this important cause,” says Mike Mercer, President/CEO GCUA. “Our military service men and women risk their lives everyday to help protect the freedoms of the American people. Raising funds to help two veterans who have been wounded in combat adjust to a new life with their families is one way we can express our sincere gratitude and appreciation for their sacrifices.”
The two homes being built in the convention host cities will benefit SSG Travis Strong of Colorado and Army Sgt. Marcus Kuboy of Minnesota. SSG Strong’s armored combat vehicle was hit by a roadside bomb during a routine patrol of his Iraqi tour, causing him to lose both of his legs. Army Sgt. Kuboy was wounded in a humvee explosion which left him with severely disabled legs, traumatic brain injury and a broken arm, back and jaw.  All funds raised have helped to tailor the two houses to the special needs of these veterans including elevators and extra wide doorways allowing for easy wheelchair access throughout. The Homes for Our Troops organization handed over the keys to the custom-built, special equipped home to Strong on August 27^th.  Kuboy will be presented with his home on September 1^st.
Interested parties can obtain additional information on the Homes for Our Troops organization and the credit union initiative by visiting http://www.homesforourtroops.org.

About Georgia Credit Union Affiliates

Georgia Credit Union Affiliates (GCUA) is comprised of three state support organizations—Cooperative Services, Inc., Georgia Central Credit Union and Georgia Credit Union League. Georgia Credit Union Affiliates is a trade association that provides advocacy, educational, operational and marketing support for Georgia credit unions. There are 179 credit unions in Georgia, with total assets of $12 billion, serving over 1.8 million members.