Colorado Veteran Receives Mortgage-Free Home from Operation Homefront and Chase

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., Sept. 27, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Operation Homefront and Chase presented the keys for a mortgage-free home to a Colorado Springs, Colo. veteran and his family on Thursday, September 20. U.S. Army National Guard Staff Sergeant Jesse Bowser and his wife Pauline were given the home through the Homes on the Homefront program, a nationwide program that awards mortgage-free homes to wounded warriors, service members, and their families.

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110623/DC25541LOGO)

At his July 21 concert at Mile High Stadium, Country music superstar Tim McGraw congratulated the Bowsers on being awarded their home. McGraw also partners with Operation Homefront and Chase as part of his Homefront program.

The family had a great time at the concert, and was thrilled to move into the new home on Thursday.

"I grew up in Colorado and I'm excited to move back. This new home is a real blessing for me and my wife and will help us build a foundation for the future," says Bowser.

In addition to the Army National Guard, Bowser also served as a member of the U.S. Marine Corps for 10 years and the U.S. Navy for four years. As a third-generation veteran, Bowser served in many part of the U.S. and overseas including Australia, the Persian Gulf and Iraq. He retired in May of this year and plans to attend the seminary so that he can help other veterans who may be struggling to transition back to civilian life.

The City of Colorado Springs is excited to welcome the family back to Colorado.

"As more of our men and women return home to our city, it is imperative that we all do that is necessary to ensure these heroes and their families get the support they need so they can once again become a part of our community's fabric. To ensure veterans and their families are connected to necessary resources, the City of Colorado Springs is proud to be a part of the Peak Military Care Network (PMCN)," stated Council President Scott Hente.

"We are thrilled that Operation Homefront has helped bring another hero to Colorado Springs," said Council member Merv Bennett.

"The PMCN is an innovative and holistic approach to meeting the diverse needs of our military members, veterans, and their families," explained Kathleen Hatten with the Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments. "As another military family now calls Colorado Springs home, we want them and all military families to know that the community of Colorado Springs stands with them, ready to help connect them to educational resources, workforce readiness efforts, and much more."

Operation Homefront's mission is to provide assistance to service members and their families, and is excited to be able to place a family in a city that is willing to help.

"Operation Homefront is thrilled to match the Bowser family with a home in the Colorado Springs," said Jim Knotts, Operation Homefront CEO. "Having lived there as a cadet at the Air Force Academy, I know first hand that Colorado Springs takes great care of their veterans.  What's more, the city recognizes that our military service members are a national asset, and the community is stronger for having them.  Jesse is a great example of a warrior who will continue to serve his country and his community by working with other veterans.  Colorado Springs is lucky to have Jesse and Pauline make their new home there."

Military families can apply for the Homes on the Homefront program by logging on to www.OperationHomefront.net/HomesOnTheHomefront

About Operation Homefront:
A national nonprofit, Operation Homefront leads more than 4,500 volunteers, with nationwide presence, and has met more than 590,000 needs since 2002.  A four-star rated charity by watchdog Charity Navigator, nationally, 94 percent of total revenue donated to Operation Homefront goes directly to assist service members.  More information is available at www.OperationHomefront.net  

About Chase:
Chase is the U.S. consumer and commercial banking business of JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM), a leading global financial services firm with assets of $2.3 trillion and operations in more than 60 countries. Chase serves more than 50 million consumers and small businesses through more than 5,500 bank branches, 17,500 ATMs, credit cards and mortgage offices, and online and mobile banking as well as through relationships with auto dealerships. More information about Chase is available at www.chase.com.

About Peak Military Care Network (PMCN):
More information on PMCN can be found at http://pikespeak.co.networkofcare.org/veterans/

SOURCE Operation Homefront