HAVEN Grant Funds Help Family of Veteran Stay Warm
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., April 6, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Dale Fishgrab, 42, served our country for more than 13 years during three tours in Iraq. Now he can't walk around his own home without falling. The explosion of an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) forced him to retire from the Army in 2006 with a traumatic brain injury and multiple concussions.
Mr. Fishgrab frequently tripped over the transitions of three types of flooring in his home. At times, he couldn't get up and needed help from his wife Janeen, 36, or from his service dog, Gunner. The family, which includes four children ages 3 to 16, removed the old floors and installed wood flooring, making it easier for Mr. Fishgrab to get around. But without carpeting, the house was quite cold. Already in debt from the cost of the flooring, the family couldn't afford a fireplace with a blower to distribute heat.
Mrs. Fishgrab heard about the Housing Assistance for Veterans (HAVEN) grant program from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas). Through FHLB Dallas member institutions, HAVEN provides grants up to $7,500 to support necessary home modifications for veterans and active-duty service members disabled in the line of duty since September 11, 2001.
The Fishgrabs worked with Chuck Crisler, assistant vice president of Public Relations at Kirtland Federal Credit Union, which was chartered in 1958 to serve the financial needs of personnel at Kirtland Air Force Base.
"We are the largest military credit union in New Mexico. Our mission is to exceed the service expectations of our members — principally those in the military and in organizations that support the defense of our nation," Mr. Crisler said. "Because of our military heritage, we are honored to participate with FHLB Dallas in the HAVEN program. We consider the Fishgrab family's HAVEN grant an opportunity to thank and honor their service and sacrifice for our country."
Mr. Fishgrab qualified for a $7,500 HAVEN grant from FHLB Dallas and Kirtland Federal Credit Union, which paid for the fireplace and heat blower.
Mrs. Fishgrab said the grant is a long-term financial help and having the fireplace has been a tremendous help for the family. "No one sits on the couches in the winter anymore — the kids sit on the floor in front of the fireplace," she said.
Mr. Fishgrab said he is grateful for the help from the HAVEN grant. "I can't thank Kirtland and FHLB Dallas enough for what they have done for us."
Greg Hettrick, vice president and director of Community Investment at FHLB Dallas, said the program has made real differences in the lives of military families. "FHLB Dallas is honored to support our military personnel with this program. We have had the pleasure of getting to know many of these heroes, and we see how much HAVEN has helped them."
About the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas
The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas is one of 12 district banks in the FHLBank System created by Congress in 1932. FHLB Dallas, with total assets of $38 billion as of December 31, 2014, is a member-owned cooperative that supports housing and community development by providing competitively priced advances and other credit products to approximately 900 members and associated institutions in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, and Texas.
Contact:
Corporate Communications
Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas
www.fhlb.com
(214) 441-8445
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150406/196649
Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150126/171462LOGO
SOURCE Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas
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