RIO RANCHO, N.M., March 31, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Miguel Padilla spent 22 years in the military, joining the New Mexico National Guard while still in high school. After graduation, he celebrated his 18th birthday while at basic training camp.
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Mr. Padilla likely would have continued his lifelong military career if it weren't for multiple injuries that sidelined him after a 2009 tour in Iraq. He injured a hand during his tour and was sent to San Antonio, Texas, for surgery. While there, medical personnel discovered he also had problems with his back, neck, shoulders, and knees. Mr. Padilla also suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder. As a result of his multiple medical issues, Mr. Padilla retired from the military in April 2013.
Mr. Padilla now lives with his wife, Tiffany, and three of their four children at the bottom of a hillside in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. For years, the family has had to endure water running down the hillside into the back of their home when it rains, but since he has been unable to work as a result of his injuries, Mr. Padilla hasn't been able to make the repairs.
Mr. Padilla learned, through his Wounded Warrior Program advocate, of a specialized grant program offered by the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) that assists veterans and active duty service members who have been disabled in the line of duty since September 11, 2001. The program, Housing Assistance for Veterans (HAVEN), provides grants up to $7,500 to support necessary home modifications and repairs for qualified veterans.
FHLB Dallas has awarded four HAVEN grants through Kirtland Federal Credit Union (Kirtland FCU) since the program's inception in 2011. Mr. Padilla received $7,850 from FHLB Dallas and Kirtland FCU, which included the $7,500 HAVEN grant and an additional $350 in funds from Kirtland FCU, to fund the construction of a retaining wall behind the home. The grant also provided the necessary funds to replace Mr. Padilla's rotted patio roof and repair the water-damaged wood on the back side of his home.
"It has meant a lot," Mr. Padilla said of the grant as he's been unable to work due to his injuries. "We've been able to fix our house up and have someone come in and help me with this problem that has been an issue for a number of years. It gives us peace of mind."
Kirtland FCU plans to continue using the HAVEN program as long as funds are available.
"We're thrilled to be able to work with FHLB Dallas and the HAVEN Program to fund home modifications for these great American veterans," said Chuck Crisler, assistant vice president of public relations at Kirtland FCU. "Miguel bravely served and sacrificed for the love of his country, and it's been an honor to play a small part in showing him how much we appreciate his family's unselfish service to our country."
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 $30.2 billion as of December 31, 2013, is a member-owned cooperative that supports housing and community development by providing competitively priced loans and other credit products to approximately 900 members and associated institutions in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, and Texas. For more information, visit the FHLB Dallas website at fhlb.com.
The photo is also available via AP PhotoExpress.
