|
Republican National Convention Committee, Supporting Groups Host "Build Brigade" to Construct Home for Wounded Iraq Vet Woodbury, MN - Hundreds of volunteers from the staff of the Republican National Convention, local credit unions, the St. Paul Building Trades Council and the National Journal Group gathered today for the start of a three-day "Build Brigade" to construct a new home for severely injured Iraq war veteran Sergeant Marcus Kuboy. Volunteers will spend the weekend building the home from the bare foundation to a framed-out structure by Saturday. The home in Woodbury, Minn., a joint project of Homes for Our Troops, the Republican National Convention, America’s Credit Unions, and National Journal Group, will be presented to SGT Kuboy around this summer’s Republican National Convention in September. "We are honored to be joined by the Republican National Convention, its staff and volunteers, the people of the credit union movement, local labor unions and National Journal to build this home for this true American hero. Just as we did with the sister project in Colorado, you will see the magic of what can happen in three days when hundreds of volunteers come together to support this worthy cause." said John Gonsalves, President and Founder of Homes for Our Troops. Ground was broken on the home site in Woodbury in April. Working from dawn to dusk, more than 150 volunteers and skilled laborers will complete as much of the home’s exterior construction as possible during the three-day Build Brigade. The home’s eventual recipient, SGT Marcus Kuboy, 30, a member of the Minnesota National Guard, was severely injured in March 2007 when an IED exploded under the vehicle in which he was riding. The home will be specially adapted for SGT Kuboy. The house is being built at no cost to the Kuboy family. "It is our honor to serve SGT Kuboy by having a role in the construction of his new home. Senator McCain often says that every American has a duty to serve a cause greater than their own self-interest, and this is just a small gesture that represents our great appreciation for SGT Kuboy’s service, sacrifice and selflessness in helping guarantee the freedom of all Americans," said Maria Cino, President and CEO of the 2008 Republican National Convention. Daniel A. Mica, President and CEO of the Credit Union National Association (CUNA), the nation’s largest advocacy group for the not-for-profit, cooperatively owned credit unions, added "People helping people is a fundamental credit union philosophy and this project is a great way for us to put our philosophy into action. Whether they are here in person volunteering their time or helping with fundraising efforts nationwide, our credit unions and their members are honored to participate in this special effort on behalf of a very deserving soldier." Mark Cummins, President and CEO of the Minnesota Credit Union Network, said: "Owning your own home is the American dream and we are proud to be able to help make this dream a reality for SGT Kuboy. This project allows credit unions in Minnesota and across the country to express their support of the sacrifices made by our military. We are excited to be working with the Republican National Convention, local labor unions and Homes For Our Troops to build this home." "In April we chose a spot, broke ground, and set the Homes For Our Troops plan in motion. Now we have the privilege of installing the doors, assembling the windows and building the roof with the generous help of the Kuboys’ new neighbors and friends" said Suzanne Clark, President of National Journal Group. "We’re so proud to stand with the Woodbury community to start making this site a home." The undertaking marks the latest effort in the Republican National Convention’s American Neighbor volunteer program. This service initiative is aimed at giving back to the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, the host cities for the 2008 Republican National Convention. Convention staff volunteers have already participated in many worthwhile projects by working with various service organizations in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. The American Neighbor program inspires Republicans across the country to give back to their communities. In addition to the non-professional volunteer labor provided today, the Credit Union National Association (CUNA) and its affiliated Minnesota Credit Union Network are helping Homes for Our Troops coordinate the project and working to raise funds for the effort. CUNA, the Credit Union Associations of Colorado & Wyoming, and National Journal are also working with Homes for Our Troops and the Democratic National Convention Committee on a companion project for a veteran’s home in conjunction with the Democratic National Convention. The Build Brigade for that project took place June 20-22, 2008 in Golden, Colo. CONTACTS: Christina Cawley (National Journal Group), |
|
 |
 |
