Pen Air FCU Helps Local Veteran with Home Repairs
September 12, 2018
Pensacola, FLA. (September 11, 2018) – On Tuesday, September 11, in recognition of National Day of Service, Pen Air Federal Credit Union (Pen Air) partnered with Purple Heart Homes’ program Operation Veteran Home Renovation to help Jimmie Perkins, a local veteran, with much needed home repairs.
Perkins’ home was chosen as one of two veterans’ homes in Pensacola to receive renovations through a national collaboration with the National League of Cities, Purple Heart Homes and the Home Depot Foundation. This program was brought to Pensacola with the intent of upgrading and performing major home repairs for approved veterans. Pen Air donated $5,000 towards the project costs. His home repairs will first focus on safety issues inside and outside the home and range from railings, ramps, grab bars, paint and landscaping. All repairs will be completed by November 12, Veteran’s Day.
Perkins enlisted in the Army to serve in the Vietnam war in 1962. He served in Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri before being stationed in Germany. He transitioned to the Army Reserves in 1970, where he served for many more years. After leaving the military he returned to civilian life in Pensacola where he became a teacher.
“We pause on this day to pay our respects to those who lost their lives on 9/11 and to those brave first responders who ran toward those burning buildings that lost their lives as well,” said John Gallina, Executive Director and Co-founder of Purple Heart Homes. “Nationwide, today is a day of service. Beyond tributes, parades and proclamations, we can show our veterans that we truly honor their service by serving them and ensuring they have a safe accessible home.”
Operation Veteran Home Renovation was created bring awareness to the many housing challenges older veterans and their families face. Many have service connected disabilities, combined with age, and can no longer do the repairs themselves. Pensacola has 5,523 veterans residing in the city, of that, seventy-nine percent are age 60 and older.
“We are honored to partner with Purple Heart Homes to enhance the life of Mr. Perkins,” said Carroll Scarborough, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Pen Air. “We know the importance of the community coming together to provide ways for these heroes to live safely and with dignity in their homes. Today is about honoring Jimmie for his service to our nation, and respecting all lives impacted by the events on 9/11 as we celebrate this Day of Service.”
Volunteers from Pen Air and the 451st Flying Training Air Force Squadron helped to clean up Perkins’ yard as the start of the project. To learn more about Purple Heart Homes, visit phhusa.org
About Pen Air Federal Credit Union: At Pen Air Federal Credit Union, respect is a guiding principle. As the largest and oldest credit union headquartered in Pensacola, Florida, with $1.4 billion in assets. Pen Air is dedicated to enhancing lives through exceptional service, strength, and financial solutions. With sixteen locations in Northwest Florida and Southeast Alabama, combined with Online and Mobile banking we provide a worldwide reach. Pen Air is a not-for-profit, member-owned financial institution, serving the community and improving lives since 1936. For more information, visit penair.org or call (850) 505-3200/toll free (877)4PENAIR.
Photo Caption: Jimmie Perkins, center, stands with volunteers from Pen Air and the 451st Flying Training Air Force Squadron.