Mortgage Heroes Making a Difference Nationwide

We all love to read about local heroes who saved the day, saved a home, or saved a life. Invariably, the “hero” is reluctant to be labeled, saying “I just did what needed to be done.” Mortgage Heroes fit that bill, unwilling to come forward for the recognition they deserve, yet making a difference in the lives of every military client they assist. When the Mortgage Heroes at Kentucky Neighborhood Bank (KNB) in Radcliff, Ky. heard about the USA Cares Military Housing Specialist course, designed to provide a clear understanding of how to work with military borrowers, they were eager to take it and get certified. Not only did all their loan officers take the course, their entire lending staff signed up! Even though they’ve been skillfully serving their military clients for many years, Loan Officer Ken Dozer remarked after completing his exam, “Everyone who touches a loan should take this course!” Loan Officer Ben Mendoza of Frost Mortgage Group in Albuquerque N.M. feels the same. He’s quite committed to this special group of men and women he loves to help. It’s very clear to him that the job they do each day is a sacrifice for his own freedom, and he’s determined that their work won’t go unnoticed. “I’m intricately familiar with VA guidelines and passionate about serving this special client,” said Mendoza. His ability to provide the quality help they’ve earned and deserve is his way of giving back. The branch offices of Pioneer Services, the Military Banking Division of Mid-Country Services, have stepped up their support to military clients. Positive brand awareness in the military market and great customer service has resulted in some inspiring phone calls over the past several months. One of the more memorable ones for Loan Officer Steve Flom was from a soldier who called specifically because, in his words, “I really like Pioneer! The fact I might be able to get a VA loan with their help is like this big weight has been lifted from my chest.” Flom said, “I have to admit … I got a little choked up. I told him that his appreciation cannot possibly match our appreciation for the sacrifices he’s made for our nation.” Pioneer’s Director of Marketing Randy Freese, said, “Having worked with USA Cares so often in the past, we knew this program would focus on the families first. It has allowed us to give our customers the most accurate and useful information out there, while also helping to prevent any surprises during the application process.” That appreciation is why all of their frontline associates and loan officers have gone—and will continue to go—through the USA Cares Military Housing Specialist program, and why they will continue to find ways to change lives, one military service member at a time. Rachel Donovan of Legacy Mortgage in Albuquerque N.M. remembers “waking up to news that the Twin Towers were attacked and watching in horror as the first, then second tower plunged to the ground. I found my American flag, went out to my mailbox and attached it so that it flew freely. Shortly after, a veteran walking down the road stopped by my flag, stood at attention and saluted it, then continued down the street. I knew, at that time, my life would change. I had been a mortgage loan officer for more than 11 years, but wanted to do more to serve our country as our soldiers were lining up by the hundreds to enlist in defense of our nation. I wanted to help where I could." It’s like the little boy on the beach, throwing stranded starfish back into the sea amid the naysayers who claimed he couldn’t possibly make a difference to the desperate creatures, there were just too many. As he stooped to toss one more starfish back into the water, he said, “Well, it made a difference to that one.” Are you a “Mortgage Hero” or know of anyone who might be? We want to hear from you if you've completed the FREE Military Family Housing Education Course as Mortgage Heroes deserve to be recognized for their outstanding service to America’s servicemen and servicewomen. Please send a short bio to MFHE Program Manager Beverly Frase at Beverly.Frase@USACares.org.