Indiana CUs Send Holiday Greetings to Troops in Afghanistan

ANDERSON, Ind.-Indiana credit unions haven’t forgotten the troops overseas and are sending their holiday wishes via special courier – Congressman Mike Pence (R-IN). Rep. Pence is scheduled to visit Afghanistan to meet with Afghan President Hamid Karzai, review military operations, and evaluate progress on the war on terror. He asked all Hoosiers to send cards for him to deliver to the troops he meets along the way. In response to the Congressman’s “Operation Holiday Greeting” request, the Indiana Credit Union League wrote some 232 cards and Indiana credit unions added their own cards for a total of more than 1,000. “We became aware in mid-November of this opportunity to show our support for the troops and to assist Congressman Pence on this initiative,” said Indiana CUL President John McKenzie. “Helping the Congressman make their holiday a little bit brighter while they are so far from home is something we are honored to do.” The league bought Riley Hospital Holiday Cards, which are for sale at 86 credit unions and shared branch service center locations throughout the state, with proceeds benefiting Credit Unions for Kids. “We appreciate the efforts of the credit unions,” said District Director for Rep. Pence Lani Czarniecki. “Congressman Pence is thrilled to be able to take so many cards overseas.” The Congressman’s office estimates more than 10,000 cards have been received so far. There are thousands of U.S. military personnel in Afghanistan, of which, 1,445 are members of the Indiana National Guard.