Pentagon Federal Credit Union will help sponsor a special concert March 2 in San Juan to raise awareness of Puerto Rico's hurricane recovery needs.
The free, two-hour benefit concert will be given by Gary Sinise & the Lt. Dan Band, a program of the Gary Sinise Foundation. The band is named for Sinise's role as Lieutenant Dan in the Academy Award-winning 1994 film “Forrest Gump.”
Four months after hurricane devastated the U.S. territory, hundreds of thousands of households are still without power, and more than 3 million islanders are warned to boil water before drinking it.
“Hurricane Maria is still impacting Puerto Rico,” said James Schenck, president /CEO of PenFed CU of Alexandria, Va. ($22.9 billion in assets, 1.6 million members).
“Although the devastating winds and flood waters hit five months ago, millions of Puerto Ricans continue to feel the aftermath of the storm in their daily lives. Many survivors have endured months without electric power, fresh food and running water.
“This free concert is a team effort to remind our fellow Americans of the ongoing needs of Puerto Ricans, and show our appreciation for everyone who has stayed on the island working hard to contribute to Puerto Rico's recovery and renewal.”
The concert is made possible by a $100,000 donation from PenFed CU to the Gary Sinise Foundation to sponsor the band as well as support from American Airlines and Envoy, and Fogo de Chão San Juan. American Airlines and Envoy are transporting the band to Puerto Rico. The internationally-renowned steakhouse from Brazil, Fogo de Chão, will be providing a post-concert celebration to thank band members and concert volunteers, coordinated by PenFed CU.
The concert is open to the public and will be held at the Army's Fort Buchanan across from the PenFed branch in Guaynabo. Sinise formed the Lt. Dan Band in 2004 to tour military bases for the USO and the foundation to provide support to wounded or fallen veterans and their families.
Category Five Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico Sept. 20 with 170 mph winds and over 30 inches of rain. The storm took the lives of more than 500 people, injured many more and caused nearly $95 billion in damages.
PenFed Credit Union, the nation's second-largest federal credit union, responded with a number of initiatives to support its employees and nearly 200,000 members in Puerto Rico. For borrowers affected by the storm, the credit union provided relief on loan payments. For employees, it provided a disaster relief stipend, two weeks' worth of meals, and portable power generators.
PenFed currently operates three branches in Puerto Rico: one on the United States Army Garrison of Fort Buchanan, and two in San Patricio Plaza in Guaynabo. PenFed plans to construct a fourth branch in Hatillo.
Nicole Quiroga, president/CEO of the Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, said saluted PenFed for its recovery efforts in Puerto Rico.
“I have had the honor to work with James and PenFed over the years, and have seen their steadfast, unwavering commitment to the advancement of Latinos,” Quiroga said. “They are an exceptional organization and truly understand what it means to be a corporate citizen.”
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