HeartBeat Summer 2017 | Page 25

FCS Financial Launches Heartland Heroes, a Program for Veterans FCS Financial recognizes the vital role veterans play in protecting our country through their display of courage, honor and duty. To celebrate veterans this Fourth of July, FCS Financial is launching Heartland Heroes, a program designed for veterans. “Rural America is home to 40 percent of our military service members. We know many of these individuals plan to return to their roots after their service. Heartland Heroes offers a special financing program and educational component to help them achieve success in their agricultural endeavors,” said David Janish, FCS Financial CEO. Heartland Heroes is a program that combines credit, communication, a resource team and knowledge sharing to help veteran farmers realize their full potential. Current farmers who are FCS Financial member- owners are volunteering their time and expertise to serve as a resource for members of Heartland Heroes. Heartland Heroes strives to serve veterans who are aspiring agricultural entrepreneurs, those returning to a family farm or those who want to live a rural lifestyle. Learn more at myfcsfinancial.com or calling 1-800-444-3276. Building Better Communities FCS Financial is recognizing 45 different 4-H clubs and FFA chapters with $500 grants for submitting outstanding Shaping Rural Missouri grant applications. In the six years of its existence, nearly $100,000 has been awarded to Missouri 4-H clubs and FFA chapters. Grants are awarded to organizations with plans to complete a community improvement project by the end of the year. “Community development in rural Missouri is very important to FCS Financial. Our member-owners and staff live in rural communities across Missouri,” said Scott Gardner, Vice President, Sales & Marketing, FCS Financial. “These grants not only strengthen our rural communities but allow our youth to work as a team to accomplish a worthy goal.” See a list of the 4-H clubs and FFA chapters and their projects at www.myfcsfinancial.com under the News and Events tab. Members of Couch FFA used their grant to refurbish bleachers at Couch School. Members of the Couch FFA working on this project include Jarvis Reed, Couch FFA Advisor; Carl Fraley, Couch FFA Alumni; Baily Nelson, Couch FFA President; Sierra Wadkins, Couch FFA Vice-President; Will Fraley Couch FFA Member and Mike Fraley, Couch FFA Member. HEARTBEAT | SUMMER 2017 25