TEMPLE, Texas.– PenFed Credit Union employees, VA officials and community members attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of a new children’s helicopter playscape at the Olin E. Teague Veterans’ Medical Center. The child-friendly play area was funded by a more than $22,000 donation from PenFed.
“As a former Black Hawk helicopter pilot, it warms my heart to know that children of veterans receiving care at the Olin E. Teague Veterans’ Medical Center are now able to enjoy time outside playing in a helicopter painted Army green,” said James Schenck, PenFed president/CEO and PenFed Foundation CEO. “We can never thank these veterans’ families enough for the sacrifices they make to protect our freedoms.”
The structure is unique in that it replicates a helicopter and is 30 feet long, 12 feet wide and features a number of swings and slides. It was designed and constructed by J.H. Woodworks, a central Texas vendor, with additional assistance from Pro Star Rentals in Belton, Texas and United Rentals in Temple, Texas.
“The Central Texas Veterans Health Care System (CTVHS) expresses its sincere appreciation to PenFed Credit Union and their Board Chairman Ed Cody for their donation totaling over $22,000 to fund the project,” said CTVHS Director Michael Kiefer. “This is the first VA helicopter playscape in the nation and will be enjoyed by veterans’ children for years to come.”
PenFed donates 2% of its annual net income to charitable causes, with the majority supporting the military community.