ALBANY, N.Y.–SEFCU employees, military veterans, special guests, and teams of fitness enthusiasts converged inside UAlbany’s Casey Stadium to honor veterans and compete in the credit union’s third-annual strength and conditioning challenge called “Operation Fitness.” Through Operation Fitness, a timed and judged team competition, SEFCU donated nearly $60,000 to organizations that support military veterans, including funds to the winning team’s charity of choice, and two incredible organizations – the Folds of Honor Foundation and Veterans Miracle Center.
SEFCU supported the New York chapter of the Folds of Honor Foundation with a donation of more than $25,000. Folds of Honor provides scholarships to the children and spouses of America’s fallen and disabled service members. SEFCU also earmarked $25,000 for the Veterans Miracle Center in Albany, which gives veterans and active-duty military personnel and their immediate families free daily life necessities. SEFCU’s funding will support the creation of a program that will supply veterans in need with new beds and bedding.
As part of this special event, SEFCU welcomed distinguished U.S. Navy SEAL (Ret.) Darren McBurnett and held its inaugural “Stand to Honor” ceremony throughout the morning. McBurnett is a highly-decorated combat veteran who is now an ambassador for Folds of Honor. He is a Bronze Star recipient who served in several high-profile missions, including deployments in combat zones during Operation Iraq Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and the Kosovo crisis. Over the years, McBurnett has become an award-winning photographer with a professional portfolio that includes work for Nike, National Geographic, and Rolling Stone, to name a few.
“Operation Fitness brings people together for a fun, healthy event that holds an even greater purpose – raising funds that will support the women and men who have laid their lives on the line defending our country and preserving our way of life,” said SEFCU President and CEO Michael Castellana. “Thanks to the service and sacrifice of our military veterans, we are free to pursue our goals, spend time with our families, and enjoy all of life’s blessings. Through this event, we are, in some small way, are able to give back, say ‘Thank You,’ and support organizations that will change the lives of our vets and their families.”
Along with the fitness challenge, SEFCU hosted its first “Stand to Honor” ceremony. In memory of deceased military heroes, groups of 13 employees, community members, and veterans stood for 13 minutes atop 13 raised platforms. Why increments of 13? The American flag is folded 13 times before it is presented to the families of the fallen at military funerals.
At right, from left: Folds of Honor New York Chapter President Tom O’Connor; U.S. Navy SEAL (Ret.) Darren McBurnett; SEFCU President and CEO Michael Castellana, and SEFCU Chief Community Officer Kathy Lanni.