USA Cares welcomes Hugh Dukes as new Executive Director

Today, USA Cares president MG John Tindall (Ret.) and the board of directors announced the great news. Hugh L. Dukes has agreed to be the first Executive Director of USA Cares. This work was previously done by CSM Roger Stradley (Ret.) on a voluteer but fulltime basis. Hugh comes to us from a career in the U.S. Army where he served recently as Senior Staff Chaplin for the U.S. Army Armor Center at Ft. Knox Kentucky. Welcome Hugh and thanks Sergeant Major. Couldn't have done it without you.

Nielsen Media Research donates $10,000 to USA Cares

Nielsen Media Research in Radcliff, Kentucky has stepped up to help military families as their $10,000 donation was presented to members of the USA Cares board including MG John Tindall (Ret.).

Pioneer Services challenges 'Military Lending' market with 100% guarantee

USA Cares partner Pioneer Services continues to help our military. USA Care's Roger Stradley put it this way, "This is an amazing step for an organization that has placed the bar even higher as we all look for solutions against predatory lenders operating around military installations. I am very proud of our association with Pioneer and this is just another reason why I trust them. This should be front page news everywhere."

Here is the press release.

Pioneer Services challenges 'Military Lending' market with 100% guarantee

KANSAS CITY, Mo (June 12, 2006) Pioneer Services, a leading financial services provider to members of the U.S. Armed Forces, is offering service members something unique in today’s business world: a 15-day, no-questions-asked return guarantee on all its loan offerings. And Pioneer Services is challenging other lenders that serve military personnel to provide a similar guarantee this summer.

“If the financial services community really wants to provide service members with the best lending options available, they should stand behind their product with a 100 percent guarantee like Pioneer Services,” said Joe Freeman, chief strategy officer. “Our ‘Military Loan Guarantee’ is just one more feature we provide our military customers to ensure that they have the right loan product for their individual needs.”

In today’s military lending market, Pioneer Services provides a responsible lending alternative to payday loans, pawnshops and other predatory institutions by helping service members obtain traditional consumer installment loans, which are similar to loans offered at local banks or credit unions. Comparable to traditional lending institutions, all loans have fixed rates, monthly payments, credit card comparable APR rates, and all costs are disclosed. Unlike banks and credit unions, however, Pioneer Services also offers their Military Loan Guarantee.

“We encourage our customers to review their loans with a financial advisor, their chain of command, or even another financial institution,” said Freeman. “If they find a better deal within 15 days, or if they decide they don’t need the money, they can cancel their loan at absolutely no cost.”

The 15-day, “100% Military Loan Guarantee” is another way that Pioneer Services Representatives enhance the quality of life and financial independence for military families. Entering their 75th year in the financial services industry, Pioneer Services Representatives provide the responsible alternative for financial services and education that our service members deserve. Through a network of offices and on the Internet, Pioneer Services Representatives offer financial education programs, loans, and insurance products, and support military families and communities through a variety of partnerships, programs, and sponsorships.

For more information visit www.pioneerservices.com.