CoBank Launches “No Barriers” Program For Veterans With Disabilities From America’s Rural Communities

CoBank, a cooperative bank serving agribusinesses, rural infrastructure providers and Farm Credit associations throughout the United States, announced it is launching a new program for veterans with disabilities from America’s rural communities. In partnership with its customers and the nonprofit group No Barriers USA, CoBank will sponsor up to 50 veterans from rural areas across the U.S. to participate in outdoor expeditions that challenge them mentally and physically and help them to transform their lives. Cooperatives and other eligible CoBank borrowers will be able to nominate veterans from their local communities to participate in the No Barriers Warriors program, with CoBank covering the full cost for each veteran, including travel expenses. Selected veterans will go through the program in 2017. “Every American owes an enormous debt of gratitude to the men and women who serve in the armed forces and protect our country,” said Bob Engel, CoBank’s chief executive officer. “Those who are wounded or injured in the course of duty are even more deserving of our thanks.  Engel noted that over 5 million of the nation’s 22 million veterans are located in rural areas and called on the bank’s customer base to help identify deserving participants for the No Barriers program. “Rural America produces a disproportionate share of the nation’s military personnel,” Engel said. “We need our customers to help make this program successful by nominating individuals from their communities who would benefit from the No Barriers experience. We look forward to partnering with our customers in this effort, which we believe has the potential to change the lives of rural veterans who have been disabled as a result of their military service.”