HARRISBURG, PA (June 14, 2023) Belco Community Credit Union held a Flagpole Installation Ceremony at their headquarters on 449 Eisenhower Boulevard, Harrisburg, to dedicate their new 60’ flagpole in honor of Flag Day. Belco partnered with Veterans Outreach of Pennsylvania (VOPA) and the American Legion Post 272 in Linglestown to commemorate the new flagpole.

“This is an important day for us as we dedicate our new flagpole and pause and recognize our veterans—many of whom are our employees and past and present Board members—and their service to our country, says Amey Sgrignoli, President & CEO, Belco Community Credit Union. “We were honored to partner with Veterans Outreach of Pennsylvania and raise awareness of their mission to provide safe and secure housing for Veterans experiencing homelessness in our region.”

Veterans Outreach of Pennsylvania participated in the ceremony and showcased their Tiny Home model, one of 15 transitional homes planned for the new community of Tiny Homes called Veterans Grove, on Front Street in Harrisburg, PA. Belco Community Credit Union presented a $2,500 check to support the VOPA mission. The American Legion Post 272 of Linglestown performed the Honor Guard duties and the raising of the 10’ by 15’ new American flag. Retired Army Chief Warrant Officer Ken Stambaugh shared remarks on the importance of the American flag and honoring all who have served under its stars and stripes, especially noting that Flag Day 2023 was the U.S. Army’s 248^th birthday. Belco also presented the American Legion Post 272 with a check in honor of their service.

“Since our founding in 1939, Belco’s principles of integrity, honor, honesty, and service to our communities have been the cornerstones of our credit union. These are the same principles and values cherished by our Veterans, Active Service Members, and all Americans,” says Sgrignoli.

The ceremony included Proclamations by Rep. David Madsen, Senator John DiSanto, and the Dauphin County Commissioners. The National Anthem was sung by Aaron Mowery, Belco Director of Social Media, and a reading of the poem, “Your Flag and My Flag,” was shared by Ava Keck, daughter of Tiffanie Keck, Belco Public Relations Representative, and US Army Veteran Alan Keck. Other speakers included Jordan Ames, U.S. Marine Corps Retired, Executive Director of Veterans Outreach of PA.

“Belco Community Credit Union understands the importance of protecting our future and investing in good people and programs, so their donation to local veterans in need of homes and a hand up has great meaning to us," said Tom Zimmerman, VOPA co-founder. “Their generosity and patriotism promise to have a lasting impact on our veterans as we begin building 15 tiny homes and a multi-service community center and start rebuilding lives. Our veterans' reverence for the flag is a vivid reminder of the sacrifices they made—sacrifices that are often unknown and unseen—but that should inspire our lifelong gratitude and respect. We thank Belco Community Credit Union for investing in our veterans' community and the community at large.”

ABOUT BELCO COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION 
Belco Community Credit Union is a full-service financial institution offering checking, savings, loan, investment, and small business products and services. Established in 1939 to serve employees of Bell Telephone Company in Harrisburg, PA, Belco became a community-chartered credit union in July 2005, opening membership to businesses and individuals who live, work, worship, or attend school in Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry, or York counties. Belco has more than 75,000 members and $935 million in assets, 15 branches, numerous ATM/ITM locations, and 24-hour account access through mobile, online, and telephone banking. For more information, visit www.belco.org or call (800) 642-4482.

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