America’s rural communities are home to millions of men and women who have served in our armed forces, many of whom are living with a disability. In 2019, Overton Power District No. 5 is teaming up with its financial partner, CoBank, to honor and support veterans with disabilities in our community by enabling them to participate in one of four, five-day expeditions offered through the No Barriers Warriors program. Each of the expeditions takes place in the Colorado Rocky Mountains, but a No Barriers Warriors expedition is more than just a mountain vacation. It’s an opportunity to challenge limitations – both real and perceived – and to create a network of support that can last a lifetime.
CoBank, a cooperative bank serving agribusinesses, rural infrastructure providers and Farm Credit associations throughout the United States, piloted the program with No Barriers USA, a Colorado-based nonprofit organization, in 2017. In 2019, the bank is once again sponsoring up to 50 veterans to participate in a No Barriers expedition. CoBank covers all the costs of the program and there is no expense for participants. CoBank makes the final selection from the applicants nominated.
CoBank customers like Overton Power District No. 5 can nominate veterans from their communities to participate in the program, which is open to veterans of any age and any branch of service. To be eligible, a veteran must simply have a VA disability rating. No Barriers Warriors expeditions are adapted to enable participation by veterans with various physical disabilities as well as those with “invisible” disabilities like PTSD.
If you would like to be nominated by Overton Power District No. 5 to participate in this program, please contact Keith Buchhalter at (702) 345-1125 or via email at kbuchhalter@opd5.com. The official nomination period opens on December 1, 2018. At that time, we will be able to share additional information about the opportunity and direct you to the special CoBank program application. Nominations must be made, and applications completed by the April 15, 2019 deadline, and expeditions are filled on a first come, first served basis, so don’t delay. Call us today.
