NFM Salute Archives

LINTHICUM, MD, May 1, 2019— NFM Lending is pleased to honor Staff Sergeant Giovanni Pierorazio as the NFM Salute for May 2019.

SSG Pierorazio was born in a small mountain village in central Italy. He and his family emigrated to the U.S. when he was ten years old. He graduated high school in June of 1967. SSG Pierorazio immediately enlisted in the U.S. Army and began his military service the following September, with basic training in Fort Benning, GA. He spent November and December in Advanced Infantry Training (AIT) at Fort Gordon, GA. In early February of 1968, he was assigned as a replacement to Company D, 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry, 1st Air Cavalry Division.

“On the 24th of March, my Company was sent out on an air assault against elements of the North Vietnamese Army, which just been forced out of the city of Hue by US Marines. These forces were trying to escape, and our units were intent on stopping them. Within a few hours, we came under fire from NVA forces and an increasingly intense battle ensued. During that battle I was wounded when rifle fire struck me in the left forearm.”

As a result of his wound, SSG Pierorazio was evacuated back to the US. He convalesced at Walter Reed Military Hospital until October. At that time, he was assigned to the 197th Light Infantry Brigade garrisoned at Fort Benning. In May of 1969, SSG Pierorazio was ordered to the Republic of South Korea, where he stayed for the remainder of his Army tour of duty; serving in the Demilitarized Zone between the two Koreas. SSG Pierorazio returned to the US at the end of June of 1970 and was discharged from active duty in Fort Lewis, WA on July 2^nd, 1970, having attained the rank of Staff Sergeant, E-6.

SSG Pierorazio was the recipient of several service awards, including a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star.

“I, along with the rest of my family, would like to let Giovanni know how proud we are of him for the sacrifice he gave in serving his country.”

Selected NFM Salutes may choose from one of the following three non-profits: Platoon 22, AnySoldier, and the Gary Sinise Foundation. SSG Pierorazio chose the Gary Sinise Foundation to receive this month’s donation. NFM looks forward to the opportunity to continue to honor military and Veterans through the NFM Salute initiative.

NFM Lending is a mortgage lending company currently licensed in 37 states in the U.S. The company was founded in Baltimore, Maryland in 1998. They attribute their success in the mortgage industry to their steadfast commitment to customers and the community. NFM Lending has firmly planted itself in the home loan marketplace as “America’s Common Sense Residential Mortgage Lender.™” For more information about NFM Lending, visit www.nfmlending.com, like our Facebook page, or follow us on Instagram.

LINTHICUM, MD, April 1, 2019— NFM Lending is pleased to honor Chief Petty Officer Bernard Kwiatkowski as the NFM Salute for April 2019.

CPO Kwiatkowski served in the U.S. Navy during World War II in the Atlantic and Pacific theaters. During his tours of duty, he was stationed in England, North Africa, and the South Pacific on the USS LST 21.

CPO Kwiatkowski’s service awards include: American Campaign Medal, Europe-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 2 Stars, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with Star, Philippine Liberation Ribbon, Occupation of Japan, China Service Medal.

“My grandfather, we call him Pop, is a 97-year-old WWII vet who served in the Navy for 4 years. He has so many amazing/inspiring/interesting stories from his time in the service, but my favorite is how he met my Nanny while in England. They were married for 71 years before she sadly passed away 2 years ago. My Pop still tells all his stories and is proud to show off his medals and other memories he has from his time in the service – even at 97 he can still recall so many little details. He really is an incredible man and we are proud to call him our grandfather!”

Selected NFM Salutes may choose from one of the following three non-profits: Platoon 22, AnySoldier, and the Gary Sinise Foundation. CPO Kwiatkowski chose the Gary Sinise Foundation to receive this month’s donation. NFM looks forward to the opportunity to continue to honor military and Veterans through the NFM Salute initiative.

LINTHICUM, MD, March 8, 2019— NFM Lending is pleased to honor Sergeant Major Nancy Ainsworth, USMC, Ret. as the NFM Salute for March 2019.

SgtMaj Ainsworth served on active duty in the Marine Corps from Dec. 1981 through Aug. 2007. She attended boot camp in January and February 1982. She recalls, “Back then, women did not qualify with the service rifle! We also received classes on how to properly wear makeup. I believe after I left boot camp, I never wore makeup again!”

Her first duty station was on the island of Okinawa, Japan. She met her husband while in Okinawa and they were married the following year by the Justice of Peace in Jacksonville, NC, over 35 years ago. Together they were stationed on Camp Lejeune from 1983 to 1986. Both were meritoriously promoted to Sergeant on the same day. They received orders to Parris Island, SC to be drill instructors in 1986 and were both meritoriously promoted to Staff Sergeant while serving there. They transferred back to Camp Lejeune together in 1989 and had their first son, RJ, in 1990.

SgtMaj Ainsworth received orders back to Okinawa in 1991 when RJ was just nine months old. She took RJ with her and spent a year on Okinawa while her husband prepared to deploy with his unit. She returned to Camp Lejeune in 1992 and had her second son, Charlie, that year. She was promoted to Gunnery Sgt in 1993 and received orders to Headquarters Marine Corps in Arlington, VA in 1994 – the same year her husband was medically retired from the Marine Corps. SgtMaj Ainsworth served at Headquarters Marine Corps for two years until she was selected to go to college on the Staff NCO degree completion program. She attended Campbell University from 1996-1998, graduating with a BS degree in Psychology. While completing her degree, she was selected to the rank of First Sergeant. SgtMaj Ainsworth served at the Marine Corps’ School of Infantry, Marine Combat Training Battalion from 1999 to 2001. She was promoted to Sergeant Major in 2001. While a Sergeant Major, she deployed to Kuwait in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003 and to Iraq in 2005. Upon return from Iraq, she became the Sergeant Major of Marine Corps Combat Service Support Schools, Camp Johnson, NC. She retired as a Sergeant Major in 2007.

SgtMaj Ainsworth’s service awards include: Legion of Merit, Combat Action Ribbon, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (3d awd), Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Sea Service Deployment ribbon (3d awd), Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal (2d awd), Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation (2d awd), Navy Unit Commendation (3d awd), and Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal (7th awd).

Upon retirement from the Marine Corps, SgtMaj Ainsworth began working for the Marine Corps Engineer School as a contractor. She has been working as the Operations Chief for the Defeat the Device Branch, Counter- Improvised Explosive Device, Mobile Training Cadre for nearly 12 years. She believes it was the perfect transition from the Marine Corps.

“My sister, Nancy, had an amazing career in the Marine Corps. She retired at the rank of Sergeant Major – the highest enlisted rank one could achieve – after 26 years of active duty service. Nancy achieved what very few Marines achieve and what only a handful of female Marines achieve. She has earned the respect of many!”

Selected NFM Salutes may choose from one of the following three non-profits: Platoon 22, AnySoldier, and the Gary Sinise Foundation. SgtMaj Ainsworth chose the Gary Sinise Foundation to receive this month’s donation. Explaining her decision, she stated, “This foundation supports and honors active duty military, veterans, as well as first responders. My son is a Raleigh, NC police officer. He was recently critically injured in the line of duty and is recovering at the Wake Med Hospital in Raleigh. A donation to the Gary Sinise Foundation would not only recognize my service but also the service of my son, whose job as a police officer seems exponentially more dangerous than my 25+ years in the Marine Corps!”

NFM looks forward to the opportunity to continue to honor military and Veterans through the NFM Salute initiative.

LINTHICUM, MD, February 6, 2019— NFM Lending is pleased to honor Private Nicolas Alvarez as the NFM Salute for February 2019.

Upon graduation from high school, Pvt. Alvarez enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He recently graduated from boot camp at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot at Parris Island, South Carolina. Pvt. Alvarez is currently attending military training camp at Camp Geiger in Jacksonville, NC. From there, he will proceed to the Marine Corps Communication-Electronics School in Twentynine Palms, California.

“It was a surprise when Nicolas shared his interest in joining the Marines. To be truly honest, I did not want this path for him. The thought of him being part of the U.S. military never even crossed my mind. As both a teenaged and single mother, it makes me immensely proud to see my son not only become part of something bigger than him, but also accomplish the mental toughness the Marines training requires. Today, I am a proud mom of a U.S. Marine and I look forward to what the future holds for him. I have no doubt that he can accomplish anything he puts his mind to.”

Selected NFM Salutes may choose from one of the following three non-profits: Platoon 22, AnySoldier, and the Gary Sinise Foundation. Pvt. Alvarez chose Any Soldier to receive this month’s donation. NFM looks forward to the opportunity to continue to honor military and Veterans through the NFM Salute initiative.

NFM Lending is a mortgage lending company currently licensed in 35 states in the U.S. The company was founded in Baltimore, Maryland in 1998 and this year is celebrating its 20th anniversary. They attribute their success in the mortgage industry to their steadfast commitment to customers and the community. NFM Lending has firmly planted itself in the home loan marketplace as “America’s Common Sense Residential Mortgage Lender.™” For more information about NFM Lending, visit www.nfmlending.com, like our Facebook page, or follow us on Twitter.

LINTHICUM, MD, January 2, 2019— NFM Lending is pleased to honor Colonel William Thomas Sinnott III, USMC, Ret. as the NFM Salute for January 2019.

Col. William Thomas ‘Tom’ Sinnott III graduated from St. Ignatius High School, Cleveland, Ohio in 1953. He attended Columbian Prep School in Washington D.C., during which he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserve and worked on aircraft at Anacostia Naval Air Station in Maryland. Tom received an appointment to the United States Naval Academy in 1954. Upon graduation from the Naval Academy in 1958, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps and was assigned to Basic School Training in Quantico, Virginia. From there, Tom attended Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Florida and was appointed a Naval Aviator in September 1960.

Tom was promoted to the rank of First Lieutenant in 1964, rank of Captain in 1966, Major in 1969, Lieutenant Colonel in 1974, and Colonel in 1981. He retired as a Colonel in 1983.

Some of the squadrons Tom served in are as follows: WERS – 36 – Wing Equipment Repair Squadron, HMM – 363 – Helicopter Medium Squadron, MAG – 36 – Marine Air Group, HMM – 362 – Helicopter Medium Squadron, MABS – 36 – Marine Air Base Squadron, MAG – 24 – Marine Air Base Squadron. Tom was Company Officer and Battalion Officer at USNA 1972-1974. He had various assignments, including training operations, schooling, and tactical assignments in support of USMC ground forces. Tom served three tours in Vietnam (1962, 1966, 1970), Japan, and Okinawa. His primary aircraft was helicopters and he accumulated over 4,000 hours airborne in support of United States Marine Corps ground troops. The aircraft he flew were: H-34, UH1E, (Huey), and CH 53 Sea Stallion. His favorite aircraft was CH 53. He was the Squadron Commander of CH 53 HMH – 463 in Kaneohe, Hawaii, where he commanded 24 aircraft and 1850 squadron troops.

During Tom’s 30-year career as a U.S. Marine, he earned the Legion of Merit, Air Medal with 30 Strike-Flight Awards, Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, and the following Republic of Vietnam awards and citations: Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Citation Gallantry Cross, Meritorious Unit Citation Civic Actions, Campaign Medal, and Cross of Gallantry.

After retiring from the Marine Corps in 1983, Tom was employed by Logistics Management Engineering, Inc. in Annapolis from 1983-1998. He was Program Manager, supporting the U.S. Navy at Naval Air Stations in Patuxent River, MD, and Warminster, PA. He worked on Aircrew-Life Support Equipment programs to improve the safety and welfare of warfighters.

Tom was also an active member of the “Great Class of 1958” from the Naval Academy. He was a Trustee of the United States Naval Academy Foundation for 26 years and was designated a Trustee Emeritus.

Tom just recently passed on Veterans Day, November 11, 2018, from complications from Vascular Dementia in Annapolis, MD. He was 83 years old. He is survived by his wife Nancy Sinnott and his 5 children.

“I nominated my father because he was my Hero! He was a True Officer and a Gentleman!!”

Selected NFM Salutes may choose from one of the following three non-profits: Platoon 22, AnySoldier, and the Gary Sinise Foundation. Tom’s family chose Any Soldier to receive this month’s donation. NFM looks forward to the opportunity to continue to honor military and Veterans through the NFM Salute initiative.

NFM Lending is a mortgage lending company currently licensed in 29 states in the U.S. The company was founded in Baltimore, Maryland in 1998 and this year is celebrating its 20th anniversary. They attribute their success in the mortgage industry to their steadfast commitment to customers and the community. NFM Lending has firmly planted itself in the home loan marketplace as “America’s Common Sense Residential Mortgage Lender.™” For more information about NFM Lending, visit www.nfmlending.com, like our Facebook page, or follow us on Twitter.

LINTHICUM, MD, December 3, 2018— NFM Lending is pleased to honor Specialist Cliff Hageman as the NFM Salute for December 2018.

SPC Cliff Hageman joined the army just a few months after his high school graduation in 1988, serving until 1992. His military occupation specialty (MOS) was an 88M, or a Motor Transport Operator. SPC Hageman was assigned to a Service Battery Infantry Unit in Schweinfurt, Germany, where he drove a HEMMT (Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck) and hauled tank round ammunition. When he had just less than a year left of his 3-year enlistment, he was transferred to Stuttgart, Germany with a unit that was going to Operation Desert Shield, which quickly turned into Desert Storm. SPC Hageman drove a 5,000-gallon fuel tanker and continued supporting his tank units as one of the 10 trucks responsible for moving and filling 50,000-gallon fuel bladders.

After his military service, SPC Hageman moved to Maryland with his wife and two children. He coached his children’s basketball and baseball teams and loved his role as ‘Coach Cliff’. SPC Hageman also had a passion for golf and was preparing to play at Pebble Beach when he was in a motorcycle accident that ultimately resulted in the loss of his leg. On September 9^th, 2014, a motorist who was texting and driving hit SPC Hageman while he was getting ready to leave a gas station. He spent two months in the hospital and had 23 surgeries before he was able to go home. However, SPC Hageman’s battle had only just begun. 60 days later he underwent another five surgeries due to an infection, followed by a re-amputation a year later that was caused by a bone spur.

SPC Hageman chose to not be a victim and instead was determined to live his life to the fullest. He first received his prosthetic leg in April 2015 and hit his first tee-shot in May. He has even competed in the Annual Amputee Golf Championship. In addition to continuing his almost 20-year career in the real estate industry, SPC Hageman started STAND, a non-profit dedicated to educating about the dangers of texting and driving to make the roads a safer place.

SPC Hageman was nominated by his friend and business referral partner, Addy Jolly.

“With respect and gratitude, I nominate Cliff for the NFM Salute, for his service in the military and now as he continues to serve by spreading awareness on the dangers of texting and driving through his non-profit organization. Thank you, Cliff!”

Selected NFM Salutes may choose from one of the following three non-profits: Platoon 22, AnySoldier, and the Gary Sinise Foundation. SPC Hageman chose Platoon 22 to receive this month’s donation. NFM looks forward to the opportunity to continue to honor military and Veterans through the NFM Salute initiative.

To watch an interview with SPC Hageman to learn more about his story and STAND, please visit www.nfmsalute.com.

LINTHICUM, MD, November 1, 2018— NFM Lending is pleased to honor Master Sergeant Paul Franks, USA, Retired, as the NFM Salute for November 2018.

MSG Franks joined the US Army out of Birmingham, Alabama in March 1984. After completing basic and individual training to become a Tactical Telecommunications Center Operator, he was assigned to the 24th Signal Battalion, Ft. Stewart, GA, providing vital communications support to the Commander of the 24th Infantry Division (M) headquarters. In February 1986 he was assigned to his first overseas post in Mannheim, Germany with the 97th Signal BN, Central Army Group NATO. He was responsible in providing communications support for the CENTAG commander at his Primary War Headquarters to his field commanders. In 1990, MSG Franks was assigned to the 501st MI Bn at Ft. Lewis, WA in support of the I Corps Commander during Desert Storm. The following year he moved to the I Corps Headquarters, G-6, where he was assigned as a Communications Security (COMSEC) NCO for the Corps. In 1992 MSG Franks was assigned to the Joint COMSEC Logistics Office in Pusan, South Korea, where he was responsible for providing COMSEC material throughout the ASIA Pacific region. After this tour he went back to Ft. Lewis to be assigned to the 1st Special Forces Group (A).

From 1992 through 1998, MSG Franks was deployed to numerous Southeast Asia countries, including eight deployments to the Kingdom of Thailand and Indonesia, where he provided communications support and taught indigenous forces American war-fighting techniques. During this time, he deployed to two Joint Task Force 6 drug interdiction missions in both Texas and Florida. He also completed numerous military schools and training, such as Basic Airborne school, Special Forces Static Line Jump Master course, Special Forces Communications school, SERE High-Risk Level C survival school, and the Air Force Load Master course. After this high demanding assignment, MSG Franks was assigned to the Allied Naval Forces Europe Headquarters in Naples, Italy to be the Circuit Control NCOIC responsible for setting up and coordinating ship to shore communications for the Admiral in charge, allowing him to communicate to his Commanders of the Sixth Mediterranean Fleet. He was instrumental in setting up the communications between the Headquarters and the Fleet in support of numerous exercises and real-world conflicts, such as the war efforts during the Bosnia conflict.

After this tour of duty, in 2000 MSG Franks was reassigned back to the US to the 5th Special Forces Group(A) S-6 at Ft Campbell, KY. 9/11 took place during his time at 5th Group, at which point he helped coordinate all aspects of secure communications between the Special Operations Joint Task Force-Dagger Headquarters and 5th Group ODA Teams on the ground in Afghanistan and surrounding areas. Once redeploying from Afghanistan in 2002, he went right into getting the Group Headquarters and ODA Teams ready on secure communications for Operation Iraqi Freedom, which kicked off in the Fall of 2002.

MSG Franks received orders to the 101st Airborne Division (A) Headquarters G-6 in November 2003, in which he was in charge of the Division Automation Management Office. He deployed to the Division’s Headquarters in Mosul, Iraq shortly afterwards and through the end of March 2004 he oversaw the Division’s Automation circuits for the war fighting campaign. Once redeploying back to the states, MSG Franks helped coordinate the Division’s complete automation communications transformation, so the Division had the cutting-edge communication capabilities needed for future war-fighting into the 21st century.

MSG Franks retired in July 2005 after over 22 years of dedicated service to his country. He achieved numerous awards and badges, including the Joint Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with numeral 3, Army Commendation Medal with numeral 5, Army Achievement Medal with numeral 6, Master Parachutist Badge, and the Expert Marksmanship Badge for rifle and pistol. He currently resides in Clarksville, TN.

“He’s been on some incredible adventures. The hard work, dedication, and sacrifices that he made also afforded my family the opportunity to travel and live all over the world.”

Selected NFM Salutes may choose from one of the following three non-profits: Platoon 22, AnySoldier, and the Gary Sinise Foundation. MSG Franks chose Any Soldier to receive this month’s donation. NFM looks forward to the opportunity to continue to honor military and Veterans through the NFM Salute initiative.

LINTHICUM, MD, October 9, 2018— NFM Lending is pleased to honor Hospital Corpsman Third Class Holden Hall as the NFM Salute for October 2018.

HM3 Hall grew up in small town Cameron, NC. During high school, he found success in the JROTC program, quickly excelling and earning leadership positions. At 16 years old, HM3 Hall joined his local fire department. He fell in love with the job and dedicated the next three years of his free time to helping the community through the fire service. HM3 Hall then joined the Navy at 19 years old and endured one of the hardest programs as a Corpsman. He graduated in the top of his class and spent the next two years in Beaufort, SC assisting Critical Care for Marines. HM3 Hall was recently moved to Jacksonville, NC to complete field medical training with Marines, in the event his skills are needed on deployment.

Now stationed in Jacksonville, HM3 Hall serves the intensive care unit (ICU) at the Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune. He is still dedicated to his hometown fire department and spends every free weekend he has making the 3.5 hour drive back home to Cameron to serve his community. Recently, he worked four days straight during Hurricane Florence with the fire department, offering support anywhere he could.

“I am nominating Holden because he truly is a one-of-a-kind person. His passion and love for serving the community truly burns inside him like ‘wildfire’. He shows up for every shift and puts in 120% effort with every moment. So many people love and adore Holden for how well he represents both Vass and Cameron North Carolina. He is a great role model and a true American Hero. He is also the love of my life and I could not have chosen a more selfless person to spend my life with.”

Selected NFM Salutes may choose from one of the following three non-profits: Platoon 22, AnySoldier, and the Gary Sinise Foundation. HM3 Hall chose Platoon 22 to receive this month’s donation. NFM looks forward to the opportunity to continue to honor military and Veterans through the NFM Salute initiative.

LINTHICUM, MD, September 5, 2018— NFM Lending is pleased to honor Captain Robert J. Swain as the NFM Salute for September 2018.

CPT Swain graduated from Texas A&M as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army in 1962. His first assignment was as a Liaison Officer to the British delegation for a secret classified meeting between Great Britain, Australia and Canada. When his commander received an emergency discharge, CPT Swain assumed a Major’s position and conducted the conference successfully. He then served initially as an Infantry Platoon Leader before attending Army Helicopter Flight School. From there, he served in Korea as Aide and pilot to Brigadier General O.M. Barsanti and later in Korea with Brigadier General Thomas Andrews.

After a year at Fort Benning, GA in the 11th Air Assault Division (the test unit for the airmobile concept) he was assigned to Fort Lewis, WA where he commanded an Air Cavalry Troop as a Lieutenant. He deployed to Vietnam and served in the First Squadron, Ninth Cavalry, First Cavalry Division. The First of the Ninth was a helicopter reconnaissance unit in combat virtually every day. CPT Swain was Platoon Leader for the armed helicopter platoon and later the unit troop carrying platoon.

In November of 1966, CPT Swain was shot in the right arm and leg while on the ground in command of an infantry platoon. For his actions that day, he was awarded the Purple Heart and Silver Star. CPT Swain also received two Bronze Star Medals (one with V Device), twenty-one Air Medals (one with V Device), and the Army Commendation Medal. He recuperated in the Philippines for a month and returned to combat still bleeding from wounds in his leg. It was the last six months that were the hardest as he saw several of his closest friends lose their lives, some even days before going home. He left Vietnam with over 1300 combat flight hours.

CPT Swain was discharged in 1968. He then flew for United Airlines for the next 33 years. He also served as the Regional Vice President for the North Atlantic for the International Federation of Airline Pilots Association. In his spare time, he was appointed as a Judge for the Maryland State Orphans’ Court. After United, he worked as an Air Carrier inspector for the Federal Aviation Administration for another 5 years and became the United States Member to the International Civil Aviation Organization’s Separation and Air Space Safety Panel. While with the FAA CPT Swain taught at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City.

CPT Swain is retired in College Station, Texas, the home of Texas A&M, where he is active in the Lettermen’s Association and enjoys the activities provided by a campus environment.

“What that man endured and didn’t speak of for so long, deserves to be recognized. The stories he can tell, and the sheer courage and perseverance throughout the rest of his life are awe-inspiring.”

Selected NFM Salutes may choose from one of the following three non-profits: Platoon 22, AnySoldier, and the Gary Sinise Foundation. CPT Swain chose Platoon 22 to receive this month’s donation. NFM looks forward to the opportunity to continue to honor military and Veterans through the NFM Salute initiative.

LINTHICUM, MD, August 2, 2018— NFM Lending is pleased to honor Sergeant Cristian J. Blandin as the NFM Salute for August 2018.

Shortly after graduating high school and completing his first semester of college, Sgt. Blandin voluntarily joined the Army, serving from 2009 to 2013. Upon completion of basic training in Fort Jackson, South Carolina, he was sent to Fort Huachuca, Arizona for Human Intelligence Advanced Individual training. Later that year, he moved to his duty station in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, where he learned he was going to do a 12-month deployment to Afghanistan at 19 years old.

“I arrived with my unit (Charlie Company of 519th Military Intelligence Battalion) in July 2010,” said Sgt. Blandin. “By far one of the best experiences in my life. I say that because less than 1% of Americans join the Army, and the percentage of soldiers that deploy to combat is less than that. I was one of the few. Of course I was scared because not only was this my first time going to war, I also had a daughter I had to think about.”

Sgt. Blandin and two members of his unit supported the 101st Airborne Division as part of their Humint Collection Team (HCT). During their first combat patrol they were hit by a roadside Improvised Explosive Device (IED). Sgt. Blandin was supposed to be in the vehicle that was hit with the IED but had been switched out. Thankfully, there weren’t any casualties.

During that campaign (Operation Enduring Freedom X – XI), Sgt. Blandin was battlefield-promoted to Specialist as he was the acting Team Leader (TL) for a short period of time during their TL’s absence. The majority of time he spent as the Assistant TL. Sgt. Blandin and his unit returned to the States in the summer of 2011, where he was later promoted to Sergeant. He was honorably discharged in March 2013. He then attended Campbell University to finish his degree in Business Administration and pursued a career in business.

Sgt. Blandin resides in Northern Virginia, and enjoys shooting, filming and spending time with his children. He is still active in the Veteran community and stays in close contact with his Army buddies. He currently works as a Mortgage Loan Originator for NFM Lending.

JC Jimenez and Carlos Ilanos, Branch Managers at NFM Lending, had only great things to say about Sgt. Blandin.

“Cristian Blandin is a leader,” said Jimenez. “He is a natural at helping others. He has quickly become the “go to person” by many of his peers for his knowledge and will to share it. Serving our country with all of his being is just what fits in what we know of him. Realtors, clients, colleagues; we all feel proud to deal with him. Great to have him in our team. Grateful for his service. My most profound respect for his character.”

“I was blown away when I met Cristian,” said Ilanos. “With great love he served our country and now was joining us to help people fulfill their homeownership dream. When you meet Cristian, you can see all the character traits that serving our country requires: loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor and integrity. It is a great privilege to have him part of our NFM family.”

NFM Salute is an initiative in which one military member or Veteran is chosen each month to be honored as the “Salute of the Month.” Salutes are chosen from nominations on the NFM Salute website, www.nfmsalute.com. The “Salute of the Month” will be featured on the website with a brief biography and information about his or her service, and NFM Lending will make a $1,000 donation to a military or Veteran non-profit in the Salute’s name. Sgt. Blandin chose Platoon22 to receive this month’s donation. As an organization that focuses on stopping soldier suicide, Sgt. Blandin explained his choice: “Thank a Veteran any chance you get and please remember that suicide and depression is the number one killer for Veterans. It’s not easy coming back.”

Selected NFM Salutes may choose from one of the following three non-profits: Platoon 22, AnySoldier, and the Gary Sinise Foundation. NFM looks forward to the opportunity to continue to honor military and Veterans through the NFM Salute initiative.

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