LINTHICUM, MD, July 2, 2018— NFM Lending is pleased to honor Personnelman First Class Catherine L. Clapp, USN, Retired, as the NFM Salute for July 2018.

Following family tradition and looking to gain work experience, PN1 Clapp joined the Navy right out of high school, serving from 1979 to 1999. Her father also served in the Navy, as well as three of her four siblings.

Throughout her 20-year career, PN1 Clapp served in New Orleans, LA; London, England; Arlington, VA; San Diego, CA; Pensacola, FL; and Naples, Italy. She held numerous positions, including: Education Services Officer/Enlisted Classifier with Personnel Support Detachment; NATO Coordinator with Bureau of Naval Personnel; Assistant Classified Documents Officer with Submarine Development Group 1, Det B; and Operation Deep Freeze Coordinator and Enlisted Placement Officer for Physical Security with Bureau of Naval Personnel, just to name a few. During her time on the submarine squadron she was the only woman on the team of 150.

PN1 Clapp received numerous awards and honors, including: Navy Commendation Medal, Navy/Marine Corp Achievement Medal (3 awards), and Navy Unit Commendation (2 awards).

PN1 Clapp retired after serving 20 years in the U.S. Navy. She currently works at NFM Lending as an Appraisal Desk Assistant. She enjoys reading with her book club, volunteering at Concord Point Lighthouse as a volunteer lighthouse keeper and is a “die-hard” walker. She also occasionally works at the Maryland Science Center as an Observatory Assistant, operating the telescope and assisting guests.

PN1 Clapp currently resides in White Marsh, Maryland with her cat, Toby.

PN1 Clapp was nominated by Maria Hinerman, a coworker and the Marketing Manager at NFM Lending.

“I met Cassie when she attended New Hire Orientation,” said Hinerman. “In conversation, Cassie mentioned she was a Veteran and had served in the Navy for 20 years. Although she spoke briefly about her service, I was blown away by all that she had done and the places she had been. Even during this short interaction, it was clear how welcoming and kind she is.”

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. PN1 Clapp chose the Gary Sinise Foundation to receive this month’s donation.

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.

About NFM Lending

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, June 1, 2018— NFM Lending is pleased to honor Major Bruce P. Person, USA, Retired, as the NFM Salute for June 2018.

MAJ Person was born and raised in Quincy, Massachusetts. At 21 years old, he voluntarily joined the Army in 1964, knowing his number would soon be called in the draft. This allowed him to somewhat direct his future and not be assigned to infantry. MAJ Person enlisted in Army intelligence and was surprised three years later when he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the infantry. He became an Airborne Ranger Special Forces officer with secondary specialty of military intelligence. He proudly served almost five years with Special Forces units, including the 7th Special Forces Group Airborne (SFGA), 1st SFGA, 5th SFGA (MACVSOG) and Joint Casualty Resolution Center, as “A” Team Commander, Senior Advisor Vietnamese Paramilitary Force and Team Leader Recovery Operations.

MAJ Person underwent extensive cultural language training for targeted operational areas. His expertise with the Vietnamese language enabled him to accomplish many tasks assigned to him, especially briefing the Vietnamese staff every morning in their language. The ability to communicate with Vietnamese civilians, North Vietnamese, and Viet Cong soldiers was a game changer. MAJ Person served two tours in Vietnam; one conventional and one unconventional. The first tour he was diverted to the 23rd Infantry Division and took command of the Delta Company, 4/31st Infantry, 196th Light Infantry Brigade. The second tour in Vietnam he went back to Special Forces where he served as Senior Advisor to a paramilitary battalion of Montagnards. The missions were to rescue Military Assistance Command, Vietnam – Studies and Observations Group (MACVSOG) cross border Recon Teams and Special Forces/Ranger Camps that were in trouble and needed quick reaction forces. His last Special Forces assignment was as an original recover team leader with the Joint Casualty Resolution Center (NKP) Royal Thai Airbase, Thailand where he helped to develop crash/gravesite recovery operations. MAJ Person’s team was on the very first mission back into Vietnam after the cease fire in 1973, to recover remains of U.S. personnel. His Special Forces training contributed tremendously to his success as a combat commander and unconventional operative.

MAJ Person served over 20 years in the U.S. Army before retiring as a Major, including five years in Southeast Asia; stationed in Korea, Okinawa, Vietnam, and Thailand. After transitioning from military life, he went on to become a He works as a retired mortgage originator and realtor, assisting his wife, Denise, with her real estate business He works as a retired mortgage originator and realtor, assisting his wife, Denise, with her real estate business. He is an active member of several organizations, including the American Legion Post 60, ALR Post 60, VFW Post 5637, Special Forces Association, 196th LIB Association, and 31st Infantry Association.

MAJ Person lives in Silver Spring, Maryland with his wife and their dog, Daisey.

MAJ Person was nominated by his friend, Nick Mautino, sales manager at NFM Lending.

“Bruce’s dedication to our country and his clients is second to none. He is always involved in volunteering to various military charities and motorcycle rides. Every time I see him I hear a new, remarkable story. I could sit and talk with him for hours. It’s no wonder why his clients love him so much. I nominated Bruce for the NFM Salute because of his past heroics in the military and his ongoing dedication to past and current Veterans. [He is] one of a kind and I’m honored to have met him and call him a friend.”

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. MAJ Person chose the Gary Sinise Foundation to receive this month’s donation.

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.

About NFM Lending

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, May 1, 2018— NFM Lending is pleased to honor Senior Chief Machinery Technician James E. Sharp, USCG, Retired, as the NFM Salute for May 2018.

Senior Chief Sharp served in the United States Coast Guard from 1985 to 2011. He held many positions throughout his military career, including: Machinery Technician 3rd Class, Pollution Investigator, Boarding Officer, First Class Petty Officer, Machinery Technician Chief, Main Propulsion Senior Chief, and Chief of the Boat. Senior Chief Sharp was stationed primarily between Guam and Hawaii, with shorter stays in Taylor’s Island, MD and Seattle, WA. During his 26-year career, Senior Chief Sharp served on seven United States Coast Guard Cutters (USCGC): CAPE GEORGE, BASSWOOD, ASSATEAGUE, GALVESTON ISLAND, SASSAFRASS, WALNUT, and MIDGETT. He also worked with the Marine Safety Office (MSO) in Guam and the Naval Engineering Support Unit in Honolulu. The ships Senior Chief Sharp served on were involved in various tasks, such as: aids to navigation throughout the Western Pacific; search and rescue; investigating oil pollution incidents; foreign fishing vessel seizures; fishery violations; oil spill recovery; and vessel security, to name a few. Senior Chief Sharp also served in the Persian Gulf for the Iraq War.

Senior Chief Sharp is the recipient of 18 awards and medals, such as: Meritorious Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and Coast Guard Commendation Medal.

Senior Chief Sharp retired from active duty in the United States Coast Guard in September of 2011. He worked as a Ship Repair Superintendent for two years before getting picked up by the US Navy at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard as a Shipbuilding Specialist, acting as Government oversite for contractors on Aircraft Carriers. “I continue to back the US Coast Guard and all the jobs they do,” said Senior Chief Sharp. “Do more with less was always the saying, and we did it and I see that the service continues to do business this way and continues to answer the call and take care of the jobs set before them, Semper Paratus.”

Senior Chief Sharp resides with his wife Connie in Poulsbo, WA and enjoys boating, fishing, clamming, and being outdoors. They have one daughter, Bianca Lei.

Sharp was nominated by his friend, Ted Trumbull.

“As a lifelong friend of Jamie, I was always amazed at the stories he told me of his duties while in the US Coast Guard. As the lesser-known U.S. Military Service, most people would associate it with protecting the waters around the U.S. mainland, but they cover all parts of the world. His 26-year career in the Coast Guard took him all over the world’s waters, patrolling the Pacific water for months on end. He always called me after getting back to port with new stories; he’s shared tales of rescues and pulling people from sinking boats during storms. Though maybe not the headline news type of military action most of us know, the Coast Guard is out there patrolling foreign waters and protecting the USA in ways we never hear about. Jamie was some of the first military to go to Iraq during the Gulf war. I commend him and his service to this country.”

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. Senior Chief Sharp chose the Gary Sinise Foundation to receive this month’s donation.

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.

Visit the NFM Salute website to read more about Senior Chief Sharp’s service.

About NFM Lending

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, April 2, 2018— NFM Lending is pleased to honor Colonel Erwin A. Burtnick, USA, Retired, as the NFM Salute for April 2018.

COL Burtnick served over 37 years on active duty and in the Army National Guard and the Army Reserve.  Commissioned through Officer Candidate School, he has held numerous positions throughout his military career, including: Rifle Platoon Leader in the 115th Infantry, Adjutant of the 2122nd US Army Garrison, Secretary of the 2071st USAR School, Chief of the Evaluation Reports Branch (IMA) at the Military Personnel Center, and Director of Personnel and Community Activities (IMA) at the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) in Belgium.  He also commanded the 165th IMA Detachment in support of the Army Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel at The Pentagon.

COL Burtnick is the recipient of 24 decorations, service medals, and ribbons, including the Legion of Merit.  He was the first person in the Department of Defense to be presented the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal (MOVSM), which was awarded for his work with the Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) in the Department of Defense (DOD). He received a second award of the MOVSM for his work with Veterans.

The longest serving ESGR member in the country, COL Burtnick was appointed in 1973 to the ESGR National Advisory Council and served as the chair of the central region of Maryland and an ombudsman.  He is also a DOD Master Trainer. For his work with the committee, COL Burtnick has received numerous awards, including the Department of Defense ESGR Lifetime Achievement Award and the James M. Roche Spirit of Volunteerism Award, the highest award bestowed by ESGR.  He was also previously designated the National Ombudsman Volunteer of the Year.

Commander of the Department of Maryland, Jewish War Veterans of the USA, COL Burtnick is also the chairman of the National Awards for Valor Committee. He serves on the National Executive Committee and is vice chairman of the National Finance Board. Active in numerous other veteran and military organizations; Colonel Burtnick is the commander of the General George G. Meade Chapter of the Military Order of the World Wars, the national membership chairman, and is on the National Executive Committee.  He also serves on the Fort Meade Retiree Council.  A commissioner on the Maryland Veterans Commission, he served as an ambassador in the Army Freedom Team Salute program. COL Burtnick is also an Advisory Board member of The Jewish Uniformed Service Association of Maryland (JUSA) and is the Military and Veteran benefit advisor. The JUSA provides current and retired men and women in uniform [Military, Police, Fire and Public Safety] of the state of Maryland with educational and social support and activities.  JUSA’s motto – “Serving Those Who Serve Us” – reflects its mission to provide spiritual and counseling support to military members and Veterans and their families.

A graduate of The Johns Hopkins University, COL Burtnick lives with his wife, Janet, in Baltimore County.  They have two sons, Jason and Scott. Jason is an aerospace engineer and Scott is an industrial/organizational psychologist.

COL Burtnick was nominated by his friend, Rabbi Chesky Tenenbaum.

NFM Salutes 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. COL Burtnick chose AnySoldier to receive this month’s donation.

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.

About NFM Lending

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, March 23, 2018— NFM Lending is celebrating the two-year anniversary of its NFM Salute program. They honored their first NFM Salute on March 23, 2016.

NFM Salute is an initiative dedicated to recognizing the brave men and women who have fought and continue to fight for our freedom and our country. Every month, a nominated military service member or Veteran is chosen to be honored as the “Salute of the Month.” A brief biography and information about the Salute’s service is featured on both the website and NFM Lending’s social media. The Salute receives a gift and a donation is made by NFM Lending on behalf of the monthly Salute to one of three chosen non-profits: Platoon 22, AnySoldier, or the Gary Sinise Foundation. Since the start of the NFM Salute initiative, NFM Lending has donated over $50,000 to these military focused charities.

“Two years has flown by,” said Greg Sher, NFM’s Chief Business Development Officer. “The NFM Salute has fulfilled its promise to honor those who have and continue to serve our country. I just love reading the stories of our honorees and always look forward to the next one.”

NFM Lending is thankful for the opportunity to continue honoring U.S. military service members and Veterans through the NFM Salute initiative. Nominations are always welcome. For more information about the NFM Salute initiative, to read the stories of past Salutes, or to nominate a soldier or Veteran, visit www.nfmsalute.com.

NFM Salutes honored during the last year.

About NFM Lending

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 it celebrates 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, March 1, 2018— NFM Lending is pleased to honor Lance Corporal (LCpl) Joseph Fortuna as the NFM Salute for March 2018.

After high school graduation in 1992, LCpl Fortuna enlisted into the United States Marine Corps, where he served from 1992-1998. At the advice of his father, a Marine who served in Vietnam and Desert Storm, LCpl Fortuna became a Marine Automotive Organizational Mechanic (MOS 3521) and went to San Diego for training. Even after sustaining an injury during basic training and having to undergo rehab, he graduated and went on to Camp Pendleton, CA to attend the school of infantry with the 1st Marine Division. Afterwards, he continued to Camp Lejeune, NC to train as a 5 Ton/Humvee mechanic with the 2nd Marine Division. LCpl Fortuna was then discharged from active duty and reported to Headquarters and Service (H&S) Company 4th Marine Division in Chicago, IL. His unit was never activated for any combat operations and he was honorably discharged in November 1998. Since then, LCpl Fortuna has dedicated most of his time to supporting Veteran causes.

“…Not everyone has been as fortunate as me,” LCpl Fortuna explained, “Almost everyone in my family and circle of friends have served in the military in some capacity, including my daughter who just graduated from Paris Island last month. My dad would always say, ‘All gave some and some gave all.’ In the words of Veterans far greater than I, I’m definitely no hero, but I’m proud to have known some.”

LCpl Fortuna was nominated by his friend, Julianne Moore.

“Joe is an amazing man! He started a Motorcycle Club in 2003 called the Tunnel Rats, named after the Tunnel Rats in Vietnam, and the entire club is either active military or Veterans. With [Joe’s] help, all these men support and help Veterans in need. They donate money, ride in charitable rides to benefit Veterans, and take the time to help any in need. The Club has also made donations to Operation Combat Bikesaver, [where] Veterans help build bikes to help cope with their PTSD. All these things would not be possible without Joe’s inspiration and determination.”

NFM Salutes 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. LCpl Fortuna chose AnySoldier to receive this month’s donation.

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.

About NFM Lending

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. 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, February 1, 2018— NFM Lending is pleased to honor WWII Veteran, Kenneth Hutcherson, as the NFM Salute for February 2018.

After high school graduation in Halifax, Virginia, Hutcherson moved to Baltimore, Maryland in June 1941 and worked for Glen L. Martin Company. After 15 months, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps. He attended basic training at Keesler Field, Mississippi; radio school in Sioux Falls, South Dakota; and gunnery school in Las Vegas, Nevada. During this time, flight crews were being assembled in Moses Lake, Washington, with specialists coming from all parts of the country. All were trained as a flight crew, utilizing the skills required to man the thirteen 50-caliber machine guns and all other responsibilities.

After his training was complete, he was assigned to the 95th Bomb Group, 335th Squadron in Horham, England. During 1943-1944, Hutcherson flew 22 bombing missions as a radio operator/gunner, as well as 4 missions in the bombardier position. After the completion of those 26 missions, Hutcherson returned to Langley Air Force Base in Virginia in August 1944. While at Langley Field, he flew five nights a week to train radar operators with their equipment in the ball turret. Victory in Europe (VE Day) occurred in May during this time.

Hutcherson was discharged in October 1945. He was later called back from the Air Force Reserves in September 1950, but he was never activated and was discharged in May 1953. Hutcherson received several decorations, including the Air Medal (3 clusters), Distinguished Flying Cross, and 3 Presidential Unit Citations. He also received the Chevalier Legion of Honor from France.

After his discharge, Hutcherson worked for International Monetary Fund as chief of graphics until he retired at 65. Hutcherson was married for 67 years and has two children, a son, and a daughter. Today, Hutcherson resides in Towson, Maryland and continues to work once a week. He is the only surviving crew member of the 95th Bomb Group.

Hutcherson was nominated by his friend, Brooke Massicot.

“I met Ken while he was working at the post office in my building. At 94 years young, he is a phenomenal writer and story teller and has a great sense of humor. It is an honor to know Ken.”

NFM Salutes 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. Hutcherson chose Platoon 22 to receive this month’s donation.

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.

About NFM Lending

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. 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.

About NFM Lending

LINTHICUM, MD, January 2, 2018— NFM Lending is pleased to honor Sergeant (Sgt) Paul E. Ralston, Jr. as the NFM Salute for January 2018.

After high school graduation in 1963, Ralston voluntarily enlisted into the United States Marine Corps, where he served from 1963-1967. He was immediately deployed to Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, NC for infantry training. At completion of training, Sgt. Ralston was sent to Pensacola, FL where he attended school for Communications and Electronic Warfare. From January 1966 to January 1967, he was stationed in Huế (Phu Bai), Vietnam, during which time he worked his way up the ranks to Sergeant. Sgt. Ralston received the Vietnam Campaign Medal, Expert Rifleman, Pistol Sharpshooter, Good Conduct Medal, and Top-Secret Security Clearance. Sgt. Ralston is father to two daughters: Debbie, born in 1965 in a Marine Corp Hospital, and Kim, born in 1967 on the Marine Corp birthday.

Sgt. Ralston was nominated by his daughter, Kimberly Ralston.

“I am very proud of him for serving our country at such a difficult time in a world full of conflict and controversy. My dad was dedicated and hardworking all my life. I believe his time in the service helped to mold him into the man and father that he is today.”

NFM Salutes 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. Ralston chose Platoon 22 to receive this month’s donation.

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.

LINTHICUM, MD, September 1, 2017— NFM Lending is pleased to honor Chief Warrant Officer 3 (CW3) Thomas Nicola, Jr. as the NFM Salute for September 2017.

Born and raised in Coal Township, PA, CW3 Nicola is currently assigned as the Quality Assurance Officer for Submarine Squadron 7 in Pearl Harbor, HI, and is entering his 20th year of active duty service with the U.S. Navy. CW3 Nicola enlisted in October of 1997 as a Nuclear Machinist Mate, Engineering Laboratory Technician. He has completed tours on board the USS Harry S Truman CVN 75, USS Ronald Reagan CVN 76 and USS Carl Vinson CVN 70 (all nuclear power aircraft carriers); he also did a tour at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard. He has completed eight overseas deployments, and is slated to retire in May 2018.

CW3 Nicola was nominated by his cousin, Candy Belfield.

“Thomas is my cousin and friend,” said Belfield. “I am so proud of his accomplishments in the Navy during his career. He has given most of his life to serving our country, including time away from friends and family during deployments. I am thankful there are people like Thomas to serve and protect, and thankful to NFM for recognizing him.”

The 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 $2,500 donation to a military or Veteran non-profit in the Salute’s name. CW3 Nicola chose The Gary Sinise Foundation to receive this month’s donation.

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.

About NFM Lending

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. 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, August 1, 2017— NFM Lending is pleased to honor Captain (CPT) Omayra Velez (ret.), as the NFM Salute for August 2017.

CPT Velez received her commission into the Army in October 2007.  She received a direct commission as a Medical Service Corp Officer, and later became an Environmental Science Engineering Officer. Her first duty stationed was with the 705th Military Police Battalion at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, with which she deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from August 2009 to August 2010. On her return from Iraq, CPT Velez was assigned to the 21st Theater Sustainment Command in Kaiserslautern, Germany for two years, and then to the Army Public Health Command Europe in Landstuhl, Germany. She earned a coveted one-year “Training with Industryt the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratories in Livermore, California, from 2013 to 2014. After the training, she was assigned to Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Aberdeen, Maryland. She medically retired due to injury in January 2017.  In her 9-year career, CPT Velez earned two Meritorious Service Medals, four Army Commendations Medals, one Army Achievement Medal, the Overseas Service Ribbon with two numeral devise, and the Iraq Campaign medal with one Campaign Star.

CPT Velez was nominated by NFM Lending Branch Manager Jennifer Cook.

“I have known Omayra for several years,” said Cook. “When I first met her, she was active duty. She recently retired from service, and I wanted to recognize Omayra for her many years of service and being a loyal client of NFM Lending. Congrats Omayra! It’s always a pleasure working with you.”

The 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 $2,500 donation to a military or Veteran non-profit in the Salute’s name. Velez chose Platoon 22 to receive this month’s donation.

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.

About NFM Lending

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. 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.