LINTHICUM, MD, December 1, 2020— NFM Lending is pleased to honor Major­­­­­­­­­­­­­ Jessica Astorga, USAF, Retired, as the NFM Salute for December 2020.

From a young age, Astorga knew she wanted to become a nurse and serve in the Air Force. After graduating from the University of Auburn with a nursing degree, the Alabama native was commissioned as an Officer in 2000.

She was deployed to Iraq in 2007, and later to Afghanistan from 2010 to 2011. In both deployments, she worked as a critical care nurse in combat theater hospitals, where she worked long hours tending to the injured. However, not all the wounded she cared for were her comrades. Sometimes they were local civilians or even prisoners of war. Astorga recalls, “I had a lot of moral battles and ethical battles while I was there and deployed in those areas. [They’re] human beings as well and when I became a nurse in the military, we take care of all casualties, no matter if it’s our soldiers or the enemy.” If being a nurse in a combat zone wasn’t challenging enough, Astorga also had to navigate a still very male-dominated profession. She said, “I felt like I had to continuously prove myself to my peers, my male counterparts, [and] my male superiors.”

When she returned from her second deployment, Astorga had trouble finding her place within society, and it took a toll on her mentally. Her struggle with depression led her to an early medical retirement in 2013. Following her military career, Astorga worked as a Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) at two private hospitals in Dayton, OH. The emotional pain she endured was still difficult to bear, and she sought support from various Veteran-oriented programs. One day, she came across Women Veterans Network, or WoVeN. WoVeN is a nationwide community of female Veterans whose mission is to provide support and sisterhood to its members. The ideals of WoVeN resonated with Astorga so much that she decided to become a Peer Leader and started a chapter in the Dayton area. Volunteering with WoVeN gave Astorga a new purpose in life: to let women Veterans know they matter and have not been forgotten.

While deployed, Astorga would often watch Peyton Manning’s football games in the breakroom during her downtime. Watching her favorite player gave her a sense of comfort and home during her overseas assignments. On November 8^th, Astorga was surprised with a video call from Peyton Manning, who thanked her for her service and her work with WoVeN as a part of the NFL’s “Salute to Service”. She has also been featured in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ national campaign, I Am Not Invisible, which recognizes female Veterans for their contributions.

Astorga still resides in Dayton, OH. She enjoys spending time with her family and connecting with her WoVeN sisters. Along with lifting others up, Astorga is taking more time to care for herself. “I had been taking care of so many people in my life–patients, family–that I decided I [want to] take care of myself right now,” she says. “That’s where I am; working on a lot of things for [my] mental and physical health, as the years of being in a stressful work environment and all of that I’ve done have, of course, affected me physically.” Astorga is currently training to become a Veteran’s yoga instructor so she can help fellow Veterans with physicality through meditation and mindfulness.

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 biography and information about his or her service, and NFM Lending will donate to a military or Veteran non-profit in the Salute’s name.

NFM Lending is proud to donate $2,500 to Veterans Yoga Project on behalf of Astorga. 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 41 states in the U.S. The company was founded in Baltimore, Maryland in 1998. NFM Lending and its family of companies includes Main Street Home Loans, BluPrint Home Loans, and Freedmont Mortgage Group. 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, November 2, 2020— NFM Lending is pleased to honor Corporal Jamie Willis, USA, Retired, as the NFM Salute for November 2020.

Jamie Willis joined the U.S. Army in 1989 as a Cavalry Scout. During his military career, Willis was a member of 4^th Squadron, 7^th Cavalry in Korea, and 2^nd Squadron, 2^nd Cavalry Regiment. In 1991, he served in Saudi Arabia with A Troop in the 1st Squadron, 7^th Cavalry Regiment as part of Operation Desert Shield, and later in Operation Desert Storm. Willis remembers, “It was a rough time, not really knowing when we first deployed how long we would be there [or] what the situation would actually be like. After seeing what happened on the news before we deployed–the threat of chemical warfare–and just freshly being in the Army, it was a real terrifying time.” During this tour, Willis was severely injured in an accident with a Bradley Fighting Vehicle. His back sustained the most damage, and Willis was told he may never walk again. Miraculously, he began to take his first steps a few weeks after. The pain from the injury, however, did eventually force him into an early medical retirement in 1998.

Due to his specialized role in the military and his limited physical range, it was difficult to reintegrate into civilian life. During the first several years, Willis took jobs that were less physically demanding, including: gas station clerk, school bus driver, mechanic, and a garbage man. In 2006, he reentered the military world and worked on the MRAP (Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected) vehicle project. He started MRAP University as an instructor in Texas, and later traveled the U.S. and overseas training service members until 2014.

Eventually, the mental and physical injuries Willis received during combat caught up to him, manifesting themselves in an extremely painful way. Willis suffered with chronic back pain from his accident and was considered 100% disabled by the Department of Veterans Affairs. The combination of being unable to work and PTSD left Willis often contemplating suicide. His life completely changed when he decided to find an alternative to the unstable, “ugly” metal canes issued by the VA. After researching a better, more attractive cane, Willis reached out to Free Canes for Veterans, a volunteer project based in Florida. When he was told the waitlist to receive a hand-carved cane was full, he was contacted by the head of the organization, Oscar Morris, who taught Willis how to make his own.

Willis soon made his very first cane, but he did not want to stop with himself. The experience of handcrafting a mobility tool made him realize other Veterans deserved to have a cane that gave them a sense of dignity. With his newfound sense of purpose, Willis started his own branch, Canes for Veterans Central Texas, in 2016. Since then, Willis and his team of volunteers have made over 400 canes distributed to Veterans and civilians in the U.S. and around the world. The canes are made from scraps of wood, either donated or found by Willis. In January, news of his cane-making went nationwide as he had asked for local Christmas trees to be donated to him instead of discarded. Before he knew it, Willis had thousands of trees donated from across the country.

Willis says the symbolism of using Christmas trees to make canes was told to him by Morris. He explained, “The Christmas tree and the Veteran are very similar. If you think about the Christmas tree and the service member, they’re treated the same. They’re taken when they’re young, they’re decorated up, they’re used, and at the end of the season, they’re both thrown away. I’m taking that Christmas tree and I’m stripping it back down and starting over. Then I turn it into a cane. It’s solid again–it’s strong–and I give it to the Veteran as a symbol; to show them you’re still solid, you’re still strong, you’re still worth something. When you explain that to them, they stand a little taller. They puff their chest out a little bit and it just makes them feel good about themselves.”

Willis resides in Copperas Cove, TX, where he is keeping himself busy with the organization. He hopes to make and give away 1,000 canes in 2020.

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 biography and information about his or her service, and NFM Lending will donate to a military or Veteran non-profit in the Salute’s name.

NFM Lending is proud to donate $5,000 to Canes for Veterans Central Texas on behalf of Willis. 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 41 states in the U.S. The company was founded in Baltimore, Maryland in 1998. NFM Lending and its family of companies includes Main Street Home Loans, BluPrint Home Loans, and Freedmont Mortgage Group. 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, May 1, 2020— NFM Lending is pleased to honor Aviation Metalsmith, 2nd Class “Grandpa” Bill Kelly as the NFM Salute for May 2020.

Kelly was born in 1925 in Aurora, Illinois during the Great Depression. As one of seven children, he said growing up he never realized they were poor. His family had a large garden and he recalls fond memories of rabbit hunting and fishing in the Fox River with his father. Toward the end of the Depression, Kelly vowed to serve his country after the horrific events of Pearl Harbor. At 17 years old and a senior in high school, his father encouraged him to graduate before enlisting. Keeping his word, he graduated before joining the Navy in July 1943.

Kelly was assigned to the 53rd Naval Construction Battalion attached to the Third Marine Division. He was deployed to several places, including: New Caledonia, Guadalcanal, Bougainville, and Guam. His battalion took care of wounded, unloaded ships, removed unexploded ammunition and created roads for transportation so troops could get to the frontlines.

After his service, Kelly attended Oregon State and Linn Benton Community College, where he earned an associate’s degree in Fire Science. He then joined the Corvallis Volunteer Fire Department and was later hired by the local Fire Department, where he worked his way up to Captain of Suppression and Fire Prevention. He later became the Assistant Chief Fire Marshall at the Oak Lodge Fire District, where he eventually retired.

Now at 95 years old, Kelly has overcome yet another incredible challenge. On March 17, he tested positive for the novel Coronavirus, Covid-19. Living with his family, including two young great grandchildren, Kelly had to remain quarantined to his room for two weeks. His granddaughter, Rose Etherington, was able to care for him. “There were a couple of days where he looked extremely ashen and I could tell he was slipping. He didn’t want to eat, so we had to really stay on top of him to eat and drink. I think he pulled through because he has a strong mind. He knew it wasn’t time. He wanted to be with the kids more.”

To everyone going through this difficult time, Kelly does have some advice.

“This too will pass, and maybe we’ll be better off. Do what you’re supposed to do. Just be a good, solid American. There’s a saying that I remember a friend used to say all the time: Fighters never quit, and quitters never fight. Just carry on.”

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 biography and information about his or her service, and NFM Lending will donate to a military or Veteran non-profit in the Salute’s name.

NFM Lending is proud to donate $2,500 to The Gary Sinise Foundation on behalf of Kelly and his family. 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 41 states in the U.S. The company was founded in Baltimore, Maryland in 1998. NFM Lending and its family of companies includes Main Street Home Loans, Bluprint Home Loans, and Freedmont Mortgage Group. 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, January 2, 2020— NFM Lending is pleased to honor Sergeant Danny Austin as the NFM Salute for January 2020.

Danny served in the U.S. Air Force from 1969 to 1981. He served three tours in Vietnam, treating wounded soldiers as a Rescue Medic. For his own peace of mind and to avoid his parents worrying about him, Danny kept his location a secret by having friends mail letters home from other places. He didn’t come clean until 15 years later when he could no longer suppress the memories and emotions.

Vietnam took a toll on Danny both physically and mentally. He not only suffers from tremors, but also severe PTSD. Explaining how it impacts his daily life, Danny says:

“Sporadic stress; little things can set you off. I still cringe every time I hear a helicopter going over and I still cringe every time I hear a siren coming. Fireworks used to be such a pleasure when I was a child, but I don’t enjoy them anymore because it has that percussion sound that I don’t think ever leaves your ears.”

However, thanks to Sophie’s Companions for Veterans, his life has recently changed. Danny received Duke; a rescue dog that will be trained for service to assist with his disabilities. The bond between them was instantaneous. For the last five years, Danny has been unable to have a good night’s sleep but slept completely uninterrupted the first night with Duke. Danny’s wife, Judy, has also benefited from Duke. She suffers from anxiety after recently recovering from a long battle with cancer. She feels much calmer now. Danny says their future is bright with Duke there to help them heal.

To any soldiers who might be suffering from depression or PTSD, Danny would like to send the following message:

“What you go through is a balancing act. I was pretty good for a lot of years of just pushing it all back and not letting it affect me, but it somehow manifested itself back up to the surface. Getting into the American Legion and helping other veterans, seeing their difficulties and seeing so many suicides, it made me open up and seek help. I wish more veterans would do that. For any veteran –no matter what state, county, or wherever you live– there’s a place to reach out called Veterans’ Services. These people are sent from God because they bend over backwards to let you know what’s available to you. They’ll let you know what compensations are available to you. They fight for you.”

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 biography and information about his or her service, and NFM Lending will make a donation to a military or Veteran non-profit in the Salute’s name.

NFM Lending is proud to donate $2,000 to Sophie’s Companions for Veterans on Danny’s behalf. 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 39 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, 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.

SSG Pierorazio shared a story from his time with this Company.

“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.

SSG Pierorazio was nominated by his nephew, John Liberatore.

“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.”

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 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.

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.

About NFM Lending

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, 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 7^th Special Forces Group Airborne (SFGA), 1^st SFGA, 5^th 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 23^rd Infantry Division and took command of the Delta Company, 4/31^st Infantry, 196^th 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, 196^th LIB Association, and 31^st 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, 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 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 1^st Marine Division. Afterwards, he continued to Camp Lejeune, NC to train as a 5 Ton/Humvee mechanic with the 2^nd Marine Division. LCpl Fortuna was then discharged from active duty and reported to Headquarters and Service (H&S) Company 4^th 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 95^th 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