PenFed Credit Union, Gary Sinise Foundation and American Airlines Deliver Night of Relief to Puerto Rico

PR Newswire

TYSONS, Va., March 7, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- PenFed Credit Union, along with the Gary Sinise Foundation and their official airline partner American Airlines, hosted a benefit featuring the first-ever concert in Puerto Rico by Gary Sinise & the Lt. Dan Band. The concert raised national awareness of Puerto Rico's ongoing hurricane recovery needs and delivered a night of relief and entertainment for survivors on the island.

"Nearly six months after Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico, hundreds of thousands of people remain without power, and nearly 10,000 small businesses are still closed. Over 30% of the population is still in need. Military service members and community members still need our help. As Americans, we must stand together," said James Schenck, President and CEO of PenFed Credit Union. "PenFed hosted this incredible concert to show the community in Puerto Rico that their fellow Americans have not forgotten them. It's an honor to show our appreciation for the resilient people of Puerto Rico who have suffered so much and those who continue to help rebuild the island. PenFed remains committed to supporting the restoration of Puerto Rico. We hope other businesses across America will do the same."

After delivering relief packages to San Juan and Guaynabo during the aftermath of Hurricane Maria last year, Schenck asked Sinise to perform a benefit concert. "I said what the community needs in Puerto Rico is a concert to lift up their spirits. Without hesitation, Gary said 'I'll do it!'"

"It was a great pleasure to visit Fort Buchanan to play for service members and the people of Puerto Rico. The people are amazing and it's important to me to let them know we appreciate them and will not forget about them and what they continue to go through," said Sinise. "While there is still so much to do, Puerto Rico is strong and Puerto Rico will be back. I thank our pals at PenFed for their support of the concert as well as American Airlines and Envoy for getting my band and I there."

People from across the island attended the free concert on March 2 at Fort Buchanan including FEMA workers, Puerto Rico residents, members of the military, government officials and many others. PenFed's Facebook Live streaming of the concert brought in nearly 20,000 views. Gary Sinise & the Lt. Dan Band, which is a proud program of the Gary Sinise Foundation, played a two-and-a-half hour set for the crowd. Sinise and Schenck toured Fort Buchanan and met with military personnel during their visit.

The concert was made possible by a $100,000 donation from PenFed Credit Union to the Gary Sinise Foundation to sponsor the Lt. Dan Band. American Airlines and Envoy transported the band to Puerto Rico, and gave away 150,000 AAdvantage Miles split among two of the concert goers.

For b-roll from the event, click here.

"The island and people of Puerto Rico have suffered greatly in the past six months, and we're especially mindful of those members of the military in Puerto Rico who have endured so much. Their willingness to stand up and help fellow citizens in the wake of the storms, even though their own lives were affected in so many ways, is a testament to their tremendous sense of service and sacrifice," said Captain Jim Palmersheim, American Airlines Senior Manager for Military and Veterans Initiatives. "American Airlines and Envoy are proud to support Gary Sinise & the Lt. Dan Band as they travel the world entertaining those who serve our nation and their families."

PenFed currently operates three branches in Puerto Rico: one on the United States Army Garrison of Fort Buchanan and two in San Patricio Plaza in Guaynabo. PenFed will construct a fourth branch in Hatillo, Puerto Rico, this year.

About PenFed Credit Union

Established in 1935 as the War Department Credit Union, PenFed Credit Union is America's second-largest federal credit union, serving over 1.6 million members worldwide with $23 billion in assets. Our long-standing mission is to provide superior financial services in a cost- effective manner, while being responsive to members' needs. PenFed Credit Union offers market-leading mortgages, automobile loans, credit cards, student loans, personal loans, checking, certificates and a wide range of other financial services with members' interests always in mind. PenFed Credit Union serves a diverse population, and no military service is required to join. PenFed Credit Union offers many paths to membership, including numerous employee groups and association affiliations. PenFed Credit Union is federally insured by the NCUA and is an equal housing lender. To learn more about PenFed Credit Union, visit PenFed.org, like us on Facebook and follow us @PenFed on Twitter. Interested in working for PenFed? Check us out on LinkedIn. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

About Gary Sinise Foundation

The Gary Sinise Foundation honors America's defenders, veterans, first responders, their families and those in need. Through its R.I.S.E. program (Restoring Independence Supporting Empowerment), specially adapted smart homes are being constructed for severely wounded veterans and first responders nationwide. Each one-of-a-kind home is customized to ease the everyday burdens of a wounded hero, their family, and caregivers. Other programs include Gary Sinise & the Lt. Dan Band, Relief & Resiliency Outreach, Invincible Spirit Festivals, Arts & Entertainment Outreach, Serving Heroes, and First Responders Outreach. Soaring Valor is sending WWII veterans to The National WWII Museum and documenting their first-hand accounts of the war. Its newest program, Snowball Express serves children of our fallen heroes and Gold Star families. For more information, please visit GarySiniseFoundation.org.

About American Airlines Group

American Airlines and American Eagle offer an average of nearly 6,700 flights per day to nearly 350 destinations in more than 50 countries. American has hubs in Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, Phoenix, and Washington, D.C. American is a founding member of the oneworld® alliance, whose members serve more than 1,000 destinations with about 14,250 daily flights to over 150 countries. Shares of American Airlines Group Inc. trade on Nasdaq. In 2015, its stock joined the S&P 500 index. Connect with American on Twitter @AmericanAir and at Facebook.com/AmericanAirlines.