By Tom McSorley | Project Leader
Our campaign to reach veterans has been exciting and rewarding for all. So far, 8 veteran families have received systems that will last for more than 35 years and will generate power for their home every day! What we've heard from our veterans who benefit is that this is a game changer. They need the savings badly. They also feel like they are contributing to a better environment for our country.
Here are two stories from the field:
Summer got off to a good start with solar power installed for a “Rosie the Riveter!” Do you remember that phrase and those women?
Our “Rosie” is Ruth. Now 83, Ruth has, by her account, enjoyed an amazing life that included being one of the Rosie Riveters during WWI.
(Rosie the Riveter is a cultural icon of the United States, representing the American women who worked in factories and shipyards during World War II, many of whom produced munitions and war supplies. These women sometimes took entirely new jobs replacing the male workers who were in the military).
Ruth has always looked towards the future. During WWII, she joined the war effort as a reservist marine, building fighter planes. Afterwards, she worked for Howard Hughes as a technical writer. In the 60’s, she was a part of several civil rights campaigns. She is someone who is constantly giving back to her community.
Joe, her son, has been volunteering to install solar on others homes for awhile now and on installation day at his childhood home he helped the volunteer crew from Union Bank bring solar power savings to his mom who was delighted to also know that her rooftop would now be of service to in our transition to clean, renewable energy.
We went from the WWII era to the Vietnam Era with the kickoff of Operation: Solar for San Diego Troops - a campaign to provide solar power to 10 veteran/military families and to recruit, train and place at least 5 vets in a good paying solar job.
Thomas, a Vietnam era vet and his family, participated in the installation on his roof. He was joined by another Vietnam Vet who is now CEO of a local real estate firm, which is generously sponsoring our campaign!
If any group deserves financial independence, it is the military community of San Diego. We thank you for supporting us in our mission to provide this for veterans and many other deserving San Diegans.
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