St. Mary's Bank presented 100 calling cards to a Marine Company based in Londonderry. The men of Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 25th Marines will spend a few weeks state-side for training before being deployed to Iraq. The credit union collected $10 donations from employees, members and the community to purchase the cards through Operation Uplink, a service provided by the Veterans of Foreign Wars. These cards provide a valuable mechanism for the soldiers to call home and stay in touch with their loved ones.

Mr. Raymond Pinard, St. Mary's executive vice president and chief operating officer, presented the calling cards to Major Brian Hoffman, Company Commander, after making brief comments to the assembled Marines. St. Mary's Bank is adopting this local Marine Company during their estimated 7-month deployment. The credit union is establishing a permanent display in their Londonderry branch and will provide care kits and hygiene items, as well as continuing to provide calling cards. Members and the public are welcome to contribute to these local servicemen. Donations will be accepted at all branch and drive-up locations.

"This is just another great example of responsible and supportive employers stepping up to help these young Marines, and we thank St. Mary's Bank with all our heart", said Ernest Loomis, the State Chair of ESGR (Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve).

ESGR is a Department of Defense agency, providing consultations, and, if necessary, mediation for employers of Guard and Reserve employees. ESGR's goal is to support America's employers who share their citizen-warriors with the Nation to ensure our national security.