CoBANK TO RENEW “NO BARRIERS” PROGRAM FOR RURAL VETERANS WITH DISABILITIES IN 2018

DENVER (November 8, 2017) – CoBank, a cooperative bank serving agribusinesses, rural infrastructure providers and Farm Credit associations throughout the United States, today announced that it is renewing its “No Barriers” program for rural veterans with disabilities in 2018.

The bank is once again inviting customers to nominate disabled veterans from rural communities to take part in the program, which is offered through a partnership between CoBank and the nonprofit organization No Barriers USA. Participating veterans go on wilderness expeditions in Colorado that challenge them physically and mentally and help them overcome the obstacles they face in their daily lives. CoBank will cover the full cost of participation for up to 50 veterans, including travel expenses, and No Barriers Warriors will oversee the expeditions.

“In celebration of Veterans Day, CoBank is delighted to announce the extension of this program and proud to continue partnering with our customers for the benefit of rural veterans,” said Tom Halverson, president and chief executive officer at CoBank. “America’s rural communities are home to millions of men and women who have sacrificed for their country through military service, many of whom are facing some sort of disability. The No Barriers program provides these veterans with an opportunity to challenge their own limitations – both real and perceived – and to create a network of support that can last a lifetime.”

CoBank first launched the No Barriers program in 2017. Farmer-owned agricultural cooperatives, rural electric cooperatives and other CoBank borrowers from 23 states took part in the program, nominating veterans from their local service territories. All CoBank customers are encouraged to participate.

“Our partnership with CoBank has helped No Barriers extend our reach and create greater awareness of our programs in rural communities,” said Erik Weihenmayer, co-founder of No Barriers USA and the first blind person to reach the summit of Mt. Everest. “We look forward to continuing that relationship and serving even more of our nation’s veterans with disabilities.”

In 2018, CoBank will sponsor four No Barriers expeditions that will take place in July and August. Nominations will be accepted from January 15 – April 15. Additional information on the program will be available on the CoBank corporate web site beginning January 2, 2018.

About CoBank

CoBank is a $124 billion cooperative bank serving vital industries across rural America. The bank provides loans, leases, export financing and other financial services to agribusinesses and rural power, water and communications providers in all 50 states. The bank also provides wholesale loans and other financial services to affiliated Farm Credit associations serving more than 70,000 farmers, ranchers and other rural borrowers in 23 states around the country.

CoBank is a member of the Farm Credit System, a nationwide network of banks and retail lending associations chartered to support the borrowing needs of U.S. agriculture, rural infrastructure and rural communities. Headquartered outside Denver, Colorado, CoBank serves customers from regional banking centers across the U.S. and also maintains an international representative office in Singapore.

For more information about CoBank, visit the bank’s web site at www.cobank.com.

What barriers do you face? This question lies at the heart of our organization. Whether in our personal lives, at work, or in our communities, we all face challenges that can prevent us from reaching our full potential. At No Barriers, we believe that what’s within you is stronger than what’s in your way. No Barriers empowers people of all walks of life to overcome obstacles, live a life of purpose, and give back to the world, all through our ground-breaking curriculum, the No Barriers Life.

Learn more about No Barriers at NoBarriersUSA.org.