1st Source Bank supports the mission of the nonprofit organization known as American Huey 369. The organization is dedicated to preserving the historical significance of the Huey helicopter and supporting all military veterans, especially those who served in Vietnam. It works to maintain Huey helicopters for current use and is raising money to build a National American Huey History Museum at the Grissom Aeroplex in Peru, Ind. 1st Source has contributed to the fundraising campaign for that museum.

“As a flying member of American Huey, I can attest that the organization is a great ambassador for the entire helicopter industry, as well as a highly effective military veterans outreach organization,” said Chris Craft, President & Chief Operating Officer of the Specialty Finance Group at 1st Source Bank.

Dave Hudak, Helicopter and Aircraft Finance Division President of the 1st Source Specialty Finance Group, loves the effort to preserve the history and relevance of the Huey. “The Huey Helicopter is truly iconic in the annals of helicopter history and we continue to finance commercial variants of the Huey, along with the MD530, Bell 206, 407, 505, UH-60, Airbus H125,135, 145, and others to this very day,” said Hudak. “We applaud American Huey for keeping these historically significant helicopters flying.”

American Huey 369 Founder John Walker says they set a fundraising goal of $4 million for the new museum. He says $3 million will be used for construction and $1 million will be used as a rainy-day fund and to provide scholarships for children of veterans who were killed in action. The organization has raised more than $2.3 million so far, mostly from smaller donations known as founder donations. Anyone who contributes $1000 is considered a founder and their name will be printed on a large bronze plaque in front of the new museum.

“I am grateful for the support offered by Dave, Chris and 1st Source Bank. Contributions like this matter as we strive to keep these Hueys flying and continue with the building of our museum facilities,” said Walker. “Your support goes towards our ongoing fundraising goal for the new building project that is already underway. To date, we have met two thirds of our goal. For more information about American Huey or to join 1st Source in support, please visit our website or contact me at (765)-469-2727”