KANSAS CITY, Mo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 16, 2006--Pioneer Services has recently teamed up with USA Cares, a non-profit organization that helps military families with emergency expenses, to provide referrals to those military families that qualify for their assistance.

The relationship began last year with a $20,000 donation from Pioneer Services to USA Cares to assist military families affected by Hurricane Katrina. This donation sparked discussions and ultimately an understanding of how the two organizations could work together.

"By teaming up with USA Cares, we can make an enormous impact in the military community," said Karen Von Der Bruegge, chief marketing officer for Pioneer Services. "If we're not able to help them with one of our products or services, we can refer them to USA Cares so they can get the help they need."

"USA Cares does not have offices, chapters or posts across America, and so when Pioneer Services stepped forward with not only financial support, but organizational support, it clearly sets the stage to move to the next level of effort and opportunity to assist military families from our organization," said Roger Stradley, a founder and currently the Operations Officer of USA Cares.

The mission of USA Cares is to help service members and their families around the globe by helping with emergency expenses. Since its founding in 2003, the organization has assisted more than 2,014 families and resourced more than $1.1 million in grants for emergency needs like clothing, travel, food, auto repair, and other expenses. Service members and their families can make a request for funds through the organization's Web site, www.usacares.us. USA Cares is also a member of the Department of Defense "America Supports You" program.

"This is a tremendous opportunity to improve the quality of life for military families," said Von Der Bruegge. "We're proud to be associated with a group like USA Cares, and are looking forward to helping them in their efforts."

Working with USA Cares is another way Pioneer Services Representatives enhance the quality of life and financial independence for military families. With more than 70 years in the financial industry, they provide the responsible alternative for financial services and education that our service members deserve. Through a network of offices and on the Internet, Pioneer Services Representatives offer financial education programs, loans, and insurance products, and support military families and communities through a variety of partnerships, programs, and sponsorships.

For more information, visit www.pioneerservices.com.

PIONEER SERVICES is a brand name and registered service mark of Pioneer Licensing Services, Inc., where its use is duly licensed to affiliates and partners of Pioneer Licensing Services, Inc.

Copyright Business Wire 2006

Pioneer Services, a division of MidCountry Bank

Pioneer Services, a division of MidCountry Bank

Pioneer Services, the military division of MidCountry Bank, offers responsible financial services and education to members of the Armed Forces that enhance their quality of life and financial independence. For more than 20 years, Pioneer Services has been a leader in military lending. They offer the protection and security of a personal loan with the speed and flexibility service members need. Through a network of offices and on the Internet, Pioneer Services offers loans, financial education programs, and supports military families and communities through a variety of partnerships, programs, and sponsorships. For more information, visit www.pioneerservices.com

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