Tiny CU Fends On Its Own

PACSCAGOULA, Miss. - (09/15/05) -- The destruction of Jackson CountyFederal Employees FCU's only branch by Hurricane Katrina did notprevent the $2 million credit union from serving its members. Whileflood waters sped all around, the credit union manager set up shopin the back of a pick-up truck, while an employee's husband armedhimself with a shotgun to provide security for the makeshiftbranch. The tiny credit union did what it could to provide servicesfor one of its members, Doug DeSilvey, who came by asking for$6,000 for burial expenses for his daughter, his ex-wife and bothof her parents, who had all drowned when their home was flooded. Itis unlikely the credit union will be able to rebuild because it didnot have flood insurance and its insurer deemed the damage wasflood-related. The only insurance money it will receive is paymentfor two computers and one phone.