I'm not a Veteran, but I've spent time in the Occupy movement with those directly fighting foreclosure (Southern California's Occupy Fights Foreclosures). Long story short, the banks (including Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac) =do not care whatsoever= who you are or what you have done in your life or what are your circumstances, be they extreme disability and even extreme old age. This is a robber-baron era once again. It's only about collecting properties and profiting from doing so in several ways. They often trick people into setting themselves up for foreclosure by saying they'll offer modifications etc. if you stop paying your mortgage temporarily. Then they sell your home and never ever return your calls or acknowledge receipt of any paperwork sent. Consider them as true predators and that their goal is to steal and things will become clear, including the required response. Do not waste a minute expecting the bank to do what you'd imagine they should, or that they will if you call and wait enough times.
Get the media in, in droves. Call everyone, from local to national to radio and even include the "black sheep" news agencies which are from "enemy" countries, but who in my direct experience will truthfully present the given story because it is embarrassing to the US (PressTV Iran, RT News Russia, even Al Jazeera English). If you are in an area with Spanish-speaking media such as Univision and Telemundo, get them in there. (Missouri, not as likely.) Send a press release detailing who, what, when, where, and why to Huffington Post, Truth-Out, Crooks and Liars, and other internet media. Start blogs and post their story, tagging the posts with searchable keywords such as foreclosure, Veteran, etc. Find the responsible bank's Facebook page(s) and post links to each media item as it is released. Find the responsible bank's Twitter channels (@BofA_News, @BofA_Community, etc.) and post and retweet links to the story and each media item as it is released. Carpet bomb them with negative media attention they know will not go away until they do the right thing. Do not allow the story to fall off of the internet. Keep it kicked and updated. You will get some very negative replies in the comments sections; ignore them or ask them why they are hopeful this person will be put on the street, and point out where it is the bank's fault.
Always focus upon the person involved. This is a human rights story, against proven thieves (robosigning is illegal and is still going on unabated and no one will stop them). This is about the damage they'll suffer if the banks have their way. This is about who the victims are, what they've done in their lives, and How Could The Banks Do That To Them.
You have the benefit of being a strong community. See if there are any Occupy groups, church groups, housing rights groups, etc. in the area who would be willing to join in. March inside the responsible bank's office and lobby (inviting all mentioned media). For those who would gladly risk arrest, camp in the yard of the targeted home. Set up enormous signs. Have a media table with your press release, foreclosure facts, tactics, etc. Call a block meeting and tell everyone what is going on and what you intend to do about it. (Be sure to offer food and drinks; food is unity.)
Basically, shame the bank with enormous, relentless, negative exposure. And most importantly, have someone trustworthy and knowledgeable examine all paperwork involving the foreclosure(s). If it has been more than a year, sometimes things expire and foreclosure becomes moot. Look for dates and time limits and any hint of fraud, because they are outright thieves, using robosigning as quickly as they can to turn over as many properties as possible. They get sloppy and you can win back a home in this manner. This in fact is your most powerful weapon. Beware of fraudulent companies which offer to help beat foreclosure; they're often just as shady as the banks or worse. I've heard of people spending tens of thousands of dollars and getting nothing in return.
I note one group in Missouri who've just gathered to directly fight a foreclosure:
Eviction Stopped By Protestors’ Threats To Interfere
http://fox2now.com/2012/09/21/eviction-stopped-by-protestors-threats-to-interfere/
As the article points out, the sheriffs were surprised, but in my experience, they take orders from the bank and have been putting incredible numbers of Americans on the street regardless of circumstance, so "they'll be back" and always are unless you can get the bank to crack. Occupy Minnesota have been given serious charges when arrested for physically blocking homes for days on end, so the physical is for media attention and to set the hard intent that This Is A Fight And They Will Lose.
A friend and his family are currently battling foreclosure in the Valley part of Los Angeles; they have barricaded themselves in, and police presence appears to be increasing after 27 days of saying NO! to the notice to vacate. Here is their story with some good information:
Yet ANOTHER ugly foreclosure story starring Bank of America! Daily additions: BofA horror stories
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10021337674
And here is how OFF just won for a family in Anaheim:
Anaheim Family Wins Eviction Stay and Loan Modification for Their Wrongfully Foreclosed Home!
http://www.democraticunderground.com/12523718
Here is a report on what Fannie Mae allows; I was there:
Tenants Claim Fannie Mae Properties Run Like Slums (video)
http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/video/6800769-tenants-claim-fannie-mae-properties-run-like-slums/
And here is the source for information against foreclosure:
http://www.occupyfightsforeclosures.org/
Related items:
The Illegal Foreclosure Machine is destructive to us all!
http://occupyobservations.blogspot.com/2012/04/illegal-foreclosure-machine-is.html
March 26, 27: Occupy Fights Foreclosures LA battles for Dirma!
http://occupyobservations.blogspot.com/2012/03/m26-27-occupy-fights-foreclosures-la-is.html
Dirma beats foreclosure!
http://occupyobservations.blogspot.com/2012/05/dirma-beats-foreclosure.html
My heart goes out to these victims of the dishonorable. All my best.
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