$25K Grant Helps Cibolo, Texas, Army Veteran Breathe Easier with New HVAC System
FHLB Dallas and First National Bank Texas Provide Repairs through HAVEN Program
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Army veteran Michael Makar says receiving a new heating, ventilation and air conditioning system for his Cibolo, Texas, home felt like winning the lottery. The replacement was made possible by a $25,000 Housing Assistance for Veterans (HAVEN) grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) through First National Bank Texas (FNBT).
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From left, FNBT District Manager Leo Mata, Army veteran Michael Makar and FNBT Regional Manager Susy Grunsten. Mr. Makar received a $25,000 HAVEN grant from FHLB Dallas awarded through its member FNBT.
Representatives from FNBT joined Mr. Makar at his home this week to celebrate the grant during a ceremonial check presentation.
“To me, I felt like I won the lottery,” Mr. Makar said. “It was such a blessing for me and also my daughter and mother. My daughter said the night they fixed everything was the best night of sleep she’d had in a year and a half. I thank everyone from the bottom of my heart.”
The grant replaced an aging HVAC system that had poor airflow and mold in its ductwork. The problem was affecting the household, including Mr. Makar’s daughter, but the disabled Army veteran, who lives on a fixed income, did not have the resources to replace the system. Since the work was completed, he and his family have been able to breathe easier and live more comfortably, he said.
Mr. Makar served in the U.S. Army from 2000 to 2007 as a chemical operations specialist. His service included a peacekeeping mission in Kosovo, service with a medical brigade in Germany and a 12-month deployment to Iraq. Today, he lives with service-related disabilities, including post-traumatic stress disorder, chronic pain, an autoimmune disease and spinal problems. After the military, he used the GI Bill to attend Central Texas College and Texas State University. Mr. Makar said he was later determined to be 100 percent disabled by the military.
He shares his home with his daughter and mother while managing his service-related disabilities.
“We are honored to help veterans access resources that make a meaningful difference in their lives,” said April Niswonger, FNBT assistant vice president of Community Engagement. “It was a privilege to work with Mr. Makar on these much-needed repairs.”
HAVEN provides grants for home modifications, housing construction and homebuyer down payment assistance to help veterans, reservists and service members who have a service-related disability. It can also be used by Gold Star Families. Grants are made available through FHLB Dallas member financial institutions participating in the program. In 2026, FHLB Dallas allocated $1 million for HAVEN grants.
“We are grateful for member institutions like FNBT that have embraced the HAVEN program and consistently step forward to help disabled veterans,” said Greg Hettrick, senior vice president and director of Community Investment at FHLB Dallas. “The need is significant across our District.”
Learn more about the HAVEN program at FHLB Dallas HAVEN Program.
About First National Bank Texas
First National Bank Texas (FNBT) and its divisions First Convenience Bank, First Community Mortgage and First Heroes National Bank remain dedicated to building strong financial futures for their customers, employees and the communities they serve. The bank was founded in 1901 in Killeen, Texas.
About the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas
The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas is one of 11 district banks in the FHLBank System created by Congress in 1932. FHLB Dallas, with total assets of $107.8 billion as of June 30, 2026, is a member-owned cooperative that supports housing and community development by providing competitively priced loans and credit products to approximately 780 member institutions in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico and Texas. For more information, visit fhlb.com.
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