Patriot Express loans help veterans realize dreams

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.omaha.com/article/20121110/MONEY/711109926/1697#patriot-express-loans-help-veterans-realize-dreams

By Emily Nohr
WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER

When then-Air Force Sgt. Jeff Wharton was deployed across the globe in southwest Asia, he began laying the groundwork for life after 12 years in the military. Wanting to eventually start a small business, he dreamed up the name and applied for a trademark.

In August, after his return to Nebraska, Wharton's idea came to life when he and his father, Max Wharton, also a military veteran, opened First Aid Cellular, a cellphone repair shop. The shop at Westwood Plaza near 120th Street and West Center Road also repairs tablets and laptop computers.

“I've worked with computers since I was 13, and I've never bought one off the shelf,” said the Glenvil, Neb., native. “I'm pretty patient with that stuff. That's really what it takes: a lot of patience and a keen attention to detail, and I got that in the military.”

Wharton enlisted in the Air Force at age 22 in 2000, just a year before 9/11. He ended up with an avionic systems assignment working on F-15 fighter jets.

FULL story at link.

Photo: http://www.omaha.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=OW&Date=20121110&Category=MONEY&ArtNo=711109926&Ref=AR&maxw=598&maxh=400
CHRIS MACHIAN/THE WORLD-HERALD
Jeff Wharton started his business with a loan approved under the Patriot Express program, which provides small-business loans to veterans.