Help Me Hank: Help Me Hank! Soldier interest rate

This story has a happy ending even we couldn't predict, but it started when National Guard Sgt. First Class Sammy McCall got his notice in May of 2004.

Lynne McCall
"He had been deployed to Iraq."

It was active duty. Sammy McCall was off to war.

Lynne McCall
"I missed him terribly."

But before Sgt. McCall shipped out, he made sure his wife Lynne would be ok financially.

He wrote to their creditors, asking them to lower all interest rates to six percent. And, because the law requires that for active duty military, they did.

Lynne McCall
"They were proud of him for doing what he did."

But for the car loan, the same big bills kept coming.

Lynne McCall
"Never a change. There was never a change."

Months went by, Lynne called and called, but customer assistance kept saying we need to talk to your husband.

Lynne McCall
"I said, well, understand that he is in Iraq. He has no way of contacting you."

So while her husband was battling insurgents in Iraq, Lynne was fighting a losing battle with the budget. She tried to keep up, but the big bills kept coming.

Lynne McCall
"I was talking to my daughter and she said why don't you call Help Me Hank."

We knew Sgt. McCall had done just the right thing. The Soldiers and Sailors Civil Relief Act does provide financial help to those in the armed forces.

But it turns out the bank decided to adjust the principle payments instead of lowering the interest.

Can they do that?

The Massachusetts National Guard told us no ma’am. So we went back to the bank, this time with marching orders from the big guns.

And now: reduced payments for Lynne and a $2000 refund.

But here's what’s much more valuable than money, that happy ending we promised.

He’s still on active duty, but Sgt. McCall just arrived home safe and sound.

Lynne McCall
"This is a wonderful, wonderful ending."

The Soldiers and Sailors Civil Relief Act offers lots of help for those in the military. Check out the links below for more info.