W.K. Gugleheim II is not your typical World War II veteran. He is also a father of 17, a stamp collector, and according to his local bank, a total deadbeat. On Wednesday afternoon W.K.'s local bank, Credit Union of New Templeton, sent him a letter saying that they had had enough of the 95 years old's deadbeat ways. The bank informed W.K. that they were foreclosing on his family home.
"I don't understand why they would do something like this to me. I never did nothing to them ever," W.K. said while holding back tears. The letter that W.K. received from the bank agrees with him. In fact, the bank alleges that he has never made one payment of his $300,000 30-year home mortgage. Instead, the bank alleges that Mr. Gugleheim's mortgage obligation has currently ballooned to over $4 million dollars due to refinancings, late fees, and interest charges.
"I never thought that I could be a victim like this. These banks are pure evil," said Regina Smith-Gugleheim, W.K.'s youngest daughter. My father fought against evil like this in World War II and it is shameful that now we all have to fight this kind of oppression on American soil. When asked about why her father had not paid any of his debts, she responded, "How could he? He can't afford those payments. He doesn't have any money so he shouldn't have to pay."
This setinment was shared with other members of the family as well. Oldest brother Randy also owes over $500,000 to the same credit union, but does not see any need to pay either. "My father is a good man. He took out that mortgage to buy the house of his dreams following the death of our mother." Randy indicated that shortly after buying the house, W.K. left his job, but refused to move. Through a series of reverse mortgages and loan modifications he was able to send his children through college, buy a boat, and pay for a local golf membership.
"I never thought I would have to pay anything," said the distraught grandfather of 7. "I thought that I could take the money and that the value of the land would finance things forever. It is unfair that they expect me to be able to pay. Where will I live? I am a 95 year old widower being forced out of the only home I have ever loved. Where is the justice?"
At this point, the only thing that may be able to save Mr. Gugleheim from eviction is new legislation being handed down by Congress that will halt current foreclosures from moving forward. That could buy him some time, but it does not seem like a permanent solution for this war hero.
Ever wary of the future, W.K. says, "Even if they don't foreclose today, it seems like they will make me pay them something in the future, and that is not fair. I don't even have a job. Someone needs to help me, I certainly can't do anything." Unfortunately, these words ring true to many Americans across the country. Let's just hope that this war hero, and other like him, aren't left in the trenches to die.
