National Guardsman, foreclosed on during active duty, fights back

Iraq veteran, who was foreclosed on during active duty, fights back
March 03, 2011
VAN BUREN COUNTY, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) – A soldier from Van Buren County, a man who has served more than 25 years in the Michigan National Guard is now in the midst of a different battle here at home.

Sergeant James Hurley is suing the bank that foreclosed on his home while he was on active duty.

Hurley was deployed to Iraq in 2004 and 2005. While he was over there, he fell behind on his mortgage payments and Deutsche Bank and Saxon Mortgage foreclosed on his home near Hartford.

Hurley and his lawyers say that was in violation of the service members Civil Relief Act.

The trial began Thursday.

Inside the Grand Rapids Federal Courthouse, the battle is underway between Sgt. Hurley and the banks.

Outside, people were on hand, showing their support for Hurley through flags and signs.

Barb Mitchell is one of about ten people who lined up on the sidewalk Thursday.

“This is a soldier who answered his nation's call,” said Mitchell. “That this case should even reach this point is a sad commentary. We believe this man needs our support.”
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Iraq veteran, foreclosed on during active duty, fights back