Yea the collection removal should boost up his scores. It sure did with mines. That is a good idea to just wait it out and pay off your other debts before applying for any credit card. I don't know much about NFCU, but I am assuming since they are a credit union that they should be able to work with you guys situation and hook you up with a low credit limit to start and work your way up from there. If anything there is the secured credit card route to help you rebuild you guys credit score. 
As of Nov 2012