A message worth repeating
In August 2012, almost two years ago, when I spoke to the Defense Credit Union Council at its annual conference, I challenged credit unions across this country to do their part in helping and hiring armed service veterans. As our nation winds down its military efforts in Afghanistan and the majority of the 33,000 service men and women are returning to their homes, I am reminded of the challenge made and the need that still exists for jobs to be created for these returning heroes.
When I called on credit unions to help in this endeavor, I asked that as a group they hire 1,000 veterans within their ranks. I thought the number reasonable and doable considering the number of credit unions across this country and their continued need to replenish their staff with grateful, ready-to-work individuals.
Unfortunately, unemployment in our country remains too high, putting jobs of all kinds at a premium. Returning veterans must compete in a pool of job seekers who are well qualified, anxious and willing to work hard. As a result of the overabundance of applicants, among other factors, the unemployment rate for veterans remains in the double digits.
On May 26, we will celebrate Memorial Day, and I am reminded of all those who gave their lives for the freedoms we enjoy. I thought it might be a good idea to revisit the Help Our Heroes, Hire a Vet challenge.
Credit unions have a unique opportunity to show once again that they are the premier financial institutions in this country and live up to their motto of people helping people. They can be the leaders in showing the men and women who have served this country in uniform that no one cares more about them than credit unions do.
I again repeat the words once said by President Calvin Coolidge, “The nation which forgets its defenders will itself be forgotten.” We must never forget those who served to protect what we have in this great country.
My message almost two years ago was this: “If you believe that America rose to its great level of achievement because of people helping people, show it by being the preeminent people-helping-people organizations in the nation. If you believe that America can employ all of its people who want to work, then lead the way by helping businesses and building communities. If you believe that every person who served this country deserves a chance of holding a job, then lead the way by helping our heroes and hiring a vet.”
I urge all credit unions to use the credit union philosophy to bring America home to its tried and trusted values of work, achievement, and helping others.
Credit unions can and must lead the way.
