WASHINGTON, DC (January 13, 2026) |
Today, the Defense Credit Union Council (DCUC) sent a letter to Secretary of War Pete Hegseth emphasizing the critical role credit unions play in supporting military families and outlining key priorities to enhance financial readiness.
In the letter, DCUC President/CEO Anthony Hernandez, (Ret.) U.S. Air Force Colonel, wrote:
"For over 60 years, DCUC has worked hand-in-hand with the Department of Defense to ensure servicemembers and veterans have access to the dependable, affordable financial services they deserve. We greatly appreciate your recent focus on elevating troop quality-of-life issues and financial readiness, and we are eager to continue our partnership in support of the defense community."
DCUC’s letter highlights credit unions' vital response during crises, including government shutdowns and natural disasters, offering emergency loans, fee waivers, and financial relief to military families in need.
Hernandez noted, "During each shutdown, credit unions have stepped up with emergency loans and payroll advances, exemplifying our 'people helping people' mission. However, these charitable stopgaps are not a permanent solution, Congress must ultimately act to shield servicemembers from financial harm during political impasses."
DCUC outlined several advocacy priorities, including:
- Ensuring access to financial services on all military installations, especially at remote and overseas bases.
- Strengthening financial readiness programs through enhanced partnership and financial education.
- Addressing regulatory hurdles created by inconsistent interpretations of military lending laws.
- Establishing a Department of War Advisory Committee to improve coordination on military financial services.
- Supporting veteran entrepreneurs by expanding access to small business loans.
- Protecting the tax-exempt status of credit unions as essential to their mission serving military and veteran communities.
“We share a common goal: to improve the financial well-being of the men and women who wear our nation’s uniform, as well as their families and veterans,” said Hernandez. “Defense credit unions are an indispensable partner in achieving that goal."
DCUC has formally requested a meeting with Secretary Hegseth to discuss these priorities and explore ways to collaborate in 2026.