Military Departments select 2017 Credit Unions of the Year
WASHINGTON, DC (August 23, 2018) — Five Defense Credit Unions were recognized with Distinguished Service Awards by their respective branches of the armed services during the Defense Credit Union’s 55th Annual Conference, August 14, 2018.
MAC FCU, Fairbanks, AK, was recognized by the Department of the Army for their outstanding commitment to service members and their families. This credit union has helped members combat against predatory lending by providing free one-on-one counseling with certified financial counselors, evening classes discussing budgeting, buying a car and using credit wisely, and offering affordable loans to soldiers at a reasonable rate of interest. MAC FCU went above and beyond to help our service members especially during deployments allowing soldiers the opportunity to earn higher dividends on deposit accounts while fighting for our country.
The Department of the Navy presented their distinguished award to two worthy credit unions. Winning for the $1B and above category was Navy FCU at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti. This branch is located in an austere forward operating area which imposes unique challenges, despite staffing and other operational issues, the Navy Federal team did not waiver in their commitment to member service and financial education. The Navy Federal team provided education on the newly introduced Blended Retirement System (BRS), provided comprehensive financial education for base personnel, offered discounted consumer loans for military personnel, and provided 24/7 support for two high volume ATMs ensuring they were serviceable at all times.
Pacific Marine CU(PMCU) located at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, CA, was awarded the Navy Credit Union of the Year award for under $1B. For more than half a century, PMCU has honored their commitment to the military and civilian members who live and work aboard the Base by offering a broad spectrum of financial services. They have consistently demonstrated an “above and beyond” cooperative working relationship with Marine Corps Installations West – Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton supporting all the fiduciary needs of the Camp Pendleton community. Their unwavering commitment to the Base is evidenced by PMCU previously being awarded the Small Credit Union of the Year Award in 2014 and 2015.
The Department of the Air Force also awarded their prestigious honor to two credit unions. Credit Union West, Luke AFB, AZ, was awarded for the under $1 Billion category. Credit Union West works closely with the Luke Airman & Family Readiness Center to assist in financial assistance and educational programs. They also support Veteran Success Center with sponsorship funding and financial education for the recently retired military who are transitioning into civilian life. During financial hardships, such as furloughs, they have been able to offer programs to aid our military members to stay on financial track. Credit Union West has a proud heritage of serving the men and women who serve our country and intend for this to be a priority for years to come.
Hanscom FCU at Hanscom AFB, MA, was named the Air Force’s top credit union in the above $1 Billion category. The credit union was selected for their tireless commitment to Hanscom AFB service members and the surrounding communities. Hanscom FCU supports veterans throughout New England by providing volunteer service, recognition programs & through a $10K donation the New England Center and Home for Veterans. Hanscom is committed to financial education and received the Designation of Savings Excellence for its efforts to promote and support savings during Military Saves Week 2017.
Although the criteria for these awards are structured differently by each of the Military Departments, common areas of consideration are: a) the delivery of financial service “above and beyond normal requirements;” b) special services provided at the command’s request; c) financial education and training; d) action is taken to combat predatory lending; e) community support; and f) professional attitude and financial leadership.
Without question, these DCUC member credit unions went above and beyond to provide exemplary service to their service members and their families, and for that, the Military Departments were most impressed and equally grateful.
About Defense Credit Union Council (DCUC)
The Defense Credit Union Council is the premier resource for credit unions on all military and veteran matters. By maintaining a close and constant liaison with the Pentagon, Capitol Hill, and NCUA, the Council champions the interests of credit unions serving our military and veteran communities by coordinating policy, procedures, and legislation impacting morale and welfare, financial readiness, and the delivery of quality financial products and services. Organized in 1963, the Council’s membership is comprised of 180 credit unions with over 35 million members. If you would like more information about this topic, please contact DCUC at alert@dcuc.org.
