The CUInsight Network podcast: Military & veterans – Defense Credit Union Council (#22)

Thank you for tuning in to episode 22 of The CUInsight Network, with your host, Lauren Culp, Publisher & CEO of CUInsight.com. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.

My guest today is Tony Hernandez, President & CEO of the Defense Credit Union Council (DCUC). The Defense Credit Union Council is a trade association of credit unions who serve military members and veterans, and any credit union can join. Tony personally understands the unique financial circumstances impacting military personnel and veterans, having started his own career in the military. Tony says his team are representatives for military and veteran interests in the credit unions and communities they serve. He shares that DCUC’s efforts advocate for our military and veterans, especially in financial services.

In our conversation, Tony discusses financial services trends on military bases. He also shares about DCUC’s political advocacy efforts and related legislation including the Veterans and Consumers Fair Credit Act, Military Lending Act, Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, and more. He explains why knowledge around these topics are beneficial for credit unions seeking to reach the military and veterans. As Tony says, the Defense Credit Union Council has first-hand experience in dealing with specific concerns related to professionals in the military and veterans.

Tony is also a huge advocate of honoring veterans. He talks about his own views related to showing empathy and gratitude for those who served this country. Tony shares details about his team working on a project of appreciation for veterans this year. Be sure to check out the episode to learn about a surprising recent purchase Tony can’t live without, the person he thinks of when he hears the word “success,” and more. Enjoy my conversation with Tony Hernandez!

Connect with Tony:
Tony Hernandez, President & CEO of the Defense Credit Union Council
ahernandez@dcuc.org
https://www.dcuc.org/   
LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter 

Show notes from this episode:
What an amazing interview with Tony! Check out all the exceptional work his team is doing over at the Defense Credit Union Council here.
Want to hear more from Tony Hernandez? Click here.
Learn more about DCUC’s Advocacy Efforts here.
Place mentioned: Las Cruces, New Mexico
Program mentioned: Boy Scouts
Shout-out: Tony’s dad
Shout-out: Air Force
Shout-out: Tony’s wife Jennifer
Shout-out: Credit Union National Association (CUNA)
Shout-out: CUNA Councils
Legislation mentioned: Veterans and Consumers Fair Credit Act
Legislation mentioned: Military Lending Act
Legislation mentioned: Servicemembers Civil Relief Act
Shout-out: IRS
Legislation mentioned: Build Back Better Plan
Place mentioned: Afghanistan
Learn more about DCUC’s Veteran Video here.
Legislation mentioned: National Defense Authorization Act
Shout-out: CUNA’s Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC)
Learn more about DCUC’s Annual Conference here.
Check out the DCUC Armed Forces Financial Guide here.
Shout-out: Filene Research Institute
Shout-out: Armed Forces Financial Network
Shout-out: FIS
Shout-out: Voyager
Check out Tony’s articles published on CUInsight.com here.
Shout-out: Ford Ranger
Shout-out: Cornell University
Place mentioned: District of Columbia (Washington, D.C.)
Check out the Yacht Rock playlist on Spotify here. 
Book mentioned: Lions Don’t Need to Roar by D.A. Benton
Book mentioned: 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene
Book mentioned: Boundaries for Leaders by Henry Cloud
Shout-out: Pedego Electric Bikes
Shout-out: Sena Helmets

In this episode:
[00:33] – Tony Hernandez always leaned towards being a leader, from when he was captain of his adolescent sports teams to being in the Air Force.
[03:05] – Everyday is your job interview. 
[05:01] – The Defense Credit Union Council first began as part of CUNA to address services specific to the military.
[07:05] – Any credit union can become an affiliate member within DCUC. 
[09:23] – Tony speaks about showing gratitude to Veterans during this Veteran’s Day. He also touches on the latest advocacy for military personnel.
[11:57] – What is the importance of the Veteran’s and Consumer’s Fair Credit Act? Tony explains the details that are changing the financial dynamics for people involved with the military.
[14:31] – Listen to Tony discuss market consolidation, and using technology to upgrade experience.
[16:47] – Tony continues to share the emerging technology approaches DCUC is investing in for the future of credit unions.
[18:46] – Always be receptive to new ideas.
[20:23] – Tony talks about his new pick up truck, and takes time to admire his wife’s work ethic.
[22:55] – What music does Tony listen to these days? Why does a Robert Greene book remind Tony of Star Wars?
[25:50] – Tony rereads his book selections often. He says every time he rereads a book, there’s always something new.
[28:18] – If you see a veteran or know a veteran, be sure to say “Thank you.”