The extra step
On November 11th, Veteran’s Day, we are reminded of the sacrifices so many men and women of our armed forces made so that we may live and enjoy the freedoms we do in what is recognized as the greatest country on earth. All kinds of ceremonies are held as we honor our fallen heroes as well as all who served to protect and keep us safe.
This past August at Reagan National Airport in Washington, DC, I witnessed a sight I have been privileged to see many times over the last six years. A plane filled with veterans arrived to a standing ovation from scores of travelers, a band playing “Our Country “and the cheers of grateful individuals who appreciate all they did. Some walked slowly, others sat and were pushed in wheel chairs but to everyone there, they stood tall and their eyes glistened in appreciation.
Acknowledgements such as that as well as the speeches and accolades on November 11th are our way of saying thank you for a job well done and letting them know that we will never forget all they did.
In the credit union industry, the defense credit unions provide outstanding service to active and retired military personnel. In addition, many of them are members of other credit unions across this country where they also receive excellent financial services. After all, credit unions live by the philosophy of people helping people and that creed cannot be expressed any stronger than when it is extended to the men and women who help people in ours and other countries by putting their lives ahead of others.
I have always challenged credit unions to not only extend the services they offer to our veterans, but also to make an effort to hire them when possible. Every day, hundreds of military personnel return from active duty and re-start their lives with their family and friends. Some are fortunate to return to a job they had prior to their deployment or one promised to them upon their return. Others are not so lucky and must join the thousands in search of a job which is not easily found. The unemployment rate among veterans is far too high.
The challenge to a hire a veteran is as meaningful today as it was last year and the year before that. It will remain so next year and the year after that.
Credit unions have a unique opportunity to not only provide financial services to veterans but also a job as well. Many are well qualified to work in a financial institution and because of the discipline learned, make excellent employees.
For those credit unions that can, the challenge remains. Take that extra step and honor our veterans by hiring one.
