Why we serve

In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations.”

An Act (52 Stat. 351; 5 U. S. Code, Sec. 87a) approved May 13, 1938, made the 11th of November in each year a legal holiday—a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as “Armistice Day.” Armistice Day was primarily a day set aside to honor veterans of World War I, but in 1954, after World War II had required the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen in the Nation’s history; after American forces had fought aggression in Korea, the 83rd Congress, at the urging of the veterans service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word “Armistice” and inserting in its place the word “Veterans.” With the approval of this legislation (Public Law 380) on June 1, 1954, November 11th became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.

Later that same year, on October 8th, President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued the first Veteran’s Day Proclamation which stated: “In order to insure proper and widespread observance of this anniversary, all veterans, all veterans’ organizations, and the entire citizenry will wish to join hands in the common purpose. Toward this end, I am designating the Administrator of Veterans’ Affairs as Chairman of a Veterans Day National Committee, which shall include such other persons as the Chairman may select, and which will coordinate at the national level necessary planning for the observance. I am also requesting the heads of all departments and agencies of the Executive branch of the Government to assist the National Committee in every way possible.”

Veterans are our Nation’s most valued treasure.  American citizens, brave men and women, who step up, step out of the private sector, to serve in the US Armed Services for an agreed upon term or their entire career. Our fellow Americans who honorably place service before self, by focusing on core values and principles of Duty, Honor, Country, and Family.

So why do we do what we do?

The Armed Forces Financial Network – AFFN, is an EFT Network, which proudly serves our Defense Credit Union Council Credit Unions every day, 24x7x365, the brand behind our credit union’s debit/credit cards.  We proudly support DCUC Credit Unions in their service to those who currently serve or have served our Nation, military families, and civilians every day at home and around the globe. We are part of the fabric of the financial services community enabling our military to be mission ready now, as well as, preparing for a lifetime of financial stability, security, independence, and success. People Helping People!

The power of partnership between DCUC, AFFN, and our DCUC Credit Unions also extends in our greater community.  We give back to the military, veteran, and civilian communities everyday through community engagement efforts, financial education, and philanthropic initiatives.  Additionally, we “network” our Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs), such as Dog Tag Bakery (DogTagBakery.com) and Veteran Small Business Owners, such as Assault Forward (AssaultForward.US) and JTRED Woodworking (JTREDWoodworking.com) with our Members, their Members, and the communities we serve so that we continue to pay it back and pay it forward to our Veteran’s every day! It is a honor and privilege to assist Veteran and Military Families transitioning back to the private sector, as a way to show appreciation for their service and sacrifice and to welcome home friends, family, neighbors, and new small business owners all contributing to the greater good of our community and the American Dream.

AFFN Salutes our Veterans and Military Families everyday, but especially on Veterans’ Day 2020!!