NAPLES, Fla.–The Defense Credit Union Council has kicked of its Annual Conference here, its first in-person event in 18 months.
The DCUC said the reunion of its members has created a “palpable energy in the air.”
“[I am] very excited to be back in person. Throughout the past year and a half, I think we’ve been very successful going virtual, being digital, but I just don’t think you can replicate the social connections, the interactions we have when we’re here in person,” John Evalle, military affairs officer with Travis CU, told the DCUC. “And I just want to thank DCUC for making this happen, because while I know it was a struggle with the decision to do it or not to do it, I think this is the right way, under the right circumstances and right protective measures.”
During the meeting DCUC hosted its 27th Annual VADM Vincent Lascara Golf Tournament, with Team 16 members Jack and Deana Fallis of Global CU and Tom Sievewright of ALM First taking the top. Denise Floyd of Fort Sill FCU and John Cassidy CUNA Mutual Group were the closest to the pin, while Jill Streit of PenFed CU and Tim Strandquist of OM Financial Group had the longest drives.
During the tournament, DCUC kicked off its fundraiser for Southeastern Guide Dogs by selling mulligans.
Advocacy Update
During the meeting the Defense Council hosted its Military Advocacy Committee Update, during which DCUC President/CEO Anthony Hernandez and John McKechnie, senior partner with Total Spectrum, offered their perspectives on the upcoming National Defense Authorization Act, the Veterans and Consumer Fair Credit Act, and the importance of building relationships as advocacy, among other things.
Outstanding CUs Recognized
Following the Military Advocacy Committee Update, the Military Credit Unions of the Year were formally recognized for their outstanding service, including:
- The Department of the Army recognized Andrews FCU at U.S. Army Garrison Benelux.
- The Department of the Navy recognized Navy FCU at Naval Station Everett, Wash. for the $1 billion and above category, and Frontwave CU at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif. for the under $1 billion category.
- The Department of the Air Force selected Andrews FCU at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland for credit unions over $1 billion in assets, and Air Force FCU at Joint Base San Antonio for assets less than $1B.