WASHINGTON–Five defense credit unions will be recognized with Distinguished Service Awards by their respective branches of the armed services on August 16, 2016, during the Defense Credit Union Council’s 53rd Annual Conference.
The awards are scheduled to be presented by senior leaders from each of the respective Military Departments at the Military Awards Luncheon during DCUC’s Annual meeting.
The CUs being recognized include:
- PenFed CU’s Fort Hood, Texas facility, which was recognized by the Department of the Army for their outstanding commitment to Fort Hood and the surrounding community, especially youth and veterans. Highlighted was PenFed’s committed support in combating payday lenders, providing over 2,472 interest-free micro loans (ARK) totaling nearly $1.5 million in 2015. PenFed’s Fort Hood branch was also commended for modifying their branch hours to better serve a community that does not work just 9 to 5, for their support for Military Saves Week, and for providing financial readiness briefings to more than 500 soldiers.
- The Department of the Navy will present its distinguished award to two worthy credit unions. Winning for the $1 billion and above category was Navy FCU at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif. The branch was recognized for their staunch support of on-base financial education to include giving 18 workshops to over 800 Marines and their families in addition to numerous private sessions. Navy FCU, MCAS Miramar, was also noted for their heavy focus on predatory lending prevention and fraud prevention circumventing over $56,000 in fraudulent checks and protecting service members, their families and veterans.
- Pacific Marine CU, Camp Pendleton, Calif., was awarded the Navy Credit Union of the Year award for under $1 billion for the second consecutive year. The credit union was honored for their outreach to the military community, providing rides to young marines, who had been seeking loans, back to their units after the shuttles had stopped, serving troops weekly lunch at the ASYMCA “Concrete Beach Program,” and sponsoring many events and awards ceremonies. Also noted was Pacific Marine CU’s special product for Military Saves, a 4% APY certificate available to active-duty and retired military personnel.
- The Department of the Air Force also awarded their prestigious honor to two credit unions. Dover FCU, Dover AFB, Del., was honored for the under $1 billion category. The credit union was particularly noted for their continuous efforts to provide personal financial management education, specifically the credit union’s contributions with Dover’s Airman & Family Readiness Center briefing newcomers and conducting monthly financial educations presentations. Dover FCU was also highlighted for their “Adopt an Airman” program which pairs new Airman with local community leaders to provide the service members a family and home atmosphere.
- Keesler FCU, Keesler AFB, Miss., was named the Air Force’s top credit union in the above $1 billion category. The credit union was selected for their outstanding extensive financial products that help students establish a sound financial footing for the future and exemplary community support. Keesler FCU’s contributions to events such as “Thunder on the Bay” Air Show, Special Olympics, and the base’s quarterly and annual awards were highlighted. The credit union was also noted for opening a branch with a café setting in the heart of Keesler’s technical training area.
According to the Defense Credit Union Council (DCUC), although the criteria for these awards is 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 taken to combat predatory lending E) community support, and F) professional attitude and financial leadership.