HANSCOM AFB, Mass.–Hanscom FCU sponsored the Patriot Honor Guard’s 2015 Appreciation Banquet. The Guard, headquartered on Hanscom AFB, provides military funeral honors for Air Force veteran in New England and parts of New York.
“We are extremely proud to support the Guard, year after year,” said Hanscom FCU Chairman of the Board Paul Marotta. “They do whatever it takes to give an Air Force man or woman the farewell they deserve.”
The Honor Guard covers a 75,000 square mile service area. A blend of full and part-time members and volunteers makes sure any service veteran can receive funeral honors. Top performers are recognized each year at the banquet. As in past years, the banquet theme was the Greek Praetorian Guardsmen, an elite force that protected Roman Emperors.
At right, from left, Paul Zauner, President, Paul Revere Chapter Air Force Association; Susan Zauner; Paul Marotta, Chairman of the Board, Hanscom FCU, Col. Michael Vogel, commander,66th Air Base Group; MSgt. Jason Jernigan (NCOIC) Non Commissioned Officer in Charge of the Patriot Honor Guard; SMSgt Aaron Marley, Superintendent Patriot Honor Guard; and David Sprague, President/CEO, Hanscom FCU.
Separately, Tony Costa, who said, “I’m big on commitment,” is marking his 40th anniversary with Hanscom FCU. The credit union celebrated Tony, a financial control specialist in the accounting department, with a reception at the main office.
“In 1975, I had just graduated and was looking for work. The unemployment rate was really high then, about 10%,” recalled Tony. “I heard the assistant to the manager at the Mitre Employees Credit Union had moved to a different credit union. I got the position.” Tony said hadn’t considered working for a credit union, but the work suited him and he decided to stay.
Tony recalled the early days of computer technology. “We used a mainframe computer and we balanced member accounts weekly. Today, you can do more on an iPhone than we could on those room-sized computers.”
Mitre’s credit union grew, changed its name to Milestone FCU, and eventually merged with Hanscom FCU. Tony stayed. “I just kept showing up. I never wanted to let anyone down,” Tony declared. “If I don’t show up, it has an impact on other people.”
Tony’s desire to contribute and be part of the team is well-known and respected by co-workers. “Through all the years, the one constant is Tony,” remarked senior VP of Human Resources David Ossam. “No other employee has that kind of track record.”
At right, Tony Costa (right) accepts congratulations from Hanscom FCU President/CEO David Sprague on his 40th anniversary as an employee.