TYSONS, Va.–PenFed Credit Union has earned a Wreaths Across America’s TEACH Award, given annually to a group or individual who has made a large contribution to teaching the next generation to remember and honor those who serve in our nation’s military.
"PenFed is honored to receive this award on behalf of our more than 3,000 financial professionals and 2.3 million members,” said James Schenck, president/CEO of PenFed Credit Union and CEO of PenFed Foundation. “We are passionate about ensuring the men and women who defended our nation's freedoms are honored and remembered. For the past two years, we’ve participated in the wreaths escort and have been moved by the words of veterans, supporters and participants who shared what Wreaths Across America means to them. It’s an honor to continue teaching the next generation by telling the stories of our nation’s heroes and their families.”
At right, PenFed CU President/CEO James Schenck with Wreaths Across America Founder and Worcester Wreath Company Owner Morrill Worcester.
PenFed served as the premier sponsor and the exclusive digital content producer for the complete wreaths journey in December 2020. PenFed Digital, led by Andrea McCarren, an award-winning nationally recognized journalist with decades of experience, followed Wreaths Across America’s escort stretching from Maine to Virginia.
Schenck and Wreaths Across America Executive Director Karen Worcester teamed up for a satellite media tour reaching millions of Americans leading up to the escort and National Wreaths Across America Day 2020.
“The team at PenFed have been amazing to work with and learn from these last couple of years, and last year in particular they really stepped up to help ensure the stories of our nation’s heroes and their families were told and shared across the country,” said Karen Worcester, executive director, Wreaths Across America. “The TEACH Award is one of our most important in that it is core to our mission, and I feel strongly that it is our responsibility as Americans to help teach the next generation, which PenFed is doing in their support of our efforts and the sharing of these important stories of service and sacrifice.”
PenFed noted that through its social media coverage, individuals can learn about Wreath Across America's history, be inspired by how Gold Star mothers honor a daughter and son, witness a patriotic escort stop in Portland, Maine, meet a career broadcaster turned Wreaths Across America Radio host, and more.
Last year, more than 1.7 million wreaths were placed on veterans' headstones at over 2,500 participating locations around the country, including Puerto Rico, in honor of the service and sacrifices made for our freedoms, with the name of each fallen service member said out loud.