TYSONS, Va.—Pentagon FCU President and CEO James Schenck joined fellow leaders of the Greater Washington business community in honoring distinguished laureates at the Washington Business Hall of Fame Gala. Separately, PenFed sponsored a free concert at the Kennedy Center.
Schenck, who chaired the Washington Business Hall of Fame Committee and led the gala’s $1.3 million fundraising effort to benefit Junior Achievement, took the stage after being introduced by legendary Washington broadcaster Leon Harris.
“The PenFed team became energized to become part of Junior Achievement after visiting the Finance Park where we saw a banner that read, ‘Someday they will run our businesses, lead our nation, make discoveries and change our world. But first, they will practice within these walls’,” said Schenck. “That call to action energized PenFed to get involved and make a difference for the next generation of leaders.”
During his remarks to 1,300 current business leaders, Schenck recognized the “team of teams” supporting Junior Achievement. “I want to personally thank the world-class team at JA, the dedicated JA Board of Directors, the 18 Greater Washington business leaders who volunteered on the Hall of Fame Committee, friends of the laureates, and all the generous contributors who made this fundraising campaign so successful.”
Separately, PenFed Credit Union joined the USO in supporting a free concert at the Kennedy Center—the National Symphony Orchestra Salutes the Military—in honor of all U.S. military service members and their families.
The NSO Pops presented a free performance, entitled Home for the Holidays, for 2,300 military service members and their family members in the Kennedy Center’s main Concert Hall. concert was the first in a series of NSO events sponsored by PenFed in honor of the U.S. military, the credit union said.
PenFed President and CEO James Schenck and Chairman of the Board Ed Cody, both military veterans, emphasized the importance of supporting our nation’s defenders and their families.
“This time of year, millions of Americans enjoy spending time with loved ones. However, military deployment cycles have no regard for holidays, birthdays or any other times that families hold dearly,” said Schenck. “Military families are special people who willingly go without the comforts that many of us too often take for granted. At PenFed we are humbled to have the opportunity to partner with the National Symphony Orchestra to show our appreciation for the services and sacrifices of the men and women who fight and win our nation’s wars.”
“It truly is a pleasure to be able to bring so many service members, veterans and their families together at these special concerts,” said Cody. “While we honor those in attendance, our thoughts and prayers are also with those currently serving around the globe—many in harm’s way—and their loved ones who bravely endure long and frequent separations so that we remain free.”