SAN ANTONIO—Air Force Federal Credit Union (Air Force FCU) celebrated its 60th anniversary on Wednesday, November 14, 2012 with a ceremony at the historic Kelly Field Club on Port San Antonio.
The event, which was held from 6 pm -8 pm, marked the anniversary of when the credit union received its charter by the regulator of that time, the Federal Security Agency’s Social Security Administration’s Bureau of Federal Credit Union. The charter number 8169 was assigned to the original name Lackland Federal Credit Unions on November 3, 1952. The name was officially changed to Air Force Federal Credit Union in March 15, 2002.
A social reception with food, beverages and music preceded remarks from Chairman of the Board Sam Farace, Jr. and President/CEO Robert “Bob” Glenn. CMSgt Arleen Heath was the guest speaker and addressed the 250 guests in attendance. She noted the value of credit unions and, in particular, Air Force Federal Credit Union’s support of the military and their families over the years.
Chairman Farace gave a brief history of the origination and philosophy of the credit union, noting that it was 10 enlisted airmen stationed at JBSA-Lackland who pooled $5 apiece to form the credit union that stands today.
“Ours is a story of humble beginnings where the ‘people helping people’ philosophy has borne great fruit,” said Chairman Sam Farace. “Today your credit union is in the top 10% nationally in size. We serve nearly 37,000 members located in all fifty states and many military installations around the world.”
During its 60 year history, Air Force FCU has provided a full array of financial services and products to its members worldwide. It has evolved over time and supported members by providing services to reach them anywhere, anytime. These services include a 24|7|365 call center, online banking, mobile apps and deposits, along with eight branches in San Antonio, Del Rio, and the newest branch in Schertz at I-35 and 3009, which opened on Tuesday, November 13, 2012.
The credit union has embodied the principles of the Air Force, its sponsor group, holding the equivalent core values of Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do. It has stayed true to its mission to be the one financial institution that best understands and meets the needs of its members wherever they are. And as the Air Force’s Airman’s Creed is read at the end of every Air Force ceremony or event, so too was the Air Force Federal Credit Union Creed, which was led by Bob Glenn.
“This is our mission. It is unique in all our industry. There is no other credit union that has anything that comes close to describing our mission and our feelings about attaining that mission,” said Bob Glenn in his final comments to crowd. “We thank you for the sixty years you have allowed us to serve you. And when we roll over additional decades, it is our dedication to serve you with the same heartfelt service we are committed to providing today.”
Air Force Federal Credit Union employs over 152 individuals and serves the diverse needs of nearly 37,000 members worldwide with a full array of financial services and the strength of more than $350 million in assets. Members include all U.S. Armed Forces personnel, DoD, Civilians who work on a base installations in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana or Mississippi and their immediate family, as well as members of the Lackland Gateway Heritage Foundation. For additional details about Air Force Federal Credit Union, visit www.airforcefcu.com.