(September 4, 2013) -- Three Defense Credit Unions were recognized with Distinguished Service Awards by their respective branches of the armed services during the Defense Credit Union’s 50th Annual Conference, August 14, 2013.
The awards were presented to: Service CU, Grafenwoehr, Germany, for the Army; Navy FCU at Bethesda, MD, for the Navy/Marine Corps; and 1st Community FCU, Goodfellow AFB, TX, for the Air Force.
Service CU was recognized for their outstanding commitment to community financial education and combatting predatory lending and as well as their 24/7 worldwide access and full range of high quality, low-cost financial products and services for their members. Highlighted was Service CU’s 10% APY Warrior Savings program for those deployed in war zones and the credit union’s support of numerous programs for the troops such as the USO Thanks for Thanksgiving Dinner, the USO Fridge Fund, the Children’s Summer Reading Program, and the Grafenwoehr Military Spouses Day.
Navy FCU at the Naval Support Activity Bethesda was awarded for its support of the financial needs of the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center personnel providing sound financial products such as free check cashing services to non-members, Wounded Warrior bedside notary services, and emergency relief loans for those affected by Hurricane Sandy. Navy FCU Bethesda was also noteworthy in their support of Military Saves and their guaranteed direct deposit during the Federal Government budget crisis.
1st Community FCU was honored for their exceptional base involvement to include their new, on-base full-service branch, a remote transaction kiosk, ATMs located at convenient locations around base that have lower surcharges, financial education in conjunction with the Airman and Family Readiness Center, free Notary Public service for any base employee, special loan products for those who are recalled to active duty, and financial support of activities affecting military personnel. 1st Community also generously donated their old 5,000 square-foot building to the Air Force.
Although the criteria for these awards is structured differently by each of the 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.
Without question these credit unions went above and beyond to provide exemplary service to our service members and their families, and for that, the Military Departments were most impressed and equally grateful.