DALLAS (Sept. 29, 2014) -- The Defense Credit Union Council held its annual Conference Aug. 24 to 27, here, and hosted an event called "Showcase with a Purpose" that helped raise money for Operation Mend.
Operation Mend, the Intrepid Relief Fund's principal project, was established in 2007 to provide returning service members with the country's best plastic and reconstructive surgery as well as comprehensive medical and mental health support for the wounded and their families.
The Defense Credit Union Council raised $30,000 from selling donated items, conducting a silent auction and live auctions, selling raffle tickets, and collecting donations from DCUC members, corporate partners and the DCUC Board.
Throughout the year, on- and off-post credit unions donate to numerous causes to support their Army communities.
The 2013 winner for Army Credit Union of the Year award, Service Credit Union, donated $57,000 to the United States Army Garrison Grafenwoehr community in Germany.
"Service Credit Union takes great pride in giving back to the communities where our members live and do business. We are dedicated in strengthening and improving the overall well-being of every military installation including Grafenwoehr," the president and CEO of Service Credit Union, Gordon Simmons, said.
Simmons said Service Credit Union is especially mindful to the needs of families overseas during the holidays, when budgets can get tight.
"Service Credit Union makes it a priority over the holidays to donate to those who serve our great country and may be in need of assistance. This helps them immensely with the expense that holidays can create," he said.
Throughout the years, DCUC members that serve the military continue to not only provide products and services but also be part of their community by both donating and volunteering time for great causes.
The president/CEO for DCUC, Roland A. Arteaga, wants all Army communities to know that the Defense Credit Union Council supports the interests of credit unions operating on military bases worldwide, and those efforts have had a "direct and positive impact on the financial quality of life and preparedness of our Soldiers, civilians, their families, and our veterans."
Aside from donating to veterans' charities and causes, DCUC members also help support their members during hard economic challenges.
Last year, when sequestration took its toll, credit unions were kept abreast of the Defense Department's shortfalls and encouraged members to develop contingency plans to meet their financial needs.
Some of the plans included guaranteed paycheck deposits, permitting early withdrawals of CDs without penalty, and forgiving a loan payment. Credit Unions also offered no-interest and special loans and free financial education to help families manage through tough times.
Arteaga emphasized the DCUC motto: "Serving Those Who Serve Our Country," noting that the council has "done so for more than 50 years and will continue to serve."
For more information on the Defense Credit Union Council, visit www.dcuc.org.
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