With Veterans Day this week, America’s Credit Unions President/CEO Jim Nussle came together with Defense Credit Union Council President/CEO Tony Hernandez to reflect in Credit Union Times on the ways defense credit unions serve military members and families year-round.

“Credit unions embody a philosophy of ‘people helping people,’ a principle that resonates deeply with those who have served our country. In their commitment to veteran members, credit union leaders and staff provide distinctive services that reflect the values of resilience, trust, and accountability that veterans hold dear,” Nussle and Hernandez wrote. “By understanding and addressing the unique needs of this vital segment of the population, credit unions continue to positively impact their communities today.”

They pointed to credit unions’ support for servicemembers and veterans during government shutdowns, increased lending to veteran-owned businesses, and military-focused financial literacy.

“This Veterans Day, as we consider the impact we want to have moving forward, language to advance financial education efforts for our service members is being considered for this year’s National Defense Authorization Act,” they wrote. “It’s a cause that is not only valuable to members of the military and their families but is core to credit unions’ commitment to financial empowerment. Financial stability is crucial in a time of a lot of unknowns, and credit unions aim to be lifelong partners, helping individuals from enlistment to retirement.”

Read the op-ed here.