Credit unions united in honoring, serving military members and families

Credit unions are proud to serve those who have served, helping active-duty members, veterans, and their families build brighter futures. America’s Credit Unions President/CEO Scott Simpson and Defense Credit Union Council President/CEO Anthony Hernandez outlined specific policies to advance these goals in an op-ed published in recognition of Veterans Day in CUToday.

“For more than 90 years, military-focused credit unions have stood shoulder-to-shoulder with America’s servicemembers, veterans, and their families, ensuring financial readiness, stability, and opportunity wherever duty calls. As credit unions’ advocates in Washington, we’re relentless in making sure the credit unions that serve them are given the opportunity to modernize their services as needs change and new technologies become available.”

Published Monday, Simpson and Hernandez recalled recent remarks from Vice President J.D. Vance sharing how Navy Federal Credit Union saved him from a predatory car loan. They noted that defense credit unions are focusing on the needs of members affected by the recent government shutdown, offering paycheck advances, loan flexibility, and more personalized solutions.

The organizations also advocate for programs, legislation, and regulations that strengthen financial stability for servicemembers and their families. This includes securing safe access to credit, opposing harmful interchange laws, preserving the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund, addressing affordable housing and homeless veteran issues, and advancing bills like the Veterans Member Business Loan Act and the annual National Defense Authorization Act.

“These policies do more than shape balance sheets; they shape lives. When servicemembers can focus on their mission knowing their family’s finances are secure, our nation is stronger for it,” they wrote. “That’s what true readiness looks like, and it’s what our joint advocacy strives to protect every day.”

Read the full op-ed