By W.B. King
Among the countless Americans honoring military heroes of the United States Armed Forces on Veterans Day are members of the credit union industry — all of whom are rooted in the time-honored tradition of people helping people.
“Within our global membership base, two million members are veterans, and likewise, 25% of all new hires at Navy Federal in the past year were veterans and military spouses,” said Mehdi Dinia, vice president of membership at Navy Federal. “Honoring the military, Veterans and their families is at the heart of what we do year-round. That’s why we’re proud to partner with The Mission Continues, who plays an essential role in making our communities great places for veterans to work and live.”
A national veterans organization dedicated to empowering veterans as community-based leaders, the St. Louis-based The Mission Continues, founded in 2007, deploys veteran volunteers in more than 40 cities nationwide. The organization works alongside non-profit partners and community leaders to improve educational resources, address food insecurity, increase access to parks and green spaces, foster neighborhood identity, and more, explained Mary Beth Bruggeman, president of The Mission Continues and a Marine veteran.
“Veterans Day stands as a powerful call to action, prompting us all to serve our communities today and every day. This national service campaign is made possible through the commitment of our veterans — equipped with invaluable skills and leadership honed from their military experiences — driving transformative change across the nation,” said Bruggeman. “The most fitting way to honor their service and sacrifices, this Veterans Day and beyond, is to roll up our sleeves and serve alongside them. We’re deeply grateful to partners like Navy Federal Credit Union for recognizing the power of continued service and for championing our mission.”
As the world’s largest credit union, with over 13 million members and 24,000 employees, Navy Federal Credit Union is encouraging its members to honor Veterans during the month of November by sharing stories using the #GratitudeMission hashtag on social media. “For a chance to win $1,000, members can submit a photo from their or a loved one’s military service to Gratitudemission.navyfederal.org by November 14, 2023,” Dinia explained.
To be eligible for membership at the Vienna, Va.-based Navy Federal Credit Union, a consumer either has to be active or retired military or have a family or household member with ties to U.S. Armed Forces, Department of Defense or National Guard.
To better serve the specific needs of service members and their families, the credit union has also tailored services and products to serve its global membership. “By banking with the credit union, members could earn and save $473 per year,” Dinia said.
Exclusive offers for members include, paying no closing costs on a fixed-rate equity loan and having access to VA loans with favorable mortgage rates, options with no down payment and no private mortgage insurance, among others.
Fiserv Recognized for Recognizing Veterans
In the same spirit as Navy Federal Credit Union, Fiserv, for the third consecutive year, was named one of Forbes America’s Best Employers for Veterans. This 2023 designation was followed by the firm receiving top honors in the Military Times Best for Vets: Employers Survey.
“Our colleagues who have served our country in uniform bring unique skill sets to Fiserv, and possess capabilities such as critical thinking, time management and teamwork that strengthen our company and enable our clients’ success,” said Vivian Greentree, senior vice president and head of global corporate citizenship at Fiserv and a U.S. Navy Veteran.
The Brookfield, Wis.-based payments and financial services technology solutions company offers “Fiserv Salutes, Fiserv,” a program that provides the military community with career opportunities, educational resources and business solutions for military-owned businesses, Greentree noted.
Current and former military members, she added, hold positions that are critical to the organization. Additionally, Fiserv’s Military Leadership Council Employee Resource Group recognizes, connects and supports veterans, active service members, members of the guard, reservists, former and current military spouses, and their allies, Greentree explained.
Fiserv, she continued, also partners with military service organizations, local chambers of commerce, universities, and other like-minded groups to provide best-in-class programs.
“We are proud to support the military community, and this double distinction underscores our commitment to veterans, demonstrated through our dedicated support of programs that advance their lives and careers,” Greentree said.
