WASHINGTON—The Defense Credit Union Council held its annual Defense Matters event Tuesday, sending a message to its credit union partners that the organization is growing and serving the needs its military members, as well as all types CUs across the U.S.
Defense Matters was held at the Marriott Marquis hotel here, bringing together industry leaders, defense credit union CEOs and staff, and advocates to discuss key initiatives supporting defense credit unions and military communities.
“We are proud of the momentum we’ve built in advocacy, partnerships, and industry engagement,” said DCUC President and CEO Anthony Hernandez. “DCUC remains steadfast in its mission to support our military and defense credit unions nationwide.”
Hernandez opened the event by highlighting The Watch, a groundbreaking documentary series produced by Educational Media Enterprises (EME) and Jeff Bolton of NPN Productions. The series sheds light on the global nuclear deterrence mission, one of the most secret yet vital military operations in U.S. history.
“This initiative not only underscores the importance of leadership but also provides credit unions with a powerful opportunity to deepen their commitment to military service members,” Hernandez said.
Underscoring its growth, DCUC welcomed several new members, including Telhio CU, United Savings Federal Credit Union, University of Kentucky Federal Credit Union, and Nutmeg State Financial Credit Union.
Larry Seyfried, from the Electronic Payments Coalition, provided insights into ongoing and anticipated payments challenges at both the state and federal levels, particularly regarding proposed interchange legislation and CCCA-like amendments.
Seyfried explained the EPC is “fighting battles nationwide” and is committed to “pushing back on all these efforts. We’ve spent time and resources…making sure that we have boots on the ground and people speaking our behalf and your behalf there in the states.”
DCUC’s Chief Advocacy Officer, Jason Stverak, led a presentation to attendees covering DCUC’s recent advocacy successes and top initiatives. Stverak emphasized to the audience the importance in advocating for support on the Hill of the Veterans Member Business Loan Act (VMBLA), also sharing DCUC’s recent video on this important initiative.
“DCUC has shared how, with over 18 million veterans in our country, there is an incredible need, and opportunity, to better serve this important population. For nearly six years, DCUC has pressed for legislation that would significantly empower credit unions in better supporting veteran entrepreneurs’ financial success,” said Stverak. “These key pieces of legislation are a testament to DCUC’s perseverance in advocating for better support of our member credit unions and the communities they serve.”
Hernandez concluded the event by announcing key upcoming meetings, including DCUC’s Overseas Conference in Copenhagen, Denmark (May 5–9) and Annual Conference in Palm Desert, California (July 28–31), where DCUC’s Hall of Honor 2025 inductees will be recognized.
“It was great to see our members here in Washington,” Hernandez said following the meetings. “”Our Defense Matters continues to serve as an important part of this week’s meetings. We always look forward to this session every year where we can join together in advocating for all credit union industry issues.”
NCUA Board Member Todd Harper also addressed the meeting (see related story).