OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- SAC Federal Credit Union was recently named the 2016 Air Force Credit Union of the Year.
SAC FCU was nominated for the award by the 55th Wing because their employees take an active, engaged role in programs that benefit the base.. This marks the first time SAC FCU has won this award.
“It is truly an honor to receive this award since it represents our continued commitment to the men and women and their families who serve our country,” said Joyce Wells, SAC Federal Credit Union public relations officer.
SAC was founded in 1946 at Andrews Field, Maryland, where Strategic Air Command’s headquarters was located at the time. In 1948, Gen. Curtis LeMay had SAC headquarters moved to Offutt and SAC FCU moved with the command to call Nebraska its new home.
“We have gone through many changes over the years to better meet the needs of our members,” Wells said. “We now have a total of 22 branches located within the states of Nebraska and Iowa. We also have over 38,000 surcharge-free ATMS in the United States and Canada.”
In 2015, SAC became the Offutt Exchange’s primary financial institution and cash cage. SAC now has three branches on Offutt.
“We have gone through many changes over the years to better meet the needs of our members,” Wells said. “One thing that has remained constant and at the forefront of what we do is our dedication to our military - it is very important to us.”
One example is how the credit union has made financial education for military members free of charge in recent years. Their Knowledge of Financial Education program offers written, visual and interactive learning methods with a substantial amount of financial education available.
SAC FCU representatives also participate in Right Start, an in-processing briefing for all military and DOD civilian personnel who are new to the base. They have worked with military members suffering from PTSD, as well as their families, to reverse bank fees and to help them orchestrate a path to getting back on track financially speaking. SAC has also waived as much as $2,000 in bank fees for an Airman suffering from PTSD. They value the hard work of service members and have been known to provide cash awards at 55th Wing and U.S. Strategic Command Quarterly Awards ceremonies.
In addition, SAC also works closely with multiple private organizations that support the base, like the Offutt Advisory Council. Each year they to support multiple programs including the OAC’s annual picnic, which is free for all Offutt members and their families, while also providing cash awards at 55th Wing and U.S. Strategic Command quarterly awards ceremonies.
“The amount of support SAC Federal Credit Union provides Offutt cannot simply be measured monetarily,” said Col. Michael Manion, 55th Wing commander. “We are thrilled that SAC Federal Credit Union is being recognized at the Air Force level for something service members at Offutt and the veterans surrounding the base already know – they are a remarkable organization worthy of our gratitude.”