2026 accomplishments / Defense Credit Union Council
A stronger voice. A wider reach. More ways to serve. Explore how DCUC advanced the credit union mission for military and veteran communities in 2026.
Agile. Accessible. Effective.
Serving allDCUC brings the needs of military and veteran communities into the credit union policy conversation. In 2026, that meant advancing congressional support, organizing collective action, and defending the ability of credit unions to serve their members.
DCUC advanced congressional support for Veterans Member Business Lending and joined efforts with The American Legion. The work puts veteran entrepreneurs and their access to credit at the center of the conversation.
Military Advocacy Committee meetings, targeted campaigns, and DCU PAC and National Advocacy Fund priorities mobilized grassroots advocacy around issues affecting credit unions and the people they serve.
DCUC opposed Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) funding cuts and sweeping third-party authority oversight, keeping attention on the resources and operating environment credit unions need to serve their communities.
DCUC pressed for regulatory and legislative parity in de novo banking initiatives, advocating for credit unions to receive equitable consideration as policymakers discuss new financial institutions.
DCUC united opposition to Durbin-Marshall and credit card rate cap proposals. A national satellite media tour and a front-page BANKTHINK feature brought the credit union perspective to broader audiences.
Protecting credit unions’ tax status remained a core advocacy accomplishment, reinforcing the cooperative model that supports member-focused financial services.
Impressions from the national satellite media tour
Advancing the credit union story
Practical education, ready-to-use communications, and specialized support help credit unions bring the military and veteran perspective into everyday member service.
Member-exclusive tools
A library of content gives member credit unions more ways to connect their own brand with a shared national milestone.
New Spanish editions of the Veterans Guide and Installation Guide expanded the reach of these resources. DCUC also delivered 18 Money Briefings with Stars and Stripes, Europe.
Browse financial education resourcesNew ALERT content and special features kept members informed. Expanded compliance services with Elizabeth Eurgubian of Atlas Advocacy added specialized support, alongside on-base financial institution solicitations and practical solutions and exclusive incentives through Premier Circle Partners.
Read the ALERT newsletterAcross eight events and more than 20 educational sessions, DCUC brought credit union leaders together to learn, exchange ideas, and engage directly with influential voices.
A DCUC + America’s Credit Unions CEO Conversation and the Credit Union Financial Forum in New York City created opportunities for industry dialogue. Members also gained direct access to renowned military, congressional, and prominent world leaders.
CU Unplugged, developed with Best Innovation Group (BIG), brought an unconference format to DCUC’s event offerings, adding another way for participants to connect around industry issues.
The year’s accomplishments included a special address and first public question-and-answer session with NCUA Chairman John Crews, creating a direct forum for engagement with regulatory leadership.
DCUC welcomed TaVon Sneed as Executive Office Manager and John Alexander as Deputy Chief Advocacy Officer, expanding the team supporting its operations and advocacy work.
Awarded since 1997 · Cumulative total
The George E. Myers Scholarship Fund has awarded 81 scholarships since 1997. This continuing investment in education reflects a commitment to future opportunity and the communities defense credit unions serve.
Learn about the scholarship fundRaised for the USO · 2026 Conference with a Purpose
DCUC’s 2026 Conference with a Purpose raised funds and brought participants together to pack hundreds of care bags in support of the USO. The initiative was featured in Stars & Stripes, Europe.
Explore the Annual Conference“[DCUC is] like a special operations team versus what you see in the advocacy sphere as a whole.”
“I do believe that what makes them special is looking at everything through that military lens, and I believe it’s what immediately captures the attention and response of legislators.”
Stronger together.