The national recognition is presented annually by the U. S. Department of the Air Force to the on-base financial institution that has gone above and beyond its duty to provide superior and customized financial service and financial education to Air Force members and their families. Only one credit union was selected throughout the entire Air Force to receive this award.
Upon learning of the award, Barry Nelson, president and CEO of Travis Credit Union said, “On behalf of our board, management and staff, it is an honor to be selected for the sixth time and to be of service on the base. We’ve partnered with Travis Air Force Base for nearly 70 years and continue to look for opportunities to demonstrate the credit union’s philosophy of ‘people helping people.’ We are humbled to serve those who serve our nation and proud of our relationship with the base.”
While Travis Credit Union was recognized for its financial education efforts, which affect financial readiness training efforts mandated by the Department of Defense (DoD) as well as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), it was also lauded for its partnership and collaborative efforts with military support programs.
“In 2019 alone, Travis Credit Union provided financial education engagements with nearly 2,000 military members and conducted over 200 seminars to promote financial fitness,” Travis Air Force Base 60th Air Mobility Wing Commander Col. Jeffrey W. Nelson stated in a letter to the Department of the Air Force. “Between these classes and supporting over 700 community and base events, the credit union encapsulates an unwavering commitment to serve the community and its members.”
Every year, the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force chooses an outstanding bank or credit union based on what special programs, financial education, financial services and community support the financial organization in question offers.
Travis Credit Union’s efforts include focusing on financial wellness for active duty and retired military members and their families through special courses and weekly Newcomers meetings. It has aligned all TCU Financial Wellness sessions with Air Force mandated Financial Readiness Training to bolster digital “Touch Point” delivery with in-person seminars for airmen.
Other projects include Military advance line and low-cost line of credit to pay off predatory lenders, Fisher House, first-time car buying program for military members, providing resources for county Veterans service offices, Veteran support organizations (VFWs, American Legion posts, Veteran student groups) and special financial education classes for Veterans.
In addition to the Air Force Distinguished Bank and Credit Union of the Year designation, Travis Credit Union was awarded the Designation of Savings Excellence by America Saves for providing resources and a special “Military Saves” campaign that encouraged all military members to save for future expenses and emergencies. The primary 2020 TCU “Military Saves” month program was "Think Green" and was promoted with green "Travis Military Saves” wristbands as a wearable reminder to consider all monthly purchases as a "Need" or a "Want" ... and if it was a "Want," save that unspent money to start or build up savings accounts. This was bolstered by a TCU social media focus on “Military Saves” and Savings in general.
“Travis Credit Union’s teamwork is outstanding!” stated Barry Nelson. “Winning the Air Force Credit Union of the Year and the Designation of Savings Excellence award is telling of the amazing individuals that make up our team.”
Headquartered in Vacaville, California, Travis Credit Union is a not-for-profit cooperative financial institution serving those who live, work, worship, or attend school in Alameda, Colusa, Contra Costa, Merced, Napa, Placer, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Solano, Sonoma, Stanislaus, and Yolo Counties. Currently, Travis Credit Union is the 13th largest credit union in California with more than 214,000 members and more than $3.9 billion in assets. As one of the leading financial institutions in Solano, Contra Costa, Napa, Yolo, and Merced Counties, Travis Credit Union’s strength lies in its faithful commitment to its members and the community; its solid, secure history; and its long-standing track record of dedicated service.