The Defense Credit Union Council just announced its 2026 Hall of Honor inductees, and this year’s class is pretty incredible.
We’re talking about three people who’ve dedicated decades of their lives to serving military families through the credit union movement—combining military service, financial leadership, and a genuine commitment to the “People Helping People” philosophy that makes credit unions special.
Meet your 2026 honorees: LtCol. Clarence “Chuck” Collins III from Marine Federal Credit Union, Maria Martinez from Border Federal Credit Union, and Colonel L. Dail Turner from Andrews Federal Credit Union. Each one brings a unique story of service, growth, and impact.
LtCol. Clarence “Chuck” Collins III: From the Marines to Marine Federal
Chuck Collins spent 24 years in the U.S. Marine Corps before transitioning to a 17-year executive career at Marine Federal Credit Union, where he eventually became Executive Vice President. But retirement? Not really his style. He’s now serving as Board Chair, continuing to steer the ship he helped build.
Here’s what really stands out: During his tenure, Marine FCU grew from a $130 million institution into a billion-dollar financial powerhouse. That’s not just about numbers—it’s about reaching more active-duty military members, reservists, veterans, and their families with the financial services they need.
Under Chuck’s current leadership as Board Chair, the credit union has doubled down on military financial education and counseling programs. Because let’s be honest—financial readiness is just as important as any other kind of readiness when you’re serving your country.
His impact hasn’t gone unnoticed. Chuck’s received the Order of the Long Leaf Pine from North Carolina’s Governor and recognition from the Pennsylvania State House of Representatives. Together with his wife Pat, he’s also endowed multiple scholarships for students, military dependents, and Gold Star families—proof that his commitment to service extends far beyond the office.
Maria J. Martinez: Three Decades of Leadership at Border Federal
Maria Martinez has been leading Border Federal Credit Union since 1997, racking up more than 30 years of service to the credit union movement and military community. That’s longer than some people’s entire careers.
Here’s something you might not know: Border FCU is the only financial institution with a branch and ATM on Laughlin Air Force Base. That’s not just convenient—it’s essential for servicemembers and their families who need accessible, trustworthy financial services right where they live and work.
Maria’s influence extends well beyond her own credit union. She’s an active member of the DCUC Military Advocacy Committee and has held leadership roles with CUNA, PSCU, NLCUP, and the Credit Union Women’s Leadership Alliance. Through these positions, she’s championed diversity, inclusion, and professional development across the entire industry.
Her dedication earned her the XLer Award from the 47th Training Squadron in 2022, and she was invited to speak at the Air War College’s 65th Annual National Security Forum on national defense issues. Not too shabby for someone who simply believes in helping people achieve financial stability.
Colonel L. Dail Turner: A Lifelong Connection to Andrews Federal
Dail Turner’s story starts in 1972 when he graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy and joined an operational flying squadron at Andrews Air Force Base as a second lieutenant. That same year, he also joined Andrews Federal Credit Union as a member—beginning a relationship that would span more than 30 years of governance and strategic leadership.
After serving his country for over two decades as an active-duty Air Force officer, Colonel Turner continued his service through credit union leadership. During his time providing governance and strategic guidance, Andrews FCU grew from $450 million to $2.5 billion. That’s a financial cooperative serving military members, veterans, and their families worldwide.
The accolades speak for themselves: Army Credit Union of the Year four times, Air Force Credit Union of the Year twice, ranked as the nation’s second-best credit union by NerdWallet in 2026, included in Yahoo Finance’s 10 Best Credit Unions of 2026, and featured on Forbes’ “America’s Best-in-State Credit Unions” list in 2025.
Colonel Turner’s legacy is about more than growth metrics—it’s about creating a financial institution that truly serves those who serve.
What DCUC’s CEO Had to Say
“LtCol. Clarence Collins III, Maria Martinez, and Colonel Dail Turner each embody the very best of the defense credit union movement,” says Anthony Hernandez, DCUC President/CEO and retired U.S. Air Force Colonel. “Their exemplary leadership, steadfast support, and commitment to improving the lives of servicemembers, veterans, and their families have helped shape the defense credit union movement for generations. We are honored to celebrate their remarkable impact with this well-deserved recognition.”
Mark Your Calendars
The formal induction ceremony will take place during the Hall of Honor Gala at DCUC’s Annual Conference on August 5, 2026, at the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa in Aventura, Florida. If you want to learn more about the DCUC Hall of Honor and its distinguished members, visit dcuc.org/hoh.
These three leaders represent everything that makes defense credit unions different—a genuine commitment to military families, decades of service, and the belief that financial institutions should exist to help people, not just make profits. Congratulations to the Class of 2026.