The Defense Credit Union Council (DCUC) just wrapped up their 2026 Conference with a Purpose fundraiser, pulling in $25,000 for the USO.
And while that’s impressive on its own, here’s the kicker—since they started this tradition back in 2003, they’ve now raised a cumulative $548,000 for organizations supporting military and veteran communities.
Let that sink in for a second. Over half a million dollars, one conference at a time.
“Our Conference with a Purpose reflects an important part of DCUC’s longstanding mission and the unwavering commitment of defense credit unions to serving all who serve,” explains Anthony Hernandez, DCUC President/CEO and retired U.S. Air Force Colonel. “Each year, credit unions from across the United States and around the world come together at our Annual Conference to advance the conversations shaping our service impact, while also reaffirming our shared dedication to military and veteran communities.”
Hernandez went on to thank the members, sponsors, and attendees whose generosity made this year’s contribution possible. Because let’s be honest—$25,000 doesn’t just appear out of thin air.
How They Did It
Running alongside DCUC’s Annual Conference, this year’s fundraising got creative with multiple revenue streams. There was an online silent auction (always a crowd favorite), the ever-popular 50/50 drawing, and sales of mulligans and gimme strings during the Annual VADM Vincent Lascara Golf Tournament. Translation for non-golfers: people paid for do-overs and freebies, and that money went straight to a good cause.
But the real highlight? A hands-on “Giveback for the USO” event sponsored by Visa, where conference attendees actually assembled care packages destined for U.S. service members. It’s one thing to write a check—it’s another to roll up your sleeves and pack boxes that’ll bring a little piece of home to someone serving overseas.
Why the USO?
The USO earned its spot as this year’s beneficiary thanks to its rock-solid track record of supporting America’s military families. Since 1941—yes, we’re talking World War II era—the organization has been there for service members at every stage of their journey.
From the day someone enlists, through deployments that take them halfway around the world, to the transition back to civilian life, the USO works to ensure no one in uniform feels alone. They run centers worldwide, offer airport hospitality programs, organize tours, and provide specialized services that meet military families wherever they are.
If you want to learn more about what they do or get involved yourself, head over to uso.org.
The bottom line? Defense credit unions showed up, raised serious money, got their hands dirty with service projects, and reinforced why “people helping people” isn’t just a credit union tagline—it’s a mission they actually live out. And half a million dollars later, the impact speaks for itself.