DCUC Announces 2022 Hall of Honor Inductees
This year, DCUC’s Hall of Honor Selection Committee selected Karl Murphy, William “Bill” Rone, and COL Richard Rothwell, USMC (Retired) to join the Defense Credit Union Council’s Hall of Honor. The three honorees have an impressive history of service and dedication to their military and veteran communities and are part of a history of excellence that exemplifies what it means to be a defense credit union.
Karl Murphy
Bill Rone Richard Rothwell
Karl Murphy was selected to join the DCUC Hall of Honor for his dedication to our nation’s military and veteran communities and over 38 years at FirstLight FCU, including nearly 20 years as CEO. Murphy is an avid supporter of DCUC, attending conferences regularly and actively serving on DCUC’s Military Advocacy Committee since its inception in 2018.Murphy is a vocal advocate on behalf of credit unions and our nation’s military. Additionally, his work with the military community includes FirstLight FCU providing the initial donation to bring the USO to Fort Bliss, serving on the ASYMCA Board, leading FirstLight FCU to Army Credit Union of the Year three times, and being inducted into the Fort Bliss Hall of Fame.
William “Bill” Rone has served on the Eglin FCU Board of Directors for 38 years using his experience of over 42 years in federal service to improve the lives of members. An expert in financial management with base liaison experience, he served over 15,000 active-duty, reserve, Air National Guard, and civilian professionals throughout his career. Rone has attended many DCUC conferences, including in an official capacity where he presented the Air Force Credit Union of the Year Award and led the Air Force breakout sessions. He has also served as both President and Vice President of chapters of the American Society of Military Comptrollers and is a lifetime member, and he currently serves as Congressman Matt Gaetz’ volunteer Senior Military Advisor.
Col. Richard Rothwell, USMC (Ret) will join the Hall of Honor following 31 years on Frontwave CU’s Board of Directors, including 10 as Chairman, and 29 years of active duty in the Marine Corps. Rothwell is dedicated to always “Doing the Right Thing,” which has served him well as he helped Frontwave CU grow its assets by over a billion, expand membership, and change its charter type from federal to state. He has dedicated his life to service and is a proponent of DCUC’s mission to further safe and secure financial services to our nation’s military and veterans. Additionally, he has attended more than 20 DCUC conferences and served as a voting delegate at its Annual Meetings.
The three honorees were selected from a very competitive field of nominees by the Hall of Honor Selection Committee. The Selection Committee is made up of four members representing both executive and volunteer leadership: Patsy Stuard, Fort Lee FCU, President/CEO; Fred Salyers, Security Service FCU, Vice President Governmental and Military Affairs; Ed Cody, PenFed CU, Board Chairman; and Jack Fallis, Global CU, President/CEO & DCUC 1st Vice Chair.
Stuard shared, "I have the great privilege to chair the DCUC Hall of Honor Selection committee and help select the inductees. The impressive accomplishments and work that each nominee does to improve the financial well-being of their military and veteran communities never fails to amaze me. Whether they are volunteers or credit union employees, they are committed to and believe in the Credit Union Industry. It is remarkable and makes me proud to be a part of DCUC."
Murphy, Rone, and Rothwell will be inducted into the DCUC Hall of Honor at the DCUC Annual Conference in San Antonio, Texas. DCUC looks forward to formally recognizing their achievements and celebrating their dedication to the defense credit union movement.
“These three honorees represent what the DCUC is all about, serving our military and veteran communities and providing extraordinary financial services that help them build their financial wellness. I’m in awe of their great leadership and am proud to honor their accomplishments,” said Anthony Hernandez, DCUC President/CEO.
The DCUC Hall of Honor was established in 2000 as a means of recognizing those individuals whose exceptional contributions over the years have made a significant difference to DCUC and the defense credit union community. This prestigious award highlights the outstanding accomplishments of leaders, volunteers, management, and staff alike, whose efforts and endless support of the credit union movement and DCUC epitomize the Council’s values and philosophy of “Serving Those Who Serve Our Country.”