AVENTURA, Fla.–The Defense Credit Union Council inducted three credit union leaders into its Hall of Honor during its 2026 Annual Conference, recognizing their leadership and service to credit unions, military members, veterans and their families.
According to DCUC, the three honorees recognized during the 2026 Hall of Honor Gala were Lt. Col. Clarence M. “Chuck” Collins III, board chair of Marine Federal Credit Union; Maria Martinez, president and CEO of Border Federal Credit Union; and L. Dail Turner, board vice chair of Andrews Federal Credit Union.
Each of the inductees reflected on the colleagues, families, mentors and communities that supported their careers and contributed to their success, DCUC said.
Collins Cites Marine Corps, Defense CU Mission
Collins began his acceptance remarks by discussing his 24 years in the U.S. Marine Corps and the impact the experience had on his life and leadership.
“Twenty-four years with the Marine Corps, I had the privilege of flying helicopters. I had four command billets and learned more life’s lessons than I could possibly count. And I am who I am today because of the Corps,” Collins said. “And now, I’d like to offer a few words about defense credit unions, and this applies to everyone in this room.”
Collins discussed the financial support, assistance and guidance defense credit unions provide to military personnel and veterans. That includes helping members purchase their first cars and homes, navigate deployments and deal with delayed paychecks during government shutdowns, according to DCUC.
“Nobody knows how to guarantee a paycheck in the middle of a government shutdown like we do, or puts the kind of money, time, and effort into educating this young military member like we do,” Collins said.
Collins also pointed to DCUC’s role in supporting credit unions that serve military communities, including its knowledge of military, veteran and Department of War issues and its advocacy on behalf of credit unions and their members.
“They know the DoW, they know how to advocate bigger and stronger for us,” Collins said. “Over my 30 years in the credit union movement, DCUC is at the top of the list, the creme de la creme because they know defense credit unions and the unique circumstances and issues.”
Martinez Reflects on Credit Unions, Immigration
Martinez used her acceptance remarks to reflect on both her career in the credit union movement and her personal journey to the United States.
“Border Federal Credit Union was founded more than 70 years ago by a small group of military employees and some federal employees from Laughlin Air Force Base in Del Rio, Texas,” Martinez said. “We were founded to serve as a trusted financial partner, and that vision continues to be the guide that we follow today.”
Martinez said Border Federal has spent decades serving active-duty military personnel, veterans, civilian employees and their families through financial education, counseling and responsible lending.
“We have witnessed the incredible resilience of those who wear our nation’s uniform,” Martinez said. “Whether helping a military family overcome financial hardship, or a veteran retire with dignity. Those moments remind us that the work we do matters.”
Martinez also recalled immigrating to the United States from Mexico with her family.
‘I Had a Journey’
“But tonight, as I reflect on this recognition, I cannot help but think about another journey, because I had a journey,” Martinez said. “Many years ago, my family and I crossed the border; we came from Mexico into the United States, and we arrived here with very, very little. We didn’t have a road map; we only had faith. I never imagined that one day I would be standing here.”
She connected that experience to what she described as the opportunity provided both by the United States and the credit union movement.
“That’s the beauty of America, that is the beauty of opportunity. And that is the beauty of the credit union movement,” Martinez said. “Because credit unions have never judged people from where they started. When the member comes in, we don’t ask where they have been, we ask ‘how can we help you.’ That simple question changes lives, believe it or not. It certainly changed mine.”
Martinez said the credit union movement ultimately provided her with more than a profession.
“The credit union movement gave me something far greater than a career, it gave me a purpose,” she said. “The credit union philosophy, people helping people, those three words are not a slogan, they are a promise.”
‘People Deserve Dignity’
That promise, Martinez said, is that people deserve dignity and that financial opportunity should not be determined by birthplace, wealth or the obstacles someone has faced.
She also cautioned credit union leaders against allowing the industry’s increasing focus on technology to overshadow its human-centered mission.
“And as leaders, we spend countless hours talking about innovation, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, cybersecurity, and growth,” Martinez said. “But technology will never replace compassion. Algorithms will never replace empathy. Innovation will never replace humanity. And no matter how sophisticated the industry becomes, our greatest competitive advantage will always be the human heart.”
Turner Reflects on Andrews FCU Growth
Turner concluded the acceptance speeches by reflecting on pivotal moments during his tenure with Andrews Federal Credit Union and the people who helped drive the credit union’s growth and success, according to DCUC.
He recognized colleagues, industry leaders and others who supported Andrews Federal and emphasized that the credit union’s achievements resulted from a shared commitment to its members and mission.
Turner also reminded attendees of what he described as the enduring purpose of the defense credit union movement: honoring U.S. military personnel and veterans by serving their financial needs, supporting their families and maintaining a commitment to those who have served.
‘The Very Best of the Credit Union Movement’
DCUC President and CEO Anthony Hernandez, a retired U.S. Air Force colonel, said the three inductees exemplify the service-oriented leadership the organization seeks to recognize through its Hall of Honor.
“This year’s honorees embody what it means to lead with purpose and to dedicate a career to serving others,” Hernandez said. “Their stories reflect the very best of the credit union movement, leadership rooted in service, a commitment to people and community, and a lasting dedication to those who serve. Their contributions have strengthened our movement and created a legacy that will continue to inspire the leaders who follow.”
