WASHINGTON — The Defense Credit Union Council (DCUC) has selected three longtime credit union and military leaders for induction into its Hall of Honor, recognizing their contributions to the defense credit union movement and their service to military communities.
According to DCUC, the 2026 Hall of Honor inductees are Clarence Collins III, board chair of Marine Federal Credit Union; Maria J. Martinez, president and CEO of Border Federal Credit Union; and L. Dail Turner, vice chairman of Andrews Federal Credit Union.
“LtCol. Clarence Collins III, Maria Martinez, and Colonel Dail Turner each embody the very best of the defense credit union movement,” DCUC President and CEO Anthony Hernandez, a retired U.S. Air Force colonel, said in a statement. “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.”
Collins Recognized for Military, Credit Union Service
DCUC said Collins, a retired U.S. Marine Corps lieutenant colonel, was selected for the honor in recognition of what the organization described as extraordinary leadership, distinguished military service and decades of dedication to the defense credit union movement.
Collins served 24 years on active duty in the Marine Corps and spent 17 years as a senior executive at Marine Federal Credit Union, retiring as executive vice president. He later continued his service to the institution as a volunteer board member and currently serves as board chair.
According to DCUC, Marine Federal Credit Union grew from a $130 million institution to a $1 billion credit union during Collins’ executive tenure, serving active-duty military personnel, reservists, veterans and their families.
The organization said that under Collins’ leadership as board chair, the credit union expanded military financial education and counseling programs aimed at supporting financial readiness among servicemembers.
DCUC noted that Collins has received numerous honors, including the Order of the Long Leaf Pine from the governor of North Carolina and recognition from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for his work training Marine reservists.
The organization also highlighted Collins’ support for education and military families. He and his wife, Pat Collins, have endowed multiple scholarships benefiting students, military dependents and Gold Star families.
Martinez Honored for Leadership and Advocacy
DCUC said Martinez was selected in recognition of more than 30 years of leadership, advocacy and service to the credit union movement and military community.
Martinez has led Border Federal Credit Union since becoming president and CEO in 1997. According to DCUC, the credit union maintains a longstanding commitment to servicemembers and their families at Laughlin Air Force Base, where it remains the only financial institution with both a branch and ATM on base.
DCUC said Martinez has served as an active member of its Military Advocacy Committee and has held leadership positions with CUNA, PSCU, National Latino Credit Union Professionals and the Credit Union Women’s Leadership Alliance.
Advancing Diversity & Inclusion
The organization said Martinez has worked to advance diversity, inclusion and professional development throughout the credit union industry.
Her service to military communities earned her the XLer Award from the 47th Training Squadron in 2022, according to DCUC. The organization added that Martinez was also invited to speak on national defense issues at the 65th Annual National Security Forum hosted by the Air War College.
DCUC said Martinez’s commitment to financial education and the credit union philosophy of “People Helping People” has had a lasting impact on military families, underserved communities and the broader credit union industry.
Turner Credited With Guiding Andrews FCU Growth
DCUC said Turner was selected for his leadership and long-standing commitment to the defense credit union movement.
A graduate of the United States Air Force Academy in 1972, Turner began his military career in an operational flying squadron at Andrews Air Force Base as a second lieutenant. That same year, he joined Andrews Federal Credit Union, beginning what DCUC described as a lifelong relationship with both the institution and the credit union movement.
Turner served more than 20 years as an active-duty Air Force officer before retiring as a colonel.
According to DCUC, Turner provided governance and strategic leadership to Andrews Federal Credit Union for more than 30 years, helping guide its growth from a $450 million institution to a $2.5 billion global financial cooperative serving military members, veterans and their families around the world.
CU Earned Numerous Recognitions
DCUC said Andrews Federal Credit Union earned numerous distinctions during Turner’s tenure, including being named Army Credit Union of the Year four times and Air Force Credit Union of the Year twice.
The organization also noted that Andrews FCU was ranked the nation’s second-best credit union in 2026 by NerdWallet, named among Yahoo Finance’s 10 Best Credit Unions of 2026 and included on Forbes’ America’s Best-in-State Credit Unions list in 2025.
DCUC said Turner’s commitment to serving military communities through both military and credit union leadership, along with his dedication to the “People Helping People” philosophy, has left a lasting impact on servicemembers, veterans and their families.
Recognition to Occur at Meeting
The three inductees will be formally recognized during the Hall of Honor Gala at DCUC’s annual conference on Aug. 5 at the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa in Aventura.
