WASHINGTON–The Defense Credit Union Council has formally reached out to the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) to “explore opportunities for collaboration in support of shared community-focused priorities.”
In a letter addressed to ICBA President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey, DCUC President and CEO Anthony Hernandez wrote, “Under your guidance, ICBA has been a powerful voice for nearly 5,000 community banks across the country, ensuring that local financial institutions and the communities they serve are heard in our national dialogue.”
The letter highlights what Hernandez described as strong alignment between community banks and credit unions, noting their common commitment to serving underserved populations, rural communities, and local economies.
The letter also outlines DCUC’s mission as a leading national trade association representing credit unions, especially credit unions serving military communities.
In the letter, Hernandez proposed a meeting between DCUC and ICBA leadership to discuss potential areas of collaboration, including financial education initiatives, expanding access to banking services in rural and underserved areas, and enhancing support for military families and veteran-owned small businesses.
‘Common Purpose’
“Community banks and credit unions share a common purpose: strengthening communities by providing access to safe, affordable financial services,” Hernandez wrote. “By working together, our organizations can build on that shared mission and deliver even greater impact.”
DCUC said it is optimistic that a partnership with ICBA would advance mutual goals and further support the communities both organizations serve.
$60,000 Raised for Fisher House
Separately, DCUC said that its 2025 Conference with a Purpose raised $60,000 for Fisher House Foundation, marking the largest fundraising total in DCUC conference history. This year’s success brings the cumulative funds raised through DCUC’s Conference with a Purpose initiative to $523,000 since its inception in 2003, DCUC said.
Pictured left to right: Anthony Hernandez, DCUC President/CEO, and Tish Stropes, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at Fisher House Foundation.
“Every year, our members and partners show up with incredible generosity, but this year they truly exceeded all expectations,” Anthony Hernandez, DCUC president/CEO, said in a statement. “Breaking our conference fundraising record is a testament to the deep commitment our credit union community has to serving military and veteran families. We were honored to support Fisher House as this year’s conference charity, an organization that has such a profound and lasting impact on those who sacrifice so much for our country.”
According to DCUC, this year’s fundraiser featured multiple engagement opportunities, including an online Silent Auction, the popular 50/50 drawing, and mulligan and gimme string sales during the Annual VADM Vincent Lascara Golf Tournament. DCUC’s board and Earnest Consulting Group (ECG) generously matched the full proceeds from the Silent Auction, adding to the total funds raised.
‘Home Away from Home’
The Defense Council noted that conference attendees and guests heard directly from Tish Stropes, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at Fisher House Foundation, who joined AFFN President and CEO John Broda for a conversation highlighting the organization’s mission of providing a “home away from home” for military and veteran families during medical crises. The discussion offered a powerful look into the real-world impact Fisher House has on families when they need it most.
A short clip of the discussion can be viewed here.
“We are deeply grateful to DCUC for choosing Fisher House Foundation as this year’s Conference with a Purpose beneficiary,” said Stropes in a statement. “The incredible generosity shown by DCUC members, sponsors, and partners directly supports our mission to keep military and veteran families close to their loved ones during times of medical need. This support makes a meaningful difference for families during some of the most challenging moments of their lives.”
About Fisher House
Founded on the belief that no military family should face financial hardship while supporting a loved one receiving medical care, Fisher House Foundation has provided more than 13 million lodging days to service members, veterans, and their families at no cost.
DCUC said generous contributions came from its member credit unions , including Fort Sill FCU, Global CU, Kirtland FCU, Scott CU, and Tinker FCU, as well as DCUC Elite Partner, Earnest Consulting Group (ECG), and sponsor, TruStage.
