WASHINGTON–The Defense Credit Union Council (DCUC) has announced three “distinguished leaders” who will be inducted into the DCUC Hall of Honor.
The inductees include Col. Gerald Polyascko (Ret.), director & committee chair at Frontwave Credit Union; Raymond White Jr., chairman, FreeStar Financial Credit Union; and Gerald Brown, director emeritus at Andrews Federal Credit Union.
“Each honoree has demonstrated extraordinary commitment to the defense credit union movement and the military communities they serve,” DCUC said.
About the Inductees
Colonel Gerald Polyascko (Ret.), Frontwave Credit Union
“Appointed to Frontwave CU’s board of directors in 2010, Colonel Polyascko previously served on its Supervisory Committee and played a critical role in modernizing board governance, promoting analytics-driven decision-making, and diversifying leadership to better represent the membership,” DCUC said. “His 33-year Marine Corps career included command roles and staff positions up to Colonel, with commendations such as the Legion of Merit and Combat Action Ribbon.
“He also served as a senior Marine Corps JROTC instructor, mentoring students in high-risk communities. Polyascko is active in several veterans’ organizations and is currently Vice President of the Camp Pendleton Historical Society, where he led initiatives such as monument installations and military essay contests. During his board tenure, Frontwave grew from $652.8 million to over $1.4 billion in assets.
“A strong DCUC advocate, he and his wife attended conferences for over a decade, applying key insights to strategic initiatives like a headquarters construction project and the launch of the Frontwave Foundation.”
Raymond White Jr., FreeStar Financial Credit Union
“A 34-year U.S. Air Force Reserve veteran, Chief Master Sergeant (Ret.) Raymond White Jr. is a tireless advocate for military families and a vital supporter of Selfridge ANGB, a joint DoD/DHS installation in Michigan,” DCUC said. “As board chairman, he led expansions through mergers, statewide charter growth, and the construction of new branches. His leadership helped launch initiatives like the Heroes’ Reward Program and the FreeStar Financial Foundation. He has supported Selfridge and defense industry advocacy, including campaigns around F-35 basing, space operations, and conservation partnerships.
“White also champions educational outreach and financial wellness initiatives, receiving numerous honors, including the 2023 Michigan Credit Union League Board Member of the Year and Macomb County’s Volunteer of the Year. Under his leadership, credit union assets grew from $44 million to $332 million.”
Gerald Brown, Andrews Federal Credit Union
“With more than 33 years of service to Andrews Federal, Gerald Brown served 27 years on the Board, including as chair and vice chair, and continues to contribute as Director Emeritus. A retired U.S. Air Force Major with both enlisted and officer experience, Brown was a key voice for junior service members, spearheading initiatives such as financial counseling, investment services, and branch expansions across Europe, Washington, D.C., and New Jersey,” DCUC sated. “His advocacy was instrumental in strategic mergers, charter acquisitions, and community outreach like the Freedom Run in Germany. Brown has long championed charitable work supporting military families both abroad and stateside. Under his board tenure, credit union assets grew from $432 million to $2.4 billion.”
About the Selections
According to DCUC, the three honorees were selected from a competitive field by a distinguished Hall of Honor Selection Committee: Ronald Belle, AmeriCU CU President/CEO; Frank Padak, Scott CU President/CEO; Fred Salyers, Security Service FCU; and Ed Cody, PenFed CU.
“Each of these three honorees exemplifies the dedication of the defense credit union ethos. They have committed themselves, both in their personal and professional lives, to securing and championing the financial well-being of our armed forces and veterans,” Anthony Hernandez, DCUC president/CEO, said in a statement. “Their leadership continues to amplify the collective influence of the defense credit union movement and we look forward to honoring their contributions at this year’s DCUC Hall of Honor Gala.”
About the Hall of Honor
DCUC said its Hall of Honor was established in 2000 to recognize 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’,” DCUC said.