DCUC Celebrates Three Distinguished Inductees During 2026 DCUC Hall of Honor Gala

AVENTURA, F.L. – On Wednesday, August 5, the Defense Credit Union Council (DCUC) held its 2026 Hall of Honor Gala during the DCUC Annual Conference, honoring three exceptional credit union leaders: LtCol Clarence M. “Chuck” Collins III, Board Chair, Marine Federal Credit Union; Maria Martinez, President/CEO, Border Federal Credit Union; and L. Dail Turner, Board Vice Chair, Andrews Federal Credit Union. Each inductee shared their gratitude for the recognition, reflecting on the colleagues, families, mentors, and communities who supported their journeys and contributed to their collective success.

LtCol Collins III delivered an acceptance speech, beginning with his love for the United States Marine Corps.
 
“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,” said LtCol Collins III. “And now, I’d like to offer a few words about defense credit unions, and this applies to everyone in this room.”
 
During his remarks, LtCol Collins III spoke about the incredible support, assistance, and unrelenting guidance that defense credit unions provide to military members and veterans. Whether helping someone buy their first car or home, navigate a deployment, or manage paycheck delays during a government shutdown, defense credit unions remain committed to being there for their members when they need it most.
 
“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.”
 
LtCol Collins III also spoke to the unique value DCUC provides to credit unions committed to serving those who serve, highlighting the organization’s expertise in military, veteran, and Department of War matters and its ability to advocate for credit unions and their members. He emphasized the importance of having an organization that understands the unique challenges and opportunities that come with the defense credit union mission.
 
“They know the DoW, they know how to advocate bigger and stronger for us. 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 then offered a moving reflection on her journey through the credit union movement, sharing personal experiences and lessons from her years of leadership and service during her acceptance remarks.
 
“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. We were founded to serve as a trusted financial partner, and that vision continues to be the guide that we follow today,” shared Marinez. “For many decades, we have stood alongside active-duty service members, veterans, civilian employees, and their families through financial education, counselling, responsible lending, and simply being there when life became difficult. We have witnessed the incredible resilience of those who wear our nation's uniform. 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 continued, “But tonight, as I reflect on this recognition, I cannot help but think about another journey, because I had a journey. 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.”
 
“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 concluded, expressing, “The credit union movement gave me something far greater than a career, it gave me a purpose. The credit union philosophy, people helping people, those three words are not a slogan, they are a promise. A promise that every person deserves dignity. A promise that financial opportunity should never depend on where you were born, how much money you have, or what obstacles you have faced. A promise of hope is one of the greatest investments we can ever make. And as leaders, we spend countless hours talking about innovation, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, cybersecurity, and growth. 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.”
 
Col Turner concluded with an acceptance speech reflecting on several pivotal moments throughout his tenure and the many individuals and fellow team members who helped shape the transformative growth and success of Andrews FCU. He recognized the contributions of colleagues, industry leaders, and those who supported the credit union along the way, emphasizing that its achievements were the result of a shared commitment to its members and mission. Turner also reminded guests of the enduring purpose at the heart of the defense credit union movement: honoring our nation’s military members and veterans by serving their financial needs, supporting their families, and carrying forward a commitment to those who have served.
 
“This year’s honorees embody what it means to lead with purpose and to dedicate a career to serving others,” said Anthony Hernandez, DCUC President/CEO, Ret. U.S. Air Force Colonel. “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.”
 
DCUC thanks Elite Plus Sponsor Visa and Principal Sponsor Scienaptic AI for their generous sponsorship of the 2026 Hall of Honor reception bar and dinner. The night followed with a special afterparty, Miami Nights: Salsa, Casino & Celebration, thanks to sponsors Alloya and Trellance.
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For more information on DCUC’s Hall of Honor, visit dcuc.org/hoh. Photo credits to EPNAC.