Inappropriate credit card use in military doesn't touch credit unions

<p>WASHINGTON – The recently highlighted problem of military members charging inappropriately to credit cards does not impact credit unions that primarily serve military members, according to the Defense Credit Union Council (DCUC). No credit unions participate in the DOD’s Travel Card or Purchase Card programs, said Roland “Arty” Arteaga, president of the DCUC. “That contract was let go about three years ago and Bank America got it,” Arteaga said. “I guess they are the ones having the problem getting paid.” Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld has asked the Pentagon comptroller to investigate reports that defense workers and military officers have abused their government issued credit cards. Both Pentagon Federal Credit Union and Navy Federal Credit Union, two of the largest defense credit unions, have credit card programs but restrict them to their members and do not have the government as a customer. “We issue our credit cards to our members, not any organizations like the government,” said Navy Federal spokeswoman Loren Moeller. Veronica Delaney, marketing officer with Pentagon Federal reported that as well. Both credit unions have specific programs to educate their members about prudent credit card use.</p>