FORT SILL, Okla. – In a rare tribute handed out by the U.S. military, Denise Floyd, president and CEO of Fort Sill Federal Credit Union, has been inducted into the Honorable Order of St. Barbara for her work and that of her CU in helping servicemen and their families at the Fort Sill Army Base. The actual Order of St. Barbara is an honorary military society and inductees are usually servicemen who are members of field artillery units of the U.S. Army. "I was simply speechless when they gave me the award," declared Floyd, who received the honor at a ceremony attended by top military brass from Fort Sill. The award is traditionally given to military personnel and select civilians who offer "exceptional service," according to the U.S. Field Artillery Association, headquartered here. Floyd and the CU were cited for their extraordinary contributions to local charities and their work in conducting bake sales, walkathons and other fund-raising projects in support of military families. Floyd's attitude and "can do spirit" in guiding the CU to provide special financial counseling for soldiers and their families was also recognized. The Fort Sill Base includes service personnel associated with the Army's Field Artillery unit, many of whom have been sent to Iraq. Floyd, who has been president of the CU for three years and with the credit union for 21, said her interest in supporting military groups is a natural for a military CU like hers, and yet she said the staff has worked extra hard in reaching out to base and community organizations. As the WalkAmerica Chairman in 2003, Floyd led the CU to the largest single donation ever received by the Lawton/Fort Sill Chapter of the March of Dimes at over $17,000 with 54 walkers participating. She further led a drive to raise $10,000 for the local United Way. The CU retains a special 10-member employee committee which meets quarterly to review and generate new fund raising ideas "and to get the rest of the staff involved," said a spokesman. At its branches, the 115-employee CU has conducted everything from bake sales and car washes to jean days and pumpkin raffles. One project, Goodies for the Gates, brings in hundreds of dollars of snacks, drinks "and handshakes" for the guards working endless hours "for our safety and peace of mind," noted a Fort Sill release. The CU also has supported "Military Child Month" arranging special financial counseling for soldiers and their families, and Floyd has been active in several military-linked groups including AMBUCs, the Armed Services YMCA, and AUSA. She also serves on the National Association of Federal Credit Union's Advisory Board and is an Oklahoma Credit Union League Foundation director. In receiving the Order of St Barbara, Floyd was cited for understanding "her role as leader, mentor, comforter and cheerleader and her `never give up' attitude in dedication and commitment" to the military community." The actual St. Barbara honor signed by Maj. Gen. Michael D. Maples was read to Floyd by Col. Mark Graham, commander of the 30,000-soldier base. Helping make the Floyd selection was Col. Robert Hanson, who is base liaison to the CU and attends monthly board meetings. -

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