The armed forces color guard opened the show at CUNA's Governmental Affairs Conference on Feb. 28.

The difficult decisions made by the NCUA and credit unions have paved the way for a future for credit unions that is “even better than their distinguished past,” NCUA Board Member Michael Fryzel said during CUNA's GAC.

GECU President/CEO Harriet May, CUNA's chair, met backstage with Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger (left), the pilot who successfully landed his damaged commercial liner in the Hudson River. CUNA President/CEO Bill Cheney looks on.

CUNA Vice President of Legislative Affairs Ryan Donovan provided GAC attendees with an update on the goings on in Congress.

BECE President/CEO Gary Oakland (left) presented former CUNA President/CEO Dan Mica with a Herb Wegner Award.

Rich McBride, CUNA's retiring chief operating officer in Washington was recognized for his service during CUNA's GAC.

From the stage at the GAC, NCUA Chairman Debbie Matz said her agency's “tough love” have saved credit unions more than $1 billion.

John Schneider represented the Childrens Miracle Network, credit unions' chief national cause, at the GAC.

CUNA Chairman Harriet May, president/CEO of GECU, addressed the audience.

SchoolsFirst FCU President/CEO Rudy Hanley (center) accepted the Herb Wegner Lifetime Achievement Award.

Richard Gose, senior vice president of political affairs, outlined CUNA's political efforts, with the help of credit unions, and what's to come.