Credit unions across the country are celebrating Independence Day with special promotions and events such as parades and fireworks shows, but not everyone can deliver an all-American event that includes baseball, apple pie and bobbleheads.
Hats off to Navy Federal Credit Union, which has partnered with the Connecticut Tigers for a spectacular "Fourth of July Weekend" at Dodd Stadium in Norwich, Conn., which includes a special pre-game concert featuring the U.S. Coast Guard Band.
The first 500 fans on Friday will receive a free slice of apple pie from the $58 billion Navy Federal in Vienna, Va., the credit union said.
On Saturday night, the credit union plans to give the first 1,000 fans a bobblehead of Rajai Davis, a New London, Conn., High School graduate who is currently an outfielder for the Detroit Tigers, according to a press release announcing the event.
Following Saturday's game, fireworks will light up the sky above Dodd Stadium.
Helping the community enjoy July 4th is a tradition for Navy Federal.
That's why Navy FCU was among 38 financial institutions honored this week by GOBankingRates for showing outstanding support for the United States, its ideals and military service members.
"The work these credit unions do to support their communities and provide financial freedom to members is deserving of recognition this Independence Day," said Casey Bond, managing editor of GOBankingRates, a Los Angeles-based lead-generating website.
Take a look at the other 10 credit unions that made GOBankingRates' patriotic list. And, of course, a tip of the hat to GoBankingRates for providing these photos.
Next up: Air Force Federal Credit Union
It's not tough to figure out why Air Force Federal Credit Union was saluted for its patriotism.
Like many military credit unions, the $372 million San Antonio, Texas, cooperative's patriotic roots run deep. Founded by airmen in 1952, the credit union has dedicated more than six decades to supporting men and women in uniform.
Making military members feel welcome and appreciated are among the credit union's main missions.
"When we see military men and women in our branches and on base, a sincere 'thank you' by our staff is always relayed to them to show our deep appreciation for their service," said Danny Sanchez, vice president of marketing for Air Force FCU.
In addition to serving the needs of the military community through specially designed products and services, such as sequestration programs, the credit union is also a vital partner in organizations that support the military, such as the Wounded Warrior Project and the Fisher House, a home-away-from-home at JBSA-Lackland Air Force Base for the families of seriously ill or injured patients receiving treatment at Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center and other Joint Base San Antonio facilities.
Next up: Mountain America Credit Union
In keeping with the American and credit union philosophy of helping others, Mountain America Credit Union shows its support for the community through a number of events, seminars, sponsorships and scholarships.
The $3.8 billion cooperative based in West Jordan, Utah, was tapped for GOBankingRates' list of patriotic financial institutions because of its generous nature, including its Pay It Forward program.
MACU, for instance, recently donated almost $70,000 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure,
Huntsman Cancer Foundation and Shriners Hospitals for Children. And over the past decade, Mountain America has donated more than $155,000 to the Huntsman Cancer Foundation
"Whether they are our members or our neighbors in the community, Mountain America is committed to the philosophy of 'people helping people,'" Sterling Nielsen, president/CEO for Mountain America, stated in a press release announcing the recent donations
Next up: CommunityAmerica Credit Union
CommunityAmerica Credit Union was recognized by GOBankingRates for its unwavering dedication to the community and financial literacy.
The $2 billion institution based in Lenexa, Kan., sponsors School of Economics, an organization that teaches students how to prepare financially for the future.
The credit union is also an avid supporter of Junior Achievement and raised more than $29,000 for that non-profit group in 2012, according to GOBankingRates.
Next up: 1st MidAmerica Credit Union
Volunteerism is what earned 1st MidAmerica Credit Union a spot on GOBankingRates' all-American list and with recent growth, even more community service is expected to come down the pipeline.
The $509 million, 45,500-member 1st MidAmerica in Bethalto, Ill., merged last month with the $67 million, 10,400-member LCCU in Alton, Ill.
Now even more members and employees will be able to connect through community outreach programs.
1st MidAmerica's employees often volunteer in their communities through educational seminars, awareness walks, parades and fundraisers. The credit union also donates money to community causes, including organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, Boys and Girls Clubs and Adopt a Family.
Next Up: America First Credit Union
Much like its name suggests, America First Credit Union is strongly committed to giving back to its country and communities, which is why it was selected for recognition, according to GOBankingRates.
Employees at the $6.2 billion AFCU in Riverdale, Utah, devote countless volunteer hours to organizations such as Women Helping Women and Men 2 Work.
The credit union also supports local schools and all-American pastimes such as local sports. For example, the cooperative recently named a Utah State junior track and field athlete as America First Credit Union USU Student-Athlete of the Week and plans to host a football clinic later at Utah State University, according to press releases.
Next Up: America's Credit Union
It takes more than just a name to be patriotic, but America's Credit Union gets an extra 21-gun salute for its moniker.
GOBankingRates praised the $427 million institution in Lewis-McChord, Wash., for its special military programs.
Not only does America's CU meet the needs of the military community through relocation services, it offers other options such as a Utility Deposit Guarantee Program, according to GOBankingRates.
The credit union was also touted for participating in numerous local charitable activities.
Next up: American Airlines Credit Union
American Airlines Credit Union is flying as high as a flag on the Fourth of July, according to GOBankingRates.
The $5.7 billion cooperative based in Fort Worth, Texas, earned its moment in the patriotic spotlight by supporting an array of organizations and causes that help members and communities thrive.
AACU earned extra kudos for partnering with charitable groups such as United Way, Habitat for Humanity, Pilots for Kids and the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.
The credit union is also part of the American Airlines and American Eagle Family Fund, a nonprofit launched to assist current and former employees and their families in emergencies, according to GOBankingRates.
Next up: Pentagon Federal Credit Union
Pentagon Federal Credit Union was praised for operating the PenFed Foundation, a charity focused on helping military personnel and families with financial literacy, housing and support for the wounded.
On May 14, 2014, alone, the PenFed Foundation raised $1 million at its annual Night of Heroes gala, according to GOBankingRates.
The $17.6 billion PenFed, headquartered in Alexandria, Va., is also well known for supporting military members and federal employees during challenging circumstances.
Last year, when Department of Defense downsizing and other federal payroll cuts created financial hardship for many credit union members, PenFed stepped up to the plate with special sequestration services, including "Furlough Loans" of up to one month's net pay for a maximum term of 12 months at 7.99% APR.
Next up: SafeAmerica Credit Union
With a name that seems like home-sweet-home and a headquarters in an idyllic-sounding town, SafeAmerica Credit Union in Pleasanton, Calif., easily earned a top spot as a patriotic financial institution, according to GOBankingRates.
Originally chartered in 1953 to serve the employees of Safeway Inc., SafeAmerica operates in Northern California, principally in the San Francisco Bay Area, according to its website.
The $300 million community-chartered credit union was featured as an all
-American financial institution due to many factors, including giving out five $1,000 scholarships to local students each year for use on tuition and books.
Next up: American Eagle Federal Credit Union
Much like our national emblem and sacred bird, American Eagle Federal Credit Union is soaring to great heights, according to GOBankingRates.
The $1.4 billion cooperative in East Hartford, Conn., has taken great strides to build a stronger community.
For example, the credit union awarded a grant last year to Purple Heart Homes, a non-profit organization providing personalized housing solutions to service-connected disabled veterans.
To read GOBankingRates' entire list of 38 patriotic financial institutions, click here.
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