Pleasanton, Texas: Security Service Federal Credit Union employees assisted the Foundations Christian Resource Center with its effort to help collect fans for the elderly in Atascosa County. Credit Union employees donated 144 fans and $250 for the annual “Operation Fan Out” collection drive. Security Service’s Pleasanton service center team lead the effort and presented the fans to the Center just in time for the summer heat.

Colorado Springs, CO: U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Walter Waite reenlisted at Security Service Field prior to a Colorado Springs Sky Sox baseball game held last month. An avid baseball fan and Sky Sox buff, his chain-of-command found it fitting that Waite’s ceremony should be held on the pitchers mound prior to a Sky Sox game. Waite was home on leave to attend the birth of his third child when the ceremony was scheduled. His wife and three children attended the ceremony and his 10-year old son was invited to throw the first pitch.

“When I got the call from Walter Waite’s chain-of-command, asking if it was possible to have the ceremony at the game, I couldn’t be more happy to help with the request,” says Mark Wild, vice president of Colorado lending for Security Service. “I called Tony Ensor, General Manager of the AAA Baseball Club, at the Sky Sox and asked for his assistance. He was more than happy to accommodate us.”

SSG Waite recently returned to Iraq where he is anxiously awaiting the end of his tour so he can return home to his wife and kids. In the meantime, SSG Waite follows the Sky Sox team closely at his headquarters in Iraq.

Colorado Springs, CO: Security Service Federal Credit Union hosted 500 military members from the North American Aerospace Defense Command, also known as NORAD, and United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) at a Sky Sox game earlier this month. Both agencies housed out of Peterson Air Force Base are responsible for U.S. and Canadian homeland defense missions as well as defense support of civil authorities. Military members and their families were invited to Security Service Field to enjoy an evening of relaxation away from their headquarters.

“This is a great opportunity for us to give back to our military personnel and their families for all that they do for us and our country,” says Bruce Gillooly, assistant vice president of Colorado corporate communications for Security Service. “Spending an evening at Security Service Field is a great opportunity for everyone to sit back, relax and enjoy a great baseball game.”

U.S. Air Force Gen. Gene Renuart, commander of NORAD, joined his team at the game as the “honorary manager for the day.” Renuart was also accompanied by his colleague, Lt. Gen. Charlie Bouchard, the NORAD deputy commander.

San Antonio, Texas: Setting a new record in funds collected, the proceeds from Security Service Federal Credit Union and Y100 Radio’s 19th Annual Make-A-Wish Penny Drive will grant wishes to thirteen Central and South Texas children living with life threatening medical conditions. The Penny Drive generated over $67,000 for the foundation through a live, two-day radio-a-thon held recently at Ingram Park Mall and through donations collected at all Security Service locations in the San Antonio area.

"Security Service is very much committed to making a positive difference in the community," said David Reynolds, President and CEO for the credit union, "We are extremely proud to have contributed to the success of this year’s Penny Drive and look forward to helping the Make-A-Wish Foundation make wishes come true for years to come."

Various schools, businesses and individuals in the San Antonio area contributed to the success of the event. This year’s Penny Drive raised over $8,700 more than last year, increasing the number of wishes granted from eleven to thirteen. The Central and South Texas chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation has granted more than 2,300 wishes since it was founded in 1984.

Students from the Atascosa 4-H Council highlighted the opening of the new Security Service Federal Credit Union location in Pleasanton, Texas. The students accepted a $3000 donation to help fund the 4-H Club scholarship program and other leadership activities. Back Row: (From Left) David Reynolds, SSFCU president and CEO, Ginnie Garcia, SSFCU service center manager, Bob Egger, SSFCU chairman of the board of directors, Joe Taylor, A&M county extension agent, (Front Row) Mickey Rydzak, Jaclyn Bonner, Kayla Wilkins, Morgan Wagner, Briana Perez, Katie Bonner, Shawnie Wagner, Janelle Perez, Paige Smith, and Travis Bonner.

The new 2,000 square foot service center features four teller stations, three member service offices and a soon to be installed drive up ATM. As part of the opening celebrations, Security Service donated $3,000 to the Atascosa 4-H Council to assist with the local 4-H Club scholarships and other program activities. "The 4-H Club is a terrific organization that helps our youth develop strong leadership skills," says John Worthington, senior vice president for SSFCU. "We are pleased to be able to provide the Atascosa 4-H Council with this donation as we celebrate the opening of our newest service center in South Texas."

Colorado Springs, CO: Security Service Federal Credit Union raised $10,000 for the Rock-N-Bowl fundraising event benefiting Junior Achievement of Colorado. Security Service employees from Colorado Springs and Pueblo participated in the event, forming 18 teams and raising an average of $110 each. The money raised will go toward helping Junior Achievement purchase much-needed classroom materials for its volunteer teachers.

"We are always excited to participate in Junior Achievement events and activities, especially the Rock-N-Bowl," said Rick Weber, senior vice president for Security Service. "It’s a great way for us to have fun and raise money at the same time for a wonderful organization that helps so many deserving kids in our area."

Each year Security Service employees volunteer in Junior Achievement programs by teaching students in grades K-12 important life skills including financial literacy. Last year credit union employees taught over 2,000 students in 80 classes at local schools on topics such as "What is Money?" and "How to Write a Resume." The program helps students improve their chances of success in the business community after graduation.

Colorado Springs, CO – A strong military supporter, Security Service Federal Credit Union (SSFCU) honored 75 Purple Heart recipients, stationed at Fort Carson, Colo., at the recent Colorado College versus Air Force Academy hockey match in the World Arena in Colorado Springs. In addition to treating the soldiers to the match, Security Service held a moving ceremony, during the match’s intermission, to recognize the soldiers for their hard work and dedication. Other highlights included an opportunity for patrons to “Take a Shot at the Goalie.” Above, Army Specialist Ryan Coulson aims at Security Service employee and stand-in goalie, Doug Lamson.

San Antonio, Texas: Security Service Federal Credit Union Senior Vice President and Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s South Texas Chapter President, Mike Martinez (left), recently accepted the Corporate Platinum Award, the Society’s highest honor, from Corporate Walk Chair, John Hornbeak, at the charity’s annual awards ceremony. The credit union received the award for raising more than $56,000 during the Society’s 2007 “Light the Night” Walk in San Antonio. Of the five years Security Service has been involved in the walk, the credit union has received the award every year, and has contributed more than $220,000 to the Society’s mission to find a cure for blood cancers.

San Antonio, Texas: Security Service Federal Credit Union (SSFCU) President and CEO, David E. Reynolds (left), receives a Plaque of Appreciation from Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) Uvalde Officer, Wayne Sieple, in recognition of the credit union’s recent donation of a 2006 Ford, four-door, F-150 truck for the Uvalde D.A.R.E. program. Through the D.A.R.E. program, Uvalde police officers visit area schools and educate students on how to avoid drug use, violence, and gangs. The program’s previous vehicle had not been replaced in ten years.

Also pictured: Julie Balboa, SSFCU Branch Manager, Uvalde.

Pictured from left: Junior Achievement of Southern Colorado President, Ken Wasoba; SSFCU Representatives, Rick Weber, Darla Francisco, Jennifer Andrew; and Junior Achievement Chairman of the Board, Randy Reynolds.

Colorado Springs, Colorado: Security Service Federal Credit Union recently received the Spirit of Achievement Award from Junior Achievement of Southern Colorado, in recognition and appreciation of the credit union’s outstanding support to the organization. Board members representing Colorado Springs and Pueblo presented the top honor at the Junior Achievement Annual Corporate Meeting to SSFCU Vice President, Rick Weber, and SSFCU Education Officer, Darla Francisco.

In addition to the credit union award, Weber received an individual award for Exceptional Volunteer Participation, and Francisco received the Top Board Member award.

Security Service employee, Javier Cano (left), along with Cable Elementary Principal, Brenda Farias, and Northside Education Foundation mascot, “Apple Eddie,” present an $100 grant to art teacher, Richard Villarreal.

San Antonio, Texas- Security Service Federal Credit Union officials, in partnership with the Northside Education Foundation, recently surprised five new teachers in the Northside Independent School District with $100 grants, to help fulfill the teachers’ request for innovative teaching tools and projects that enhance the learning process. Above, Security Service employee, Javier Cano (left), who was part of a prize patrol that visited five different schools, presents $100 to R.R. Cable Elementary art teacher, Richard Villarreal.

Additionally, award recipients included Laura Garrison – Westwood Terrace Elementary, Elva Cordova – J.B. Passmore Elementary, Linda Kaiser – Anson Jones Middle School, and Kimberly Fleming - Adams Hill Elementary.

(from left) Fifth graders Christian, Kevin, Reyna and Maya from Hirsch Elementary brightened the opening of the new southeast side Security Service Federal Credit Union service center at Loop 410 and Rigsby. The students and principal accepted a grant for $3,000 to purchase high tech classroom technology. Back row (from left): Ruby Mata, Security Service FCU service center manager; Hirsch Elementary principal Mateen Diop; and Jim O’Farrell, second vice chairman of the Security Service FCU Board of Directors.

The new service center features five teller stations, six drive-thru lanes, two ATM drive-up lanes and a night deposit box. It also offers mortgage and investment services for members.

As part of the opening celebrations, Security Service FCU donated $3,000 to San Antonio Independent School District’s Hirsch Elementary School to purchase innovative, interactive classroom technology.

"San Antonio’s southeast side community is growing, and we are delighted to continue our history of service to that market. We are also pleased that we were able to share the celebration of this new location with our local schools,” says John Worthington, senior vice president for Security Service FCU. “We recently made a commitment to donate $25,000 to schools through our It’s So Easy membership campaign. This is just one more step to encouraging our students to do better and go farther,” he adds.

Local sweepstakes winner chooses Southside elementary to receive matching gift

San Antonio, TX: For students at Highland Park Elementary, the number 2200 is not only the passing grade on the TAKS Test but also means college ready. This Southside school is already prepping students for 2017 and 2016. Teachers and staff wear their college colors to add to the excitement but it takes more than cheers, posters and burnt orange to make a student ready for college. And thanks to Victor Garcia who was a lucky winner of the Security Service Federal Credit Union’s “It’s So Easy!” campaign, success has been made possible for these hard working students.

Today, Highland Park Elementary was given a gift that will provide teachers and faculty the means to provide students materials and technology needed to prep them for their futures. A check presentation awarding $5,000 to the school was presented in front of third and fourth graders, faculty and community guests.

“It’s all about the kids. Work hard and good things will happen. We love the kids and we believe they can go to college, these are high expectations and we know they can exceed them, “ says Manual Caballero, Principal of Highland Park Elementary.

He introduced the winner of the “It’s So Easy” campaign, Victor Garcia, as the most important person in the room. “Mr. Garcia picked this school and we will do great stuff to help these kids go to college. We plan to buy science stuff for the graduates of 2016 and 2017,” says Caballero.

Victor Garcia, a sanitation worker from San Antonio, decided to become a member of Security Service FCU and open a new checking account that automatically entered him in the credit union’s “It’s So Easy!” membership sweepstakes benefiting new members and local schools.

As a winner, Garcia not only gets additional cash for his pocketbook, but he was also able to choose a local school to receive a matching $5,000 donation from the credit union.

This is the first school presentation in a series that will eventually land five schools a total of $25,000. The outreach is an effort to support local schools and communities. The “It’s So Easy!” campaign has the credit union giving away five $5,000 cash prizes to five lucky winners. Each of those winners will then get to choose a school within SSFCU’s field of membership to receive a matching $5,000 donation from the credit union. New members who open a new checking account between now and the end of the year are automatically entered to win one of the cash prizes. There is no minimum balance required and no monthly service charges on a basic checking account. SSFCU offers several additional checking options, including dividend-accruing, business and member reward accounts. A free “SwitchKit” is available online at www.ssfcu.org to take the hassle out of switching financial institutions.

“What better way is there to do a promotion than one that benefits both our members and local schools at the same time?” asks John Worthington, senior vice president for SSFCU. “With the increase costs of so many everyday necessities, members who win can ease some of their financial burdens, and schools will have some additional monetary resources for their students – it’s a win, win situation for all.” To learn more, visit any SSFCU service center, visit the credit union’s website or call 1-800-WIN-ME-5K (1-888-946-6355).

SAN ANTONIO, TX: The Security Service Federal Credit Union (SSFCU) Volunteer Corps recently helped the Alamo USO build over 100 care packages with toiletry items, snacks, thank you cards, and other needed items for deployed military personnel currently serving in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Africa. Founded by members of the U.S. Air Force Security Service Command, the credit union was proud to use this opportunity to show its gratitude and support for our service men and women overseas.

(Right): SSFCU volunteer, Rosa Gonzalez, includes CDs, t-shirts, and snacks in her care packages.

(Above): Pamela Sapia (left), acting district director for the Small Business Administration (SBA), presents David Reynolds, president and CEO for Security Service Federal Credit Union (SSFCU), with plaques depicting the credit union’s Preferred Lender and SBAExpress designations. Security Service FCU is the first credit union in the SBA’s San Antonio district to reach Preferred Lender status. SSFCU also became the first credit union in San Antonio to offer SBA loans in 2003. Also pictured on the right is Yvonne Fernandez, SSFCU assistant vice president of business services.