As a credit union founded at Naval Air Station Jacksonville in 1952, VyStar Credit Union’s appreciation and commitment to the military is deeply ingrained in our roots. While our field of membership has expanded over the years, we have remained unwavering in our support of the brave men and women who selflessly serve our country. This dedication holds special significance during Military Appreciation Month each May, as we take the time to honor and express our gratitude to these courageous individuals.
Military Heroes Mortgage Program Donation
One way we recently lived out this commitment was by making a $28,600 donation to the National POW/MIA Memorial & Museum. This donation was made to support the ongoing construction and upgrades of the facility, which is being built at the former Naval Air Station Cecil Field on Jacksonville’s Westside to pay tribute to Prisoners of War and Missing in Action heroes. VyStar’s donation was part of our Military Heroes Mortgage Program, which pledges to donate $100 on behalf of every VyStar member who closes a home loan while using the program.
To celebrate the progress of the memorial, VyStar members who are part of the Military Heroes Mortgage Program, along with other special guests, attended an exclusive preview of the facility. The event allowed attendees to learn more about the plans to pay tribute to over 140,000 service members.
“We hope this becomes a sacred place where visitors stop to pay their respects as they pass through the area, where families and friends come to commemorate anniversaries meaningful to them and where the community, whether directly impacted or not, will be grateful that this facility exists so that the memories of these brave men and women will live on,” said VyStar President/CEO Brian Wolfburg.
The VyStar Military Heroes Mortgage Program was created to support those who protect, serve and care for our country. The program provides a range of benefits, payment and closing options, and assistance from a specially created VyHero Mortgage Support Team. There’s even a contest³ with the possibility of winning $3,000.
Military Appreciation Month
Military Appreciation Month holds particular significance for VyStar as we continually strive to support the military community. We were proud to sponsor the following events this month:
May 6: Florida State University Softball Military Appreciation Game
May 13: University of Florida Baseball Military Appreciation Day
May 24: Clay County Chamber of Commerce Military Appreciation Luncheon
In observance of Memorial Day, our branches and Contact Center will be closed on May 29, allowing our employees and members to pay their respects and spend time with their loved ones. We will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, May 30. We encourage everyone to take a moment on this day to remember and honor the brave men and women who have sacrificed their lives in service to our country.
Ongoing Support of the Military
While May is Military Appreciation Month, VyStar looks for ways to support those who serve all year long. VyStar was proud to earn the 2023 Top 10 Military Friendly® Company designation from VIQTORY for meeting or exceeding the standard of recruiting, hiring and training of veterans and their spouses, our partnerships with veteran-owned businesses and our brand’s positive military reputation.
VyStar sponsors quarterly gatherings hosted by the Veterans Council of Duval County at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena. The gatherings give veterans and their families the opportunity to learn about many of the resources available in Northeast Florida.
There are also days where veterans and military personnel can enjoy area attractions for free thanks to VyStar sponsorships. Some examples of those free days include the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, Museum of Science & History, Brown & Brown Farms Corn Maze & Fall Extravaganza, the USS Orleck and Jacksonville Naval Museum, Furyk & Friends and much more.
As VyStar continues to grow into new communities over the coming years, the credit union will keep looking for exciting ways to support those with connections to the armed forces.