As VyStar continues to grow, we never forget our roots. Supporting the brave men and women of our military has been a focus of our credit union since we were founded at Naval Air Station Jacksonville in 1952, and that commitment remains just as strong today.
Each year around Veterans Day, we make it our focus to share many of the ways we’re giving back to those who have served our country. These initiatives include special products, community events and other efforts that honor past and present military members.
Because at VyStar, honoring military members is what we’re all about.
Products for Military Members and Veterans
First, to show our gratitude to our members who’ve spent time in the military, VyStar is offering a limited-time promotion throughout November 2023 on VyStar VA purchase loans. Veterans and active-duty military receive an extra 0.25% rate discount on VyStar VA purchase loans¹. Plus, they’re also eligible to save up to $5,000 in closing costs or choose an additional 0.25% rate discount². Additional benefits include:
100% financing
No mortgage insurance requirement
Free 90-day rate lock³
This offer ends Nov. 30, 2023.
Another product for military members is our Military Heroes Mortgage Program, which honors those who protect, serve and care for our country and communities. We offer a wide array of benefits, 100% financing, plenty of payment and closing options and even provide you with your own support team.
And as a reminder, current VyStar members can earn up to $250 for referring friends — that includes past and present military members living anywhere in the world.
VyStar Supports Wide Range of Military Organizations
From parades to luncheons and much more, November is a great time to celebrate our military. VyStar is proud to participate in more of these events than ever before, including many events in Georgia that we are supporting for the first time.
VyStar now has full-service branches in Thomasville, Savannah, Brunswick and Stockbridge, with additional branches still to come in Coastal Georgia and in Metro Atlanta. As we grow in Georgia, VyStar is building strong relationships within the veteran community across the state.
In Georgia, that military and veteran support includes:
While VyStar is participating in several events for the first time, we are proud to be longtime supporters of many others across Florida. Some of the other events VyStar is proud to support in Florida include:
Free access at The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens for veterans, military personnel, and their families
Veterans Day Weekend at Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
We also would like to bring special attention to a unique opportunity. This year, VyStar is proud to present World War II: Stories from the American Experience at the Museum of Arts & Sciences in Daytona Beach. The inspiring exhibit is free for veterans and current members of the military (with valid ID). It runs through Jan. 21, 2024.
In addition to these events, we also support quarterly veterans initiatives at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena and community partners such as the Jacksonville Naval Museum and the National POW/MIA Memorial & Museum.
Learn more about our ongoing efforts on our Military Support page.
Honor Your Hero Sweepstakes Recognizes Military
This fall, VyStar brought back the popular Honor Your Hero Sweepstakes on social media where people had the chance to nominate active military members or veterans who are important in their lives. The nominees had the chance to be recognized at a University of Florida, Florida State University, Orlando Solar Bears or Savannah Ghost Pirates game, or experiences at the Florida Blue Florida Classic or golf lessons from golf professional Travis Fulton along with a set of PXG Golf Clubs.
VyStar is proud to support Military Appreciation Games on the following dates:
University of Florida Football (Nov. 4)
Florida State University Football (Nov. 11)
Orlando Solar Bears (Nov. 12)
Savannah Ghost Pirates (March 8-10)
VyStar is Proud to Employee Veterans
VyStar is proud to be recognized as a Top 10 Military Friendly® Company. The designation is something we take seriously, as it verifies all the effort that goes into embracing not only our members with military backgrounds, but also our employees who served.
Sean Dougherty recently joined the VyStar team and serves as our NAS Jax Branch Vice President and Military Liaison. Sean’s military career started when he enlisted into the U.S. Navy’s submarine force in 1996, and he recently retired as a Commander after 27 years of service. Sean is passionate about celebrating our past and present service men and women for the sacrifices they have and will make serving our country, while helping them better understand their finances so they can build better, brighter futures.
Additionally, our veterans employee resource group has more than 100 members who help us support more than 30 military-focused events, charities and initiatives each year.
About the Author
Joe Daraskevich is a Writer & Content Creator at VyStar. He previously worked at the Florida Times-Union as a reporter from 2010-2018 before joining WOKV 104.5 FM as the afternoon news anchor and assistant news director from 2018-2022. He graduated from the University of North Florida and lives in Jacksonville.