Over the course of this year, America's Credit Union (ACU) will be celebrating its 70th Anniversary with its members and the Joint Base Lewis-McChord community.

"Through various celebratory events, support opportunities and member recognition, we'll be launching ‘70 Acts of Kindness' to commemorate our anniversary and demonstrate our continued commitment to serve those you serve us!" said Philip Prothero, ACU's Chief Operations Officer.

Founded in 1954 and known as the Fort Lewis Federal Credit Union, ACU was created to serve civilian federal employees and their families who worked at then Fort Lewis. Its original purpose - which still guides ACU - was to provide an alternative to commercial banks by operating as a cooperative to the benefit of its members.

Along with active duty, veterans and reserve members of the armed forces across the Pacific Northwest, civilians and businesses are welcome to join ACU.

"We are consistent in our commitment to our active duty service members, veterans and civilians," explained Prothero. "We have 70 years of experience at JBLM, and we consistently work to grow our products, services and support for our members, and we are proud of our military heritage and celebrate the fact that veterans still make up a substantial amount of our membership."

He added that ACU has served the JBLM community through times of war, through economic challenges, and that it works hard to help each of its members during their financial journeys.

"Our CEO, Ken Leonard, has been a part of JBLM and ACU's mission for 45 years," continued Prothero. "His involvement with the community has helped ACU to identify gaps in service and support ... and has allowed us to grow to three offices on base covering members in the Madigan area, JBLM-North and around Waller Hall."

ACU also has offices in DuPont, Lacey, Tacoma, Graham, University Place, Spanaway and Yelm.

Some of the proudest moments in ACU's seven decades of service center on the hosting of the Annual Turkey Shoot Golf Tournament. Prothero pointed out that the event gives ACU the ability to help programs such as Santa's Castle, the Madigan Foundations and other organizations.

ACU has also been actively partnering with United Service Organizations (USO) Northwest by providing a hub at their main office to help military members and their families.

"ACU has been a pillar of financial support to the JBLM community for 70 years, and we intend to be for another 70 years and beyond," concluded Prothero. 

"Our commitment to bettering the lives of our members is our top priority, and we look forward to the opportunities in the years to come."

Watch for more information on the events and celebrations of "70 Acts of Kindness" at https://www.youracu.org/.

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