By Justin Creech
Staff Writer
Thursday, April 5, 2012

Families took time out to get their faces painted, play in a money machine and eat hot dogs, chips and soda during the Fort Belvoir Credit Union’s third annual Family Fun Day Saturday at the FBCU.

Credit union employees were available to share information and answer questions people had about the financial services available to them.

FBCU wants Belvoir to know it is here to serve the community.

“Belvoir is our primary field of membership,” said Ken Worthy Jr., FBCU Marketing and Communication Specialist. “As a credit union, we are not-for-profit, so we just want to get the message out that we are here and offer full range of financial products and services for everyone on Fort Belvoir.”

According to Worthy, most people don’t know the credit union is a not-for-profit institution unlike a bank that is a for-profit business.

Representatives gave out information on new programs like the “Young Savers” savings account, available to children younger than 18 as well as the Compass Military Checking account which is available to active-duty servicemen and women. There is also the CUXcel free checking account that has a 3.25% savings rate on balances up to $15,000.

The services impressed several people including Bernadette Pabon who works at Optical Center at the Post Exchange. Pabon signed up for the CUXcel checking account.

“Your money is making money for you in a checking account,” said Pabon. “Not necessarily a huge savings account that you might need.”

Getting the opportunity to learn about the community and meet other Families was appealing to Angelique Davis, Vernondale Village resident.

“I think it’s a great opportunity for us as a Family to get out and see what’s in the community,” Davis said. “It’s also good for the (children) to get to know other (children) in the area.”

Lewis said she was already familiar with some of the services available at the Credit Union, but was unaware of a few of the new ones. She said she is going to open a checking account for her soon-to-be 18-year-old daughter at the credit union.

“She needs to start a checking account for herself,” said Lewis. “So, today was a good way for us to learn what options she had. It’s also a good way for her to get into a credit union and it’s close to her as well. If she ever needs anything she can come to the credit union and get it herself.”

Being able to share information about their services and give the Families a chance to have some fun also pleased Credit Union employees.

“Everyone seems to have had a good time especially the kids with the face-painting and the money and food. So, it’s gone very well,” said Stephanie Crabtree, FBCU Installation Liaison/Membership Development Officer. “Everybody seems super happy that we do this and that it’s free.”