Eglin Federal Credit Union has been named one of just five credit unions nationwide to receive the Designation of Savings Excellence (DOSE) Award for its work during Veteran Saves Week 2025. The annual honor recognizes financial institutions that actively promote saving strategies to help veterans and service members build financial stability.

Veteran Saves Week, launched by America Saves in 2023, encourages practical, achievable steps for financial growth, meeting veterans where they are and emphasizing steady progress over perfection. The 2025 initiative, held Nov. 4–7, saw participation from more than 900 organizations nationwide. Collectively, the campaign generated nearly $1.9 million in deposits into new and existing savings accounts and secured $370,000 in pledged deposits toward personal savings goals. Educational outreach and social media campaigns encouraged veterans to take the Veteran Saves Pledge.

“Eglin Federal Credit Union is honored to receive the DOSE Award,” said Cathie Staton, President and CEO of Eglin FCU. “We are proud to serve a thriving military and veteran community with services, support and solutions that simplify their financial lives. Our Field of Membership includes active and retired military personnel who are assigned to or receiving services from Eglin Air Force Base, Hurlburt Field, Duke Field, Camp Rudder or the 7th Special Forces Group. Veterans residing in Okaloosa, Santa Rosa and Walton counties are also eligible for membership. Partnering with Veteran Saves Week was a natural fit, as we share a commitment to helping veterans, transitioning service members and their families build financial readiness for life after service.”

For Krystel Spell, program manager of Veteran Saves, the week’s efforts reflect more than just numbers. “At its core, Veteran Saves Week encourages a financial check-in so Veterans and transitioning service members can better understand their day-to-day finances,” she said. “This year, we were especially mindful of the moment we were in. Many households are making tough decisions, adjusting priorities, and responding to unexpected financial changes. The organizations recognized this year helped make saving feel realistic for Veterans and service members, even during uncertain times.”

The DOSE Award highlights Eglin FCU’s ongoing commitment to financial education, practical support, and the well-being of the veteran community it serves.