Over the past five years, Navy Federal Credit Union has partnered with The Honor Foundation (THF) to enhance financial wellness and career readiness for the U.S. Special Operations Forces community. The credit union sponsors the nonprofit’s Waypoint Journal, including chapters on Financial Health and Wellness, to support transitioning servicemembers preparing for civilian life.

“We know there are many stressors associated with military transitions, especially for servicemembers who serve in specialty roles and struggle to translate their skills into civilian careers.” said Hillary Hayes, Director of People at The Honor Foundation. “We’re grateful to partner with Navy Federal and leverage their financial expertise when preparing our Waypoint fellows for civilian life.”

A check presentation this month commemorated the next season of philanthropic partnership between the two organizations.

Navy Federal’s Richard Allen, VP, Accounting Operations and San Diego Operations Executive, presented a check of $28,000 to The Honor Foundation at its headquarters in Sorrento Valley. A majority of the philanthropic donation will continue supporting corporate sponsorship for The Honor Foundation’s Waypoint Journal, and $3,000 will be allocated towards local activations in the San Diego community.

Locally, Navy Federal’s donation will sponsor U.S. Special Operations servicemembers and participants in The Honor Foundations program, and two beneficiaries are Navy Federal members who have swum for the nonprofit’s Swim for SOF event.

The event engages over 100 swimmers annually, including veterans across the nation and all branches of the Special Operations community. Navy Federal’s donation covers registration for Naval Special Warfare veteran Shannon Daniels and an Active Duty SEAL at the 3.3-mile open water swim in San Diego Bay.

“Navy Federal has always been there for everything, my first car loan, home loan and initial paycheck deposit out of bootcamp,” said Daniels, who has been a Navy Federal member since age 18. “The Honor Foundation has pulled me out of some dark spots and hard places, so this partnership shows that Navy Federal cares and definitely builds brand loyalty for me.”

The Honor Foundation will be placing a Navy Federal branded block on its donor wall during the check presentation to honor the credit union’s longstanding corporate partnership. The block will signify their collaborative mission in supporting the health and wellbeing of military families across the nation.

Navy Federal employs a workforce of more than 25,000 and has a global network of more than 365 branches.

The Honor Foundation has more than 3,300 graduates to date and has campuses in San Diego; Virginia Beach, Va.; Camp Lejeune, N.C.; Fort Bragg- Pinehurst, N.C.; Fort Bragg- Fayetteville, N.C.; Eglin, Fla.; Tampa, Fla.; JBLM, Wash.; Fort Campbell, Tenn. and two virtual programs (THFv).

(Courtesy photos)