A "Sure to Make You Cry" Video Highlights Reasons for North Carolina SECU's ESGR Freedom Award Win!

RALEIGH, N.C., Sept. 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- A video featuring several SECU staff members and volunteers likely played a major role in the Credit Union's recent National ESGR Freedom Award win.  The video, submitted with N.C. State Employees' Credit Union's (SECU's) Department of Defense Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Freedom Award application, highlights the story of Guard support by SECU staff and members.  Currently on SECU's website at www.ncsecu.org, the video can be viewed using the link:  State Employees' Credit Union - Videos.  SECU Board Chairman, Jim Barber, accepted the Department of Defense Freedom Award for the Credit Union at a ceremony on Thursday evening, September 22nd in Washington D.C.  The ceremony capped the day's events, which included a Pentagon tour and a meeting with the Secretary of Defense.  

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The Freedom Award is the U.S. Department of Defense's highest recognition given to employers for exceptional support of their employees serving in the Guard and Reserve.  Freedom Award recipients distinguish themselves by going to extraordinary lengths to support their military employees.  State Employees' Credit Union stood out as one of 15 winners from a field of 4,049 entries nationwide, submitted by Guard and Reserve service members or their families.  SECU was nominated by Jamie Applequist, SECU Senior Vice President in Jacksonville, N.C. and a member of the Air Force Reserve, who noted SECU's ongoing support for the military, highlighting numerous Credit Union and SECU Foundation initiatives.

Jim Barber comments on the national Freedom Award win and the SECU video, "Our financial cooperative has always considered it a privilege to serve those members who protect and defend our freedom here in the U.S.  It was an honor to accept the Freedom Award in Washington D.C. on behalf of SECU's members and staff, and I accredit our organization's win to the 'People Helping People' philosophy exhibited on a daily basis.  The SECU Freedom Award video demonstrates this philosophy in action, sharing personal stories of support from our own employee-reservists, as well as general information of overall military support."  

About SECU

SECU is a not-for-profit financial cooperative owned by its members. SECU has been providing the employees of the State of North Carolina and their families with consumer financial services for over 70 years. Currently serving nearly 1.7 million members, SECU provides services through 238 branch offices, almost 1,100 ATMs, 24/7 Contact Centers and a website, www.ncsecu.org.

About ESGR and the Freedom Award

The Freedom Award was instituted in 1996 under the auspices of ESGR.  ESGR was established in 1972 to develop and maintain employer support for Guard and Reserve service.  ESGR advocates relevant initiatives, recognizes outstanding support, increases awareness of applicable laws, and resolves conflict between service members and employers.  Paramount to ESGR's mission is encouraging employment of Guardsmen and Reservists who bring integrity, global perspective and proven leadership to the civilian workforce.

SOURCE State Employees' Credit Union