Spirit Quarterly Newsletter

The Eglin FCU Annual Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 27, 2025. It will be held at the Niceville Community Center at 204 Partin Drive North next to the Niceville Public Library. Registration begins at 6:15 p.m., and the meeting will be called to order at 7 p.m.

2025 nominees for election

The Nominating Committee has nominated two incumbents to fill two expiring positions for three-year terms on the Board of Directors:

•  Richard Adams
•  William (Bill) Rone

Richard Adams has served 39 years as an Eglin FCU official with eight years devoted to the Credit Appeals and Supervisory committees and 31 years on the Board of Directors. He has held every possible position including Chairman on these different committees. During this time, he became certified by the National Association of Federal Credit Unions as a Volunteer Expert. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Auburn University and has over 400 hours in income taxation and financial management training. His work experience at Eglin Air Force Base includes 13 years in the Armament Laboratory as an Operations Research Analyst performing weapons effectiveness and 27 years in the Comptroller and Financial Management Office specializing in cost-benefit analysis, earned value analysis and stock analysis. He is certified by two national organizations as both a Parametric Analyst and a Cost Analyst. He has also developed, managed and owned rental property for the past 42 years in the Niceville, Fort Walton Beach and Crestview areas.

William S. Rone has served Eglin FCU members on the Board for 40 years, nine as Chairman and five as Vice Chairman. He holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting, and a Master of Business Administration, and he attended Air War College (Seminar) and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces (Residence). Mr. Rone’s 40+ year federal career included senior financial positions at Eglin Air Force Base, Robins Air Force Base and Naval Aviation Depot Pensacola. In his final 20+ years prior to retirement, Mr. Rone served as Comptroller and senior civilian for the Air Force Special Operations Command at Hurlburt Field, FL, responsible for multibillion-dollar worldwide financial programs. He is an NAFCU Certified Volunteer Expert, Certified Cost Analyst, Government Financial Manager and Defense Financial Manager - Acquisition. In 2022, the Defense Credit Union Council inducted Mr. Rone into the DCUC Hall of Honor.

Nominations by petition are open

If you wish to be nominated for a Board of Directors position, the nominations by petition process is open until the close of business (5 p.m. CST) Nov. 1, 2024. The petitions must be signed by 500 members who are at least 18 years old and must include each member’s signature, printed name and address as it appears on their statement. Nominations must be accompanied by a completed Nomination by Petition Packet and sent to the address below by Nov. 1. Packets may be obtained online at eglinfcu.org/forms by selecting Eglin FCU Volunteer Packet, or by contacting our Executive Secretary at 850.862.0111 x1601, who will mail or email a Packet or arrange one for pick-up. Nominees must be an Eglin FCU member in good standing, must be bondable and must be at least 18 years old.

Mail Nomination by Petition Packets to:
   Eglin Federal Credit Union
   Attention: Board Secretary
   P.O. Box 854
   Shalimar, FL 32579-0854

A member with a valid nomination by petition will be included on the ballot. When there is only one nomination per position to be filled, the election will not be conducted by mail ballot, and there will be no nominations from the floor.

According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, millions of elderly Americans are victims of financial fraud or internet schemes each year. Elders are commonly targeted in various financial scams that often lead them to taking actions such as returning funds to scammers.

Elders are often contacted by scammers by telephone. It is important to follow these steps when receiving a call: SLOW DOWN and THINK, hang up the phone, return the call using a verified phone number, and explain the circumstances to a trusted friend or family member.

Scammers are hoping victims will carelessly follow directions, believe the lies being told, and not realize they are being scammed until their money is long gone.

Here are some of the most common elder fraud schemes according to the FBI’s website:

• Romance scams
• Tech support scams
• Grandparent scams
• Arrest warrant scams
• Lottery or sweepstakes scams

These scams often target elders through unsolicited methods like junk email.

Most financial scams targeting elders have warning signs that may be overlooked at first. Below are a few of the biggest warning signs. Recipients are instructed to:

• Withdraw a large sum of cash after a remote tech support session on a computer or smartphone
• Withdraw a large sum of cash by someone claiming to be with law enforcement or a government agency
• Mail cash, check or money order to an unknown person through an expedited shipping method
• Deposit cash into an ATM at a specific street address or by scanning a QR code
• Lie to credit union or bank employees regarding a large cash withdrawal or wire transfer
• Use cash to buy large gift cards and provide the card information over the phone

By staying informed and vigilant, elders can protect themselves from these common financial scams. It’s crucial to share this knowledge with friends and family members to create a supportive network that can help identify and prevent fraud. Remember, taking a moment to verify information and consult with trusted individuals can make all the difference in safeguarding anyone’s financial well-being.

Fort Walton Beach Member Service Counselor Tiffany Jackson was selected as the 5-Star Performer for the 2nd quarter. Tiffany was nominated by her co-workers and supervisor for being an excellent role model and top professional. She is requested by name by many members and is always enthusiastic in her role. She is known by her team for taking on extra duties and helping to keep morale high. Tiffany has been with the Credit Union for 19 years and says she loves nothing more than helping others and making someone’s day better. Congratulations, Tiffany!

Are you looking for a credit card that combines great value, convenience, rewards, and security features? Look no further! The Eglin FCU Mastercard® is packed with benefits that make it the perfect choice for your everyday needs. Here are five reasons why you’ll love our Mastercard:

1. Great rates! Our Mastercard offers competitive rates that keep more money in your pocket. Save on interest and enjoy the perks of using a credit card that genuinely cares about your financial well-being.
2. No balance transfer fee! Transferring your balance from another credit card? We won’t charge you a fee for that. Say goodbye to unnecessary fees and hello to a better credit experience.
3. No cash advance fee. With our Mastercard, you won’t be charged a fee for cash advances. Enjoy quick and easy access to cash whenever you need it, without the extra cost.
4. Card Controls! Help protect your cards by using Eglin FCU CardControls to turn your card off if it’s lost or left behind somewhere. Receive real-time notifications if you choose, any time it is used. Learn more at eglinfcu.org/cardcontrols.
5. Rewards! We offer a Rewards Mastercard with rates as low as 8.9% APR that earns you points with your purchases. You can use the points for gift cards, experiences, charitable donations, travel, merchandise, fuel savings or cash back! Check out eglinfcu.org/rewards for details.

Experience the difference of a credit card that combines affordability, security, and rewards, and discover a better way to manage your finances at eglinfcu.org/mastercard.

• Carrot Top Beach Developments, LLC, Miramar Beach
• Carrot Top Designs, Miramar Beach
• Emerald Coast Capital Management, Miramar Beach
• G & J Tire Service, Inc., Ft. Walton Beach
• Refuel Bootcamp, LLC, Ft. Walton Beach
• Dockside Watersports, Destin
• HOTWORX Studio, Destin
• Brown and Brown, Destin
• Infuse - IV Hydration & Wellness, Destin, Shalimar
• City Wide Facility Solutions – Gulf Coast, Ft. Walton Beach
• Moe’s Southwest Grill, Pensacola, Pace, Ft. Walton Beach
• Beyond Expectations, Inc., Shalimar, Ft. Walton Beach,
• Crestview, Navarre, Pensacola
• Marina Bay Resort, Ft. Walton Beach
• Success Ocean International, LLC, Ft. Walton Beach
• Brozinni’s Pizzeria of Florida, Inc., Santa Rosa Beach
• Lotus Learning & Arts Center, Ft. Walton Beach
• Schneider Shell Boat Rentals, Ft. Walton Beach
• Philippine Market & Café, Valparaiso
• 850 Froyo, LLC, Destin
• Kwench Juice Café, Destin