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Breaking News

 

8/14/2008

Department of Defense Releases Long Awaited Report to Congress on Military Lending

Today AMBA received the long awaited DoD Report to Congress, "Report on Implementation of Limitations on Terms of Consumer Credit Extended to Service Members and Dependents." Though dated July 22, 2008, the 47-page report was just delivered to the Congress. It is provided for your information and may be downloaded.

The Association of Military Banks of America and one of its member banks are mentioned favorably (e.g., pages 18-19) in the report. AMBA's work over the past year in leading the nation's banking trade associations in responding to DoD was evident throughout the report.

The Department of Defense reported to the Congress that that current statutes and regulations provide effective credit protection for Service members and their families, and that there is no need for significant change. This is the desired outcome for the banking industry and is in the best interest of our Service members and their families. AMBA member banks can be proud of their long record of meeting the credit needs of Service members and their families by providing affordable, beneficial products and financial education. AMBA and its member banks will continue to partner with DoD in the Financial Readiness Campaign.

Download the full report in PDF (156K)

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7/21/08

Navy and Air Force Announce Distinguished Banks of the Year for 2007

Parris Island Armed Services Bank (PIASB) at Parris Island, South Carolina, a branch of Fort Sill National Bank, is the Department of the Navy’s Distinguished Bank of the Year for 2007. This bank has provided outstanding banking service to the Recruit Depot, the Beaufort community and deployed customers worldwide. AMBA joins with the Navy leadership in congratulating John Davis and the staff at PIASB for the outstanding banking support that placed special emphasis on serving those who serve in the Marine Corps, the Navy, and their families.

First National Bank of Midwest City at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma is the Department of the Air Force’s Distinguished Bank of the Year for 2007. AMBA joins with the Air Force leadership in congratulating Robert H. Croak, Tammy Snyder and the staff at the Tinker Air Force Base branch for their outstanding support to Airmen, their families, and the Air Force community they serve.

The awards will be presented at the 2008 AMBA Fall Workshop in Tucson, Arizona at the Bank of the Year Awards Luncheon, hosted by the Association of Military Banks of America, on Tuesday, September 16, 2008.

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6/27/08

Farewell to Major David W. SmIth, U.S. Army Banking Officer

AMBA salutes Major David W. Smith as he leaves his post as the U.S. Army Banking Officer and attends the Information Management School.  Major Smith did an outstanding job as the Army’s Banking Officer and worked tirelessly to provide the best financial services for soldiers and their families.  A graduate of the Army’s Training With Industry Program at Armed Forces Bank, Major Smith quickly became a forceful advocate for the military banking program.

The AMBA Board of Directors recognized Major Smith at his farewell luncheon in Rosslyn, Virginia on June 18.  AMBA’s President and CEO, acting on behalf of the AMBA members and its Board of Directors, presented Major Smith with a plaque containing the “Key to the Bank” and the inscription, “With grateful appreciation for  a job well done!

Major Smith, in his farewell e-mail, remarked that it “has been a great honor to serve as the U.S. Army Banking Officer….Thank you all for making this a tremendously rewarding experience, and I wish you all the best.” 

We wish David every success and thank him for his outstanding support.

David’s replacement is Captain Marocco Roberts, also a graduate of the Army’s TWI program with Armed Forces Bank.   

Major David W. Smith

Photo:   Major General Andrew M. Egeland, Jr., USAF (Ret.) (left), President of the Association of Military Banks of America presenting a plaque of appreciation to Major David W. Smith (right) during the farewell luncheon on June 18, 2008.

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6/20/08

Army Announces Distinguished Bank of the Year for 2007

Fort Hood National Bank at Fort Hood, Texas is the Department of the Army’s Distinguished Bank of the Year for 2007. This marks the third consecutive year that Fort Hood National Bank has garnered this prestigious award. AMBA joins with the Army leadership in congratulating Terry Tuggle and the staff at Fort Hood National Bank for their outstanding support to their military and civilian customers and the military community they serve. The soldiers, DA civilians and family members are the deserving beneficiaries of the superlative banking services provided by the Fort Hood National Bank staff. The award will be presented at the 2008 AMBA Fall Workshop in Tucson, Arizona at the Bank of the Year Awards Luncheon, hosted by the Association of Military Banks of America on Tuesday, September 16, 2008.

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3/3/08

Major General Andrew M. Egeland, Jr., USAF (Ret.), President of the Association of Military Banks of America (AMBA), accepted the National Military Family Association's (NMFA) Dr. Lowell G. Daun Award, on behalf of the association during the NMFA Leadership Luncheon on February 21, 2008 in Washington, D.C. During the three years that AMBA has supported the NMFA Family Award Program, 36 families have been awarded financial prizes between $500 and $1,000. In addition, AMBA and NMFA have contributed more than $10,000 to organizations whose work benefits military families.

Photo1 from left to right: Nancy Alsheimer, Chairman of the National Military Family's Board of Governors, Major General Andrew M. Egeland, Jr., USAF (Ret.), President/CEO of the Association of Military Banks of America and Dr. Lowell G. Daun, Senior Vice President of Delta Dental of California.

Photo 2 from left to right: Neil P. Marcous, Executive Vice President of Armed Forces Financial Network, General Michael V. Hayden, USAF, Director of Central Intelligence Agency and Major General Andrew M. Egeland, Jr., USAF (Ret.), President/CEO of the Association of Military Banks of America.

 

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10/10/07

The 2007 AMBA Workshop speakers' briefing slides are now available at the AMBA website, click Annual Workshop/2007 Workshop page. The copy of the 2007 AMBA Attendees List will be sent by email to those who participated at the Workshop.  Thank you to all speakers and participants who attended the Workshop and made it a big success.

Plan and attend the 2008 AMBA Workshop September 14-17, 2008, in the beautiful Sonoran Desert of Tucson, Arizona.  Information will be available at the AMBA website in early May 2008.

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9/09/07 - DOD Issues Final Regulation on Payday Lending

Codified in the Code of Federal Regulations at 32 CFR Part 232, the DOD final rule "Limitations on Terms of Consumer Credit Extended to Service Members and Dependents," becomes effective on October 1, 2007. The final rule regulates the terms of certain credit extensions to active duty service members and their dependents. Click here for the complete text of the final rule.

The final rule continues the narrow focus on payday loans, vehicle title loans and tax-refund anticipation loans contained in the draft released for public comment earlier this year. Most importantly the final rule preserves the banking industry's ability to continue to meet the credit needs of service members and their dependents. It allows banks to continue to provide beneficial products such as refinancing, home equity lines of credit, student loans, residential mortgages, and small-dollar loan products that borrowers can use in lieu of high cost payday loans.

The Association of Military Banks of America led the banking trade associations in working with the Department of Defense to achieve a final regulation that implements Section 670 of the John Warner National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007 in a rational and practical way that applies limitations on predatory credit practices without impeding the availability of credit that is beneficial to Service members and their families.

In AMBA's June 11, 2007, comment letter to DoD, AMBA highlighted its members' long partnership with DoD and support of its Financial Readiness Campaign, and the fact that its member banks had been recognized for their beneficial products and services that contribute to force readiness and military capability. AMBA is the only trade association specifically recognized in the final DoD regulation for its members' beneficial alternative small loans products as showcased at a FDIC Conference in December 2006.

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9/9/07 - ABA and AMBA Telebriefing on DoD Final Lending Regulation

AMBA is participating with the American Bankers Association and the Department of Defense in a live telephone broadcast on September 26, 2007, on the DoD final payday lending regulation and other relevant military-related issues. The telephone briefing, "Serving Your Military Customers: Complying with the New DoD Consumer Regulation...and More" will provide an in-depth analysis of the payday lending regulation's provisions. It will also provide a refresher on protections accorded military personnel under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, and how to support the troops through the DoD Military Saves initiative. To link to the ABA Telephone Briefing visit: http://www.aba.com/teleweb/tb092607.htm.

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07/17/07 - Commander and Installation Banking and Credit Union Liaison Officer Deskguide (BLO/CULO Guide)

The latest copy of the Commander and Installation Banking and Credit Union Liaison Officer Deskguide is now available. This important reference tool is a single source document compiling the many directives and policy statements that govern the delivery of financial services to personnel on DoD installations. The Deskguide is intended to provide continuity and consistency in the application of the DoD polices and procedures across service lines. Every AMBA member should download the Deskguide and become familiar with its contents.

Download the BLO/CULO Guide

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07/12/07 - Military Department Bank of the Year Award Winners for 2006

Congratulations to the AMBA banks that were selected by the Department of the Army, Department of the Navy and Department of the Air Force for their outstanding service to their military and civilian customers and the military communities they support. Banks are nominated by commanders and the selection is made at the Military Department level. We are extremely proud to recognize the following AMBA banks for their outstanding achievements in 2006.

Department of the Army
Fort Hood National Bank at Fort Hood, Texas is the Department of the Army Distinguished Bank Service Award winner for 2006.

Department of the Navy
Parris Island Armed Services Bank at Marine Corps Recruit Depot/Eastern Recruiting Region is the Department of the Navy Distinguished Bank Service Award winner for 2006.

Department of the Air Force
Eisenhower National Bank at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas is the Department of the Air Force Bank of the Year Award winner for 2006.

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4/9/07 - Department of Defense Releases Proposed Regulation Implementing Payday Lending Law Affecting Lending to Military Members and Their Dependents

The Department of Defense (DoD) released for public comment a proposed regulation that implements the consumer protection provisions of Public Law 109-364, the John Warner National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007, Section 670 "Limitations on Terms of Consumer Credit Extended to Service Members and Dependents." The text of the proposed regulation appears in the Federal Register/Vo. 72, No. 69/Wednesday, April 11, 2007/Pages 18157-18170. Public comment is invited and must be received no later than June 11, 2007.

Click here for the text of the proposed regulation.

The proposed regulation affects military banking and AMBA members are requested to please read the regulation carefully and provide any comments you may have to Andrew.Egeland@ambahq.org. AMBA has been invited to provide additional input to DoD.

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4/2/07 - Military Departments Call for Nominations for 2006 Bank of the Year

Please note the Army, Navy and Air Force nomination requests and criteria for the Military Department Bank of the Year Awards for 2006. This is an extremely coveted award and is only presented to the very best banks that service our military members, families and other authorized patrons worldwide.

As in the past, the Community Banks operating overseas are not authorized to participate in this recognition program as they are contracted banks operating under the guidance and direction of the Department of Defense.

Army
Nominations 2006 (pdf)

Navy
2006 Nomination Request Memo (pdf)

Air Force
2006 Bank or CU Nomination Form (doc)
2006 Call for Annual Bank and Credit Union Award Nominees (pdf)

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3/13/07 - ATM Service Solicitation

AutomatedTellerMachineServices,06March2007.pdf

AMBA received the attached solicitation for ATM services at the Naval Information Operations Command, Sugar Grove, West Virginia. There is no on-base financial institution at this location. Your proposal should be forwaded by March 30, 2007 to Commanding Officer, NIOC Sugar Grove, 63 Hendrick Drive, Sugar Grove, WV 26815. The point of contact for additional information is LCDR Bob Chesser at (304) 249-6301 or by e-mail at robert.chesser@navy.mil.

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8/29/06

Tropical Storm Ernesto--Treasury Department Temporary Procedues for Making Federal Government Deposits

Should Tropical Storm Ernesto turn more destructive, the Treasury Department has posted their contingency plans for making deposits.

The recent increase in tropical weather activity has reminded us all of the necessity to have contingency plans in place should the onset of inclement weather cause the closure or inaccessibility of financial institutions in our areas. For this reason, the Financial Management Service (FMS) provides temporary procedures for making deposits in the event of a hurricane.

FMS Federal Finance has posted these procedures at http://fms.treas.gov/eft/hurricane-depositary-procedures.pdf and will post additional information should it be necessary at the following website:
http://fms.treas.gov/eft/regulations.html#agency

As always, you can find information about FMS's systems, policies and procedures at http://fms.treas.gov/ at any time.

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5/23/06

Latest Information on Veterans Affairs Data Security Breach (May 23, 2006)

This is the latest information regarding the reported loss of Department of Veterans Affairs data containing identifying information including names, social security numbers, and dates of birth for up to 2w6.5 million veteran and some spouses, as well as some disability ratings. For continued updates, go to http://www.firstgov.gov/veteransinfo.shtml.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has recently learned that an employee, a data analyst, took home electronic data from the VA, which he was not authorized to do. This behavior was in violation of VA policies. This data contained identifying information including names, social security numbers, and dates of birth for up to 26.5 million veterans and some spouses, as well as some disability ratings. Importantly, the affected data did not include any of VA's electronic health records nor any financial information. The employee's home was burglarized and this data was stolen. The employee has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an investigation.

Appropriate law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and the VA Inspector General's office, have launched full-scale investigations into this matter. Authorities believe it is unlikely the perpetrators targeted the items because of any knowledge of the data contents. It is possible that they remain unaware of the information which they possess or of how to make use of it. However, out of an abundance of caution, the VA is taking all possible steps to protect and inform our veterans.

The VA is working with members of Congress, the news media, veterans service organizations, and other government agencies to help ensure that veterans and their families are aware of the situation and of the steps they may take to protect themselves from misuse of their personal information. The VA will send out individual notification letters to veterans to every extent possible. Additionally, working with other government agencies, the VA has set up a manned call center that veterans may call to get information about this situation and learn more about consumer identity protections. That toll free number is 1-800-FED INFO (1-800-333-4636). The call center will operate from 8 am to 9 pm (EDT), Monday-Saturday as long as it is needed.

Here are some questions you may have about this incident, and their answers.

I'm a veteran. How can I tell if my information was compromised?

At this point there is no evidence that any missing data has been used illegally. However, the Department of Veterans Affairs is asking all veterans to be extra vigilant and to carefully monitor bank statements, credit card statements and any statements relating to recent financial transactions. If you notice unusual or suspicious activity, you should report it immediately to the financial institution involved and contact the Federal Trade Commission for further guidance.

What is the earliest date at which suspicious activity might have occurred due to this data breach?

The information was stolen from an employee of the Department of Veterans Affairs during the month of May 2006. If the data has been misused or otherwise used to commit fraud or identity theft crimes, it is likely that veterans may notice suspicious activity during the month of May.

I haven't noticed any suspicious activity in my financial statements, but what can I do to protect myself and prevent being victimized by credit card fraud or identity theft?

The Department of Veterans Affairs strongly recommends that veterans closely monitor their financial statements and review the guidelines provided on this webpage or call 1-800-FED-INFO (1-800-333-4636).

Should I reach out to my financial institutions or will the Department of Veterans Affairs do this for me?

The Department of Veterans Affairs does not believe that it is necessary to contact financial institutions or cancel credit cards and bank accounts, unless you detect suspicious activity.

Where should I report suspicious or unusual activity?

The Federal Trade Commission recommends the following four steps if you detect suspicious activity:

Step 1 – Contact the fraud department of one of the three major credit bureaus:

Equifax: 1-800-525-6285; www.equifax.com; P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374-0241
Experian: 1-888-EXPERIAN (397-3742); www.experian.com; P.O. Box 9532, Allen, Texas 75013
TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289; www.transunion.com; Fraud Victim Assistance Division, P.O. Box 6790, Fullerton, CA 92834-6790
Step 2 – Close any accounts that have been tampered with or opened fraudulently.

Step 3 – File a police report with your local police or the police in the community where the identity theft took place.

Step 4 – File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission by using the FTC's Identity Theft Hotline by telephone: 1-877-438-4338, online at www.consumer.gov/idtheft, or by mail at Identity Theft Clearinghouse, Federal Trade Commission, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington DC 20580.

I know the Department of Veterans Affairs maintains my health records electronically; was this information also compromised?

No electronic medical records were compromised. The data lost is primarily limited to an individual's name, date of birth, social security number, in some cases their spouse's information, as well as some disability ratings. However, this information could still be of potential use to identity thieves and we recommend that all veterans be extra vigilant in monitoring for signs of potential identity theft or misuse of this information.

What is the Department of Veterans Affairs doing to insure that this does not happen again?

The Department of Veterans Affairs is working with the President's Identity Theft Task Force, the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission to investigate this data breach and to develop safeguards against similar incidents. The Department of Veterans Affairs has directed all VA employees complete the "VA Cyber Security Awareness Training Course" and complete the separate "General Employee Privacy Awareness Course" by June 30, 2006. In addition, the Department of Veterans Affairs will immediately be conducting an inventory and review of all current positions requiring access to sensitive VA data and require all employees requiring access to sensitive VA data to undergo an updated National Agency Check and Inquiries (NACI) and/or a Minimum Background Investigation (MBI) depending on the level of access required by the responsibilities associated with their position. Appropriate law enforcement agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Inspector General of the Department of Veterans Affairs, have launched full-scale investigations into this matter.

Where can I get further, up-to-date information?

The Department of Veterans Affairs has set up a special website and a toll-free telephone number for veterans that features up-to-date news and information. Please check this webpage for further updates or call 1-800-FED-INFO (1-800-333-4636).

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4/28/06

DFAS Provides Update on Activities at AMBA Spring Board of Directors Workshop (PowerPoint)

Ron Davis from DFAS provided an update briefing to the Board of Directors and other participants in the AMBA Board of Directors Workshop on April 21, 2006. Here is a link to his briefing.


Bank Liaison Officers Desk Guide Briefed to AMBA Board of Directors at Spring Meeting (PowerPoint)

Ron Davis from DFAS and the Service Bank Liaison Officers briefed the AMBA Board of Directors and workshop participants at the Board of Directors Workshop on the new Bank Liaison Officers Desk Guide. Here is a link to the briefing. The Desk Guide was previously posted to the AMBA website.

Commander and Installation Banking and Credit Union Liaison Officer Deskguide (PDF)

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4/10/06

AMBA Bank Expands Service To Base Personnel

FNB Expands Its Presence on Tinker Air Force Base

First National Bank has a long history connected with Midwest City and Tinker Air Force Base. American State Bank, as FNB was known then, opened for business on May 11, 1943 shortly after the base began operations. Thus began FNB’s partnership with Tinker Air Force Base; a synergy that supports growth and development for all Eastern Oklahoma County. The bank’s primary mission has been to serve the banking needs of Midwest City as well as Eastern Oklahoma County and Tinker Air Force Base.

Mr. Henry Croak, then president of American State Bank and father of current FNB CEO Robert H. Croak, felt the need to better assist the men and women who were serving our country at TAFB. As a result of that desire, the first banking facility on Tinker was opened in 1956. A second office was opened in 1970 and later consolidated back into one location in Building 478. The Base Facility housed in that building was relocated in October of 2002 to the BX Mall in Building 685.

The newest FNB presence is located just north of “Hollywood and Vine” in Building 3001, the famous mile long building housing a large number of Tinker’s military and civilian workers. The branch had been an FNB ATM location for many years. Bank management wanted to expand to be able to meet the financial needs of workers on the east side of the Base. The full service branch will have three teller windows, a personal banking office for loans and new accounts, and the ATM. Hours of operation will be Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“We are once again honored to be able to expand our service to the men and women of Tinker Air Force Base as they dedicate themselves to serving our country. We hope to strengthen our ties with Tinker and Eastern Oklahoma County by being able to help Tinker employees make their dreams come true,” said Tammy Jo Snyder, FNB vice president and Tinker branch manager.

Dignitaries from Tinker Air Force Base and First National Bank

Dignitaries from Tinker Air Force Base and First National Bank are seen outside FNB’s newest full service branch located in Building 3001 on Tinker AFB which opened March 20, 2006. Pictured from left: Mr. Garry B. Richey, Executive Director of OC-ALC/CD TAFB; Mr. William H. Croak, FNB Senior Vice President; Mr. Robert H. Croak, FNB President and CEO; Major Andy Gwinnup, Commander 72nd Comptroller Squadron, TAFB; and Colonel Mark A. Correll, 72nd ABW Vice Commander.

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3/17/06

Army Calls for Nominations for 2005 Bank of the Year.

Please see the attached nomination request and criteria for the 2005 Army Bank of the Year Award.

This is an extremely coveted award and is only presented to the very best financial institutions that service out troops, families and other authorized patrons world wide.

As in the past, the Community Banks overseas are not authorized to participate in this program as they are contracted banks operating (through Bank of America) under the guidance and direction of the Department of Defense.

Nominations Request, Page 1

Nominations Request, Page 2

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3/6/06

The Association of Military Banks of America is proud to join Nestle USA in sponsoring the NMFA Family Award for 2006.  This is an opportunity for you to join in the selection process by nominating a deserving family at your post, base, station or installation.  NMFA has established the eligibility criteria to include any active duty, reserve component, or retired family of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, or commissioned corps of NOAA or the Public Health Service, as well as families of fallen servicemembers, or families of wounded servicemembers who were injured in the line of duty within the past three years and have since been discharged.
 
The information below was taken from the NMFA website and explains the award program for 2006.    
 
 

NMFA Family Award LogoNominate An Outstanding Military Family for the NMFA Family Award

Military families know that military service is not a job, it’s a lifestyle. While this lifestyle provides endless opportunities for adventure and learning, at the same time families are subject to unique challenges. The NMFA Family Award provides an opportunity to recognize those families who have made the most of the adventure and conquered the challenges.
 
The NMFA Family Award is given to 12 families who exemplify the best of the military family lifestyle. Each winning family will receive $500. Additionally, one winning family will be chosen as the NMFA Family of the Year and will receive $1000 and a trip to Washington, D.C.

NMFA thanks our program sponsors, Nestlé USA and Association of Military Banks of America.

The Voice for Military Families


The Nomination

Nominations will only be accepted online at www.nmfa.org. A complete nomination includes a 500-750-word narrative and a completed Family Award Nomination Form.  Additional letters of endorsement or support will not be helpful as the narrative is the only document our judges will use to determine the winners.

Please use the essay to tell us how the family being nominated works to represent the best of the military family lifestyle. Essays can include, but are not limited to stories of strength, courage, perseverance, commitment, duty, service, or everyday heroes. Please focus your narrative on how the entire family is involved.

If the nominee is planning to move within four months after they are nominated please provide details at the end of the narrative on how they can be contacted after they move. 

For more information on the NMFA Family Award please visit the NMFA website at www.nmfa.org.

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2/24/06 - Air Force Calls for Nominations for Bank of the Year for 2005

Each year the Air Force Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force (Financial Management and Comptroller) recognizes the on-base bank that provided exceptional service to the Air Force community during the preceding calendar year. The February 17, 2006, memorandum from Mr. James E. Short, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Financial Operations, contains the Nomination criteria, nomination form and the dates for submitting the completed nomination package.

Please note that all nomination must be submitted via e-mail only and NLT 1 May 2006.

Air Force Memo

2005 Air Force Bank and Credit Union of the Year Awards Nomination Form

Submitted By: [Rank/Grade and Name]
                       [Office Symbol]
                       [Installation and Address]
                       [Commercial Telephone (DSN Prefix)]

Nominee (“X” whichever applies): ______ Bank ______ Credit Union

Financial Institution: [Name]
                                 [Address]
                                 [Address]
                                 [Address]
                                 [Installation Banking Liaison Officer Name and DSN]

About [Financial Institution Name]

(Concise 1- 3 paragraphs about the financial institution)

Summary of Accomplishments

(Use any format desired, up to five pages, to communicate how the financial institution identified and addressed the personal and professional financial challenges of the base population.

Email completed packages (with cover memo from the Commander (designee)) by Monday, 1 May to glenn.peters@pentagon.af.mil or mike.bilbrey@pentagon.af.mil. Nominations received by fax, mail, hard copy, or after the deadline will not be accepted for consideration. Please address any questions to Mr. Glenn Peters at DSN 425-0937 or at the email address listed above.

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2/13/06 - Department of the Navy Calls for Nominations for 2005 Bank of the Year

2005 Bank and Credit Union Recognition (PDF)

The Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Financial Management and Comptroller) recognizes the on-base bank that provided exceptional service to military and civilian personnel during 2005. This recognition is based on recommendation submitted by base commanders. The award is presented annually at the AMBA Fall Workshop.

The criteria for selection and the nomination process are described in the February 6, 2006, memorandum from the Director, Office of Financial Operations, Office of the Assistant Secretary (Financial Management and Comptroller), Department of the Navy. Nominations are due April 17, 2006.

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12/7/05 - Service Bank Liaison Officers Release Long Awaited Banking and Credit Union Liaison Officer Deskguide

Commander and Installation Banking and Credit Union Liaison Officer Deskguide (PDF)

On December 5, 2005, Major Charles (Tony) Taylor, US Army Banking Officer, announced the release of the Commander and Installation Banking and Credit Union Liaison Officer Deskguide, dated November 2005. This document has been vetted by the appropriate agencies and approved by the Defense Finance and Accounting Service and the Military Departments.

The deskguide was developed to serve as a reference tool for commanders and bank and credit union liaison officers in fulfilling their responsibilities in accordance with DoD Financial Management Regulation 7000.14-R, Volume 5, Chapter 34, Procedures Government Banks, Credit Unions and Other Financial Institutions on DoD Installations.

This important reference tool is a single source document compiling the many directives and policy statements that govern the delivery of financial services to personnel on DoD installations. The deskguide will hopefully provide continuity and consistency in the application of the DoD polices and procedures across service lines. Every AMBA member should download the deskguide and become familiar with its contents.

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9/2/05 - EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS FOR SERVICE MEMBERS AND FAMILIES

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9/1/05 - Hurricane Katrina Update

Operations of Federal Reserve Bank offices and many financial institutions in the Miami and New Orleans regions have been disrupted by Hurricane Katrina. For the latest information about service impacts resulting from the hurricane, visit the Latest Headlines at http://www.frbservices.org. (links to articles on FRB site below)

Affected Reserve Bank customers in this region should direct questions to the following customer support areas:
* Check and Cash Services - 877-553-9735
* FedACH Services - 866-234-5681
* Fedwire Services - 800-333-2448
_________________________________________

Excused Delay Rule Interpretation

The NACHA Operating Rules include a provision for Excused Delay, found on page OR1, Section 1.3, of the 2005 ACH Operating Rules. This provision is intended to apply to processing delays caused by an interruption of communications or computer facilities that is out of the control of the financial institution, due to an act of God (i.e., weather emergencies) or war. This rule is not intended to excuse delays due to general failure of a financial institution's computer system or other equipment.

Impact:
If your financial institution's ability to process ACH transactions is impacted by Hurricane Katrina, SFE recommends the following:
1. Originate your return transactions as you normally would once your system is operational.
2. If you receive these returns back from the ODFI as dishonored returns bearing code R68, Untimely Return, then you should contest the Dishonored Return using code R73, Timely Original Return.
3. If the ODFI contacts you for clarification, you should explain that you are using the Excused Delay provision of the ACH Operating Rules.
4. At your discretion, your financial institution may choose to proactively call the ODFI before sending the original return, but you are not obligated to do so under the governing ACH Rules.
5. Also, it is possible that some ODFIs may not handle the Contested Dishonored Return correctly and may dishonor it a second time. This practice is not allowed under the ACH Operating Rules, and you should contact SFE for assistance if you are unable to resolve the situation with the ODFI.

If your ACH operations are adversely impacted by Hurricane Katrina, email us at info@sfe.org and provide your institution name and Routing/Transit number. We will be joining other Regional Payments Associations across the country in publishing a list of impacted institutions to help facilitate the late return process. In the meantime, if you have questions or need assistance call Danita Moss at (731) 934-7309.
________________________________________________________________________

Availability and Direct Send Changes for New Orleans Zone Items Effective August 31

NACHA

In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, the New Orleans office of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta remains closed. At this time, it appears that it will be several days, at a minimum, before the office is able to reopen and resume normal check processing operations.

The Federal Reserve Banks anticipate delay in the presentment or return of cash items, particularly items that are deposited at, or drawn on, depository institutions directly impacted by the hurricane. In addition, the Reserve Banks are modifying the availability for New Orleans zone items. Effective with the processing date of August 31, 2005, the Reserve Banks will be deferring credit for two days on all items deposited with the Reserve Banks that are drawn on paying banks having routing numbers that begin with 0650, 0651, 0652, 0653, 0654, 0655, 2650, 2651, 2652, 2653, 2654, and 2655. This includes paper cash letter and image cash letter deposits.

Out-of-zone institutions who direct send items to New Orleans should deposit those items at the Atlanta office of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta until further notice. The deadline in Atlanta for these items is 8:00 a.m. for two-day availability.

This deferment will continue until the New Orleans office receives clearance from public safety and emergency authorities to reopen. The Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta continues to explore options for presenting items as quickly as possible.

FRB Financial Services after Hurricane Katrina

Notice of Regional FRB Branch closure in New Orleans

Southern Financial Exchange website: (Regional processor for NACHA)

National Credit Union Administration Guidance for Serving Non-Members (Federal Credit Unions)

In an August 31, 2005, press release, the National Credit Union Association advises that if a federal credit union decides it has the ability to provide assistance to other credit unions and non-members in the affected Hurricane Katrina area, it may be able to do so under the following conditions:

1. A Federal credit union may provide services to persons who are members of another credit union under their correspondent services authority.

2. Emergency financial services for non-members, including check cashing, access to ATM networks, or other services to meet short-term emergency needs of persons in the areas affected by Hurricane Katrina, can be provided under the authority to engage in charitable activities. Federal credit unions providing services on a charitable basis may not impose charges for services that exceed their direct costs.

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9/1/05 - Hurricane Katrina Update

OCC, FDIC and OTS have urged the financial institutions they supervise to work with customers while taking care to protect the personal safety of bank employees in the affected area.  The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, in an Aug 29 release, encouraged national banks in areas affected by Hurricane Katrina to consider extending the terms of loan repayments; restructuring borrower debt obligations; and easing credit terms for new loans to certain borrowers.  The OCC release can be found at http://www.occ.treas.gov.

The Office of Thrift supervision and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation issued releases (OTS 05-28/FDIC FIL-85-2005) on August 29 that urged the financial institutions they supervise to work constructively with customers in areas affected by Hurricane Katrina and to consider all reasonable steps available to prudently assist customers' cash and financial needs in connection with hurricane preparation, evacuation and recovery procedures.  The OTS release can be viewed at http://www.ots.treas.gov/docs/7/77528.html.  The FDIC release may be found at http://www.fdic.gov/news/news/financial/2005/fil8505.html.

The IRS has granted tax relief to Hurricane Katrina victims in 31 parishes in Louisiana, 15 counties in Mississippi and three counties in Alabama.  See IR-2005-8410 at http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/articel/0,,id=108362,00.html.

The Bureau of the Public Debt took action to assist victims by expediting the replacement or payment of US Savings bonds for owners in affected counties and parishes in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama.  The emergency procedures are effective immediately and will allow authorized agents to redeem Series EE and I savings bonds that are less than one year old which are presented for payment by their owners through the end of October 2005.  For more information see the Bureau of Public Debt release of August 29 at http://www.publicdebt.treas.gov/com/comkatrina.htm.

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9/1/05 - BRAC Commission Wraps Up Decision-Making

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8/25/05 - AMBA Partners with FDIC in supporting Symposium on Credit. Schedule and Registration Infomation Attached

AMBA is supporting the FDIC symposium, "Meeting the Need: Affordable, Responsible, Short-term Credit," a day-long symposium to be held on September 29, 2005, from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM at George Mason University, Arlington Campus, Arlington, Virginia. We are delighted that an AMBA bank, Fort Hood National Bank, will be represented on the panel, "Military Borrowers: Problems and Solutions." Detailed information regarding the symposium and registration information can be found in the attached materials from FDIC.

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AMBA Banks Featured in ABA Bank Marketing Magazine (July/August 2005)

Eisenhower National Bank, Wells Fargo Worldwide Military Banking and Bank of America Military Bank are featured in the July/August 2005 issue of the American Bankers Association Bank Marketing Magazine. The article, "To Arms," may be found at http://www.aba.com/bankmarketing/default.htm.

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Reminder! Workshop Hotel Reservation Date Approaching

The deadline to make your hotel reservation at the 2005 AMBA Workshop hotel--the St. Julien Hotel & Spa--is AUGUST 5. In order to ensure your room at the group rate of $185/night you must make your reservation by August 5. Be sure to identify yourself as a member of the Association of Military Banks of America when making your reservation. The hotel numbers are: 877-303-0900 and 720-406-9696.

Also, if you have not yet registered for the workshop, please do so. The registration form can be downloaded from this site. If you have any questions, please contact Centennial Conferences:

Phone: (303) 499-2299

E-mail: amba05@centennialconferences.com.

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7/18/05 - New Public Access System for Active Duty Status Verification

The Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC) has announced a new, secure public Internet access system to allow any requester to receive information from the Department of Defense indicating whether an individual is or is not on active duty. There is no charge for this service. The requester must have available the individual's SSN, Full Name, Month and Year of Birth. The request should be addressed to: https://www.dmdc.osd.mil/scra/owa/home. No authorization, user ID or password is required. Should you require assistance, you may fax your request to 703-696-4146 or call 703-696-6762.

If the individual is on active duty, the "begin date" of service, status as "Active Duty," and the branch of military service will be given. This information is provided to facilitate compliance with the Service Members' Civil Relief Act.

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7/12/05 - Support Our Troops -- Serving Today's Armed Forces Customers.

AMBA members may join ABA members in participating in the AMBA/ABA-sponsored Telephone Briefing on Wednesday, August 17, 2005, from 2:00 - 4:00 PM ET.

This live telephone briefing will examine the recent changes to the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), and provide insight on how banks can best serve military families in their communities.

For more information and to register, please follow the links below.

Program Information
'Support Our Troops' Flyer (PDF)
Register Online
'Support Our Troops' Registration Form (PDF)
Contact Cari Hearn

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5/25/05 - Draft revision to Department of Defense Directive 1344.7, "Personal Commercial Solicitation on DoD Installations" (PDF)

The proposed changes were published in the Federal Register/Vol. 70, No. 74/Tuesday, April 19, 2005/Proposed Rules. Comments must be received by June 20, 2005.

Forward comments to: Colonel Michael A. Pachuta (Michael.Pachuta@osd.mil) or Mr. James M. Ellis (James.Ellis@osd.mil) at DUSD (MC&FP), 241 S. 18th St., Crystal Square #4, Suite 302, Arlington, VA 22202. For further information contact: Colonel Michael A. Pachuta or Mr. James M. Ellis at (703) 602-4994 or (703) 602-5009.

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5/16/05 - DoD BRAC 2005 Report (PDF)

 


 
 

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