Security Service Federal Credit Union Empowerment is a key concept for the Security Service Federal Credit Union. When the members of the credit union are assisted in making good financial decisions, they are actually building secure futures. And when their futures are secured with a financially sound credit union, the members are empowered. This train of thought is parallel to the reasons why the Security Service Federal Credit Union was first established in 1956. This credit union has humble beginnings. It began only with eight members and $25. But the Security Service Federal Credit Union has nobler goals, which is to help secure the futures of those who worked for the United States Air Force Security Service Command. Due to the appeal of shared ownership and financial cooperation, the membership expanded. And by keeping a strong commitment towards serving the members, this Security Service Federal Credit Union became the 11th largest credit union in the United States. The Security Service Federal Credit Union has more than 600,000 members, more than 1200 employees, and assets of more than $4 billion. In South Texas alone, this credit union has established 25 service centers. Although the corporate headquarters is in San Antonio, members from all over the world have access to financial services through the Member Contact Centers, which connects members assigned in United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, and Korea. The Security Service Federal Credit Union is also a leader in innovation. Among all financial institutions, it is this credit union that utilized online banking. With online banking, this credit union can provide services to the members for 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. This commitment to service makes the Security Service Federal Credit Union unparalleled in the financial services industry. The Security Service Federal Credit Union also attempts to make a positive impact on the communities where the members are located. This is accomplished by espousing volunteerism and sponsorships. With more than 280 employees that devote more than a thousand hours of work for the Security Service Federal Credit Union, this credit union is capable of supporting several organizations such as the American Red Cross, the United Way, the USO (United Service Organization), and the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. The Security Service Federal Credit Union also supports various Public Television stations that are located in Texas. The more than 50 years of excellent service of the Security Service Federal Credit Union proved that the concept of credit unions is more beneficial to more Americans than the financial options offered by commercial banks. This is why the Security Service Federal Credit Union is encouraging everyone to join their campaign against the lobbyists who represent banks. The credit unions are able to provide low loan rates and high savings rates because these credit unions are non-profit and therefore, not taxed by the federal and state governments. The banks, led by the American Bankers Association, wanted the credit unions to be taxed in the same way that the profit-oriented banks are taxed. This will greatly reduce the capacity of credit unions to help ordinary Americans achieve financial security.