Navy Veteran and son attend their first Major League Baseball game sponsored by Navy Federal Credit Union

By Haley Revette

Rockton Jones, a Veteran of the US Navy, has been a Navy Federal member for over 2 decades. He uses his Navy Federal Visa® Debit Card for everyday expenses, like bills and daily purchases. As a loyal debit card member, he was invited to a member appreciation event through the credit union’s Debit Plus pilot program^{Footnote [1]} –a Nationals baseball game at their home stadium in Washington, DC.^{Footnote [2]}

The event offered a full buffet spread, complete with hot dogs and watermelon slices, and preferred seating. Jones secured 2 seats–1 for him and 1 for his son–by making a $20 donation to Operation Gratitude with his Navy Federal Visa® Debit Card. The game marked the pair’s first-ever experience at a Major League Baseball game. 

“I think it’s awesome how Navy Federal treats their members while also doing great things for the community,” said Jones, who joined the Navy in 2004. “We both really enjoyed the whole experience: The seats were fantastic! The catering was fantastic! The Nats were fantastic! I feel very privileged to enjoy it with my son and make lasting memories for him.”

Empowering Financial Literacy

Navy Federal raised over $650 through this cause-marketing event for members, which supported the nonprofit’s mission of ensuring military families feel appreciated for their service through care packages and letters.

Mirroring the event on the West Coast for debit cardholders in San Diego, California, over 90 Navy Federal members and their guests attended a Padres baseball game at Petco Park. The event included private patio seating and complimentary sliders, nachos, sodas and beers until the 7th-inning stretch. 

Members praised the functionality of Navy Federal’s debit products, commenting on the ease of transferring funds to other members. Debit Plus^{Footnote [1]} members have an average of 90-plus debit transactions over 4 consecutive months, which offers enriched banking experiences and special access to member events hosted by the credit union. Debit Plus is an exclusive pilot program active in select regions, but it’s expected to expand soon to support members across markets. 

Registrations for the Padres game generated over $1,200 in member donations to Support the Enlisted Project (STEP), a local nonprofit organization that provides one-on-one financial counseling to military families in crisis. The donation dollars give military and Veteran families immediate financial relief from eviction and utility shutoff, while also providing long-term tools that help them achieve financial wellness.

“Our Financial Wellness Counseling Program builds resilience and hope for military families in need,” said Barb Fiorina, donor engagement officer at STEP. “In alignment with Navy Federal’s mission, we support life-changing financial planning, goal setting and building lasting financial habits that help military families succeed.”

Funding Story Time

Additionally, 89 select Navy Federal Visa Signature® Flagship Rewards credit cardholders attended a Major League Baseball suite experience during Military Appreciation Month in May. The 2 baseball events, 1 at Petco Park and 1 at Nationals Park, which generated nearly $2,000 for United Through Reading, funded more than 1,000 books and story time programing for military families facing separations or deployments.

“Stories ease the strain of time apart and provide comfort during separation,” said Jayme Burns, grant manager at United Through Reading. “The generous donations from Navy Federal members make it possible, and we’re grateful for their partnership in bringing military families closer through the power of story time.”

Navy Federal products are designed with members in mind. For example, cardholders around the world are exempt from foreign transaction fees^{Footnote [3]} on credit purchases, and members get 3X points on purchases at commissaries with Navy Federal’s More Rewards American Express® Card.^{Footnote [4]}

These exclusive events celebrate members who embody financial literacy and connect Navy Federal products to community impact. In a post-event survey, 98% of members who attended a cause-marketing event shared that they felt more appreciated by Navy Federal.

“Serving our members is at the core of everything we do,” said Tynika Wilson, Senior Vice President of Debit Cards at Navy Federal. “We’re proud to host meaningful community events that not only celebrate our members’ commitment to financial wellness but also create opportunities to give back. Through programs like Debit Plus, we’re connecting our products to our purpose by championing community, empowering members and making a lasting difference together.” 

Be on the lookout for Navy Federal’s upcoming exclusive member events via email and stay financially savvy with the credit union’s MakingCents resources online.

Be on the lookout for Navy Federal’s upcoming exclusive member events via email and stay financially savvy with the credit union’s MakingCents resources online.