Community Corner
Beyond The Battlefield: A Veteran CEO’s Lifelong Mission To Support Military Members
Former Army aviator and Pentagon official James Schenck continues to serve by championing veterans and military families through PenFed.
Whether it’s serving as a military officer or stepping up as a first responder, it takes a rare combination of dedication, resilience and heart to take on these roles. And for many of these individuals, that same drive carries over into life beyond the badge.
Patch has partnered with T-Mobile to spotlight active-duty military members, veterans and first responders who continue to lead, inspire and give back in meaningful ways across their communities.
Army veteran and PenFed Credit Union CEO James Schenck is a shining example of service that endures far beyond the uniform. A former Army aviator and Pentagon official, Schenck has carried his mission-driven mindset into the private sector by championing military families, veteran causes and the next generation of aviators.
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At the 2023 Distinguished Service Awards in Arlington, Schenck received a Lifetime Achievement Award recognizing both his military career and his regional leadership. His service included flying Black Hawk helicopters, training fellow aviators and helping launch the $453 million Army University Access Online initiative, which earned him the Legion of Merit.
“My military service invigorated my love of country and my appreciation and admiration [for] all the men and women who … volunteer and serve from all backgrounds,” Schenck said at the event, as reported by InsideNOVA. “My time in the private sector at the PenFed Foundation, coupled with my past influencers and life experiences, has allowed me to pursue my life’s passion to help others.”
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Since taking the helm at PenFed in 2014, Schenck has helped raise more than $55 million for military charities and causes through the PenFed Foundation. PenFed Credit Union also covers most of the foundation’s administrative costs and salaries, ensuring more donor dollars go directly to programs that support military families, veterans and caregivers.
In 2024, Schenck was honored with the prestigious Whitman Trophy, awarded to individuals who advance public appreciation of military aviation and heritage, according to a PR Newswire release.
Want to learn more? Visit PenFed Foundation or read the full stories about James Schenck on InsideNOVA and PR Newswire.
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