The armed forces color guard opened the show at CUNA'sGovernmental Affairs Conference on Feb. 28.

The difficult decisions made by the NCUA and credit unions havepaved the way for a future for credit unions that is “even betterthan their distinguished past,” NCUA Board Member Michael Fryzel said during CUNA's GAC.

GECU President/CEO Harriet May, CUNA's chair, met backstage withChesley “Sully” Sullenberger (left), the pilot who successfullylanded his damaged commercial liner in the Hudson River. CUNAPresident/CEO Bill Cheney looks on.

CUNA Vice President of Legislative Affairs Ryan Donovan providedGAC attendees with an update on the goings on in Congress.

BECE President/CEO Gary Oakland (left) presented former CUNAPresident/CEO Dan Mica with a Herb Wegner Award.

Rich McBride, CUNA's retiring chief operating officer inWashington was recognized for his service during CUNA's GAC.

From the stage at the GAC, NCUA Chairman Debbie Matz said her agency's “tough love” havesaved credit unions more than $1 billion.

John Schneider represented the Childrens Miracle Network, creditunions' chief national cause, at the GAC.

CUNA Chairman Harriet May, president/CEO of GECU, addressed theaudience.

SchoolsFirst FCU President/CEO Rudy Hanley (center) acceptedthe Herb Wegner Lifetime Achievement Award.

Richard Gose, senior vice president of political affairs,outlined CUNA's political efforts, with the help of creditunions, and what's to come.