This week Harborstone Credit Union was named the 2009 Air Force Bank and Credit Union of the Year.

Harborstone also won the award in 2006.

"For me personally, you couldn't give us a better award," said Carlene Joseph, vice president of business development and military relations for Harborstone. "We couldn't do it without the support of all the employees and the CEO."

Harborstone is a steadfast supporter of the Air Force and McChord Field. Having teamed with the Lacey Chamber of Commerce, it hosted a barbeque to support Team McChord members who were involved with Air Mobility Command's Rodeo 2009. Harborstone employees also enlisted the aid of community members to serve as sponsors for the hamburgers, hot dogs and other food items that fed 200 Airmen at McChord Field's Overlook Park.

But that support also extends to the Army side as well, Joseph said.

"We really think about all branches of the military," she said.

In March 2010, the Joint Base Lewis-McChord garrison command sergeant major enlisted the help of Harborstone to help raise funds for the Courage Ball, which honored I Corps after returning from Overseas Contingency Operations. With Harborstone's connection to the community, all of the funds were raised in less than a day.  Harborstone was also instrumental in raising most of the funds for the Air Force Ball last September.

"Their involvement and dedication span the community from base agencies supporting spouses' clubs to working with the Tacoma Chamber of Commerce in securing sponsorship for the 2009 Air Mobility Rodeo, and perhaps most importantly, providing outstanding support for our deployed members," Col. Kevin Kilb, 62nd Airlift Wing commander wrote in a nomination package for the award. "Harborstone Credit Union continues to champion quality of life improvements for military members and their families, including the very important support of our retirees."

The award also highlighted Harborstone's support of the local nonprofit organization Support America's Armed Forces and the Pierce Military Business Alliance as well as its active membership in the Air Force Sergeants Association and the Air Force Association.