WASHINGTON-President George W. Bush recently wrote a letter to the Defense Credit Union Council lauding its 40 years of services to the military and their credit unions. "As the United States engages in a global war on terrorism, we look to our veterans and our military forces as examples of courage, dedication, and sacrifice. I applaud your four decades of proud service to America's Armed Forces," President Bush's letter read. "By providing important financial services to your members, the credit unions of the Council have helped Department of Defense employees, both military and civilian, to achieve their financial goals and realize their dreams." "Your efforts also contribute to the morale and welfare of those brave men and women who help defend our freedom, secure our homeland, and extend peace around the world," the letter concluded. The February 20 letter was written prior to the commencement of the war in Iraq.