The $20.1 billion PenFedCredit Union officially opened its first full-service branch inNebraska during a grand opening ceremony Tuesday.

The Alexandria, Va.-based credit union has more than 500 localemployees who work at a PenFed data facility and a member servicecenter in Omaha, Neb.

Additionally, more than 10,000 local members live throughout theGreater Omaha area.

The new branch is located in Papillion, about 10 miles south ofOmaha.

PenFed Board Chair Ed Cody, Board Vice Chair Bruce Kasold andPresident/CEO James Schenck hosted a ceremonial ribbon-cutting, andwelcomed a congressional delegation and community leaders duringthe grand opening celebration. Area business leaders and militaryofficials also joined PenFed for the event.

During the grand opening ceremony, PenFedofficials also presented thousands of dollars in donations tolocal charities.

A total of $18,000 was donated to American Legion Post 339, theEastern Nebraska Veterans Home, the Offutt Air Force Base Top 3Association and Papillion-La Vista School Foundation.

The donations were generated from PenFed's first Omaha golftournament hosted by the credit union's charitable arm, the PenFedFoundation.

“The PenFed Foundation was established in 2001 to fill gaps in thegovernment services available to our service members, veterans,their families and caregivers,” Cody said. “PenFed's roots are inthe defense community. Our relationship with our nation's defendersis indeed special, and we are honored to serve them.”