My father was many things. He was, first and foremost, the best of dads—but he was also much more than that. He spent most of his working life as a devoted civil servant for the U.S. Department of Defense.
In addition to his government service, my dad served for many years on the board of directors of a credit union. That experience began early in his career at what was then called the Army Finance Center—still located today at 56th Street and Post Road in Lawrence, now known as DFAS. Back then, the credit union was known as the Finance Center Federal Credit Union and served only employees of the Finance Center and their families. Today, it has grown to serve a broader membership under the name Financial Center First.
My father never received compensation for his board work. He viewed credit unions as a vital nonprofit alternative to commercial banks and believed deeply in their mission. For him, volunteering was about service and purpose, not recognition.
There was one story about his time on the board that I’ll never forget—although I didn’t hear it from him. A long-time credit union employee who knew my father well once told me about a particularly contentious meeting. The board was sharply divided on a key issue, and emotions ran high. Through it all, my dad sat quietly, listening.
When the debate finally exhausted itself and the room fell silent, my father spoke. He proposed a compromise that blended the best ideas from both sides. His solution broke the impasse and became the motion that passed that night.
That was my father. He didn’t always take sides—he sought solutions.
As Veterans Day approaches, I find myself thinking about him again. His name was Bernie Lannan, a disabled veteran who cared deeply for his fellow servicemembers. I often wonder how he would approach the challenges facing our community today.
My hope is that more of our public officials—and all of us—might approach decisions the way he did: by listening first, finding common ground, and working toward solutions.
My father passed away 31 years ago, but his example continues to guide me and my siblings. His legacy is one of unity and understanding.
Thanks for reading, and may God bless you all.
