Soarion Federal Credit Union will have three, 3-year term vacancies on the Board of Directors in 2026. The Nominating Committee has nominated the following qualified candidates to fill these positions:

Sam V. Farace Jr

Incumbent Chair

Col. Farace’s education includes a Bachelor of Science degree with concentration in Accounting, Finance and Economics and a master’s degree in human resource management. He retired from the United States Air Force after 28 years of service. Over his tenure as a Soarion Board Member, he has championed membership benefits and services, resulting in Soarion Credit Union’s selection as “Best in the Air Force” five times. He participates in Volunteer Leadership and Achievement Programs, earning the powerful designation of NAFCU Certified Volunteer Expert (NCVE). For his exemplary Volunteer service to this credit union and its membership, he was selected and inducted into the Defense Credit Union Council’s (DCUC) Hall of Honor in 2023. As a Director with over 30 years of service to the Credit Union, he is currently serving on the Executive Committee as Chairman and previously as Vice Chair and Treasurer. Additionally, he serves on the Employees’ Pension, Compensation, Strategic and Succession Planning and Building Committees. He is a member of several civic, fraternal and professional associations past and present: USO Director, Air Force Association, and Military Officers Association lifetime member.

Michael M. Buecher

Board Member

Mr. Buecher is seeking re-election as an incumbent Director on Soarion Credit Union’s Board of Directors for a 3-year term. His background includes auditing, accounting, business and construction management, and commercial real estate. Mr. Buecher has been a member of the Credit Union since 1974 and has served on the Board of Directors since 1998. He currently serves as Board Liaison to the Supervisory/Audit Committee and also serves on the Building and Merger Committees. He hopes to continue to contribute individually and collectively to ensure excellent member service levels are maintained, members are taking advantage of beneficial products and services, and the continued credit union’s growth as a community financial institution. A United States Air Force veteran with 20+ years of service, Mr. Buecher has also served as Assistant State Auditor, State of Texas, City of San Antonio Finance and Aviation Departments, and Social Services Director, St. Brigid Catholic Church. In addition, he currently sits on various non-profit Community Boards: Madonna Neighborhood Center, St. Brigid St. Vincent De Paul Society Conference; and Board Director, National Association of Credit Union Supervisory Audit Committees (NACUSAC). This background shapes his interest in continued public service and having a positive impact in the community, as well as his management, customer service and communication skills. He graduated from Our Lady of the Lake University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Administration and a Master of Science in Urban Administration from Trinity University.

John A. Szulta III

Board Member

Lt. Col. John Sultza began his career upon graduating from the US Air Force Academy in 1979 with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. After serving 28 years, he retired at Lackland AFB in May 2007. His Air Force assignments included B-52 Aircraft Commander, Treaty on Open Skies Mission Commander, and Chief of Divisions for Operations Security, Information Warfare, and Resource and Personnel Readiness. These duties took him throughout the United States and gave him the opportunity to benefit from the services of several credit unions, where he learned the advantages a credit union has over commercial banking. In 2009, he was asked to join the then AFFCU Supervisory Committee where he reviewed all financial audits ensuring the credit union and its management conducted business in upstanding manner. In 2013, he was invited to fill a vacancy in the Board of Directors and was elected to his first 3-year term in 2014. He currently chairs the Advisory Committee responsible for evaluating volunteers interested in donating their expertise knowledge to assist the Board research solutions for new and unforeseen challenges. He also sits on the Planning Committee to develop strategic goals ensuring the credit union’s policies and future expansion (new financial centers/mergers) meet the members’ needs (especially those on active duty), and on the Youth Committee to evaluate the annual college scholarship applications. He is a member of several civic, fraternal and professional associations to include: Civil Air Patrol, Knights of Columbus and Military Officers Association of America.

In accordance with Article V of the Bylaws, when only one candidate is nominated per position, elections will not be conducted by ballot or floor nominations. The nominees will be elected by general consent at the Annual Meeting on March 23, 2026.

Nominations by Petition

Members may also nominate candidates by petition. Petitioners must meet the following eligibility criteria:

  • Be a member in good standing of Soarion Credit Union.
  • Possess areas of knowledge, experience, or interest pertinent to the credit union’s future.
  • Have good credit standing and no felony criminal convictions.
  • Be at least eighteen (18) years of age.
  • Be willing to accept the responsibilities of a Director.
  • Have a physical capacity to carry out the duties of the office.
  • Be able to act independently and objectively regardless of external relationships with other volunteers and employees.
  • Understand that regular attendance at the Committee meetings is imperative.

Petition Submission Requirements

  • A petition signed by at least 1% of eligible primary members (approximately 565 signatures as of November 25, 2025). Signatures must include names, addresses, and phone numbers.
  • A completed Director Application and signed Agreement to Serve form.
  • Signed consent for a Consumer Credit Report and Background Screening Disclosure.
  • A brief bio (250 words max) outlining qualifications.

A Petitioner’s package may be requested by calling 210-678-5221.

The completed Petitioner’s package must be submitted to the Supervisory Committee by February 11, 2026 at:

Soarion Federal Credit Union

Supervisory Committee

P.O. Box 760699

San Antonio, TX 78245

Important Notes

  • Petitioners may not campaign or collect signatures on credit union premises.
  • Petitions will be audited within 10 days of the submission deadline, and petitioners will be notified of acceptance or rejection.
  • Incomplete or insufficient petitions will not be eligible for resubmission after the deadline.

Respectfully submitted,

Melvin J. Moczygemba

Nominating Committee Chair