Let's get to the first round of voting for the CUNA Mascot Madness bracket.

We begin the three-week tournament with the East Region, which features Sammie the Sea Otter of $160 billion asset Navy Federal Credit Union in Vienna, Va; Oakie of $740 million asset Central One Federal Credit Union in Shrewsbury, Mass.; Cooper of $214 million asset CES Credit Union in Mount Vernon, Ohio; and Count Earn’est the SAVERtooth Tiger of $503 million asset Fairmont Federal Credit Union in Fairmont, W.V.

Choose your favorite mascot of the four by voting here, or on Twitter via @CUNA_News and @cumagazine. The mascot who receives the most combined votes across all platforms will advance to the semifinals, where they will meet the winners of the Midwest, West, and South regions. 

But first, read on for more information about the East Region mascots and how they serve their credit unions. Vote for your favorite East Region mascot by March 20.

Sammie the Sea Otter, Navy Federal Credit Union
Sammie the Sea Otter has been part of Navy Federal Credit Union’s team for decades, celebrating members at events and in spirit. The $160 billion asset credit union in Vienna, Va., frequently uses social media to keep members up to date on the adventures of the playful sea otter.

Oakie, Central One Federal Credit Union
Oakie has been the official Central One Federal Credit Union mascot for years, bringing joy and fun to every event for the $740 million asset credit union in Shrewsbury, Mass. The squirrel, whose birthday is March 20, thrives on bringing happiness to members, and can always be counted on for a smile and a photo op. In his free time, Oakie enjoys climbing trees, taking long naps, and collecting acorns.

Cooper, CES Credit Union
Cooper is the sheep dog mascot of $214 million asset CES Credit Union in Mount Vernon, Ohio, an area with one of the largest sheep populations in the U.S. Cooper was named after the credit union’s original sponsor company, Cooper-Bessemer, which changed its name to Cooper Energy Services in the 1970s.

Cooper has been around the credit union for about 15 years. Easily recognizable, Cooper draws a lot of attention at parades and events, with people requesting photos, high-fives, and hugs. Young members receive a plush Cooper toy when they open a savings account at CES.

Count Earn’est the SAVERtooth Tiger, Fairmont Federal Credit Union
Count Earn’est the SAVERtooth Tiger is the official mascot of $503 million asset Fairmont Federal Credit Union in Fairmont, W.V. Count Earn’est made his debut in October 1994 at a Partner in Education (PIE) event at Monongah Elementary School (MES). Since MES was the credit union's first PIE event, students helped Fairmont Federal name the mascot.

Count Earn’est enjoys attending school and community events, check presentations, book readings, and more. His favorite food is pizza, and he loves counting money. 

Credit Union Mascot Madness voting schedule:

East Region: March 17-20
Midwest Region: March 20-23
West Region: March 23-27
South Region: March 27-30
Semifinals: March 30-April 3
Championship: April 3-7