When I joined a few weeks ago, they pulled TU, then they also pulled EQ.

You don't have to have him join for you to join.  I called and talked to a very nice woman about membership and told her my grandfather retired from the Air Force and asked her if I was eligible.  She said I was and took all of my information, gave me my access number, ordered my debit card, and had me set up my pin.  It was a breeze and took about 10 minutes.