To show appreciation for veterans and military members in the community and the workplace, Associated Bank’s branch banking and community markets in conjunction with the Associated Veterans Network (AVN) sponsored veterans-appreciation exhibits at branches across its footprint in November. In their lobbies, branches featured uniforms, photos, flags and a wide variety of other memorabilia from colleagues, customers and community members.
“Branch colleagues were enthusiastic about the opportunity to recognize veterans, and they collected interesting exhibit items from family members with military service, as well as branch customers and community members,” said Todd Luft, consumer banking administration manager.
The locations with the three best displays earned the opportunity to support their American Legion Post activities with a gift of $2,500. Associated recently presented the donations to support programming in Red Wing, Minnesota; Sussex, Wisconsin; and Peoria, Illinois. The coverage of their support was featured on Fox 6 News.
In Red Wing, branch colleagues partnered with the Aliveo Military Museum in Red Wing and other community members in creating its display. During the exhibit period, Associated Bank colleagues also conducted a campaign to collect coffee, tea and cocoa — which was later sent for use at the Veterans’ Administration Hospital in Tomah, Wisconsin. The local Post will use Associated’s donation to help upgrade the interior of its building.
In Sussex, Bob Shappell, commander of the American Legion Department of Wisconsin, as well as state commanders in Illinois and Minnesota, supported the Associated veterans recognition program. Associated’s donation will go to support the local Post’s veterans education program for middle school students, called “Americanism,” and various veteran outreach programs. Their support was recently featured in a Post newsletter story.
In Peoria, Henry Robards, commander of the American Legion Department of Illinois, attended the recent check presentation. The Post will apply Associated’s donation to support various programs including a Returning Veteran Rehab effort, High School Americanism education project and Special Olympics Hospitality Tent.
“Our colleagues and customers and their respective family members took great pride in putting together this display,” said Greg Rashid, Peoria Jefferson Avenue branch manager, Associated Bank. “Their efforts showcased our appreciation and respect for those that served and continue to serve our country.”
Left to right: Greg Rashid, Peoria Jefferson Avenue branch manager; Henry Robards, commander of the American Legion Department of Illinois; Karla Losey, senior district manager, Community Markets; and representatives of Peoria American Legion Post No. 2.