November 11 is Veterans Day, a time set aside for Americans to honor and celebrate all military veterans and to remember the sacrifices of the brave men and women who fought to protect our freedom.
At Associated Bank, Veterans Day provides colleagues an opportunity to recognize veterans in our workplace, as well as extend our appreciation to veterans in our communities. Our company’s diversity, equity and inclusion strategy is designed to actively recruit and hire military veterans into our workforce. We recognize that military service develops highly valuable skills. Associated offers a Veteran’s hiring knowledge and resources course that provides managers with information on who veterans are, how to translate military experience into civilian experience, veteran testimonials and more. Associated also provides access to an online military translator to help hiring managers connect veterans’ skills with job opportunities.
Associated Bank colleague Keith Kunze, Banker in Pulaski, Wis., is an active member of the U.S. Army National Guard. He has had several military leaves of absence since he joined the company in July 2019, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic and recent times of civil unrest.
“Associated Bank has been supportive of my military service from the start. I needed to leave for annual training two weeks after I started. I was eligible for full pay even after being with the organization for such a short time,” he said. “Each time I was called, Associated Bank and my superiors told me not to worry about anything at work. They covered for my absence and have been very supportive of my efforts in the service. HR was quick to respond and approve my paid military leave status. I felt like I was part of the team from day one.”
Associated Bank is proud to offer a number of benefits to military personnel and their families as well, including military leave of absence; retention of medical, dental and vision benefits up to 24 months and regular pay for up to six months per deployment; and a deployment trip program for immediate family members of military personnel. In addition, all colleagues get a paid holiday on Veterans Day.
Another great benefit for colleagues is the opportunity to participate in our Veterans Colleague Resource Group. Since its inception in 2013, Veterans CRG has grown to more than 200 members, providing a platform for colleagues to collaborate on important veterans’ issues within our organization and our communities. The Veterans CRG has helped extend our outreach into the community by partnering with and supporting organizations such as the Wisconsin Veterans Chamber of Commerce, local American Legion Posts and the Stars and Stripes Honor Flight, to name a few.
Community and volunteer events are held for Veterans and colleagues throughout the year. This year, Associated Bank is supporting veterans through messages of gratitude that will be displayed in our branch animations and digital displays, social media channels, and customer emails. Colleagues also have the opportunity to participate in a Camp Hometown Heroes postcard initiative. Colleagues will write encouraging messages and warm wishes to kids who have lost a loved one through their service in the military. Cards will be delivered to kids through the organization’s summer camp events. A $1,500 donation to the organization will be made in support of our military families.
Are you a veteran or know a veteran looking for employment? Visit the Associated career page at https://www.associatedbank.com/careers