Branson Bank

Before the sun rises in Branson, something powerful takes place at Branson Bank. Flags are raised, hands are shaken, and stories of courage echo across generations. On Friday, October 3rd, Branson Bank recognized it 60th Veteran of the Quarter—a milestone in a program that has honored the lives and legacies of local veterans since 2009.

“It started with a simple idea,” says CEO Bill Jones. “We wanted to connect our team—and our community—with the men and women who gave so much. Branson is already a patriotic town, but we felt a responsibility to go deeper.”

That sense of purpose led to the creation of the Veteran of the Quarter program, which recognizes one veteran every three months. Honorees are nominated by community members and selected by a panel made up of past recipients—fellow veterans who understand the depth of sacrifice involved.

Each recognition culminates with a full-circle tribute: media coverage, community applause, the honoree's name added to a permanent plaque at the bank's Hwy 248 location, and an invitation to join the selection panel. Then once a year, the flag is raised in honor of the four veterans recognized at the Veteran Rise & Shine event.

Marketing Officer Lyndi Carnelison reflects on the recent Rise & Shine event. “There’s nothing like watching our flag rise with the sun. Veterans hugging one another, sharing stories, families beaming with pride—it’s incredibly moving.”

She adds, “Many of them are humble to the core. They say, ‘I just did what I was told.’ But once you start to peel back the layers, the stories are astonishing. And the best part? Many of these men and women continued to serve their communities long after their time in uniform.”

In fact, that continued spirit of service is part of what resonates most with the bank team.

“These individuals didn’t stop giving,” says Jones. “They’re mentoring others, serving in civic groups, and showing up for their communities every day. These values align perfectly with our own as a community bank."

In addition to public recognition, Branson Bank offers Freedom Rewards, a portfolio of free and discounted services for veterans—an everyday way to give back.

As the program looks ahead to its next 60 honorees, Jones and Carnelison are clear: this isn’t just about celebration—it’s about preservation.

“We want the next generation to know that freedom came at a cost,” says Jones. “We hope our small part helps keep that memory alive.”

To learn more or nominate a veteran, visit www.bransonbank.com/about/veteran-program/