displayed on the bank’s building, and we cover all production and installation costs. Families often come to town during Veterans Day events to take photos with their banners. It’s really touching to see their reactions. Each honored veteran, or their family if the veteran is deceased, receives a free 20-inch by 10-inch color poster of the banner. We also display a billboard thanking all veterans for their service and hand out Veteran Challenge Coins that read “Thank You for Your Service” on one side and “Honoring All Who Serve” on the other. Our bank has supported the USD 252 Honor Flight Program, served as a major sponsor of The Wall That Heals traveling Vietnam Memorial and purchased a custom steel veterans’ bench for the Emporia Veterans Memorial Park. We also participate in Wreaths Across America, purchasing wreaths to be placed on veterans’ graves in Maplewood Memorial Cemetery during the holidays. Personally, I serve on the USD 252 Honor Flight Board, helping raise funds to send veterans to Washington, D.C. I’m also a member of Emporia Legion Post #5, and I serve on subcommittees for both Wreaths Across America and Freedom Fest. How does community involvement like this align with the bank’s overall mission and values? It fits perfectly with our mission of “Building Friends, Families and Futures.” Making our community a great place to live takes individuals and businesses working together toward a shared purpose. Patriotism and community service go hand in hand. What impact do events like Freedom Fest have on the community — especially on younger generations? Freedom Fest promotes patriotism, love of the country and appreciation for those who have sacrificed so we can enjoy our freedoms. It’s a chance to reflect on both history and the future. The USD 252 Honor Flight Program is especially powerful. Each veteran who travels to Washington, D.C., is paired with a student guardian — a high school student who assists the veteran throughout the trip. These students push wheelchairs, accompany veterans to memorials and listen to their stories. This certificate was awarded to Russ aboard the USS Saratoga on Dec. 10, 1985, commemorating his first crossing of the Equator and his induction into the Ancient Order of Shellbacks, a longstanding U.S. Navy maritime tradition. Awarded to Yeoman Second Class Russ for professional achievement from March 1986 to August 1989. Presented by the Secretary of the Navy and signed by Rear Admiral James D. Cossey, Chief of Naval Technical Training. Group photo featuring Russ and his fellow sailors during basic training. Russ with Cynthia Rhodes during her visit to the USS Saratoga for a USO show on Thanksgiving Day. The retired actress and singer is known for her roles in Dirty Dancing (1987), Staying Alive (1983), Runaway (1984), Flashdance (1983) and Curse of the Crystal Eye (1991). 22
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