changes, running showers and people getting ready for duty, as well as aircraft taking off and landing directly above your head 24/7. The bathrooms were stainless steel, and the showers were narrow with a small hose and nozzle that had to be pressed to get water, which wasn’t much. Sometimes the water was too hot, too cold or smelled like jet fuel. The ship handled all uniform laundry, but there was no guarantee your clothes would come back to you — or come back clean. If they didn’t, you had to buy replacements out of your own pocket. Mealtimes could be just as challenging; chow lines often stretched for an hour or more. They served breakfast, lunch, dinner and a late-night meal around 10:00 p.m., called “Midrats,” which was made up of leftovers from the day. The food was replenished at sea, and for the most part, it was excellent, especially breakfast. “Liberty Call” was much like the chow line — you often waited hours to get off the ship. Not everyone could take liberty at once in an emergency, so we rotated in two- or three-shifts. Because we were a carrier, we never docked directly at port. Instead, we anchored miles offshore and took “Liberty Boats,” small dinghies that were often wet, rough, and they took time. Liberty was always worth it, though. I visited Italy, France, Spain, Singapore, Yugoslavia, Egypt, Africa, the Bahamas, the Virgin Islands, Fort Lauderdale and Diego Garcia, and I traveled through the Suez Canal. Before each port visit, we were given a small booklet outlining local customs and laws so we could avoid trouble, since breaking a law could result in detention. I really enjoyed experiencing the different cultures and foods in those ports. Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce (2019) Recognized for his outstanding leadership and dedication, Russ served as Chairman of the Board for the Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce in 2019 — continuing a career defined by civic engagement and community impact. National Commercial Lending School — University of Oklahoma (1996) A lifelong learner, Russ completed the National Commercial Lending School through the American Bankers Association’s Executive Schools Division in 1996, furthering his expertise in finance and his commitment to professional excellence. Russ later served as a KBA instructor for correspondence and classroom courses. Russ rode on the USD #252 Honor Flight Float during the Emporia Veterans Day Parade. While in port, I lived aboard the ship as part of the “ship’s company.” During those times, we only had breakfast, lunch and dinner on board, with no laundry, dental or medical services available — you had to use on-base facilities and pay for them (except for medical and dental). We parked far from the ship and took a base bus to get around. With a base pay of $800, I couldn’t afford a car at first, so I walked or took the local bus. Fortunately, the base had essentials such as a grocery store, restaurants, a bar, laundry facilities, a recreation center and a hospital, all accessible by bus. Eventually, during my second enlistment at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, I was able to buy a vehicle. Closing Reflection Through programs like Freedom Fest, the Veteran Banner display and the countless initiatives LCSB supports year-round, the message is clear: Emporia’s legacy of honoring service is alive and well. And for Russ Bonitatibus, a sailor turned community banker, that’s what it’s all about — carrying the spirit of service forward, one relationship and one community event at a time. “My military background shaped my life and the principles I live by, belief in God, country and family,” Russ said. “It taught me to lead by example, to be compassionate, to volunteer, to work as a team and to stay disciplined. It also gave me the drive to be self-motivated and always do my best. Those lessons carry over into everything I do at the bank and in the community.” National Leadership Emporia Program — Eighteenth Class Completing the Leadership Emporia Program, Russ was honored for his dedication, drive and vision for the city’s future — a reflection of his belief in developing strong leaders and vibrant communities. Russ was also a facilitator for the Kansas Leadership of Emporia Program. 24
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