Four Local Veterans Recognized during Community Ceremony

Four local veterans: Heather Lawson, Phillip Eilers, Dale Washburn and Gordon Gosh were each honored and recognized individually throughout the course of the last year as Branson Bank Veterans of the Quarter, but earlier this month these veterans were assembled for a community celebration.

On Thursday, October 8, Branson Bank invited area residents to join them as they hosted their annual Rise & Shine Service at its Highway 248 location in Branson. During this annual event, the bank highlighted each of the veteran’s military service and personal story, providing the community with the opportunity to recognize their contributions and sacrifices, according to a press release from Branson Bank.

As the service began, Branson Bank President Eric Simkins was the first to address the crowd.

“Since 2009, our veteran program has been a meaningful way for us to express our gratitude for the men and women whose service and sacrifice have helped shape our nation,” Simkins said in the release. “It is an honor to recognize these four outstanding veterans who continue to make a difference serving throughout the Taney and Stone County communities.”

These four veterans were the 61^st, 62^nd, 63^rd and 64^th Veterans of the Quarter to be named by Branson since the program began in 2009. During the service, Branson Bank VP-Commercial Loans Marcus Harmon recognized US Air Force Veteran Heather Lawson, who was unable to attend, Branson Bank SVP-Controller-Operations Officer Tammy Falk introduced US Marine Corps Veteran Phillip Eilers; Branson Bank SVP-Community Lender Ryan Sanders introduced US Army Veterans Dale Washburn; and Branson Bank CEO-Board Chairman Bill Jones introduced US Navy Veteran Gordon Gosh. Each veteran was presented with a custom frame, featuring their photo and story.

The ceremony additionally included a special presentation by Linda Richarson and Janie Mahon of Table Rock Quilts of Honor, who presented Gosh with a quilt in recognition of his military service. Branson Bank EVP Dean Harmon delivered an opening prayer, the Hollister High School Army JROTC, under the direction of 1SG Joshua Haines, performed the flag raising and Stephanie Callahan sang both the National Anthem and “God Bless the USA” during the service.

To learn more about Branson Bank, the Veterans of the Quarter program or to nominate a local veteran, visit bransonbank.com.