At the 2025 Military Banking Summit (MBS2025), the Departments of the Army, Navy, and Air Force proudly recognized banks whose service to military communities exemplifies partnership, innovation, and dedication. The 2024 Bank of the Year Awards highlight the critical role financial institutions play in supporting the financial readiness and resilience of service members and their families.
CPT Jasmine Thompson, Department of the Army Banking Officer, presented the Bank of the Year award to Armed Forces Bank, Fort Leavenworth. Armed Forces Bank representative, Tom McLean, accepted the award. The Department of the Army shared this about Armed Forces Bank’s support of the community at Fort Leavenworth:
In addition to providing trusted financial services, Armed Forces Bank has shown extraordinary commitment to the soldiers and families of Fort Leavenworth. With a legacy spanning more than 118 years, the bank continues to stand as a steadfast partner to the Army community.
In 2024, that dedication was evident in both investment and action. Armed Forces Bank contributed more than $175,000 toward service improvements, provided over $7,500 in direct support to Fort Leavenworth’s Morale, Welfare, and Recreation programs, and gave more than 500 hours of volunteer service in the community. Beyond dollars and hours, the bank has strengthened financial readiness through robust education and counseling programs that empower soldiers and families to thrive.
This deep-rooted commitment demonstrates that Armed Forces Bank is far more than a financial institution—it is a true partner to the Army, standing alongside soldiers, families, and the installation community in service and support. Congratulations to Armed Forces Bank, the 2024 Army Bank of the Year!
Bryan Smith, Department of the Navy Banking Officer, presented the Bank of the Year award to USAA, Camp Lejeune. USAA’s representative, Jim Sutton, accepted the award. The Department of the Navy shared this about USAA’s support of the community at Camp Lejeune:
In addition to the many ways USAA provides exceptional support for Marines and their families, its presence at Camp Lejeune proved invaluable during the 2024 hurricane season. The USAA Military Affairs Representative at Camp Lejeune played a vital role as a member of the Installation’s Destructive Weather Team, enabling real-time communication of critical weather updates to USAA’s Catastrophic Assistance Teams.
As Hurricanes Helene and Milton swept through North Carolina, this direct line of communication allowed USAA to relay timely and accurate information to its Property and Casualty Insurance teams. The result: a swift, coordinated response to potentially catastrophic events affecting Camp Lejeune, and expedited insurance claims for Marines, Sailors, and their families.
This is just one example of how USAA continues to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our military community—providing not only financial services, but also unwavering support during times of crisis. Their dedication to service members, family members, and the civilian workforce reflects a deep-rooted commitment to those who serve. Congratulations to USAA, the 2024 Navy Bank of the Year!
Sheila Arguelles, Department of the Air Force Banking Officer, presented the Bank of the Year Award to First Arkansas Bank & Trust, Little Rock Air Force Base. First Arkansas Bank & Trust’s president, CEO, and chairman, Larry Wilson, accepted the award. The Department of the Air Force shared this about First Arkansas Bank & Trust’s support of the community at Little Rock Air Force Base:
In addition to providing trusted financial services for Airmen, Guardians, and their families, First Arkansas Bank & Trust has built a remarkable legacy of support at Little Rock Air Force Base. Since 1956, the bank has gone above and beyond to meet the unique needs of the military community, offering no-fee military accounts, financial education, and strong support for financial readiness initiatives such as America Saves Week.
In 2024, First Arkansas Bank & Trust’s commitment was evident through its hands-on engagement with base programs and the broader community. The bank employs more than 25 veterans, spouses, and dependents, raised over $63,000 for veteran causes, and provided vital contributions to Operation Warmheart and local JROTC units. These efforts directly strengthened the financial stability and overall resilience of Airmen, Guardians, and their families.
This enduring partnership reflects a deep-rooted commitment to standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the Department of the Air Force community—delivering not only essential financial services, but also tangible support that uplifts the mission and the people who serve. Congratulations to First Arkansas Bank & Trust, the 2024 Air Force Bank of the Year!
Together, the 2024 Bank of the Year honorees exemplify the power of partnership between military installations and the banking community. Whether through emergency response, financial education, or long-standing community engagement, these banks demonstrate an unwavering commitment to the readiness and resilience of service members and their families. AMBA is proud to join the Departments of the Army, Navy, and Air Force in recognizing their extraordinary contributions and celebrating the vital role military banks play in strengthening those who serve.
