First Service Bankers at the Flippin location showed their admiration for veterans by raising the most money for the bank’s Operation Red, White and Brave (ORWB) program.
Flippin bankers raised and collected $9,128.18 and with the bank dollar for dollar match a grand total of $18,256.36.
According to Robin Hackett, chief operations officer/chief mortgage officer at First Service, Operation Red, White and Brave was created and designed to support the bank’s vision as well as one of its core values – patriotism. In 2021, First Service partnered with Habitat for Humanity and communities across the state to raise $80,000 to build a house for a veteran.
“We believe America is the greatest country on earth and we value the freedom that has been won for us,” Robin said. “What better way to honor our patriots than to build a new, safe and secure home for a veteran?”
“ORWB is very important to me and my associates, as well as many members of our community,” said First Service’s Flippin Branch Manager Roberta Switzer. “The willingness of America’s veterans to sacrifice for our country deserves our undying gratitude. It is a privilege to participate in this program. It is the least we can do to say ‘thank you to our veterans.”
First Service Bank matches dollar for dollar every donation that is made to ORWB.
“First Service Bank is passionate about Operation Red, White, and Brave. We want to keep it going for as long as possible, but we can’t do it on our own,” Robin said, adding that individuals making contributions can ensure the program continues and helps more veterans for years to come. “When you donate to this cause, you allow us to continue to give back to these heroes and their families.”
Flippin bankers were among the First Service associates who were on-site and helped build the home for the veteran. “I think I can speak for all the employees when I say we all felt such a sense of pride from the hands-on role we played in the construction of the home,” Roberta said. “It was great to be on-site working, building and helping a veteran’s dream come true!”
Roberta knows firsthand the sacrifices that those in the military make to secure the freedoms enjoyed in the United States. She has had several relatives who served, including her father and son-in-law.
“I’m extremely proud that we could raise that amount of money in Flippin, a small, tight-knit community,” she said. “Our employees talked about the program and asked our customers for donations. Our customers were very generous.”
Roberta, who has worked 11 years at First Service Bank, said there are many things she likes about working at First Service. “I most enjoy making a difference in the communities in which we live and raise our families,” she said. “It is truly gratifying at the end of the day to feel as if I have made a difference in someone’s life.”
For more information on Operation Red, White and Brave or to support the program, visit firstservicebank.com/orwb.
