May 14, 2019
First Community Bank has been awarded the 2019 Pro Patria award from the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve group, also referred to as the ESGR. The ESGR’s Pro Patria Award is presented annually by each ESGR State Committee to one small, one large, and one public sector employer in their state or territory. Recipients have demonstrated the greatest support to Guard and Reserve employees through their leadership and practices, including adopting personnel policies that make it easier for employees to participate in the National Guard and Reserve. This is the highest-level award that may be bestowed by an ESGR State Committee.
The Pro Patria award was presented to First Community Bank by Dr. Gil Fowler, ESGR Area Chair of Arkansas, who said, “On behalf of a grateful nation and our citizen soldiers, congratulations and thanks for all that you do and will continue to do on their behalf. First Community Bank is an example that others should emulate.”
“First Community Bank is tremendously proud to receive such a prominent award, and we thank the ESGR State Committee and the Department of Defense for recognizing our organization,” said Dale Cole, CEO, First Community Bank. “Our community sincerely does come first in our eyes, and we’re committed to honoring those individuals who serve our country as members of the Guard or Reserve.”
When asked why he nominated First Community Bank for the Pro Patria award, Vice President of Commercial Lending and first lieutenant, Chris Milum said, “First Community Bank has not only supported me with my job at the bank, but also my service with the Arkansas Army National Guard. They have been very supportive of me and my family during my time away from work, but they also value the training and leadership skills I have obtained from the National Guard. I have had to attend various military courses to further my education, job skills, and leadership ability with the military that require me to miss work. First Community Bank has supported my family during those times as well as the times I have been called to service during natural disasters here at home. I take great pride in serving my country, but it takes a strong family and employer to support you while you are gone. I couldn’t ask for a better organization to work for!”
First Community Bank honors the following veteran and active duty military personnel:
• Chris Milum, First Lieutenant, Active, 2012-Present
• Jennifer Wyatt, E-4/Senior Airman, Veteran, 2001-2005
• Craig Jarvis, E-4/Senior Airman, Veteran, 2002-2006
• Clint Howard, Major, Veteran, 1998-2018
• Phillip Reeves, E-4/Senior Airman, Veteran, 2011-2014
• Jacob Thomas Palese, Sergeant, Active, 2013-Present
For more information about First Community Bank, call 870-612-3400.
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