March 2026 / Nominated by: Ron Rowden

Philip L. Eilers enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in October 1979 and began his military service with recruit training in San Diego, California. After completing boot camp, he attended Aviation Airframes training at Naval Air Station Memphis, Tennessee, where he specialized in aircraft structural maintenance. During this time, he graduated from Airframe Structures School (A1), completed the CH-53 A/D Airframes Maintenance Course and a Corrosion Control Course, and was promoted to Private First Class (E-2).

Following technical training, Eilers was assigned to Marine Corps Air Station New River in Jacksonville, North Carolina, serving with Heavy Marine Helicopter Squadron 362 (HMH-362). There, he worked in aviation maintenance supporting helicopter operations and was promoted to Lance Corporal (E-3).

In July 1981, he was reassigned to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 264 (HMM-264) and participated in Operation OCV-82 aboard the USS Saipan. From September 1981 through May 1982, he served aboard the USS Saipan, supporting Marine Corps aviation operations at sea.

During his time in the service, several significant world events occurred. While he was serving aboard the USS Saipan, the President of Egypt was assassinated, and his unit was tasked with helping secure the coastal waters of Egypt while the nation was in mourning. Other major events included the Beirut Barracks bombing and the conflict in Grenada.

Eilers returned to MCAS New River and continued serving with HMH-362 where he was promoted to Corporal (E-4). He was assigned and completed the Special Services Fleet Assistance Program and received a Meritorious Mast for Outstanding Performance of Duties. During this time, he also completed Chemical Warfare Training at 29 Palms, California, and Cold Weather Training above the Arctic Circle.

For his service, Eilers also received the Good Conduct Medal, Navy Sea Service Ribbon, and an Expert Rifle Badge. He was honorably discharged from the United States Marine Corps in May 1984.

Following his military service, Eilers remains active in supporting fellow veterans and community organizations. He is Membership Chairman and serves on the Board of Directors with Veterans of the Ozarks, a Member of Table Rock American Legion Post #637, and served as Vice President of Twin Rivers Pheasants Forever Chapter 46. He participates in fundraising, suicide prevention efforts, Honor Guard, and Color Guard activities.

Eilers and his wife, Kim, enjoy spending time with their three children and four grandchildren. In his leisure time, Phil enjoys golfing and taking his dog for walks.

Veterans are chosen by a panel of peers. To nominate a local Veteran for the Branson Bank Veteran of the Quarter, please visit: www.bransonbank.com or stop by any Branson Bank location to pick up a Nomination Form.

THE PROUD. THE STRONG. THE LOYAL. OUR VETERANS!

Mark Hyde joined the Branson West lending team in January of 2026. In his role as VP, Community Bank Lender, Hyde helps individuals and businesses access the financial tools they need to grow, offering personalized support every step of the way.

Early in his career, Hyde worked in management for Walmart and while there, completed certifications at the Walton Institute of Retail Management. After 26 years, he made the move to banking and served in several capacities focused on customer service and business development while holding roles to include branch manager and lender. During this time, he completed Consumer Lending School and School of Bank Management through the Missouri Bankers Association. In 2024, he pursued real estate, further expanding his knowledge of the home buying experience.

Serving the community is important to Hyde. His support of area non-profit and civic organizations includes past president of the Rotary Club of Table Rock Lake, councilmember of the MU Extension Council, and board member for Harbor House Domestic Violence Center. He enjoys fishing, boating, hunting, and spending time with family while enjoying the outdoors.

NMLS# 440836

Branson Bank Veteran of the Quarter #61

Heather M Lawson, US Air Force

Nominated by: Charlene Smith

December 2025

Heather Lawson entered the U.S. Air Force in November 1996, completing Basic Military Training at Lackland AFB, Texas, followed by technical training in Airfield Management Operations at Keesler AFB, Mississippi. Beginning in airfield and air mobility operations, Lawson first served at Shaw AFB, South Carolina, before an overseas tour at Ramstein AB, Germany, where she supported Air Mobility Operations and deployed to Morón AB, Spain during early 1999.

From 2000 to 2004, Lawson led Airfield Management Operations at Whiteman AFB, Missouri, including a deployment to Prince Sultan AB, Saudi Arabia. Following assignments included MacDill AFB, Florida with deployment to Al Udeid AB, Quatar; Nellis AFB, Nevada—where she deployed to Mosul AB, Iraq in 2008, and a year-long tour as Airfield Manager at Soto Cano AB, Honduras with additional support at Port-au-Prince Airport, Haiti in 2010.

From 2010 to 2013, Lawson served as Airfield Manager at RAF Lakenheath in the United Kingdom, followed by assignment at Andersen AFB, Guam, where she served as both Airfield Manager and Squadron Superintendent. This period included a 2015 deployment to the Combined Air Operations Center (CAOC) at Al Udeid AB, Qatar, with forward duties in Iraq and Afghanistan. Continuing in senior leadership roles, Lawson served as Airfield Manager and Squadron Superintendent at Dyess AFB, with another CAOC deployment in 2018. From 2018 to 2021 Lawson served as the USAFE/AFAFRICA Airfield Management Functional Manager at Ramstein AB, Germany.

Culminating a distinguished career of 24 years and 8 months, Lawson retired from the United States Air Force on July 30, 2021. Lawson’s major awards and decorations include: Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Achievement Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, Meritorious Unit Award with one Oak Leaf Cluster, AF Outstanding Unit Award with two Oak Leaf Clusters, AF Good Conduct Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters. National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal with one Bronze Star, Iraq Campaign Medal with one Bronze Star, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, and Humanitarian Service Medal. Other accolades include: USAFE Airfield Management Airman of the Year, Distinguished Graduate, Noncommissioned Officer Academy, HQ Air Force’s Airfield Operations Flight Facility of the Year, ACC Airfield Management Noncommissioned Officer of the Year, 48 Operations Group Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year, USAFE/AFRICOM Spirit of Hope Award, 36 Wing General Wilma Vaught Leadership Award, HQ Air Force’s Airfield Management Facility of the Year, 11 Air Force, Lance P. Sijan Award, and 7 Operations Group Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year.

Lawson resides with her husband, Ronnie, retired SMSgt USAF, and their 2 Olde English Bulldogs who have traveled all over the US and Europe along with them. She will graduate with a master’s degree in legal studies from Purdue University in Spring 2026. Lawson is Commander of American Legion Post #637, American Legion District 17 Vice Commander, and Kimberling City Parks Foundation Member. She is also a member of The Elks Lodge, Veterans of the Ozarks, and lifetime member of the VFW.

Veterans are chosen by a panel of peers. To nominate a local Veteran for the Branson Bank Veteran of the Quarter, please visit: www.bransonbank.com or stop by any Branson Bank location to pick up a Nomination Form.

THE PROUD. THE STRONG. THE LOYAL. OUR VETERANS!

September 2025

Nomination By: Ron Rowden

Edward J Verrill Jr began his military journey with the Maine National Guard in March 1953, serving until October of that year with an honorable discharge. In January 1956, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. He completed his basic training at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, and quickly moved into specialized training in aircraft mechanics and ground power support equipment repair.

Throughout his career, Verrill underwent extensive technical and leadership training. His education included advanced aircraft maintenance, hydraulic systems, avionics, aerospace ground equipment, and weapons systems. He also completed significant leadership courses, including the USAF Senior Noncommissioned Officer Academy. His assignments took him across the globe, with postings in France, Germany, Alaska, California, Florida, Arizona, Vietnam, and Iceland.

In Vietnam, he served with the 21st Tactical Air Support Squadron at Nha Trang Air Base before transferring to Cam Ranh Bay Air Base, where his service contributed directly to U.S. combat operations during the Vietnam War. Later, he served as F-4 Munitions Load Crew Chief and NCOIC of the gun shop at Keflavik Naval Air Station in Iceland.

Edward steadily advanced in rank, achieving Master Sergeant (E-7) on April 1, 1974. He retired honorably on June 30, 1977, after 22 years, 1 month, and 16 days of service. Verrill received many awards and accolades to include Air Force Accommodation Medal, Air Force Presidential Unit Citation, Outstanding Unit Award, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Air Force Small Arms Expert Marksman, Air Force Longevity Service Award, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Leaf Campaign Medal. A total of 2 Knotted Bronze Bars, 4 Bronze Clusters, and 10 Bronze Oakleaf Clusters.

Beyond his military career, Verrill worked for Sun Oil Co from 1977 to 1997 and received a Bachelor of Science in Management Degree from Johnson and Wales College. He is deeply active in his community and several fraternal organizations. A Mason for more than 50 years and Past Master of Table Rock Lodge #680, he also held memberships in the Scottish Rite, Shriners, Eastern Star (Kimberling City Chapter #164), Elks Lodge #2505, and is a life member of both the American Legion and Disabled American Veterans (Tri Lakes Chapter #55). He is also a life member of Vietnam Veterans of America.

Verrill resides in Kimberling City with two of his sons and enjoys hunting and fishing.

Veterans are chosen by a panel of peers. To nominate a local Veteran for the Branson Bank Veteran of the Quarter, please visit: www.bransonbank.com or stop by any Branson Bank location to pick up a Nomination Form.

THE PROUD. THE STRONG. THE LOYAL. OUR VETERANS!

Branson Bank Veteran of the Quarter

Ronald Simmons, US ARMY

Nominated by: Ron Rowden

Ronald D Simmons was drafted into the United States Army on June 12, 1966. He reported to Ft. McCullan in Alabama for Basic Training for 9 weeks, followed by Advanced Individual Training from August 1966 until his deployment.

In November 1966, Simmons received orders to report to The Republic of South Vietnam. In December 1966, he was assigned to the 212th Aviation Battalion in South Vietnam. He served there for the next 22 months. In October 1968, he returned to the United States where he received orders to report to the National Guard Headquarters in Great Lakes, IL. Simmons was Honorably Discharged from the United States Army in November 1972 at the rank of Corporal (E4).

Simmons received many awards and accolades to include the Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Metal (3), National Defense Service Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Infantry Cord, and the Air Crew Badge (Wings).

Following service, Simmons became involved in several Veteran organizations and events. He is a Life Member of the VFW. He was the first Vietnam Veteran Post Commander at the VFW Post 5818 in Lombard, IL where he also served on the Color Guard. He served in the Villard Fire Department in Lombard, IL and the Salem Fire Department in Salem, IL. He served as the Battalion Chief and Fire Chief at Central Taney County/Forsyth Fire Department as well as the Central Taney County Rescue Squad and Water Rescue Dive Team. His certifications include Repelling, Car & Aircraft Exploitation and LP Gas, and Fire Fraud Investigation. Simmons served as Treasurer and Exalted Ruler of Rockaway Beach Elks Lodge. He is a Life Member of the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA-913) and served as President for 3.5 years and was on the Honor/Color Guard. He is an Associate Member at The College of the Ozarks and served on a team that sanctioned for the Vietnam Memorial at the College of the Ozarks. He served with VVA-1119 where they founded the Honor/Color Guard and Veterans Assistance Program. He is a Charter/Life Member of the Veterans of the Ozarks serving as Honor/Color Guard Captain and Veterans Assistance Program Chair. He is a member of the Branson VFW, American Legion, and Kimberling City Elks Lodge. Simmons resides in Forsyth, Missouri with his wife, Lois. The family enjoys spending time with their grandchildren.

Veterans are chosen by a panel of peers. To nominate a local Veteran for the Branson Bank Veteran of the Quarter, please visit: www.bransonbank.com or stop by any Branson Bank location to pick up a Nomination Form. THE PROUD. THE STRONG. THE LOYAL. OUR VETERANS!

James Gilbert enlisted in the United States Air Force in April 1981. Basic Training was held at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas where he trained as a Security Specialist. Thereafter, Gilbert was assigned to Whiteman Air Force Base (AFB) in Missouri to the Missile Security Squadron until August of 1984.

Over the next 20 years, Gilbert traveled the world. From 1984 thru 1986 he was stationed in Türkiye, then from 86-93 he was at Buckley Air National Guard Base in Colorado, from 93-96 in Japan, then back to Whiteman AFB in Missouri until 2001.

Gilbert offers insight into a few experiences from his 20-year service. In 1981, as the leader of the Alarm Response Team, he detected a Fuels/ Chemical leak at a Nuclear Missile Launch Site. In 1983 he served as Shift Leader of the Armament and Re-Equipment Room at Whiteman AFB and was responsible for maintaining strict accountability for a large automatic weapons and munitions account. In 1984, while in Türkiye, he was a member of the Emergency Service Team responsible for coverage of Southern Europe and North Africa. There he participated in the House Watch Program. From 86-93 as Flight Chief, 2^nd Communications Squadron/ Security Police, he was stationed in Buckley, CO, and responsible for the protection of Priority A Resources and was appointed by the commander as Liaison to National Reconnaissance Organization (NRO). There, he was selected for a Temporary Duty Assignment to Taif, Saudi Arabia as a Special Security Advisor to “Operation Restore Hope” and anti-terrorism Non-Commissioned Officer. He was also involved in many situations to include: responding to fires and medical emergencies where he was nominated to receive the Bronze Star for life-saving efforts, selected as Team Training Officer while developing specialized training, detected and responded to security violations and unauthorized entry to a Priority A facility, and participated in an Air Base Ground Defense demonstration where Brigadier General Martin, lauded Gilbert the AF Top Cop for showing mission readiness for worldwide contingencies.

In 1993 while in Japan, Gilbert was responsible for all personnel security programs for the largest operational Air Force Intelligence Command Unit in the world. He was recognized as a major contributor in the unit receiving the Air Intelligence Agency Excellence Cup and the Misawa Cryptologic Operations 1993 Travis Trophy for the best Cryptologic site within Department of Defense. In 1999, at Whiteman AFB, he maintained maintenance records for the entire fleet of B-2 Stealth Bombers, A-10 Ground Attach Aircraft, and all C130 Transports based west of the Mississippi River.

In May of 2001, James Gilbert Retired from the United States Air Force after 20 years of service. Gilbert received the awards and accolades to include, Meritorious Service Medal, AF Commendation Medal, Air Achievement Medal with 1 device, AF Good Conduct Medal with 5 devices, National Defense Service Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal, AF Outstanding Unit Award with 4 devices, AF Overseas Short Tour Ribbon, AF Longevity Service Award with 3 devices, NCO Professional Military Education Ribbon with 1 device, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon/ Rifle, and AF Training Ribbon.

After retirement, Gilbert worked for the Union Pacific Railroad out of Sedalia, Missouri and while employed moved to Hollister, Missouri before retiring in 2022. He continues to serve his community in a variety of ways including, POW Network volunteer, Veterans of the Ozarks and Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen contributor, Veterans Welcome Home Week event volunteer, and is a member of Trout Unlimited, National Rifle Association. He enjoys working on his model railroad and Fly Fishing. He is married to Kristina, has two children, and six grandchildren.

Veterans are chosen by a panel of peers. To nominate a local Veteran for the Branson Bank Veteran of the Quarter, stop by any Branson Bank location to pick up a Nomination Form.

THE PROUD. THE STRONG. THE LOYAL. OUR VETERANS!

Karla is a seasoned banking professional with over 25 years of experience in the industry. She has been a valued member of Branson Bank since 2007, beginning her career as a loan processor. In 2018, Karla transitioned to the role of Lender, where she has since become an expert in consumer and agricultural loans.

Her deep knowledge and commitment to serving the community have helped her foster strong relationships with her neighbors in Eastern Taney County. A life-long resident of Taney County, Karla is a proud graduate of Forsyth High School and remains dedicated to supporting local growth and financial success.

NMLS #1192822 

Katie Hodges began her journey with Branson Bank in 2017 as Vice President, Commercial Lender, and then in 2022 she was promoted to Chief Operations Officer. With banking experience since 2004, Katie offers a well-rounded portfolio of financial expertise.

Hodges graduated from the College of the Ozarks with a BS in Accounting and Psychology. She also earned her CPA certification in 2003. Hodges is a servant to her community, volunteering for a number of organizations, including the Branson/ Hollister Rotary Club, Sports Funding Task Force with the Branson Chamber of Commerce, Taneyville School Board Member/ President, MONasp Missouri State Archery Tournament Planning Committee, to name a few.