US AIR FORCE
60th Veteran of the Quarter
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!