Branson Bank honors Veterans of the Quarter for 2026
On Thursday, October 8, Branson Bank hosted a sunrise flag raising and ceremony honoring the Veterans of the Quarter for 2026. In addition to the Veteran honorees, several bank staff members, state and local officials, family members and supportive members of the community, including previous Veterans of the Quarter, were in attendance to extend congratulations.
The Branson Bank Veteran of the Quarter program serves two purposes: to honor local Veterans for their service and to share Veteran stories with our community, especially the younger generation, to ensure that Veterans are celebrated, valued and remembered. The community can participate in the nomination process, and nominations are reviewed by a panel of other veterans for each quarterly selection. Thursday’s honorees were #61, #62, #63 and #64, a testimony to the bank’s commitment to the program over several years.
(Photos by Marshall Meadows, used with permission; courtesy of Branson Bank)
Following coffee and pastries provided by Vintage Paris and Rhodes Family Price Chopper, Branson Bank President Eric Simkins greeted those gathered and introduced the Hollister JROTC Honor Guard to preside over the flag-raising ceremony. Stephanie Callahan provided music for the ceremony, including the National Anthem.
Veterans honored at the ceremony included—
Heather Lawson, U.S. Air Force, 1996-2021 – Ms. Lawson completed her basic training at Lackland AFB in Texas, followed by technical training in Airfield Management Operations in preparation for several assignments and deployments, earning numerous awards and decorations over her career of 24-plus years. She and her husband, Ronnie, SMSGT (Ret.), USAF, are active in the Kimberling City community where Lawson serves as Commander of American Legion Post #637 and American Legion District 17 Vice Commander, and is a member of the Kimberling City Elks Lodge, Veterans of the Ozarks, and the VFW. She is also a Foundation Member for Kimberling City Parks and is pursuing a master’s degree in legal studies from Purdue University.
Philip Eilers, U.S. Marine Corps, 1979-1984 – After enlistment in the USMC and recruit training in San Diego, California, Eilers specialized in aircraft structural maintenance, supporting helicopter operations and serving aboard the USS Saipan supporting Marine Corps aviation operations at sea, securing coastal waters during several significant world events including the assassination of the President of Egypt, the Beirut barracks bombing and the Grenada conflict. He also completed Chemical Warfare Training and Cold Weather Training, and received the Good Conduct Medal, Navy Sea Service Ribbon and Expert Rifle Badge. Eilers is active in area organizations including the Veterans of the Ozarks, American Legion Post #637, Twin Rivers Pheasants Forever Chapter 46, veteran suicide prevention efforts and Honor Guard/Color Guard service. He enjoys family time with his wife, Kim, and children and grandchildren; golfing; and taking his dog for walks.
Dale Washburn, U.S. Army, 1970-1972 – Drafted for service in Vietnam, Washburn completed basic training at Fort Campbell in Kentucky and advanced training in the Army Transportation School, preparing him for vital roles in port, railroad and motor vehicle operations as well as helicopter maintenance. He also served in administrative and unit records positions and earned several awards for his performance, discipline and marksmanship skills. Following his military service, Washburn has remained active in veteran service organizations including the American Legion Post #170 in Chanute, Kansas; the Kimberling City Elks Lodge; and numerous leadership roles with the Veterans of the Ozarks. He actively volunteers in special commemorative events including Branson’s Veterans Welcome Home Week.
Gordon Gosh, US Navy, 1945-1952 – After entering military service at just 17 years old, Gosh received training at the Hospital Corpsman School and the Certified Operation Room Technician Program, preparing him for service at the Naval Academy Hospital and in the Aleutian Islands. He later transferred to the USS Helena and served throughout the Asian theater, assisting Marines in helping U.S. citizens leave Tsing Tao during the Chinese Civil War and assisting with surgical operations and embalming procedures aboard ship. After discharge, Gosh studied briefly at the University of Toledo for three semesters before being recalled by the Navy during a shortage of OR technicians during the Korean conflict, serving aboard the USS Midway while continuing to study via correspondence. After discharge in 1952, he returned to the University of Toledo and later to Northwestern, earning a degree in biochemistry. Gosh received the National Security American Campaign Medal, Navy Occupation Service Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, Victory World War II Medal, and China Service Medal. He later had a distinguished professional career and volunteer service with the Gideons International, Greater St. Louis YMCA and St. Louis Forestry Council, and 50-plus years teaching Sunday School. He and Marilyn, his wife of 74 years, now reside in Bradleyville near their daughter, Cynthia Davis, and her family.
Following Mr. Gosh’s introduction, he was presented a Quilt of Honor by members of Table Rock Quilts of Honor.
Visit https://www.bransonbank.com/ to see service photos and read more about these and past Veterans of the Quarter, and find information about how to nominate a deserving veteran.
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