JULY 2008
Bank Note$ - News You Can Bank On
What It Means (to me) to be an American
Sgt. Michael A. Kulzer, Minnesota National Guard
Being an American means something different to everyone. That in itself is what is so great about America - having the right and freedom to express and live our lives as we choose; and to think, believe and do as we wish. These inalienable rights that we take for granted are privileges that many people across the world do not have the luxury of exercising. It's hard for me to say exactly what I believe it is to be an American. A variety of feelings, emotions and political thoughts come to mind.
While continuing my civilian education, I recently started working part-time at the local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). I have the honor of working with some of our nation's heroes, many of whom served in Korea and Vietnam, and some who have been severely wounded while fighting our nation's battles. Some might think these scars are a burden to these retired soldiers; however, these men wear their scars as points of pride - badges that speak of self-sacrifice and dedication to something greater than themselves, marks of honor and distinction. There is no need to ask these men what it means to them to be an American; the answer is obvious.
After some deliberation I have decided that the best way for me to express my feelings about being an American is this: To me, being an American is holding onto and remaining true to the values on which our forefathers founded this nation, and encouraging others to do the same. Values like liberty and freedom; values that are true and just; values that when embraced will better mankind, and that every man, woman, and child should be able to enjoy regardless of race, religion, heritage or geography.
"Throughout its history, America has given hope, comfort and inspiration to freedom's cause in all lands. The reservoir of good will and respect for America was not built up by American arms or intrigue; it was built upon our deep dedication to the cause of human liberty and welfare."
– (Adlai Stevenson)
Our Military Family
by Mark and Terri NeedhamWe come from a family that supports the military. Terri's grandfather, father, uncle and brothers all served in the Navy, while other uncles and cousins have served (or are currently serving) in the Army, Seabees, Air Force, and Marines. Mark's father and brother served in the Army, and his uncles served in the Navy. Our new son-in-law and nephew are also now serving in the Army.
Mark's brother MSG Robb G. Needham first enlisted in the Army in 1973 and then joined the Army Reserves in 1981. He served in Oakland, California; Portland, Oregon; and most recently Vancouver, Washington. Over his 30-year military career, he worked many jobs, most recently as a mechanical maintenance supervisor and for the Ranger Team.
Robb volunteered for two tours of duty in Iraq. He was always ready to lend a helping hand - whether to an American or an Iraqi. The people became the mission, and he was found often with children surrounding him.
MSG Robb G. Needham, 51, died September 20, 2006 in Baghdad from a sniper's bullet while on patrol. Robb was awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and many other accolades, with the most important being the CIB (Combat Infantry Badge). He would have been 52 the following month. Losing Robb has been hard on the family but we know he was doing what he wanted to do - what he felt in his heart compelled to do. Robb was survived by Cait, his wife of 27 years, daughter Robi, son Dylan, and grandchildren Madelyn and Miles, and many other extended family members.
Brett M. Coffou, our new son-in-law, is also from a family with a lot of military ties, including his father, Tom, who served as a Seabee during Vietnam. Brett joined the Army in May 2007 to be trained as an MP with the goal of being a police officer when his active duty is complete. Brett left for his training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri in May 2007 and had his BCT/AIT/MP graduation in September 2007. He surprised our daughter, Sara, with a marriage proposal after his graduation. Brett and Sara planned to get married the summer of 2008, but when Brett learned he would be deploying for Iraq this summer, they decided to move the wedding date up six months so they could be together. They were married on December 29, 2007 and currently live at Fort Riley, Kansas where Brett is stationed. Brett is scheduled to deploy the beginning of July and will be gone for 15 months. [Editor's note: Brett deployed June 27.]
Although we are nervous about our new son-in-law deploying for Iraq, our family fully supports Brett's choice to serve our country. Sara will come home from Kansas to live and attend college while Brett is deployed; she wants to be a teacher and figures she can teach wherever Brett is stationed. We think it will help Sara to have her family close. We know it will help us to have her here. And as the kids would say, "Hooah!"
Save Your Gas Money with Remote Deposit
What could be better than making your business bank deposit on location from your place of business? Remote deposit brings a whole new level of convenience to business banking. Simply scan your checks using one of our desktop scanners and deposit them in your account via our secure revenue manager portal. Your checks will be processed as images or converted into automated clearing house (ACH) transactions depending on the level of service you choose.
Besides convenience and fewer car trips to the bank, remote deposit offers you many benefits, including improved cash flow. Because your checks are processed electronically, funds may be available sooner than if deposits are made in person. In addition, you can make deposits at any time, even after normal banking hours.
It's easy, it's energy efficient, and it's available now from Arrowhead Community Bank. For more information, call 623-776-0800.
Coin Collectors Set
ACB is making available a limited number of Collectors Sets of an uncirculated Arizona state quarter in a presentation folder. The tri-fold display card features the Arizona flag, seal and other symbols along with interesting facts and information. Each set comes in a protective slipcase. Each Collectors Set is $8.95, and is available at the Bank. For more information, call Marsha Oakes at 623-776-3826.
George Bernard Shaw
