Armed Forces Bank Celebrates Monica Bassett with New Award for Service to Military Families

Celebrating Service: Monica Bassett's Impact on Military Families

In a heartfelt recognition ceremony, Armed Forces Bank has honored Monica Bassett, founder and CEO of the Stronghold Food Pantry, with its inaugural "Who We Honor" Award. This award symbolizes her significant contributions to ensuring that military families have access to food and essential resources. The surprise announcement, made on October 15 at Armed Forces Bank's Kansas City headquarters, was attended by numerous supporters of Bassett's mission.

Armed Forces Bank has a long-standing reputation for serving military personnel and their families since its inception in 1907. The bank has now stepped forward to acknowledge individuals in the community making a real impact, beginning with Bassett. As part of this award, Bassett received a $5,000 donation that will benefit Stronghold Food Pantry, a nonprofit initiative that has grown from its origins into an extensive support network for military families facing financial difficulties.

A Mission Born from Need

Bassett's journey started in 2022 when she saw the need for food security among military families. In just a few years, Stronghold Food Pantry expanded its reach to serve military installations across 26 states, delivering over 202,800 meals. It represents a grassroots effort turned national movement, emphasizing community support.

The organization operates several programs, including pop-up food distributions and an Ambassador Program, aimed at providing military families with the resources they need while respecting their dignity. The growth has been substantial, with Stronghold distributing over 93,897 pounds of food in 2025 alone—a remarkable 29.5% increase since the previous year.

During the award ceremony, Tom McLean, the Senior Vice President and Regional Military Executive of Armed Forces Bank, spoke highly of Bassett, emphasizing her humility, purpose-driven leadership, and ability to inspire those around her. He articulated the essence of her character and how she embodies the mission of philanthropy.

A Relationship Built on Service

The partnership between Armed Forces Bank and Stronghold Food Pantry is deep-rooted, initiated through volunteer efforts before the pantry even had an official name. Management and associates from the bank have taken considerable steps to support Bassett's initiatives from their inception, engaging in food drives and other fundraising activities. As the pantry's reach expanded, so did the commitment from Armed Forces Bank, with associates across various locations joining food distribution events.

Reflecting on the recognition, Bassett shared her thoughts, stating, "You don't start a mission, or have the conviction to start one, for an award." Her dedication to service and the trust placed in her by community members drives her efforts, even during difficult times.