Armed Forces Bank Makes History with Army and Navy Honors for Financial Support to Service Members

Armed Forces Bank's Milestone Achievements in Military Financial Readiness

Armed Forces Bank, a veteran in military banking since 1907, has once again demonstrated its commitment to supporting the financial well-being of service members, veterans, and their families by earning the distinguished title of "Distinguished Bank of the Year" from both the U.S. Army and Navy. This recognition was awarded during the 2026 Military Banking Summit and underscores the bank's continual impact on military financial readiness.

The honors presented to Armed Forces Bank represent a culmination of efforts made to foster financial education and support within the military community. The Department of the Army specifically recognized the bank's facility at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, while the Department of the Navy honored its location at Naval Station Great Lakes in Illinois. This dual recognition is significant, as only one bank from each branch of service is chosen for this prestigious accolade each year.

Since 1997, Armed Forces Bank has received a remarkable 32 awards from various military branches, including 15 from the Navy, 11 from the Army, and 6 from the Air Force. In fact, they have been acknowledged by at least one military branch in 15 of the last 16 years, solidifying their reputation as a leader in military banking.

At both esteemed locations, the dedicated staff of Armed Forces Bank play a vital role in promoting financial readiness. For instance, at the Naval Station Great Lakes, bank associates provide essential financial education to recruits during their boot camp phase. They teach vital skills such as budgeting, saving, and investing, ensuring that service members have the financial foundation necessary for their futures.

Meanwhile, at Fort Leavenworth, the bank hosts numerous workshops and collaborates with military and community organizations to enhance the financial stability of service members and their families. Their involvement extends beyond banking; they actively participate in local events, support food pantries, and contribute to veteran organizations.

Paul Holewinski, the CEO of Armed Forces Bank, emphasized the importance of these recognitions, stating, "Earning this recognition reflects the extraordinary commitment our associates bring to serving the military community every day. The consistency of these honors shows that our longstanding mission is making a meaningful difference for service members, veterans, and their families.” He also highlighted that they are dedicated to providing essential resources designed to foster financial readiness across the military landscape.

Armed Forces Bank offers various programs, such as the Access Freedom Checking account, which has no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements, and Military Early Pay options. Their support extends into assisting with programs that help transitioning military personnel and veterans, including partnerships with organizations like Hire Heroes USA. Furthermore, their helpful Militarily Speaking podcast and Military Family Financial Readiness Report provide additional pathways for education in personal finance.

During Veteran Saves Week 2025, the bank successfully reached over 50,000 individuals and achieved significant savings growth, demonstrating measurable results in their outreach efforts. Their successful initiatives earned them the only Community Impact Award among over 900 participating organizations nationwide during that time.

Armed Forces Bank has also assisted more than 12,000 homeowners in securing VA loans, amounting to over $4.7 billion, showcasing their role in fostering home ownership amongst military families.

Armed Forces Bank, duly recognized for their achievements, is more than just a financial institution; it is a community dedicated to serving those who serve. Founded and headquartered in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, Armed Forces Bank is a full-service military bank that caters not only to active and retired military members but also to civilian clients nationally and internationally. About 75% of their team shares a military connection, demonstrating their understanding and commitment to the unique needs of their clientele.

With assets totaling $1.4 billion and operating as a wholly owned subsidiary of Dickinson Financial Corporation, which manages assets worth $4.6 billion, Armed Forces Bank is poised to continue its legacy of excellence in military banking. To learn more about their services, visit www.afbank.com or follow them on social media. Member FDIC.