May is Military Appreciation Month: How We're Celebrating

At Armed Forces Bank, our mission is supporting our valued Servicemembers and their families. And this month, we get the opportunity to do it just a little more. That’s because May is officially known as Military Appreciation Month.

Learn more about this special month, including dates to remember, and some of the ways Armed Forces Bank is committed to continuing to support our military.

Ever since 1999, the month of May has been designated as Military Appreciation Month. Americans are encouraged by the President to celebrate this month and honor those who make sacrifices each and every day for our country and our freedom. Especially during a pandemic, we recognize our valued Servicemembers and their families who have worked on the front lines and helped keep us safe.

Though we’re celebrating the entire month, there are a variety of special days we want to draw attention to as well:

Loyalty Day: May 1 -- “A special day for the reaffirmation of loyalty to the United States and for the recognition of the heritage of American freedom.”

Military Spouse Appreciation Day: May 7 -- Observed the Friday before Mother’s Day, Military Spouse Appreciation Day honors the military spouses who sacrifice so much in support of their service member spouse’s mission.

VE Day: May 8 -- “Victory in Europe Day,” celebrating the end of World War II in Europe. Ever since 1945, much of the world has continued to celebrate VE Day on May 8 every year.

Mother’s Day: May 9 -- Whether a servicemember herself or a military spouse holding it down at home, mothers deserve to be acknowledged and remembered on Mother’s Day for the sacrifices they make every day.

Armed Forces Day: May 15 -- Armed Forces Day is observed on the third Sunday in May. Different from Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day, Armed Forces Day is the proper day to honor those currently serving, as well as those who have previously served and sacrificed.

Memorial Day: May 31 -- Taking place the last Monday in May, Memorial Day honors service members who have died in military service to the nation. Its origins date all the way back to the post-Civil War era.

In support of Military Appreciation Month, several of our bank associates around the country are randomly showing appreciation and thanks to Servicemembers. This is a tradition we plan to continue throughout the year!

At Luke Air Force Base, Cindy Walsh, Military Banking Center Manager, found the perfect opportunity to help pay for a fill-up at the gas pump. Cindy then walked around the Exchange and Commissary on base to hand out some gift cards to Servicemembers and their families to make their shopping trip a little less expensive.

Some of our other Armed Forces Bank associates visited a Food Truck, Gas Station, Food Court, Barber Shop and Post Office. All the individuals they met were active duty and very appreciative of what we are doing for them and the community.

Two individuals stood out among all the appreciative people. A 2LT they met at the Food Truck was getting catering information for his unit. It was past lunchtime, but our associates still asked him if he had eaten lunch yet. He didn't have lunch and declined the random acts of kindness at first. After explaining about Military Appreciation Month, he gladly accepted it and praised AFB’s actions.

A young soldier at the Post Office was about to mail out a bracelet for his friend's mom for Mother's Day. After our associates approached him and offered to pay for the cost of shipping, he was really surprised and very appreciative.

In appreciation to all the men and women who serve our country, thank you. We appreciate you!

There’s no better time than Military Appreciation Month to introduce our new partnership with A Million Thanks to send thankyou letters to military members serving around the world. A Million Thanks is a non-profit organization that provides support and appreciation to our active and veteran military men and women through sending letters and granting betterment of life wishes, as well as providing higher education scholarships to their children.

Most of all, A Million Thanks collects and distributes millions of letters of thanks and support and sends them directly to our active, reserve, and veteran military.

Beginning May 17, during Military Appreciation Month, Armed Forces Bank branch locations will become official A Million Thanks “Send A Letter” collection sites with drop boxes available for bank clients and community members to send notes of appreciation. Drop boxes will be available in each of our 26 locations across the country and in 80 branch locations of Academy Bank, our sister bank.

See what our president of Armed Forces Bank, Don Giles, had to say:

“Our partnership with A Million Thanks is a natural extension of our long-standing commitment to support the bravery and dedication of our military service members and their families. We’re honored to join forces with the inspiring mission of A Million Thanks by offering our clients and the communities we serve a convenient way to send notes of gratitude directly to those who are protecting and defending our country.”

Armed Forces Bank will also offer an opportunity to send digital messages on our website. Since 2004, A Million Thanks has collected and distributed nearly 11 million letters to military Service members.

Learn more about our exciting new partnership with A Million Thanks.

At Armed Forces Bank, we’re a full-service military bank that’s been committed to serving those who serve since 1907. As part of a family of banks with over $1.6 billion in assets, we provide a vast array of affordable, easily accessible financial products to both active and retired military and civilian clients in all 50 states and across the world.

When you’re in the military, your needs are different, and your banking should be too. That’s why, no matter where you’re stationed in the world, we strive to make everything from banking solutions to financial advice personal, valuable, and convenient for you.

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