Honoring Our Heroes: Military Appreciation Month Spotlight

May is National Military Appreciation Month (NMAM)—a time dedicated to honoring the service, sacrifice, and contributions of members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families. Established by Congress in 1999, NMAM encompasses several important military observances, including Armed Forces Day, Military Spouse Appreciation Day, and Memorial Day. It’s a moment for our nation to reflect on the courage and commitment shown by service members across all branches: the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Space Force.

At Core Bank, we are proud to recognize members of our team who have served in the military or supported loved ones in uniform. Below, we highlight the stories and reflections of three outstanding individuals within our organization.

Andrew Shrabel, Credit Analyst II

Andrew was in the United States Air Force for six years. His home station was at Offutt Air Force Base, and he trained as an Arabic Linguist but served in a different, undisclosed capacity involving aircraft operations. He was deployed and supported Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF).

Andrew’s dedication and flexibility in supporting multiple missions abroad exemplify the spirit of service and sacrifice that defines the military community.

Cyndi Cloward, AVP, Loan Servicing Manager

Cyndi is the daughter of a 20-year U.S. Air Force veteran. Reflecting on her upbringing, she shared, “Growing up in a military household, the lifestyle felt normal to me. My dad was often away, and I quickly learned to understand and accept that his job came first. His advice carried more weight because it was grounded in real-world experience, which shaped how I viewed authority and decision-making.”

Frequent relocations were a defining part of her childhood—both enriching and challenging. While moving allowed her to experience new cultures and places, it also made it difficult to maintain lasting friendships and keep up academically due to mid-year school transfers. Over time, though, adaptability became second nature. Cyndi learned to embrace change and connect with people from all walks of life—skills that continue to serve her well in her professional life.

“My dad’s dedication to the Air Force left a lasting impact,” she said. “His high level of responsibility and clearance showed me the importance of accountability—something I carry with me today.”

Cyndi emphasizes that every military family’s experience is different. Although her father was never deployed, his long hours still deeply affected their family life. The unpredictability of military orders—even the looming possibility of a parent relocating overseas without the family—created a unique kind of stress that many outside the military community may not fully understand.

Amy Misner, BSA Analyst

Amy served as an Air Traffic Controller in the United States Air Force for 11 years, stationed at a variety of bases —including Okinawa (Japan), South Dakota, Las Vegas, South Korea, and Offutt AFB in Bellevue,   Nebraska. Her military career also took her on deployments around the world. Some of her favorites were Egypt, Spain, Morocco, Dubai, and Italy, allowing her to travel extensively and immerse herself in a  variety of cultures.

Throughout her service, Amy developed a strong foundation in attention to detail and prioritization—skills that continue to support her work today.

Of all her experiences, the opportunity to travel was the most memorable. Whether on assignment or taking time off, Amy made the most of every chance to explore the world. “I served with many incredible   individuals—some of whom weren’t even U.S. citizens,” she reflected. “It’s deeply admirable to serve a country that isn’t your own.”

For Amy, Military Appreciation Month is a time to honor not only service members but also their families for the sacrifices they make daily. She believes even small gestures—like a simple “thank you for your   service”—can have a meaningful impact.

To those considering military service, Amy offers this advice: talk to people who have served before heading to a recruiter. Firsthand insights can provide a realistic picture of the lifestyle and job expectations.

After leaving the Air Force, Amy briefly continued her career with the FAA as an Air Traffic Controller. However, when the position required relocation, she chose to stay close to her family. That decision eventually led her to a new and unexpected path: financial crime investigation—a field she’s come to truly love.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Andrew, Cyndi, and Amy for sharing their experiences and for the sacrifices they and their families have made in service to our country.

For more resources and information on National Military Appreciation Month, visit Military.com.