A program honoring area veterans is underway again for 2024.

Branson Bank has named U.S. Navy Veteran Kathryn McAllister of Galena their first Veteran of the Quarter for the year. McAllister visited KRZK's "The Upside with Josh and Them" program Thursday to discuss the honor and her military service. 

The interview from the Upside can be heard below followed by the full release from Branson Bank.

Branson Bank Veteran of the Quarter Kathryn E. McAllister, US NAVY (Nominated by Dale E. Washburn)

On July 14, 1977, Kathryn E. McAllister enlisted in the United States Navy. By November, she was stationed at the Submarine Support Facility in San Diego, California where she served as Security Yeoman and Chaplains Yeoman, providing female logistics for dependents during day cruises as well as coordinating annual conferences. While there, she ensured the safety and security of all dependents onboard during undocking, diving, periscope, meal and docking evolutions until July of 1981.

After 15 months of Inactive Reserve Duty, McAllister was assigned to OSVET Naval Training Center in Orlando, Florida in Oct of 1982.
Between December of 1982- August of 1990, McAllister joined the Commander Naval Surface Group Western Pacific Detachment, in Sasebo, Japan and later, in Guam. She was assigned as Personnel Support Activity Far East, in Yokosuka, Japan, where she served as Commanding Officers Personal Yeoman, Detachment Yeoman, and Administrative Yeoman. Throughout her experiences in the Far East, she had two unique reenlistment ceremonies: one aboard the historic Japanese Battleship, Mikasa, and another while in Guam, in full scuba gear, 60ft underwater. 
In September of 1990, McAllister was assigned to Strike Fighter Weapons School in Lemoore, California, as Administrative Yeoman and while there, supervised junior administrative personnel.

On April 30, 1992, after fifteen years in the military, Kathryn McAllister, YN2, retired from the United States Navy. McAllister received several military service awards and accolades to include: US Navy Good Conduct Medal (3), National Defense Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon (4), and Letter of Commendation Commander Naval Forces Marianas.

After military retirement, living in Galena, Missouri, McAllister is still actively serving veterans in her community. She was a founding member of the Asia Sailor Westpac’rs Association and serves local veteran organizations to include: Veterans of the Ozarks, POW Network, and Kimberling City Elks Lodge 2505, and is a Branson Veterans Welcome Home Week volunteer. With her husband Dave, she is a co-recipient of the Capt. John Koutrakos Patriotism Award.

Veterans are chosen by a panel of peers. To nominate a local Veteran for the Branson Bank Veteran of the Quarter, please visit Branson Bank’s website: www.bransonbank.com or stop by any of our Branson Bank locations to pick up a Nomination Form.    

THE PROUD. THE STRONG. THE LOYAL. OUR VETERANS!