Employees of Fort Sill National Bank, members of the Bossier City Chamber of Commerce and members of the 2nd Comptroller Squadron prepare to cut the ribbon of the newly constructed bank on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., June 6. The new bank provides customers with a convenient and central location for their banking needs. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Andrew Moua)(RELEASED)
Shirley Calton and Shabarbara West, employees of Fort Sill National Bank, set up a cash drawer on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., June 6. Calton trained West in her responsibilities as a customer service representative which will include opening bank accounts, cashing checks and giving business plan advice. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Andrew Moua)(RELEASED)
by Staff Sgt. Terri Barriere
2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
6/7/2012 - BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- Barksdale celebrated the grand opening of Fort Sill National Bank at the Base Exchange here June 6.
In an effort to consolidate customer service operations on base, the Exchange was chosen to house the new facility, which will cater to its military clientele.
"The wing was looking to relocate customer service operations on the installation and the BX was the main location that could provide one-stop shopping, dining and banking for the base populace," said Lt. Col. Davis Maulding, 2nd Comptroller Squadron commander.
Additionally, having the bank inside the BX will free up space on base for other facilities. Maulding said demolishing the old Chase Bank building freed up hundreds of square feet for new use.
From cradle to grave, the process for opening the new facility on Barksdale took more than a year-- time well spent for what Maulding considers a great addition to the Barksdale community.
"We are excited to be here for our Airmen," said Lori Murray, FSNB Barksdale branch manager. "My husband is prior service of 24 years so for me this is personal. I love being in the military environment and I love being able to help out our Airmen as much as I can in any way that I can; and we're here now to help them with their banking needs in any way we can."
One thing FSNB customers might immediately notice about the new bank is the expanded customer service hours. The bank will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Mondays, and from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays.
"These hours are for our Airmen's convenience," Murray said. "When else have you ever known a bank to be open seven days a week, and during those hours?"
As the sole banking institution on base, FSNB services AAFES and any Team Barksdale members. The bank provides even non-members free check cashing and money order services, Western Union capability and $1 ATM transactions. To sweeten the deal for FSNB members, the bank offers early direct deposits, free ATM use and a myriad checking and savings options with healthy rewards.
According to Susan Figeroa, FSNB vice president, the bank has a long-standing history of working with the military community. From the days of cashing checks for Airmen in a parking lot to opening the Barksdale branch, FSNB continues to honor its more than 60 years tradition of distinguished banking services to the military community.
Comments
6/8/2012 7:44:40 AM ET I still think the play ground is more useful than having a no-name bank there. Atleast have a more common bank that military people could use at another base.
