Armed Forces Bank Honors Stronghold Food Pantry Founder Monica Bassett with Inaugural "Who We Honor" Award

Surprise Recognition Includes $5,000 Donation Celebrating Bassett's Extraordinary Commitment to Supporting Military Families Nationwide

LEAVENWORTH, Kan., Oct. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Armed Forces Bank, a full-service military bank committed to serving those who serve since 1907, has named Monica Bassett, founder and CEO of Stronghold Food Pantry, the inaugural recipient of its "Who We Honor" Award, recognizing her exceptional dedication to helping military families nationwide access the food and essential resources they need.

What began as a grassroots effort in 2022 has grown into a national network of support reaching military families at 72 installations across 26 states. Under Bassett's leadership, Stronghold Food Pantry has helped provide more than 202,800 meals to military families.

Bassett received the award during a surprise celebration at Armed Forces Bank's Kansas City headquarters on October 15, where bank leaders, military representatives and longtime supporters gathered to recognize her contributions. The bank also presented Bassett with a $5,000 donation to Stronghold Food Pantry to further its mission.

Believing she was arriving to participate in an interview for Armed Forces Bank's Militarily Speaking podcast, Bassett instead walked into a patriotic celebration in her honor. Attendees included Fort Leavenworth representatives Col. Todd Sunday and Command Sgt. Maj. David Franks, Stronghold volunteers, military personnel participating in the Training with Industry program, and Armed Forces Bank executives and associates who have supported her mission from its earliest days.

The newly established "Who We Honor" Award recognizes individuals whose dedication, compassion and service have made a meaningful difference in the lives of military members, veterans and their families.

"Every once in a while, you meet someone whose commitment to serving others leaves a lasting impression. Someone who sees a need and takes action. Someone who makes the lives of others better because of who she is," said Tom McLean, Senior Vice President and Regional Military Executive for Armed Forces Bank. "What makes Monica truly remarkable is not just what she has accomplished, but how she has accomplished it. She leads with humility, serves with purpose, and inspires everyone around her to do more and be better."

From a Grassroots Mission to a National Impact
Stronghold Food Pantry is a volunteer-powered nonprofit providing food and essential resources to active-duty, National Guard and Reserve military families facing financial challenges. Through its Fort Leavenworth pantry, nationwide pop-up food distributions and Ambassador Program, Stronghold delivers assistance directly to military communities while preserving the dignity and privacy of families seeking support.

The organization's impact continues to grow. In 2025 alone, Stronghold distributed 93,897 pounds of food, a 29.5% increase over the previous year, and served an average of 119 people each week.

A Partnership Rooted in Service
Armed Forces Bank's relationship with Bassett began before Stronghold Food Pantry formally had a name. Led by Tina Farr, the bank's Fort Leavenworth installation manager, the team helped support Bassett's early efforts through volunteer service, fundraising events and food drives, with help from Mortgage Loan Officer Heather Schnider and other local associates.

As Stronghold Food Pantry has expanded its reach, so has the partnership. Armed Forces Bank associates from additional locations have joined the effort, supporting food distribution events for military families, including a recent pop-up event at Fort Myer, Virginia.

"There is true humanity in this partnership," Bassett said of Armed Forces Bank. "It's not just a corporate partnership, but a friendship."

Reflecting on the unexpected recognition, Bassett said, "You don't start a mission, or have the conviction to start one, for an award. The days get lonely and they get really hard. You want to wave the white flag sometimes, but the people bring you back to it. The fact that people are trusting what you are doing, and they believe in you to help them through a situation, that matters."

McLean said Bassett's example reflects the importance of recognizing the individuals working tirelessly behind the scenes to strengthen military communities.

"Today we recognize someone whose generosity has created opportunities, inspired hope, and transformed lives," McLean said. "Through selfless service and a passion for helping others, Monica has shown us the true meaning of philanthropy."

The inaugural award reflects Armed Forces Bank's enduring commitment to military families through financial education, community partnerships and hands-on volunteer service.

About Armed Forces Bank
Armed Forces Bank, founded and headquartered in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, is a full-service military bank committed to serving those who have served since 1907. Armed Forces Bank provides affordable, personal and convenient banking and financial services to both active and retired military, as well as civilian clients in all 50 states and around the world. Approximately 75% of Armed Forces Bank associates have some type of military affiliation either by spouse, retired themselves or their children.

Armed Forces Bank has $1.4 billion in assets and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Dickinson Financial Corporation, a $4.6 billion bank holding company headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri. Armed Forces Bank's sister bank, Academy Bank, is a full-service community bank with 80 branch locations in Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Arkansas and Missouri. For more information, visit www.afbank.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram. Member FDIC.

SOURCE Armed Forces Bank