Gate City Bank honored with Freedom Award

FARGO, ND – Gate City Bank has been selected for the 2022 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award – the highest honor given by the U.S. government to employers for exceptional support of National Guard and Reserve members.

Each year, this prestigious honor is awarded to only 15 employers in the nation. Gate City Bank was selected out of 2,777 nominated employers throughout the United States, Guam, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia.

The Freedom Award began in 1996 with only 310 honorees to date. Winners are recognized for going above and beyond to support National Guard and Reserve employees with enhanced pay and benefit packages, flexible scheduling, generous leave policies and support before and after deployment.

Known for its long history of support for military personnel, veterans and their families, Gate City Bank provides team members who serve in the U.S. Armed Forces with continued full pay when they are activated for any reason – including training, deployments and special assignments. Additionally, the bank provides uninterrupted benefits and two weeks of paid time off to spend time with family and relax before returning to work following deployments.

Tyler Wirth, retail manager for Gate City Bank in Alexandria, said the award holds a special meaning for him.

“My grandfather escorted bombers in his P-51 during WWII, and I am so proud of him and thankful for his service, which has contributed to me and my family living a safe and blessed life with many freedoms,” Wirth said. “We have a lot to be thankful for, and it’s largely due to brave service members like my grandfather.”

Wirth also recognized Jim Conn, a family friend who served as a pilot in the military, as well.

“Gate City Bank actually donated to Veterans Airlift Command and Jim was gracious enough to pull his airplane out of the hangar to accept the check,” Wirth said. “His contributions to the community to honor military members has been tremendous. We appreciate the amazing sacrifice of the brave men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces.”

Melissa Mathies, customer service representative for Gate City Bank in Alexandria, said the bank’s support of military team members and all service members is incredible.

“Having a father that served in the United States Air Force for 30+ years shaped me in more ways than I could imagine; it has taught me courage, respect, love for country, and to honor those that selflessly lay their lives on the line every day for us,” Mathies said. “My dad has always been the one I look up to most, even though it was hard having him away for long periods of time while growing up. The fact that Gate City Bank honors its heroes the way it does has made me love working for the company even more.”