Spirit Lake, IA — Bank Midwest has been named a Top 40 national finalist for the 2026 Secretary of War Employer Support Freedom Award, one of the highest recognitions given to employers for their support of employees serving in the National Guard and Reserve.
The Top 40 finalists were selected from approximately 1,500 to 2,000 nominations submitted annually across the country, placing Bank Midwest among a select group of employers recognized for their commitment to military service members and their families. The finalists include 10 employers in each award category, with the Top 20 — five from each category — ultimately selected to receive the Freedom Award.
Presented by the Department of Defense’s Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), the Freedom Award recognizes employers that demonstrate exceptional support for employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve. The selection process evaluates employer policies, procedures and practices that support these service members as they balance their military and civilian responsibilities.
At Bank Midwest, supporting employees who serve is an important part of creating a workplace where people are valued for the contributions they make both on and off the job. Military service requires commitment, flexibility and sacrifice, and the bank recognizes the importance of supporting employees and their families as they fulfill their responsibilities to their country, their communities and their coworkers.
“This recognition reflects the commitment of our people to supporting one another,” said Luke Donnenwerth, President. “Employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve make important contributions to our country and our communities. We believe it’s our responsibility to support them as they balance their military service with their careers and family lives. Being named a national finalist is meaningful recognition of the culture our team works to create every day.”
Bank Midwest is one of three Iowa nominees to advance to the national Top 40, highlighting the commitment of employers across the state to supporting members of the Guard and Reserve.
“Having an employer that understands and supports the commitment of military service makes a meaningful difference,” said Captain Tom Nelson, Ag and Commercial Lender. “Bank Midwest’s support allowed me to serve both my country and my community, knowing I have a team behind me that values that commitment. I’m grateful to work for an organization that recognizes the importance of supporting those who serve.”
For more information about ESGR and the Freedom Award, visit www.esgr.mil.
About Bank Midwest
Bank Midwest is an employee-owned organization with 12 locations throughout Iowa, Minnesota and South Dakota. The financial institution has assets exceeding $1.3 billion, and is a full-service financial institution offering loans and traditional FDIC-insured accounts, as well as insurance, investment and trust services. *Investments and insurance services are not deposits, not FDIC insured, not guaranteed by the bank and may go down in value.
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