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From left to right: Larry Brandt, President and CEO First Federal Bank, Harrison Arkansas Joseph Didden, ESGR Employer Relations Ombudsman Jeff Brandt, Vice President, first Federal Bank Elvis Erby, Local Veterans Employee Representative

HARRISON — First Federal Bank has announced that CEO Larry J. Brandt and Eastern Division Executive Vice President Jeff Brandt each have received a Patriot Award from the Arkansas Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR).

"The Patriot Award was created to recognize individuals who provide support and cooperation to employees who have answered their nation's call to serve," said Joseph Didden, Employer Outreach representative with Arkansas ESGR. "The recipient has to be nominated by a citizen warrior. The award then recognizes their extraordinary support of the employee's service in the Arkansas National Guard and Reserve."

The Brandts were nominated by Lad Langley, First Federal's facility engineer. Langley currently is 1st Sergeant with the combat engineer soldiers of the 688th Army Reserve unit based in Harrison.

— Submitted by Debbie S. George