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COMMUNITY OUTREACH
A Bank Within Reach | Veteran Spotlight: Austin Preiss
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This week, our A Bank Within Reach spotlight is especially meaningful because we have the privilege of recognizing one of our own — Specialist Robert Austin Preiss, United States Army (Retired).
One of the many things I can say about Austin is that he doesn't have to talk about his Faith, his Family, or his service to our Country. He lives those values every day, and when you're around him, you feel it.
Austin served in the United States Army from October 2010 through November 2014 as a Cavalry Scout. His military journey took him through training at Fort Knox and ultimately to Fort Benning, where he served in reconnaissance.
When asked what lesson from his military service has stayed with him throughout life, Austin offered a simple but powerful response:
"God always has a plan, and sometimes a sense of humor."
I love that answer because life rarely unfolds exactly as we envision it. Sometimes the road takes unexpected turns, doors close, new opportunities appear, and what once seemed like a setback becomes part of a much greater purpose.
Austin understands that journey.
From serving our country to helping hundreds of families find homes, working in lending, serving his community, and now being part of EvaBank's IT Department, Austin's journey has taken him in several directions. But through it all, one thing has remained constant — his heart for serving others.
And that's something I admire about him.
Now, I have no doubt that Austin would tell you I have high expectations of him — and perhaps there's a little sandpaper in our relationship from time to time. But there's a reason for that. I see the character, the ability, and the potential in this young man, and I refuse to expect anything less than what I know he's capable of giving. My respect for Austin goes far beyond anything I could ever put into this blog. Sometimes the people we respect the most are the very people we challenge the hardest. And Austin is certainly one of those people.
When asked what being a Veteran means to him, Austin didn't focus on his own accomplishments or recognition. Instead, he spoke about the honor of serving alongside men and women who made tremendous sacrifices for our country.
That humility speaks volumes.
Austin reminds us that service isn't measured by rank, medals, or recognition. It's measured by the willingness to put something greater than yourself first — your country, your family, your fellow soldiers, and even complete strangers you'll never meet.
At EvaBank, we talk a great deal about being A Bank Within Reach. To me, that means surrounding ourselves with people who genuinely care about others, who understand the importance of relationships, and who recognize that service is more than something we say. It's something we do.
Austin is a living example of those values.
I'm proud that Austin is part of our EvaBank family, but I'm even more grateful that people like Austin have worn the uniform of the United States military and stood ready to defend the freedoms that allow us to live, work, worship, and raise our families in this great country.
Austin, thank you for your service, your friendship, your Faith, and the example you set for those around you.
And thank you for reminding us that even when we don't understand the road we're traveling, God has a plan — and occasionally, a sense of humor.
This November, as we honor our nation's Veterans, I encourage everyone to take a moment to thank those who have served. Their sacrifices deserve far more than a single day of recognition.
EvaBank | A Bank Within Reach.
Real People. Real Relationships. A Community Within Reach.
Archived Stories:
A Life of Service. October 30, 2026
More Than a Name on an Account. October 23, 2026
Meet Tripp Taylor. October 16, 2026
EvaBank Goes PINK. October 9, 2026
A Leap of Faith. October 2, 2026
So I'm a Banker, Arrest Me! September 25, 2026
Community banking was never meant to happen from a distance. September 18, 2026