The Sterling Savings Bank Coos Bay-Empire branch recently received an award for contributing to national security and protecting liberty and freedom by supporting employee participation in America’s National Guard and Reserve force.

Customer Service Representative Melanie Quintana, who is enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserves, nominated the bank for its support of her Reserve duties and the efforts of the entire staff for ensuring proper coverage in her absence.

According to a press release, Sterling received the award from the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, recognizing Sterling as a “Patriotic Employer.”

Sterling Savings Bank has several local branches: 212 S. Fifth St., Coos Bay; 150 S. Wall St., Coos Bay; 1611 Virginia Ave., North Bend; 259 N. Adams St., Coquille; and 1095 Oregon Ave., Bandon.