Killeen-based Fort Hood National Bank is changing its name to First Heroes National Bank, effective September 1. The bank explained the change “as part of our ongoing dedication to serving soldiers and their families worldwide” on its website, adding that, “for over 55 years, our mission has been ‘Serving Those Who Serve.’”

Retired Army Col. Todd Fox, president, told the Killeen Daily Herald that the bank began the process of changing the name four years ago, before Congress mandated that military installations named after Confederate soldiers be changed. Fox says that since the bank has customers in every state and in 40 different countries, the name change was implemented to ensure that future customers would understand that they could bank with the Central Texas financial institution regardless of their location.

First Heroes National Bank will remain a division of First National Bank Texas and, as the website states, “will continue to stand apart as a leader in military banking. We understand the banking needs of our service men and women and their families and are proud to be your military bank.” The bank has received the coveted “Military Bank of the Year” Award 13 times by the U.S. Department of the Army.

The website states that there will be no disruption in service due to the change and the bank’s products and services, credit counseling and support tools will remain the same.