The end of World War II brought elation and relief throughout most of the world. But as the Bryan Army Air Field was deactivated and the property turned over to the A&M College of Texas, local business leaders came to the realization that the burgeoning freshman class housed at the post was no match for the local spending power of the daredevil pilots who had trained at the base during the war.

So, when tensions between North and South Korea finally erupted 1950, Bryan's city father's were eager to see service airmen again dot the local landscape. And the president of the First National Bank of Bryan did everything in his power to see that happen.

Tim Bryan, CEO of The Bank & Trust in Bryan and College Station remembers his grandfather, local banker and community leader Travis Bryan, and the concerted efforts put forth to ensure that the local community prospered during times of peace and in times of war.

Timothy N. Bryan serves as the chairman of the board and chief executive officer of The Bank & Trust of Bryan/College Station. A longtime banker, he's followed in the footsteps of his father, grandfather and great grandfather. His great-great grandfather was William Joel Bryan for whom the City of Bryan is named. Bryan graduated from Texas A&M University in 1972. He began his business career in Houston, working his way up the ranks of Texas Commerce Bank. In the late '80s, he purchased a series of Blockbuster video stores. He then sold his interests and moved back to Bryan in 1990. He is an avid historian and supports a wide range of causes in the local area.