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Commissary and exchange industry news, tips, and inside information
DeCA’s CSM, Victor Garcia Announces His Retirement FORT LEE, VA—Command Sergeant Major Victor M. Garcia has announced his plans to retire after 34 years of service. Garcia will leave DeCA in late January 2011 following a retirement ceremony at Fort Myer, VA on January 27th. His military journey began in 1977 in Puerto Rico, when he enlisted in the Army Reserve. Since that time CSM Garcia has spent eight years in the Army Reserve and 24 years on active duty as a member of the Active Guard Reserve (AGR). Assigned to the only mortuary affairs battalion in the Army as an operation sergeant, CSM Garcia deployed the 311 Quartermaster Company in less than 72 hours to care for the remains of the September 11th attack on the Pentagon. In addition to his 17-year stint at the mortuary affairs center at Ft. Lee, CSM Garcia has served as a reserve liaison for the 65th Regional Readiness Command in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Army Reserve Command in Atlanta, GA. He also served in Kuwait, supporting Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom as the G-4 sergeant major for the 1st Theater Sustainment Command from Ft. Bragg.
“It has been an incredible experience and a wonderful journey” said Garcia. “I never thought that I would have the privilege to be able to lead troops during peacetime and wartime. I am still amazed, blessed and thankful that I was able to make a career in the Army” he continued. “As I prepare to leave the organization in January 2011, with an
effective retirement date of June 1, I do so with mixed emotions” said Garcia. I’m sad to be leaving such a dedicated, professional and caring group of people that I’ve come to know and love at DeCA. However, I also am excited to begin the next chapter of my life with my family” he expressed. Garcia plans to retire to San Antonio, TX.
FORT LEE, VA—Lauren P. “Larry” Bands, former director of accounting for the Defense Commissary Agency, has been named the agency’s chief financial executive. He succeeds Pamela F. Conklin, who accepted a Senior Executive Service position with the Defense Contract Management Agency. As chief financial executive, Bands is responsible for all financial aspects of the agency’s retail sales and operating budgets. He also is the agency spokesperson on financial issues and DeCA’s liaison with the Department of Defense, the Defense Finance and
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Accounting Service, the Government Accountability Office, the financial staffs of the military departments and retail industry representatives. Bands holds a bachelor’s degree in business finance from Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA, a master’s degree in public administration from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA, and is a certified defense financial manager. In addition to his duties at DeCA, Bands is serving his second term (first one was in 1995) as president of the Southside Virginia Chapter of the American Society of Military Comptrollers.
photos by james kegley.
Bands Selected DeCA’s Chief Financial Executive
Sheppard AFB, TX Nearly 3,000 airmen at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, pose for a group photo on May 24 as part of the Commissary Commando Competition. The Single Airmen Program at Sheppard placed first in the event. (Photo courtesy of Sheppard Air Force Base)
Commissary Commando Winners Announced for 2010 FORT LEE, VA—The Defense Commissary Agency has selected the six winning teams who brought in the most single service members to the commissary benefit during May’s annual Commissary Commando Competition. This year’s $1,500 grand prize winner is the Single Marine Program at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, CA. The following five teams earned place awards and an honorable mention: • 1st place, $1,000: Single Airmen Program, Sheppard Air Force Base, TX • 2nd place, $750: Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers, Fort Stewart, GA • 3rd place, $500: Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers, Fort Carson, CO • 4th place, $250: Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers, Fort Eustis, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, VA • Honorable Mention, $150: Single Marine Program, Marine Corps Base Kaneohe Bay, HI During Commissary Awareness Month in May, single service programs partner with commissaries to compete in the Commissary Commando Competition. The main goal is to introduce young, new, single or unaccompanied Soldiers,
Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen to the savings associated with commissary shopping. Store directors and coordinators for the Army’s Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers, Marine’s Single Marine Program, Air Force’s Single Airmen Program and Liberty Single Sailor Program show the commissary to as many service members as possible, using games such as supermarket sweep, turkey bowling and eating contests with prizes including bikes, gift checks and more. Also, commissary directors educated visitors about the commissary benefit via tours and trivia questions. This year more than 50 groups brought in service members for tours, with 17 of the groups submitting entries to compete in Commissary Commando. Every year the competition is sponsored by a coalition of food industry partners, who are a part of the American Logistics Association’s Consumer Awareness Team. The team meets with DeCA marketing reps to judge the submissions, with selections based on creativity, originality, presentation and the total number of service members brought into the commissaries.
Johnson Selected as Zone 8 Manager
photo courtesy of deca.
FORT LEE, VA – Donald E. Johnson was appointed DeCA’s Zone 8 manager through the Defense Commissary Agency’s career assignment program. He oversees 12 commissaries in New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas, with the hub store at Fort Sill, OK. Johnson had served as the Zone 8 acting manager since March. Johnson worked in private industry for 20 years before joining civil service. He served as a store manager for Fairway Foods Inc., Grand Forks, ND, for 11 years; as the owner and operator of a grocery store in Cavalier, ND, for eight years; and as the owner and operator of a sign shop in Grand Forks for one year. His first commissary position was in 1980 at Grand Forks Air Force Base, ND, where he served as meat cutter for two years. From 2002 to 2010 he was store director at Fort Sill.
Military Retailer November/December 2010
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Green, Houston Newest DeCA East Zone Managers FORT LEE, VA—Joseph Green and Kimberly K. Houston, the newest DeCA East zone managers selected through the Defense Commissary Agency’s career assignments program, are doing quite well overseeing 17 commissaries in seven states, according to Rogers E. Campbell, the region’s director. Green was store director of the Robins Air Force Base Commissary, GA, when he was tapped to be Zone 28 manager, with its hub store at Fort Lee, VA. Houston was store director of the Little Rock Air Force Base Commissary, AR, when she was tapped to be Zone 26 manager, with its hub store at Scott Air Force Base, IL. Green already had zone manager experience, having spent three years as the Zone 2 manager in Georgia before heading to DeCA Europe in 2005, where he led commissaries in Germany and Italy. He
returned to the states in June 2009 to direct the Robins Air Force Base Commissary. His zone has seven commissaries in Virginia and one in West Virginia, with combined annual sales of about $370 million. Houston assumed the DeCA Zone 26 manager position vacated earlier this year by Roger Payne upon his retirement. Houston began her commissary career in 1983 while a student at the University of Texas. She has worked at commissaries in Texas, Louisiana and Illinois, and spent the last two years as the Little Rock Air Force Base store director. Her zone has nine commissaries in Arkansas, Illinois, Missouri, Tennessee and Wisconsin, with combined annual sales of about $207 million.
FORT LEE, VA—Keith M. Owens has joined the Defense Commissary Agency as director, internal audit. He comes to DeCA from the Department of Defense Office of the Inspector General, where he served as audit program manager. Owens currently serves as a colonel in the Army Reserve with more than 29 years of military service. He is branch qualified as an Army logistician and comptroller officer, having military specialty skills as an inspector general, auditor and commissary officer. Owens is a DoD level III-certified logistics auditor and evaluator and was named 1995 Office of the Inspector General Auditor of the Year. His military awards and honors include the Bronze Star, Secretary of Defense Medal for the Global War on Terrorism and the Afghanistan and Iraq Campaign medals. He earned a Bachelor of Science in accounting from Virginia State University, Petersburg, VA, in 1981.
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photos courtesy of deca.
Owens Assumes Duties as Internal Audit Director
DeCA Store Director Assignments FORT LEE, VA—The Defense Commissary Agency have
announced the following commissary management changes that have occurred over the past several months. The assignments are: Antonio “Tony” J. Andre from assistant store director of
Marine Corps Base Quantico Commissary, VA, to store director of Andrews Commissary, Joint Base AndrewsNaval Air Facility, MD.
Clyde Nolen from store director at the U.S. Military Academy, West Point, NY, to store director at Ft. Sill, OK Fred Pena from store director at Cannon Air Force Base,
NM, to store director, Tinker Air Force Base Commissary, OK. Robert Riley from manager at Los Angeles Air Force
Base Commissary, CA, to store director, Command Fleet Activities Chinhae Commissary, South Korea.
James Dellinger from assistant store director at Andersen
Air Force Base Commissary, Joint Region Marianas, Guam, to store director, Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni Commissary, Japan.
Marty D. Roberts from store director of Columbus Air
Jeffrey Dusich from store director at Marine Corps Base
Juan Rodriguez from store director, Incirlik Air Base,
Hawaii-Kaneohe Bay, HI, to store director, Camp Courtney, Okinawa Commissary, Japan.
Turkey, to store director at Randolph Air Force Base, Joint Base San Antonio, TX.
Susan Edmonds, from store director of the C.E. Kelly
Daniel Smith from store director at Camp Courtney, to store director Naval Fleet Activities Yokosuka Commissary, Japan.
Support Facility Commissary, PA, to store director of Fort Gillem Commissary, GA.
Force Base Commissary, MS, to store director of Keesler Air Force Base Commissary, MS.
Linda D. Elliott, from assistant store director to store director of the Bolling Commissary, Joint Base AnacostiaBolling, DC.
Jack L. Spence from store director of Naval Air Station
Bernard Ellison from store director of Patch Barracks Commissary, Germany, to store director of Fort Jackson Commissary, SC.
Margaret Stanley from store director of Hurlburt Field Commissary, FL, to store director of Naval Station Mayport Commissary, FL.
Donald Fleck from store director at Lackland Air Force
Johnny Sterling from assistant store director at Laughlin
Base, Joint Base San Antonio, TX, to store director, Ellsworth Air Force Base, SD.
Air Force Base, TX, to store director at Cannon Air Force Base, NM.
Jerry D. Hamilton from store director of Seymour Johnson
Josephina Stewart from store manager at the Sasebo Commissary on Fleet Activities Sasebo, Japan to store manager at Fort Hunter Liggett, CA.
Air Force Base Commissary, NC, to store director of Fort Bragg North Commissary, NC. Gordy Harris from store director of Keesler Air Force Base
Commissary, MS, to store director of Tyndall Air Force Base Commissary, FL. Tyrone Jenkins from store director of Mitchel Field
Commissary, NY, to store director of Fort Hamilton Commissary, NY.
Whiting Field Commissary, FL, to store director of Hurlburt Field Commissary, FL.
Wayne K. Trotter from general manager to store director of the C.E. Kelly Support Facility Commissary, PA. Dwight Waterman from grocery manager at Camp Pendleton Commissary, CA, to store director, Naval Air Station El Centro Commissary, CA.
Lindsey Johnson from store manager at Travis Air Force Base, CA, to store director at Sagamihara Housing Area Commissary, Japan. Gayle McGrath from commissary management specialist at DeCA Europe headquarters, Kapaun Air Station, Germany, to store director at Altus Air Force Base Commissary, OK.
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Pepsi Donates $500,000 to Veterans with Disabilities NEW YORK, NY—To commemorate Veterans Day, PepsiCo, through its Dream Machine recycling initiative, made a $500,000 donation to the Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities (EBV), a national program offering free career training, education and job creation for post-9/11 U.S. veterans with disabilities. This is the first donation made to the EBV through the Dream Machine program, and PepsiCo will make a minimum annual contribution to the EBV of $500,000, over the next several years. The EBV program has benefited many of our veterans, including graduate J.R. Martinez. J.R. returned home from duty like many of today’s heroes–with a disability, no job and challenges of readjusting to civilian life. While serving as a driver of a Humvee with the United States Army in Iraq, J.R. hit a landmine and suffered severe burns to more than 40 percent of his body. With credit to the EBV program, he has gone on to be a successful actor (currently on ABC’s All My Children) and motivational speaker, sharing his message
of resilience and optimism to many across the country. More than 300 wounded warriors have graduated from the EBV program since its inception in 2007 and J.R. is just one of many inspiring stories.
DeCA’s 2010 Patron Council DeCA Patron Council members are nominated as official representatives of their respective service or association and selected by DeCA’s director. Their selection is based on a number of factors, including the members’ experience in community activities, connection to the customer base and access to channels of communication with large patron populations. Front row from left: Sgt. Maj. Richard Anderson, filling in for Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Schultz, Army Reserve - North Operations; Ellen Lever, an Army National Guard spouse; Thomas E. Milks, DeCA acting director and CEO; retired Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rod McKinley; and Army Command Sgt. Maj. Abe Vega, Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Command. Back row from left: Force Master Chief Stephen Markum, commander, Navy Installations Command; retired Army Col. John W. Radke, chief, Army Retirement Services; Air Force Col. Cory Lyman, reserve component assistant director, Individual and
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Family Support Policy; Candace Currier, director, Fleet and Family Support Regional Programs; Jenny Lee Jackson, Health of the Force Assessments and Analysis Division HRPD, Army; Jennifer Kuhlam, family program coordinator, National Military Family Association, 148th Fighter Wing, Air National Guard; Candace Wheeler, National Military Family Association; and Peter Duffy, deputy legislative director, National Guard Association of the United States. (DeCA photo: Pete Skirbunt)
Editor’s Pick THULE 20-LITER BACKPACK The Thule TCBP-117 20-liter backpack makes it convenient and comfortable to carry your essentials on your shoulders. Features include a crushproof “SafeZone” that protects sunglasses and other valuables; a padded laptop compartment that holds up to a 17-inch MacBook Pro or PC; die-cut EVA shoulder straps with mesh covering for ventilation and breathability; compression straps that customize the bag to the size of the load; and an organization compartment to keep cords and other accessories in order. There’s also a side pocket for stashing away a water bottle.
AAFES Executive Assignments DALLAS, TX—The Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) Commander, Major General Bruce Casella, USA recently announced the following executive assignments and promotions: James K. Altom, Senior Transportation Analyst, Logistics Directorate, Exchange HQ to the position of Logistics Operations Manager (I/O), Logistics Directorate (DS: Giessen Distribution Center) in January 2011. Kevin D. Beason, Assistant Distribution Center Manager II, Logistics Directorate (DS: Dan Daniels Distribution Center), to the position of Distribution Center Manager I, Logistics Directorate (DS: Waco Distribution Center) in January 2011. James E. Calnan, PB 5A Functional Architect, Procurement Directorate, Exchange HQ to the position of PB 5C Associate Director, Contracting, Procurement Directorate, Exchange HQ in November 2010. Janet M. Costen, PB 4F Store Manager (MS), Patrick AFB Exchange, Eastern Region to the position of PB 5A Store Manager (MS), Andrews AFB Exchange, Eastern Region in November 2010. Bryan R. Ed, PB 5B Distribution Center Manager I, Logistics Directorate (DS: Waco Distribution Center), to the position of PB 5C Chief Supply Chain of Operations, Logistics Directorate, Exchange HQ in January 2011. Edgar A. Hughes, PB 5A Senior Inventory and Systems Manager, Sales Directorate, Exchange HQ to the position of PB 5B Senior Policy Program Manager, Sales Directorate, Exchange HQ in October 2010.
Michael N. Kaucher, Chief ATI Telecommunication New Business, Strategic Planning & Partnerships Directorate, Exchange HQ to the position of Director Finance & Accounting CO-OP Efforts, Finance & Accounting Directorate, Exchange HQ in November 2010. Holly D. Norton, PB 5A Logistics Operations Manager (I/O), Logistics Directorate (DS: Dan Daniels Distribution Center), to the position of PB 5C Distribution Center Manager II, Logistics Directorate (DS: Dan Daniels Distribution Center) in January 2011. Flordeliza B. Payton, General Manager, Guam Exchange, Pacific Region, to the position of Store Manager (MS), Fort Bragg Exchange, Eastern Region in December 2010. Louis A. Tamberelli, PB 5D Audit Group Manager, Audit Directorate, Exchange HQ to the position of PB 5E Vice President of Audit, Audit Directorate, Exchange HQ in December 2010. Daniel E. Wade, PB 4F Career Manager II, Human Resources Directorate, Exchange HQ to the position of PB 5A Region Food Program Specialist, Central Region in December 2010. Stephen R. Weaver, General Manager (Dual), Kirtland AFB Exchange, Western Region, to the position of Senior Business Program Specialist Supervisor, Sales Directorate, Exchange HQ in November 2010 Arna J. Yarbrough, PB 5A Senior Career Manager, Human Resource Directorate, Exchange HQ to the position of PB 5C Chief Career Assignments, Human Resource Directorate, Exchange HQ in December 2010.
DeeAnne M. Jones, PB 5C Chief Career Assignments, Human Resources Directorate, Exchange HQ to the position of PB 5E Vice President Policy, Human Resources Directorate, Exchange HQ in December 2010.
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NEX Atsugi Holds Grand Reopening VIRGINIA BEACH, VA—After 18 months of construction in six phases, NEX Atsugi held its grand opening celebration in mid-November. “Being forward deployed brings many challenges and sacrifices for our Sailors and their families,” said Capt. Eric W. Gardner, Commanding Officer, Naval Air Facility Atsugi. “The NEX is more than just a place to shop. It is a community center, a safe and familiar gathering place, a taste of home.” The new NEX boasts a total of 33,000 sq. ft. and consolidates many departments that were originally housed in outlying locations. The main NEX now carries housewares, small appliances, domestics, infant care, health and beauty products, books, magazines, greeting cards and Japanese giftware. In addition to building the 14,000 sq. ft. expansion, the existing NEX was entirely remodeled including new fixtures,
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paint, carpeting and lighting. Customers can still find fine jewelry, watches, sunglasses, fragrance, prestige cosmetics, handbags, clothing and shoes for the entire family, electronics, and pre-recorded DVDs and music in the main NEX. “The NEX Atsugi Main Store project has been challenging, but much anticipated by everyone on the base,” said Laura Collier, general manager, NEX Atsugi. “The dedication and determination of the NEX associates during this process cannot be measured and I am so proud of their efforts. In addition, the community support throughout the 18 months of construction and inconvenience has been tremendous. I have no doubt the new store will exceed all their expectations.” Other improvements to the NEX include a new parking lot with solar lighting, exterior seating and tables on the patio and improved associate break rooms and locker rooms.
New Fleet Store Opens at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam PEARL HARBOR, HI—Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam celebrated the grand opening of the Pearl Harbor Fleet Store on November 15. The brand new Fleet Store is a convenient location that combines the Naval Station Mini Mart, Barber Shop, Uniform Center and a four-segment food court. “This brings stuff down to the fleet, right across the street from the piers and from the Sailors who stand duty here and live on the ships. It provides easy access to come here 365 days a year,” said Capt. Ed Spillman, Deputy Commander for Military Services at Navy Exchange Service Command. Also located at the Fleet Store is a Moral, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Outdoor Adventure Center (OAC) and an Information, Tickets and Travel (ITT). Additional services available at the Fleet Store include a laundry service, tailor work for uniforms, and free Wi-Fi in the food court and outside lanai.
photos courtesy of nexcom.
NEX Norfolk Reopens Its Newly Renovated Food Court VIRGINIA BEACH, VA—As part of NEX Norfolk’s renovation and expansion project, the food court was completely transformed into a brighter, more modern space. With its re-opening, customers will find new eateries, more seating and expanded restrooms. “While NEX Norfolk was under construction, we used this opportunity to close for six months and remodel the food court from the ground up,” said Harold Trice, Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM) food service specialist and project lead. “Behind the scenes, we created individual kitchen spaces for each food vendor so they could operate more efficiently. What customers will see is a brighter more modern space with new food choices.” The new food court offers new eateries such as Panda Express, Firehouse Subs, Famous Famiglia Pizzeria and IHOP Express. In early 2011, A&W All American Grill and Taco Bell will open in the food court. “These unique brands are new to the food court and some are even new to this area with only Taco Bell being duplicated on nearby Hampton Blvd,” said Trice.
In addition to the new eateries, customers will see changes in the food court itself. While the size of the food court didn’t change, the area was reconfigured to add 15 percent
more seating. Now, there are nearly 300 chairs available to patrons. There are also all new lighting fixtures, solid surface tables and chairs and tiled floor.
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