Celebrating a Half-Century in Dallas
Dallas HQ – To celebrate 50 years of the Exchange being based in Dallas, managers of the Real Estate Directorate, top, re-enact the picture, bottom, of civilian leaders adjusting the street sign in front what was then the new headquarters building.
In the present-day picture, Real Estate Vice President Mike Smeitana stands on the ladder as Gus Elliott, center, gives directions. Left to right are directorate managers Jeff Wigness, Moises Pinedo and Col. Juan Saldivar.
The 1969 picture features, left to right, Phelps Pond, William Brashears, Nels Ibsen, Nicholas Powers and Kenneth Thompson. Pond was the Exchange’s first senior civilian leader, serving as assistant to the chief/commander from 1969 to 1973. His position eventually evolved into “chief operating officer.”
Seeking a more central location in the United States, the Army & Air Force Exchange moved from New York City to Dallas in 1966-1967. In August 1966, associates set up temporary headquarters in two other buildings. On Oct. 20, 1967, associates moved into the new HQ. “Joseph Hardin Drive” is named after the brigadier general who led the Exchange at the time of the move from New York.
