October’s Customer Shoutouts: These Associates Rock!

Eileen Copeland
Europe Region/Hainerberg, Germany

Eileen Copeland at Hainerberg Optometry was exceptionally helpful. With the limited hours offered for doctor’s exams, my family needed to complete eye exams on the Germany economy. I had some difficulty after the exams figuring out what the German doctor had written for my son’s prescription. Eileen went the extra mile to get me the information I needed so that I was able to have the prescription written properly and clearly when I returned to the German doctor. In addition, Eileen has always greeted me with a smile and been pleasant and polite when I order contacts.

Sharon Kaburaki,
Pacific Region/Yokota AB, Japan

I would like to recognize an Exchange associate at Yokota Air Base, Japan. Her name is Sharon, who works in the PowerZone. Sharon’s customer service is amazing! She spent a lot of time with me helping me decide on the purchase of a tablet computer. Her attitude was very pleasant and helpful even though I asked her many, many questions, she never got frustrated. She even invited me back if I had questions about anything else. Furthermore, she personally assisted me with applying for a MILITARY STAR card and explained all of the benefits of the card. Please recognize this awesome Exchange team member. Thank you!

Kevin Strait
Eastern Region/Hurlburt Field, Fla.

I just wanted to send a little kudos for an associate at the Hurlburt Exchange. On two different occasions, Kevin has gone above and beyond for me. The first occasion, I was looking for a grill for my husband for Father’s Day. I had been out all day with my three children, trying to figure out which grill I wanted. I ended up getting one from the Exchange, but the only one left was the floor model. Kevin came out to my van to see if it would fit. He then disassembled parts of the grill so that it would fit comfortably in my vehicle. He also got another associate and loaded it all into my car for me—in 100-degree weather. This was more than enough to have me want to send a note of appreciation. But his excellent attitude and willingness to assist the customer in any way was demonstrated again a little over a week ago. I had come to the commissary with my one-year-old child. When I came out to my car, I discovered the car would not start. We went into the Exchange to purchase jumper cables. I asked at the register if there happened to be anyone who could help me jump my car. Kevin once again came to my rescue. He drove his vehicle over to where I was parked at the commissary and jumped my car. Without his help, I would have lost at least $100 worth of food. I just wanted to send my appreciation to him and I wanted to be sure that you were aware of what an excellent employee he is. Please send my gratitude and I hope he gets the recognition he deserves!

Alan Poe
Central Region/Offutt AFB, Neb.

Nebraska simply does not have as many Sailors stationed here as are in San Diego. but Alan Poe, manager of the Military Clothing Store, went all out to make sure the newly selected chief had a great experience for his uniform fitting. With very little knowledge and experience in the traditions of becoming a new chief and the impact it has on him when he first put on his khakis, Alan devoted his time and efforts to research how other bases have done it previously. He also sought out guidance from myself throughout the year and put on an incredible show that has surpassed many years previously. Alan has reassured us that we will continue to do business there instead of ordering the required uniforms online or driving the new selects to another base to accomplish this historic tradition. In addition, he has personally communicated with a four-star admiral on changes occurring this year to ensure all Sailors are properly wearing the appropriate uniforms. Alan is an incredible manager and asset to you team. There are not enough words for me to explain the great lengths he went through and to also describe his character. I have served 20 years in the Navy and have never seen a man with as much kindness and can-do attitude. If I could give him a raise, it would have been done already. The Great Plains Navy Chief’s Mess looks forward to working with him again for many years to come.

Anthony Holmes
Western Region/JB Elmendorf, Alaska

I attempted to fix a pesky, aggravating problem with my vehicle. I needed to extract a rusted license plate bolt from my vehicle. The bolt was rusted into place, and the bolt head was gone. I went to the JB Elmendorf’s Car Care Center in case I was not able to fix the issue. When I arrived, there were no technicians on-duty because it was the lunch hour. I began my best efforts to remove the rusted bolt from my tailgate. When Anthony, a technician at the Car Care center, returned early from his lunch break, he almost immediately approached me and asked if I needed help. I told him about my problem, and Anthony automatically began assisting me. He answered all my questions in a simple, respectful manner. If one solution did not work, Anthony helped me re-examine the problem and find a new possible solution. Anthony continued to assist me during the end of his lunch break. He continually made sure that he was handling my problem and his assigned duties at the Car Care Center. When customers began to arrive, Anthony helped me formulate a plan to keep working on my vehicle. When his assigned duties allowed him to do so, Anthony checked-in on my progress. Without Anthony’s selfless, kind assistance, I would not have accomplished my task. I commend Anthony for his service. He truly went above and beyond his responsibilities. That day, Anthony defined excellent customer service, and I was not even a customer.

Tammy Payton
HQ Customer Contact Center

“The customer wanted everyone to know that Tammy did a fine job in assisting him with his order. He was very pleased with her service and said we need more people like Tammy on our team.”