Second Lady Gets a Firsthand Look at Exchange Mission
General Manager Lawrence Simmons holds a copy of the book by Vice President Mike Pence's wife, Karen, and their daughter Charlotte
Vice President’s Wife, Daughter Meet Shoppers, Associates at Fort Carson
FORT CARSON, Colo. – The Fort Carson Exchange team hosted Karen Pence, wife of Vice President Michael Pence, and their daughter, Charlotte, who signed copies of their new book about a very special bunny.
About 300 enthusiastic Soldiers, retirees and military family members of all ages lined up at the Exchange on March 25 to greet the Pences, who also met with military spouses and post leaders while at Fort Carson.
“Marlon Bundo's A Day in the Life of the Vice President” is a 40-page book about the Pence family’s pet rabbit, who appears at official White House events and keeps a popular Instagram account. Charlotte Pence, a 24-year-old writer and filmmaker, wrote the children’s book, which is illustrated with watercolors from Karen Pence.
Joining the military a calling
The Second Lady, whose son, Michael, is a second lieutenant Marine, said she was honored to meet troops and families at Fort Carson.
“It’s always a privilege to meet them,” she said. “It’s a calling to join the military; it was for our son. To meet people who are dedicated to serve is always an honor and a privilege.”
'This moment in history'
Exchange customers were excited to meet Karen and Charlotte Pence.
“I came out today so that my son and I could meet such an important person and so that he could experience this moment of history,” said Ashley Reynolds, spouse of an Army sergeant at Fort Carson.
Military spouse Marcia Vinyard said she could relate to the vice president’s wife.
“As a spouse myself, I see how she sacrifices so much,” she said.
During the 90-minute book signing, 205 copies were sold for nearly $3,000 in sales. Total store sales for the day were 15 percent above the same time last year.
The Exchange's 'uniqueness'
When they arrived, the Pences met with the Exchange leaders to talk about what the organization does for the troops.
“This allowed for great conversation regarding the Exchange mission and the opportunity to express our appreciation to them for providing this event to the military community,” said General Manager Lawrence Simmons. “I explained to the Second Lady the Exchange’s uniqueness, how we began nearly 123 years ago and our constant evolution to improve service to our armed forces and their families.”
The U.S. Secret Service and military police gave kudos to the Exchange for running an organized and smooth event, which was coordinated by the Exchange’s visual merchandising team led by Reyes Flores, Simmons said.
“We were thrilled to host Karen and Charlotte Pence,” he said. “We’re proud to provide this great opportunity to Soldiers and their families in our community.”
