Exchange ‘Leaning Forward’ as Hurricane Florence Approaches East Coast
Exchange Director/CEO Tom Shull, center, right, and senior managers talk about how to best serve Warfighters and their families caught in Hurricane Florence.
DALLAS – While Hurricane Florence gained strength over the Atlantic the past few days, all Exchange directorates have been fully engaged with Eastern Region operators to ensure locations in the path of the storm are stocked and prepared.
Associates from MD, LG, SFD, IT, HR, GC, LP have been in constant communication with the vice presidents and general managers of Exchanges in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Maryland and southern Virginia to meet the needs of associates as well as military members and their families, both before and after Florence makes landfall.
“The safety and well-being of all of those who will be impacted by this dangerous hurricane are of utmost importance,” said Exchange Director/CEO Tom Shull. “We are staying on top of emerging needs and are grateful to all who are leaning forward quickly. It is great that we have scouts out.”
‘Brunt of the storm’
While it appears that the hurricane will have minimal impact on Florida, Georgia and Puerto Rico, several Exchange locations in the Carolinas, Maryland and Virginia are likely to bear the brunt of the storm. Charleston AFB, Fort Jackson, Shaw AFB, Fort Bragg, Joint Base Langley-Eustis and Fort Lee are all expected to face mandatory evacuations, beginning Thursday for many.
“I cannot say enough about the dedication and passion of our associates as they all work together to make the best out of what could potentially
be a very dangerous situation.”-Exchange Director/Chief Executive Officer Tom Shull
While many stores outside the gates are facing outages on water, bread, milk and fuel, the focused efforts of all directorates have ensured that Exchange stores are prepared to serve first responders, associates and military members and their families.
As early as last week, shipments of water, generators, flashlights, batteries and gas cans began flowing to the East Coast. As a result, Exchange locations are stocked and there are no outages of these basic items.
“I cannot say enough about the dedication and passion of our associates as they all work together to make the best out of what could potentially be a very dangerous situation,” Shull said. “It is a true calling card of this organization that it rises up in times of need.”
Read more Exchange Post coverage of Hurricane Florence:
From Batteries to Paper: Exchange Delivers 280,000 Emergency Supplies to Storm-Ravaged East Coast
Exchange Truckers Face Florence’s Wrath, While Stores Stay Connected with Communities
Exchange Operations Returning to Normal After Hurricane Florence
As usual a job well done in preparing for our military and retiree families.
Ms. Noble:
Thank you for writing to your Exchange Post! Yes, a job well done!
Steve Smith
Editor, The Exchange Post
I was stationed at Fort Polk L.A. during hurricanes Katrina and Rita. I for one, can attest to the hard work and dedication of AAFES employees in doing all that they can to aid military members, families, and retirees. This was evident during these trying times because AAFES was distributing water, first aid equipment, batteries, and various other items to everyone within the Fort Polk footprint. I can never express the depth of my gratitude to these “OUTSTANDING” individuals. I am confident that AAFES will not fail in it’s efforts of relief for Hurricane Florence.
Sincerely,
Justin Dunlap
Justin:
Thank you for writing to your Exchange Post! I have never worked for an organization like the Exchange that “leans forward” at the right time. It just didn’t happen with my previous employers. That’s why I love working for the Exchange. We are there when people need us.
Is there other folks out there in Exchange Post Land who want to comment? What are your experiences with the Exchange helping with natural disasters? We want to hear! Type your story in the comment box.
Steve Smith
Editor, The Exchange Post
Standing by in South Carolina, ready to render assistance if needed. Once again the Exchange is well prepared to meet this latest possible natural disaster!
Raul:
Thank you for writing to your Exchange Post! Stay safe in South Carolina! I used to be a newspaper reporter and editor in Columbia and elsewhere in S.C. I worked at The State newspaper when Hurricane Hugo hit and was on the Isle of Palms when the eye of the hurricane moved over. What a blast!
Steve Smith
Editor, The Exchange Post
AAFES Stands Ready. The Team has Always Taken the Right Path, Identifying and Providing the Needs of Those Who Serve. The AAFES Retirement Community Stands with You.
Richard:
Thank you for writing to your Exchange Post!
Does anybody else out there have a comment they want to share about how the Exchange “leans forward” during emergencies? Would love to hear personal stories. Write them in the comment box!
Steve Smith
Editor, The Exchange Post