Exchange Welcomes New Pacific Region Senior Enlisted Advisor

Sgt. Maj. Thomas talks to Akiko Winston, Military Clothing Store manager at Kadena AB, Japan. Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Luke Graziani

OKINAWA, Japan – Sgt. Maj. Jermaine Thomas joined the Exchange recently as the senior enlisted advisor for the Pacific Region.

Thomas, who has served in the Army for 21 years, knows the value the Exchange brings to Warfighters and families. At each base and during every deployment, the Exchange has been with him.

“I remember when I was deployed to Iraq, many years ago, and the living conditions were hard,” Thomas said. “We slept in tents and ate MREs twice a day. Life was rough during the deployment.

“But, one thing that made it better was knowing that the Exchange was there to help make things a little better for my Soldiers and me. The Exchange really means it when they say, ‘We Go Where You Go.’ ”

Before coming to the Exchange, Thomas spent 10 months spent at the U.S. Army Sergeant Major Academy at Fort Bliss, Texas. He is becoming immersed in his new role and is excited to be a part of the Exchange family.

Communicating and traveling

In his Exchange role, Thomas communicates on behalf of Exchange leaders to Army and Air Force active duty, National Guard, Reserve and family members in the Pacific.

He travels to Army and Air Force installations throughout the region to present updates on Exchange activities and provides feedback on issues affecting customers.

“As the Exchange’s Pacific Region senior enlisted advisor, I am excited to see the Exchange from more of a strategic level,” Thomas said. “I will be the link and continuity between the Exchange’s leadership and customers, along with the command teams abroad.”