Resilient Exchange Managers, Associates Begin Cleaning Up After Tyndall AFB Hurricane

Joan Gonzalez, Helen Radenheimer, Alexander Gonzalez, Marne Gulde, Justin Williams, Helen Brock, Lillian Pena, Kristjana Tummenelli, Zuleika Pena and Ling Baskowitz are ready to work at the Tyndall AFB Exchange.

A resilient team of Exchange managers and associates began the arduous task of cleaning up their stores at Tyndall AFB, Fla., after Hurricane Michael wreaked devastation across the installation last week.

Main Express Store Manager Lillian Pena and Assistant Store Manager Helen Radenheimer are helping lead the team in what Regional Vice President Jesus Martinez called “very austere conditions similar to a deployment.

“There is no prime power, no water,” Martinez said in an Oct. 17 email to senior managers at HQ in Dallas. “But thanks to the hard work of Lillian, Helen and their team, we are better today than we were yesterday, and tomorrow will be better than today.”

‘Up to the challenge’

Among those who helped were Real Estate Directorate structural engineer Chip Lilly, Region Facility Manager Ray Estes, Region Food Program Specialist Gary Rose, Eglin AFB General Manager Myra Florence and Tyndall AFB General Manager Marne Gulde.

“Commanders are appreciative of everything the Exchange is doing and will provide all the support we need,” Martinez said. “I cannot stress the value of building this confidence. There is no doubt this Exchange team is up to this challenge.”

About 12 Exchange associates have returned to work at the Main Express to help clean up the facility. The entire installation is expected to have prime power re-established in one to two weeks, Martinez added.

Damage at Exchange facilities

By far, the Felix Lake Express sustained the heaviest damage. In addition to a damaged roof, the store’s ceiling collapsed, the gas canopy was destroyed and two gas pumps were knocked over. Glass, the front door and façade were destroyed.

Exchange managers and repair crews are working to get the gas pumps, associated fuel equipment and cash registers at the main Express up and running as soon as possible.

As for other damage to Exchange stores:

• The main Express sustained heavy roof damage.
• The Subway’s roof is missing on one side.
• The main store sustained very little damage on the interior, although the outdoor living area suffered heavy damage. Heating and air conditioning units and vents, which were heavily damaged, will need temporary repairs to stop water from entering the area.
• Burger King sustained very little structural damage, but heavy glass damage.

See photos of the damage here.