COVID-19 Heroes: Davis-Monthan Exchange Hosts a Curbside Salute to Military Kids

“We wanted to do something fun to show them we’re still thinking about them and honoring them during Month of the Military Child,” said Davis-Monthan General Manager Mikel Hunter.

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Despite the difficulties caused by COVID-19 safety measures, the Davis-Monthan Exchange found a special way to honor the youngest heroes during the Month of the Military Child.

To keep military kids safe throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the Exchange canceled Month of the Military Child store events and moved the celebration online with virtual activities.

Davis-Monthan associates wanted to do more to celebrate military kids, so they planned a curbside Salute to Military Kids.

“A lot of military kids are cooped up inside and disappointed about not seeing their friends and getting to do their normal activities,” said Mikel Hunter, Davis-Monthan Exchange general manager. “We wanted to do something fun to show them we’re still thinking about them and honoring them during Month of the Military Child.”

GM Mikel Hunter brings a customer his merchandise during curbside pickup.

The event allowed the Davis-Monthan Exchange to celebrate military children—from a safe distance—while also highlighting the new curbside pickup service available at the Exchange.

Associates created more than 500 goodie bags to hand out to military families who drove up to a designated area in the parking lot to receive their swag. The bags contained the 2020 collectible military brat patch, a coupon for a free treat from Burger King, an Air Force “Flat Airman” paper doll and candy.

Davis-Monthan command was appreciative of the Exchange’s efforts and posted photos from the event on their Facebook page.

Military parents and kids were appreciative too.

“We received a lot of gratitude from the families,” Hunter said. “It was great to see the associates’ creativity and teamwork to find a way to celebrate our Davis-Monthan kids.”