125 Years of Family Serving Family – Kelly San Nicolas and Robin Kaneko
Robin Kaneko (left) and Kelly San Nicolas have given the Exchange a collective 65 years of service.
One in a series honoring the Exchange’s 125 years of family serving family
Siblings Kelly San Nicolas and Robin Kaneko have been exemplifying the Exchange’s core value of family serving family for a combined 65 years of service.
During her 35-year career, San Nicolas has been a shining example of the Exchange’s “we go where you go” motto, which has taken her all over the world in support of Soldiers and Airmen.
In 1984, San Nicolas started her Exchange career at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, as a game room attendant before being promoted several times to visual merchandiser, a training instructor and sales area manager at the main store.
In 1997, she moved to Germany, taking on several roles including Power Zone manager, training instructor and visual marketing tech. In 2007, she moved to the Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson JMM Express as the car care manager. Her final career stop is as the assistant store manager at the Barksdale AFB Exchange. She is set to retire Oct. 1.
“My career with the Exchange has been an experience of a lifetime and they have made me a stronger mom, wife and friend to those whom I have met along my travels,” San Nicolas said. “Whenever I teach new associates, I express the deep love I’ve had for this company since day one.”
San Nicolas persuaded Kaneko to join the Exchange family. He started as a warehouse laborer, and San Nicolas mentored him along the way. He is now the store manager at the Hickam Express.
“I thank my sister every day for the push to sign up and apply,” Robin said. “After 30 years of service at the Exchange, I never imagined that I would be where I am today; still employed with a great company that is going on 125 years of supporting our Service members is pretty awesome.”
Facebook-friendly version: Meet siblings Kelly San Nicolas and Robin Kaneko, who have a combined 65 years of “we go where you” service with the Exchange.
How do you pick the stories that you use? Can anyone send in a story of family serving family?
Hi, Roxanne. Great question! The associates profiled were recommended to us. If you have a recommendation for someone we should reach out to, please drop us a note at exchangepost@aafes.com.
Hi, Roxanne,
Please drop us a note at exchangepost@aafes.com — we can set up an interview.
Awesome i’ve worked with Robin and Kelly they are geat people to work with so humble personality Kelly may You enjoy looking forward to your Big Retirement Day and Robin your Big Day will come.
Aafes is a great company
Hi, Wanda,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us! They are terrific associates.
Awww the Kaneko Ohana!! I’ve worked for Kelly and she was an awesome person and mentor to me. She is now like family to me so I know Rob also.. My mom retired with AAFES in 2013 and I have 12 years of service now. It’s been a good ride so far and im glad to see her retire and now enjoy her family..
We wish her all the best during this exciting next chapter, Kuulei.