125 Years of Family Serving Family – Karolyn Madera, Fort Bragg Exchange

One in a series of honoring the Exchange’s 125 years of family serving family

Karolyn Madera has learned from mentors she gained while working for the Exchange, and enjoys passing that knowledge to her team.

For the last 15 years, Karolyn Madera has spent her career at the Exchange while building traditions and her family.

Madera started her legacy at the Exchange as an intermittent food service worker at Burger King. Working at the Exchange has been more than just a job for her—she has made a much-loved career from serving those who serve, working her way up to her current role as the 82nd Airborne Food Court manager at Fort Bragg

“My husband is active military, and I love the military lifestyle,” Madera said. “Working at the Exchange allows me to give the same love to military that I would want someone to give to my husband and family.”

Madera enjoys making a difference to others each day. As a military spouse, she understands what it means to serve.

“I encouraged my family to follow my steps so they can see and feel the way I feel working with this company and so far, they love it,” Madera said.

Family serving family lives deep within Madera’s legacy at the Exchange. While the Exchange has served her family, she has helped Miguel Angel Madera-Rodriguez, her son and Starbucks barista, as well as Maribelle Roman, her mother and overhead food service worker, to start their journey as Exchange associates at Fort Bragg.

“To be a part of the customer’s happiness for that day with a smile or a simple conversation motivates me to serve,” Madera said. “I like to treat our Soldiers with the same love I would want someone to treat my husband or my family.”