Fort Bliss Military Clothing Manager Honored For Compassion, Care

For Fort Bliss Military Clothing Store Manager Bobby Upton, being recognized for assisting military families during times of sorrow was both an honor and a surprise.

Fort Bliss Garrison Commander Col. Stu James presents a challenge coin to Fort Bliss Military Clothing Store Manager Bobby Upton for assisting military families during times of sorrow.

Fort Bliss Garrison Commander Col. Stu James presented his challenge coin to Upton on behalf of the Casualty Assistance Center. The Casualty Assistance Center ensures military families have support in their time of need, assisting families through losing a Soldier. They ensure a Soldier is ready for burial and assist family members with their benefits.

“It was a complete surprise to me and also very humbling, especially since we don’t do this to receive accolades but to honor our core value of family serving family,” Upton said.

Upton was recognized for going above and beyond in fulfilling requests for uniforms and accessories for deceased Soldiers, retirees and Veterans. At a time when the Army was experiencing a shortage of Army Service Uniforms (ACU), Upton directly engaged the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support office and secured authorization to release the ACU to support the families of Fort Bliss Soldiers.

“Mr. Upton epitomizes the Exchange customer support professional,” said Fort Bliss Director of Human Resources Martin Traylor, whose office nominated Upton for the coin. “His love and dedication to ‘his’ Soldiers and their families and his willingness to go above and beyond are more than worthy of recognition of the garrison commander’s coin for excellence.”

Upton takes special pride in serving families that are facing difficult times.

“I have always felt it is an honor to serve military members and their families and to know that I’m assisting the families in their time of need is even more of an honor,” Upton said. “This may be the last thing the Exchange is going to be able to do for them after they have done so much for us.”