Exchange Welcomes New Commander for Europe, Southwest Asia, Africa
Col. Don Nowlin, Exchange Europe/Southwest Asia commander, recognizes the hard work and dedication of Vicenza Exchange associates during the July 15 grand reopening of the $13.2 million renovated Vicenza Exchange (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Taresha Hill)
SEMBACH, Germany – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service recently welcomed Army Col. Don Nowlin as the commander for Europe/Southwest Asia/Africa Region.
As the region’s commander, Nowlin is responsible for about 4,000 associates in more than 25 countries across three continents, in 1,000 facilities, which support half a million customers.
“This is the start of an incredible journey,” Nowlin said. “I’m looking forward to being the hub between our service members and Exchange associates.”
Col. Don Nowlin (left), Exchange Europe/Southwest Asia commander, listens as Mathias Baum, Gruenstadt bakery manager, explains the different bakery processes during a July 21 tour. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Taresha Hill)
Nowlin, a native of Ackerman, Mississippi, has served the Army for more than 24 years and started his military career as a second lieutenant in the Ordnance Corps. Nowlin has multiple deployments, including Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan, with his latest assignment bringing him to Germany from Saudi Arabia.
Nowlin has hit the ground running since joining the Exchange in June— visiting Germany’s Gruenstadt bakery and water/ice plant and the Germersheim Distribution Center. He celebrated the grand reopening of the Vicenza Exchange—a $13.2 million project— in Italy this month.
“The Exchange has always been a part of my military career,” Nowlin said. “Now that I’m serving as the Europe/Southwest Asia region commander, I get to see it from a different perspective.”
Nowlin plans to travel as much as possible with his wife and daughter while meeting the unique challenges of being the Europe/Southwest Asia/Africa Region commander.
“It’s already been quite a ride,” Nowlin said. “This is a new challenge for me, and I plan to enjoy everything this assignment has to offer.”
