Shull Receives 2021 Distinguished Graduate Award from West Point Association of Graduates

From left: the Honorable Michael Wynne; COL(R) Randall Pais; Shull; Command Sgt. Maj. Ken Killingsworth, U.S. Corps of Cadets, West Point; BG Mark Quander, 79th Commandant, U.S. Corps of Cadets;  LTG(R) Joe DeFrancisco, chair, West Point Association of Graduates; GEN(R) Stanley McChrystal; GEN(R) David Rodriguez; and LTG(R) H.R. McMaster Jr.

WEST POINT, New York – Army & Air Force Exchange Service Director/CEO Tom Shull—a lifelong advocate for Warfighters, military families and Veterans—received the 2021 Distinguished Graduate Award from the West Point Association of Graduates during a Sept. 11 ceremony at the U.S. Military Academy. The award honors USMA graduates whose character, distinguished service and stature exemplify West Point’s motto of Duty, Honor, Country.

Less than two-tenths of 1% of the Long Gray Line have earned the Distinguished Graduate Award. Shull, USMA Class of 1973, returned to his Rockbound Highland Home to be recognized alongside 2021 and 2020 Distinguished Graduates on the Plain at West Point during homecoming cadet review.

Shull also participated in an alumni wreath laying ceremony at Thayer Statue and was highlighted on the field during the Western Kentucky-Army football game at Michie Stadium. On Sept. 10, Shull and the other award recipients were honored at a reception, where his commitment to strengthening the Exchange benefit for all who serve—past, present and future—was lauded.

“This a fitting tribute to the Exchange team and the critical work you do for Warfighters and their families,” Shull said. “It is such an honor to serve with amazing teammates who are all in for those who serve.”

In addition to Shull, 2021 Distinguished Graduates included:

• The Honorable Michael Wynne
• COL(R) Randall Pais
• GEN(R) Stanley McChrystal
• GEN(R) David Rodriguez
• LTG(R) H.R. McMaster Jr.

At a reception honoring Shull and the Distinguished Graduates, LTG Darryl Williams, USMA superintendent, praised the leaders.

As a Distinguished Graduate, Shull was honored for his lifelong commitment to all who serve. Less than two-tenths of 1% of the Long Gray Line have earned the Distinguished Graduate Award.

“These distinguished leaders join an elite group of West Point graduates who have served our nation with unparalleled excellence and whose lives and character are keeping with the values of this academy of our United States Army,” Williams said. “…You represent the best of living honorably, leading honorably and demonstrating excellence.”

Shull, a Soldier for Life, has a legacy of excellence. At the Exchange, his leadership has made an indelible difference to Warfighters’ readiness and resiliency as well as all who have worn our Nation’s uniform.

Shull’s father served 30 years in the Army, spending more than 40 months in World War II. Shull graduated from West Point in 1973, three years after his brother, John. Early in his Army career, Shull led several platoons, including a Scout Platoon, and Commanded C Company, 1/22nd Infantry Regiment.

While on active duty, Shull was selected to attend Harvard Business School, where he graduated with an MBA. In 1981, Shull was named a White House Fellow and served in the Reagan administration.

He taught leadership at West Point and, in his last active-duty assignment, served as Military Assistant to National Security Advisor Robert “Bud” McFarlane. Shull conducted a comprehensive review of the National Security Council and coordinated low-intensity conflict policy initiatives. Shull also represented the White House to facilitate the construction and dedication of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. He secured required approvals for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, clearing the way for its groundbreaking on March 26, 1982.

During his extensive business career, Shull served as CEO of Barneys New York, Hanover Direct and Wise Foods, successfully turning around these iconic American brands.

In 2012, Shull became the first civilian to lead the Exchange, the Department of Defense’s largest retailer. As American retailers struggled during the worst downturn since the Great Depression, Shull expertly led a turnaround of the Exchange to preserve the hard-earned benefit.

Through his leadership, the Exchange’s profitability nearly doubled since 2011, and the organization provided $1.6 billion in dividends for critical Quality-of-Life programs. Other successes at the Exchange include:

• Pivoting to provide safe, sanitized, secure shopping while protecting the force and Exchange associates during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Securing a lifelong shopping benefit at ShopMyExchange.com for 18 million honorably discharged Veterans.
• Introducing a program allowing Exchange shoppers to donate to Army Emergency Relief and the Air Force Assistance Fund, with more than $4 million in donations to date.
• Outfitting nearly 1 million combat uniforms annually.
• Providing more than 1 million meals every year to Warfighters’ children at Department of Defense Education Activity schools overseas.