Associates in Bosnia Recognized for Reopening Store After Flood

Seven associates at the Camp Butmir Exchange in Bosnia were recently recognized for their hard work and dedication in getting their store back up and running after it flooded.

Last month, Balkans Exchange General Manager Pini Duverney got word that Camp Butmir in Sarajevo, Bosnia, was flooded after heavy rainfall.

Camp Butmir associates received recognition from NATO HQ Command Sgt. Maj. Francis Swirko for their efforts in reopening the store after a flood. Back row, left to right: FA Field Accountant Lejla Huric, Sales Associate Zijada Muminovic, Store Manager Halima Avdic, Balkans/Turkey General Manager Pini Duverney, NATO HQ Command Sgt. Maj. Francis Swirko, Sales Associate Nina Cehic and Supervisor Najra Hajdarevic. Bottom row left to right: Assistant Manager Emin Softic and Sales Associate Benjamin Elkaz.

“Store Manager Halima Avdic called and told me that the city was without power, a majority of the streets were closed and that she was awaiting access onto the base,” Duverney said. “She said that she would call me when she made it to the PX.”

When Avdic arrived at the 1,400-square-foot store that supports U.S. troops and the NATO mission, she found standing water, with items on bottom shelves and stock room damaged. The store was without power, and most of the electronic equipment was underwater and not working.

Over the next few days, seven associates—Avdic, Emin Softic, Nejra Hajdarevic, Vedrana Dujmusic, Muminovic Zijada, Nina Cehic and Benjamin Elkaz—worked tirelessly to get the store back in order. The team removed shelves and merchandise and cleared out water and mud. Jason Williams from IT pitched in and got the store’s systems back online.

“It was an all-out team effort,” Avdic said. “From pumping water out of the store to placing sandbags at the door to prevent further flooding and then dismantling shelves and cleaning everything and restocking­—it was a tremendous amount of work.”

Within three days, the Exchange was back up and running.

NATO HQ Command Sgt. Maj. Francis Swirko was so impressed by the team’s actions he wrote Exchange Director/CEO Tom Shull an email highlighting how the team worked around the clock. He also was in attendance this month when the seven associates received challenge coins on behalf of Marla Smith Randolph, senior vice president of Europe, Southwest Asia and Africa Region.

“We couldn’t be prouder of the Camp Butmir team’s response and actions,” Randolph said. “It’s an honor to serve with such selfless teammates.”