Keesler Exchange GM Madeline Salazar Finds Strength in Family

“My parents have taught me to always be positive,” said Salazar. “My mom always looks for the good and my dad is a very humble guy. They raised me to look at what I can do for others and make sure that whatever I’m doing, I’m doing it right.”

Madeline Salazar, general manager of the Keesler Air Force Base Exchange, also oversees Exchange operations at Camp Shelby, Thompson Field and Gulfport National Guard. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Airman 1st Class Trenten Walters)

Her family has been serving in the armed forces for three generations and finding a career in a company that supports troops and their families made sense to her.

“When I was 22, I said, ‘I’m going to AAFES and getting a job,’ and they hired me as an ID checker,” said Salazar. “I fell in love with it and stayed. It’s going to be 28 years now that I have worked with them. It’s a great honor and a great blessing that I work for this company, especially when my dad and grandpa were in the military and my daughter is active duty in the Army.”

Over the years, Salazar has held a variety of positions in different Exchange locations. Now she oversees four locations: Keesler, Camp Shelby, Thompson Field and Gulfport National Guard.

“I think our culture is unique, we are very tight-knit and family orientated,” said Salazar. “Growing up in the Puerto Rican culture has shaped my values and who I am today. Not only am I proud to be Hispanic, but Puerto Rican too.”

Airman 1st Class Trenten Walters is a writer for 81st Training Wing Public Affairs at Keesler Air Force Base.