Hale Koa Associate Named 2022 MILITARY STAR Ambassador of the Year

The Exchange Credit Program (ECP) recently named Gloria Hutchinson the 2022 MILITARY STAR_® Ambassador of the Year. A customer experience associate at the Hale Koa Exchange in Honolulu, Hawaii, Hutchinson was recognized for her work in supporting and communicating the benefits of the MILITARY STAR card.

“It was an amazing day,” said Hutchinson, who has worked for the Exchange for six years. “I am very honored to be recognized for such an award.”

Hutchinson received a certificate of excellence and a $100 gift card. She was selected out of 135 ambassadors from all five Exchange regions.

From left, Hawaii Consolidated Exchange General Manager Michael G. Ryan, Hale Koa Exchange customer experience associate Gloria Hutchinson, and Pacific Region Vice President Jennifer Jordan. Hutchinson was named 2022 MILITARY STAR Ambassador of the Year for her work in supporting and communicating the benefits of the MILITARY STAR card

Ambassadors are selected by ECP based on consistent application of best practices in sharing MILITARY STAR information with shoppers, coaching teammates on MILITARY STAR benefits, number of new MILITARY STAR card applications processed and more.

Store associates are vital in explaining the unique benefits of the MILITARY STAR card to their communities.

Hutchinson relates to shoppers’ needs and explains how the MILITARY STAR card can help.

“Shoppers seek confidence and honesty when asking why they should use MILITARY STAR,” she said. “I need to be attentive, analytical and very thorough with my answers. I always enjoy working with people and letting them know about MILITARY STAR.”

The MILITARY STAR card offers benefits to both shoppers and the Exchange. The card generated approximately $436 million in value for the military community last year, including from interest savings and rewards for Warfighters and their families. Since there are no transaction fees with MILITARY STAR, the card saved the military resale community over $32 million in credit card processing fees in 2022.

“Gloria is highly engaged and consistent in everything she does to support the MILITARY STAR card program and take care of her customers,” said Hawaii Consolidated General Manager Michael Ryan. “She is a fantastic asset to our team.”

Increasing MILITARY STAR usage saves money for shoppers and the Exchange, all while making military communities stronger.

“Congratulations to Gloria on this well-deserved recognition,” said ECP Senior Vice President Tommy Ward. “The entire Exchange benefits from the efforts of all our ambassadors. We’re so grateful for all the work they do in sharing the benefits of MILITARY STAR.”