Shull Honors Fort Moore Associates for Making a Difference

Army & Air Force Exchange Service Director/CEO Tom Shull came home to his Army Ranger roots during his visit to Fort Moore, where he thanked associates for their commitment to serving those who serve.

“Fort Moore is special to my family,” Shull told associates during his June 14 visit. “My wife was born here while her father was serving. And I trained here in the 1970s. It’s like coming home.”

Shull shared the Exchange’s successes through the fiscal 2022 by the numbers video and the tip of the spear video, which highlights the Department of Defense retailer’s vital support overseas.

“Everything you do makes a difference in how the Exchange supports Soldiers, Airmen and Guardians,” Shull said. “That’s the most important thing I can impart to you today—this is a mission that our entire Nation depends on. You are a very important part of supporting and honoring those who wear the uniform each day to defend our great Nation and protect our freedoms.”

Before his visit with associates, Shull toured The Home Depot showroom, the first appliance center to launch as part of the Exchange’s collaboration with the home improvement retailer. Shull visited the showroom ahead of his top-to-top meeting with The Home Depot Chair, President and Chief Executive Officer Ted Decker.

“The showroom really pops on the floor,” Shull said. “The Home Depot brings great service, improved inventory and reliable delivery to the military community. Getting this right is key to expanding this type of effort to other categories.”

Expanding vendor and retail partnerships allows the Exchange to ship tax-free products directly to shoppers from third-party suppliers (like The Home Depot), lowering costs for the Exchange. Similar collaborations with vendors for PowerZone and home tabletop categories are being considered.

Growing these partnerships is a priority for the Exchange, Shull said, along with expanding the MILITARY STAR card and growing quick-serve restaurants.

During his time with the team, Shull presented Director/CEO challenge coins to several associates, honoring their dedication to the Exchange mission. Associates who were honored include:

• Sue Boughton, customer experience associate
• Nedra Moore, warehouse worker
• Christy Burns, warehouse receiver
• Ray Richardson, warehouse receiver
• Antonio Goodman, computer operator
• Robyn Opacki-Hunter, office assistant
• Belinda Marshall, inventory control associate
• Hagan Reiter, inventory control associate
• Leonard Goodwin, warehouse receiver

“The only way we can protect our freedoms is to make sure our troops are taken care of,” Shull told associates. “The taste of home the Exchange provides is critical. It’s a labor of love. Thank you for all you do to remain strong while serving those who serve.”

See the Flickr album of Mr. Shull’s visit to Fort Moore, including coin recipients.