Longtime Exchange Couple Nick and Marcia DeVincenzo, a Team Through Good and Bad Times, to Retire as a Team
Nick and Marcia DeVincenzo have, between them, more than 65 years of Exchange experience.
Nick, manager of the Pacific Regional Distribution Center in South Korea, started with the organization at the Atlantic Transportation Center in April 1988, when he was 17.
Marcia, a JDA specialist in Korea, joined the Exchange in June 1993 as a distribution clerk in at the Oakland Distribution Center.
They had their first date in late 1999 and have been married since 2003. Together, they have seen much of the world while working for the Exchange, but it wasn’t always easy—especially for Marcia. Twice, she resigned from the Exchange when Nick received an overseas assignment. She always made her way back to retain her Exchange career.
Their experiences have made them empathetic toward couples who PCS together.
“Throughout my career, I’ve always tried to give special consideration to those folks who PCS with Exchange managers because I firsthand understand their challenges,” Nick said. “I can’t tell you how fortunate we were for the special consideration others made for Marcia to continue her career following me over the last two decades in areas she was unfamiliar with. Unfortunately, there are many that are not as fortunate as we have been.”
Nick and Marcia say they’ve always been a team—and on Aug. 31, they will retire as a team after a wealth of Exchange experiences.
Marcia and Nick DeVincenzo in Busan, South Korea, in 2021. (All photos courtesy Nick and Marcia DeVincenzo.)
The early days
Nick DeVincenzo was still in high school when he clipped an article about the Exchange out of a local newspaper, later being selected from a 26-candidate pool of applicants for a TFT HPP-4 position in Bayonne, N.J. Three months later, he became full time when he graduated from high school.
He planned to stay with the organization about a year, earning enough money to buy a new car and then pursue college. Nick began an auto-detailing business at the age of 19, received a real estate license at 21 and never pursued a degree, . but he remained with the Exchange.
Marcia had worked in different jobs in California when a friend of hers recommended she come to the Oakland DC to fill out an application.
“I didn’t think they were going to call me, because they told me they weren’t hiring at the time,” she says. “But a few days later, I received a phone call asking me to come in for an interview. I got a temporary job, and six months later, I became permanent. I’ve always been passionate about work and I’m detail-oriented and I loved the Oakland DC family. I was so blessed to have this opportunity— little did I realize I would travel the world and retire from my career in Korea.”
In October 1999, Nick was promoted from Dallas to the Oakland Distribution Center, where he managed the storage section. At the time, Marcia was working on the appointments desk at the DC.
“Our offices were about 50 feet away from each other,” Nick says. “I started on a Tuesday and met Marcia on Wednesday.” Two days later, the DC held its annual Unity Day, a celebration of the deeply mixed cultures of the Oakland team. Nick mentioned to the DCM secretary, Nancy, “I’m going to marry her.”
“Nancy turned to me and said, ‘Good luck. You know how many guys have tried to date her? She won’t date anyone from AAFES.’ I guess it was my New Jersey ‘charm’ that won her over,” Nick says.
Their first date was on Christmas Day at Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco. They were engaged 11 months later and married in 2003.
Sharing the rewards of deployment
Nick deployed to Kuwait in August 2003, three months before their wedding. “I came home for my wedding on R&R and flew back to Kuwait 10 days later.” Marcia joined Nick in deploying five months later when an opportunity opened. They both considered their deployments the highlight of their careers.
“At that point in our career, neither one of us had any family in the military,” Nick says. “So being there, seeing those 18- and 19-year-old Soldiers in their Humvees protecting us in convoys going into Iraq—you felt like you were doing something to take care of them. In my 35-year career, I’ve had some amazing experiences, but nothing topped those 14 months that I spent in Kuwait.”
One day, Nick was boarding a C-130 aircraft in Baghdad, returning to Kuwait. A chaplain came aboard and asked if anyone had an issue flying with HR. “I later found out that he meant ‘human remains’,” Nick says. “They had a brief ceremony when they secured the two bodies on an air pallet at the back of the plane—I will never forget the emotions I felt that day accompanying those two fallen heroes back to Kuwait. Seeing that, it really hit home, the sacrifices that the military puts forward each day. That was the point in my career that my level of passion intensified threefold.”
Marcia and Nick DeVincenzo in Okinawa, circa 2007.
Challenges in Okinawa and Germany
Nick came back from deployment to a promotion; he became the Okinawa Distribution Center manager. Marcia accompanied him but had to resign from her West Coast DC PB night shift manager position to travel with Nick to Okinawa.
“The Exchange tries to find positions for spouses, but in OCONUS it’s difficult,” Nick says. “She was fortunate that within about eight weeks, she received an offer for a position in the Finance & Accounting directorate.”
In 2008, they moved to Germany, where Nick was the Europe Regional Fleet Manager, based at the Giessen Distribution Center. It was another promotion for Nick—and another challenge for Marcia.
Nick adds, “It took a little more than five months for her to find a permanent position until someone gave her an opportunity in the RE directorate.”
During her 30-year career, Marcia has worked in Logistics, Loss Prevention, Real Estate, Information Technology, Finance & Accounting, Services & Food and the Executive Group, as well as deploying. She’s worked in HQs, two DCs Oakland and West Coast. She held overseas positions in Okinawa, Germany and now Korea. “She has held about 18 positions, and had to resign twice because of overseas assignments,” Nick says. “She has accomplished a tremendous amount in her 30-year career, and I’m very proud of her.”
Marcia adds: “I take marriage very seriously. I follow my husband where he goes. It’s like the Exchange motto, ‘We go where you go.’ But it can be very challenging.”
Back to the States—and beyond
In 2011, the DeVincenzos returned to the States, where they worked out of the Dallas headquarters where he was promoted to an executive role. “Again, I was fortunate that my leadership team looked beyond the degree and had faith in my capabilities,” Nick says.
In 2014, Nick was promoted and named Chief of Fleet Operations, which he says was his favorite position with the Exchange.
“I’ve always had a passion for the fleet operations and our drivers,” he says. “Talking to them and understanding the challenges they face each day gives you a greater appreciation for the sacrifices they and their families make.”
Other highlights include rebranding the fleet with teams led by Sandi Lute, now senior vice president, brand marketing, and Johnny Olson, the Exchange creative director who also retired this month.
“Their teams helped us promote the fleet, giving great opportunities to those seeking to work for the Exchange,” Nick says. “We hired a number of Veterans who didn’t even know the Exchange has a private fleet. This was during the peak of the driver shortage and they, along with HR, helped us to recruit and retain experienced drivers. Bradley Wacks, two-time Driver of the Year, from our Dayton terminal, was our ambassador at a number of truck shows and events, talking to potential drivers to strengthen our fleet.”
Of the 18 positions Marcia has held her most memorable was at HQs, as executive assistant to retired Chief Financial Officers Renee Figge and then Jim Jordan. “I learned so much and had an amazing team of mentors,” Marcia says. She also holds in high regard Jamie Richardson, Ken Jacquin, Tommy Ward (Senior Vice President of the Exchange Credit Program), Brian Poss (retired) and Brad Bingham, current Exchange CFO, who all contributed to her success.
Marcia is happy to be retiring from Logistics, which has always held a big piece of her heart.
“As much as I enjoyed each role at the Exchange, Logistics was my first directorate, and I made some amazing friends and the directorate is like a part of my family,” she says.
Nick and Marcia DeVincenzo at the grand opening of the USGA Humphreys Distribution Center in November 2021.
In 2019, Nick had another overseas promotional opportunity to move to Camp Humphreys in South Korea when he became the Pacific Regional Distribution Center Manager. At this point, Marcia had been promoted six times since arriving in Dallas in 2011. This time, Marcia didn’t have to spend several months looking for a job.
“We’re very grateful to Karen Stack, Jim Jordan and Alan French for seeking opportunities for Marcia to continue her career, even though she had to once again take a step back,” Nick says. “It was just a relief that she didn’t have to struggle to find a position as she did in Okinawa and Germany. A lot of people aren’t as fortunate as we were. We have a sincere appreciation for what the Exchange leadership has done for us and would love to see others have the same success.”
Nick says that during the past 10 years or so, he feels the Exchange has done better raising awareness and working with family members of those PCSing. “Another definition of Family Serving Family is giving consideration to those Exchange families relocating,” he says. “I’ve recruited some amazing talent that would have otherwise been overlooked if I haven’t given Exchange PCS family members consideration. It’s important to consider the family members who sacrifice to PCS for the Exchange mission.
“Marcia and I have been an inseparable team for the last 23 years,” he adds. “She has been through some challenges throughout her career following me—however, she is always laser focused and pushes forward. I’ve never seen a person who has held so many positions in so many career cones and on four continents and maintains a positive attitude even through the challenging times. We would need an hour to highlight her Exchange career. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to retire as a team with my wife and best friend and we are so grateful to the Exchange and our leadership for giving us this opportunity. Likewise, my success would have been limited if not for the amazing support of my wife!”
They plan to retire in Citrus County Florida, where they recently purchased land, about an hour north of Tampa. They plan to pursue real estate as a team and travel—domestically.
But they won’t forget the Exchange.
“The Exchange has consistently been an integral part of our family, and it will forever remain our preferred shopping destination regardless of the base access challenges,” Nick says. “Being overseas for so many years, you form a bond with the Exchange, as it was there to support us—we will continue to support it. I define ‘family serving family’ as taking care of our associates, military community, leadership, and most importantly, one another!”
Nick and Marcia have chosen to not have a virtual retirement ceremony due to the time difference between South Korea and the United States. They say they’d still love to hear from their Exchange family, so if you’d like to wish them well, please comment on this story.
Congrats to you both. Thanks, Nick, for the help with the Mainfreight acct.
Hi Evonne – it was an absolute pleasure working with you over the years! Thank you for taking such exceptional care of our corporate partners and the well wishes!
Hi Nick,
It was great working experience under your kind command in KWDC, Kuwait, where we learnt the ABC of logistics which always helped in future.
Weekly Container Report,
Congratulations Marcia! It was a Pleasure to work with you! May God bless you and guide your life. Best wishes for you & family. ✌✨✨
Hi Adriana, thank you so much for your well-wishes! I really enjoyed working with you over the years! You are very special to me, and I look forward to our continued friendship.
Love you both…. enjoy your retirement in the sun.
Hi Evelyn – thank you for everything you have done for the both of us to include gathering all the details for our retirements. You are a great friend of ours and no doubt we will keep in touch over the years! See you soon!
Nick, you will be very missed here at WADC Transportation well, by me! Good luck on your retirement and enjoy! God bless you and your wife. Thank you for everything, I have learned a lot about “SMART BACKHAUL MOVES”
Hi Amy – thank you so much for your well wishes. I really enjoyed working with you over the years. The West Coast, Europe, CONUS, and then Worldwide Fleet were the best roles I held within the Exchange because of folks like you and our dedicated and professional fleet drivers. Thank you for soaking up the coaching like a sponge and making the fleet in Waco more efficient and always taking care of our drivers!
I will visit the Waco DC in our travels to the area. I always like to stop and pay my respects to the memorial tree that we planted to remember Joel Goodman who’s life was taken short in 2018. He was my first – and thank God only – fleet driver fatality and I will always remember that time.
All the best to you and the great team there in Waco!
Nick and Marcia…Thank you for your passion to Serve.
Nick…We went through some challenging times in Korea, from a DC falling apart, to COVID, to the GO of a new DC…a “virtual” first.
Throughout the challenges, you stood tall as a passionate and committed leader; always looking out for the Associates, Customers and the Exchange. You are an outstanding example of our core value Family Serving Family.
Thank you for your dedication, you truly made a difference in the lives or our Warfighters, their families, our Associates and future leaders in our organization.
I hope you both enjoy a well-deserved retirement!
Dare I say…KORHAW!!!
Hi Scott – thank you so much for your note!
Thank you for all your support over the three years we spent together in Korea.
Collectively – we had some challenging times but thank God we both had an amazing team here in Korea that pulled us through every inconceivable challenge.
Losing the warehouse in Camp Market six weeks after my arrival when Typhoon Lingling decided we needed to decrease our freezer footprint and $1.3M in inventory. Then the start-up of the Asan warehouse – 1,200 work orders for the new Korea DC – transformation from Camp Market – closure of Camp Market – Grand Opening of the DC – and of course the global pandemic. You and your team were there to support us through all those events.
I will always remember your coined phrase “Making Humphreys Home” the theme of our DC grand opening!
Thank you for treating my teams in Korea and Hawaii as part of your family!
I hope our paths cross again at some point in the future as I really enjoyed working together with you and the friendship bond we formed. Please let us know if you are ever in the Tampa area – would love to get together with you! KOReaHAWaii! For those that don’t know the term!
Nick, your humble and passionate leadership has impacted many people, including myself.
Thank you both for your service and sacrifice throughout your AAFES careers. I wish you a happy, healthy retirement!
Thank you for the comments and well-wishes, Yeonsil! The team and I were proud of the challenges you took here in Korea. They made you a better leader and I look forward to seeing your name on future promotion messages! Best wishes to you and your family!
Congratulations Nick and Marcia! Nick, it has been an honor serving with you. I appreciate how you took time with me on the Fleet side offering all your wisdom, insight and great leadership. I wish you both all the best! God Bless!
Hi Ron – Hard to believe August 6th was 20 years since I first met you in Kuwait. You were showing me the ropes on container management and escorting trucks in Doha, PWC, KFTZ, and Arifjan. I remember our first trip crossing the border into Iraq. I knew back then – you would be successful. It’s been great to see you advance over the years into the Executive you are now – second in command of the largest DC we have. I wish you and your family the absolute best – you deserve it.
Marcia and I will surely visit the DC one of these days. I can’t wait to see all the robots, drones and etc you and David are implementing there! You guys are a great team and I look forward to seeing and reading the Exchange Post articles of all the things you all are doing out there! Take care and the best always!
Congratulations to you both! I was a pleasure working with you on the KODC implementation! You guys are amazing!
Hi Brandy – I really enjoyed sharing real estate on “Executive Row” in HQs with you. We had lots of chats, and it was a pleasure to get to know about you and your family. I was so thrilled when I saw your name of volunteers to help us implement the new Warehouse Management System earlier this year. T
Marcia and I were so happy to get to spend some time with you. It was great to have some amazing conversations and laughs after a stressful day of work. Thank you for helping us make that implementation such a success and sacrificing time with your family to help us out here in Korea!
Marcia and I hope to see you and your family one of these days when we pass through Dallas or you guys are in the Tampa area. Thank you again for your amazing friendship over the last decade!
Congratulations Nick and Marcia. It was great to have known both of you. Wishing you all the best in your next adventure.
Marcia – thank you for being so kind to me during my Starbucks time.
Nick – thank you for your encouragement and always there to help.
Hi Bertha – I guess it’s been around 12 or so years since we met you at Starbucks. You took the time and effort to remember everyone’s name and their orders. Regardless of the day you were having you always greeted everyone with that legendary smile that made its way to numerous Exchange Starbucks advertisements. A few years ago – I saw one and it reminded me of you. I remember telling Marcia that I hoped you would apply for one of my positions when I was in Dallas as your amazing work ethic and positive attitude would fit into my team exceptionally! I was so glad to see you join the LG family and it’s been wonderful seeing you advance over the years. Thank you for your smile that regardless of how bad our days were going – you always made it better! Thank you for your note – which again – made us both smile 🙂
Congratulations to you Both. I met Marcia in FA/C and she was always so kind and patient with me when she received the Procards for her department. May you both continue to be Blessed in the New Chapter of your Life after retirement.
Hi Secelia – Thank you for adding to the joy of our retirements with your well wishes. I’ll always remember your kindness! Many blessings to you and the family!
Congratulations to you both. Nick, it was a pleasure working with you and thank you for all the guidance and knowledge you shared. Enjoy both your retirement.
Hi Marivel – thank you for all you have done to make me look better than I am. In the five years I have known you – I’ve witnessed an impressive level of leadership growth in you. I was glad to share my experience with you but ultimately you were the one that had to put it to good use and you have done that and beyond. Thank you for taking care of our team there in Hawaii and I know Marcia and I will be in Hawaii at some point in the future so we will stop by and see you guys. Hopefully – it will be during one of your famous pot-luck luncheons – your team have exceptional luncheons. Take care of yourself and please stay in touch!
Congratulations to you both. I met Nick in Bayonne nah when I was there setting something up for IT when I was in Atlanta. We got to work together in Giessen Germany where I was the Region Distribution center Manger for Europe. We most have looked at 100 homes lol. We both are car guys . Happy Retirement to you both. It’s been 15 years for me . Crazy
Hi Joe – great times for sure – you are one of the very few people that remember the old Bayonne days. Thank you and Kathi again for your hospitality when we got to Germany. I remember all those house hunting expeditions with the uncertainty of where Marcia would work. I hold you responsible for all the BMWs we had while in Germany and the two we brought home to Dallas
Hard to believe its been 15 years since you left Germany – still have the memories of your retirement ceremony. We’ll be hanging our hat five hours away from you so looking forward to connecting again and hitting some Corvette shows with you! All the best and thank you again for your well-wishes!
Congratulations, Nick & Marcia! I just wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for having had the pleasure and honor of working with you both. Your kindness, care, and mentorship have made an impact on the lives of many, myself included. It’s going to be tough to say farewell to you both, but I wish you all the best & happiness in your next chapter of life! Happy retirement!
Thank you so much, Sung!
To say I’m proud of you is an understatement. You have come a long way in the four years since we first met. Thank you for all your dedication and long hours in getting this $40M Korea DC warehouse in safe condition for our associates – submitting 1200 work orders was no easy task – but you did it with extreme passion to ensure the safety of our associates. You built relationships with the Corps of Engineers, DPW, and contractors, as well as met with O-6 to O-8 General Officers for various walk-throughs to point out our critical concerns. Your efforts were recognized all through the organization and lead to your recent promotion to the Bakery Manager.
Thank you for all you have done to help me navigate through the complexities of living here in Korea – you helped Marcia and I out tremendously and I am forever grateful.
I know we will see you again – in Florida – and we look forward to the passing along the same hospitality you have shown us in the four years here in Korea.
Congratulations Nick & Marcia! I just wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for having had the pleasure and honor of working with you both. Your kindness, care, and mentorship have impacted the lives of many, myself included. I wish you all the best & happiness in your next chapter of life!
Hi Joe – great times for sure – you are one of the very few people that remember the old Bayonne days. Thank you and Kathi again for your hospitality when we got to Germany. I remember all those house hunting expeditions with the uncertainty of where Marcia would work. I hold you responsible for all the BMWs we had while in Germany and the two we brought home to Dallas 🙂
Hard to believe its been 15 years since you left Germany – still have the memories of your retirement ceremony. We’ll be hanging our hat five hours away from you so looking forward to connecting again and hitting some Corvette shows with you! All the best and thank you again for your well-wishes!
Congratulations to both of you. Very much enjoyed meeting you and working with you. Godspeed — and enjoy your well-deserved retirement!
Thank you, Julie!
You are such a wonderful person and it’s been a privilege for both of us working with you for the last decade!
I really appreciate you and the team highlighting our careers and our gratitude for the amazing experiences the Exchange has provided us. When I started with the Exchange 35 years ago – I never thought I would visit 42 countries, live in 5, and most importantly meet my best friend and wife, Marcia! I know we will keep in touch!
Nick and Marcia, congratulations on your amazing careers! You are both a shining example of how to make the best out of any situation and remain dedicated to the Exchange mission. Nick, you gave me the opportunity of a lifetime and believed in me. I will never forget what you did for me and how much your mentorship helped me along. I am sad to see you go, but happy for you to start the next chapter in your life. You can rest easy knowing those you have influenced, coached and mentored are now standing watch. I look forward to your friendship as you and Marcia begin enjoying the fruits of your labor. Fair winds and following seas!
Hi Lewis – thank you for you note and well wishes. I’m so glad to have met you in the last two years. I knew within the first five minutes of the interview that you would complement my PAC DC team there in Okinawa and take great care of our folks!
Shortly thereafter – others recognized your talent – and you were pulled to deploy handling the logistics for all of SW Asia. You did an amazing job in building relationships and keeping our supply chain moving to get product to our heroes downrange.
While you were gone – Gushiken did amazing things – but I know when he ran into a challenge – you were helping him through it behind the scenes.
Thank you for always taking care of our folks there and helping develop them. You made a seamless transition from the military to this civilian role and built internal and external relationships which have been highly beneficial to the Exchange. I know your talents are being viewed by many and it’s just a matter of time before someone pulls you over to their team!
In this short time I know you – I feel like I have known you for decades. You are a great person and I look forward to our continued friendship!
Congratulations to both of you Nick!! It was great to work with you the past almost 3 years. I can truly say that I am so thankful to have you as my first boss after 20 years of military service. I appreciate all the mentoring and patience while I was adjusting to civilian life. Hopefully you and Marcia enjoy this next chapter. I will for sure visit if I am ever in Florida. Thank you!
Hi Russ – thank you for the note and well wishes. I know making the transition from the Army to a civilian role is a challenge for many. If it was a challenge – you masked it exceptionally well!
It’s hard to believe you’ve been on the team for almost three years – glad to finally have met you right around your second anniversary with the Exchange – COVID restrictions. For a guy that really didn’t have direct guidance and – in another country – you were exceptional in soaking up ideas and knowledge and navigating through some challenges. Your ability to build those internal and external relationships have proven to be highly beneficial. Your team has the utmost respect for you – and you truly walk-the-walk!
Thank you for taking Lewis under your wing and sharing with him your experience and what you learned – he has a great deal of respect for you as I do – and I am glad to consider you a dear friend!
Thank you for taking great care of those folks at the DC. You have an amazing team there and they always make me feel like family. Marcia and I wanted to visit – and I promise you and the team we will come out to visit once we get ourselves settled. If you are heading to Florida – please let us know. See you later and please keep in touch!
Nick and Marcia, congratulations on your successful careers with the Exchange. You were both very dedicated to the Exchange, but more so to the troops and their families. Nick, thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to join the Exchange team. You believed in me and invested a lot of your time and effort into mentoring me. I will forever be grateful to you for that. I hope to keep in touch with you. I wish you both the best in the next chapter of your lives. Fair winds and following seas!
As the saying goes, “One in six billion.” The past 48 months I was able to work with you were an unforgettable good experience for me and a fortune worth one in six billion. I am grateful for the precious memories I shared with you and the care you have shown me. I wish you good health and happiness.
Nick, What a great career and it was always good working together on projects at the HQ. Thank you for all your support during my time leading CFC. A well deserved retirement for you and Marcia. Enjoy my friend….
Hi Donny – thank you for the note and memories. We had some great times in Dallas – and you were always such a supporter of our events. Few showed the passion you did and could round up a crowd as well as you for such a good cause. I know things have changed since COVID – so I’m sure things are very much different these days in HQs. I know we are connected on FB so we will always stay in touch! All the best to you guys!
Congratulations to you both, what a wonderful story and amazing accomplishments. Nick you were the best thing to happen to Transportation and were greatly missed when you left. May God bless both of you on your new adventures.
Hi Scott – Thank you for your note and congratulations on your recent retirement and Exchange story – it was touching! You are a great guy and we can understand each other – we speak “Jersey”. When you transitioned from the truck to the Foremen position – early in my fleet role – you were always my go-to-guy to get a driver’s perspective. After driving 1.7M accident-free miles in your career with the Exchange – it was hard to match a person with your credentials and passion for our mission and associates – to help us improve fleet efficiencies. Many of the decisions we made were attributed to your recommendations and it was sad to hear you were retiring! Keep those YouTube videos coming – I enjoy watching them and I know we will keep in touch.
Congratulations for you. You are one from the
best managers I have at my 41 years at AAFES
Enjoy your live
Hi Volker – thank you so much for your note and your friendship over the 12 years since I left Germany. You were the first driver to approach me when I got to Germany back in 2008 and we always maintained a close bond. Regardless of the challenge – I knew you would always push through and make things happen for us – I called you the “Sure-Man” because I knew you would get there on time and safely.
I remember so many of our conversations about your retirement and moving to Thailand and I was so glad to see your dreams come true – you are most deserving of the success you earned!
I’m so sorry we never made it to Thailand to see you and your wife – but we plan to make our way back to Asia to visit once we get settled back in the states – COVID really restricted most of our intended travel over the last four years in Korea. Take care and all the best!
What a great article to highlight two truly dedicated employees! I fully agree that deployment is a unique and rewarding way to closely serve the service men and woman defending our freedoms at the “tip of the sword” wherever in the world it may be. Like Nick, I found my deployments to be the highlights of my career too! I first worked with Nick early in his career when he was transferred to Dallas from Bayonne when the Atlantic Transportation Center closed in early 1998. Nick was always a quick learner and a hard worker! I have had the pleasure of working with him several times throughout his illustrious career. He has accomplished a lot of great improvements in the organization together throughout the years and I have always thoroughly enjoyed working with him and have been proud to call him a friend! May Nick and Marcia both enjoy health, happiness, and a long retirement together! Hope to see you both again down the road!
Hi Bryan – thank you so much for your note. I owe a considerable amount of my early success to you and those discussion we had back in 1997-1998 in Dallas. When my one-year commitment was up – I was planning to head back to NJ. You saw something in me and helped mold me into a leader and encouraged me to stay and pursue a career with AAFES. You spent hours each week coaching me – and they were efforts – trying to change my Jersey ways. 24 years after working for you we always keep in touch – that’s the definition of a true friend. I was glad to see you and finally meet your dad that I heard so much about in January. Your dad was a great guy who passed too early in life. We will keep in touch as we have and I look forward to seeing you in TX or on one of your adventures. Stay safe, Bryan!
Thank you Nick for not just the mentorship, but friendship, ever since we met at the HQ building way back when. lol. You have been an asset through knowledge and experience, that The Exchange will certainly miss. Godspeed my friend and I will definitely come down and visit.
Hi Charles – thank you so much for your note and well wishes. You along with so many other drivers are the reason the fleet positions I held were highlights of my career. Many don’t understand the challenges and sacrifices you all make each day to take care of our military families. I remember your LMA class and the great suggestions for improvements you recommended – I was impressed with you – little did I know I would be part of the fleet team in years to come. That initial LMA meeting was what formed our bond which 12 years later is still strong. I appreciate that you held your trust in me and even if we disagreed about something – we were able to move through those situations. Few are as well respected as you – the passion you have makes the difference. Let me know when you are heading down my way and we can meet for lunch. I know we will always keep in touch and I value your friendship!
I feel blessed to have known the both of you, Nick in particular as he hired me into the Logistics family nearly 25 years ago. God Bless and GOD Speed to you both as you transition to your retirement life and the rest of your journey on this earth. I hope this is not a goodbye but see you soon. With Love – Dianna
Hi Dianna – thank you so much for your note. Wow – it’s hard to believe it’s been 25 years – where does time go? All through the years I was so proud of you as you were promoted through the ranks. I know moving from the LG family was difficult – but was glad you found a new niche and you have helped me tremendously in keeping our four PAC DCs stocked though some of the most difficult supply chain challenges we have encountered in our lifetimes.
Thank you for your hospitality and friendship over the years and we look forward to getting together on the other side of the fence in Florida or Texas.
Also – congratulations on your upcoming retirement. We are honored to share the same retirement date with you. You’ve worked hard and now it’s time to enjoy the second chapter of life. Wishing you the best of health and happiness in your retirement and see you soon!
Friday 25 August 2023
Hello Nick and Marcia,
I wish both of you a well deserved happy retirement. I have fond memories of both of you first at the old Oakland Distribution Center and later at West Coast Distribution Center. Both of you have had amazing careers. Nick, I have fond memories of your cheesecake that you would make for the potlucks. It is the bestcheese cake that I have eaten.
A little memory I share with you, Nick. Having always lived in Oakland, I was undecided for a long time about whether I wanted to make transfer to West Coast. One day while still at ODC you and I happened to be walking out together to the parking lot, and you said to me “We need good people at the new DC”. That comment from you made me decide to relocate to West Coast DC. THANK YOU.
I now have 36 years with AAFES. I am still in the scanner room. I will be 76 years old on 09 September. I have no current plans to retire. I would miss coming here. I bought a house in Manteca, Del Webb 55 and older in 2008. There are 1,400 homes there. Peter and Ella Catineau also live there. When he retired in Virginia they moved back here. I am 5 minutes driving to AAFES. I sold the family home in Oakland in 2021. Mr. Tibadeau stopped by the scanner room on Tuesday to say hello. Not many of us left from Oakland. I would have liked to have seen both of you. Again, congratulations on your retirement. It has been my pleasure to know you.
Sincerely,
Garth Porter
Hi Garth – thank you so much for your note. You are the first guy I always want to see when I come to the West Coast DC. I remember that conversation we had in Oakland and I’m glad you took my advice. The WCDC will always be near and dear to Marcia and me – that was our first DC start-up – and we formed a bond with those folks. You were an integral part of the success of that DC – you controlled the accountability of those scanners like no one else could. I was so glad you joined our team. I can’t believe you are 76 – you look amazing and you always take such good care of yourself.
I know you are probably one of the last of the Oakland DC folks since it closed in 2001 and I will send you our contact details so we can keep in touch. Please give our best regards to Peter and Ella and we will stop by and see you on our next trip to CA.
Monday 28 August 2023
Hi Nick,
I sent you a reply on your AAFES E-MAIL earlier today. I then read the automatic reply stating that your AAFES E-MAIL will be deleted after Thursday 31 August 2023.
First of all thank you for the compliment about my job in the scanner room. You made my day. Compliments here are sometimes few and far between. I would very much enjoy seeing you and Marcia. I would enjoy treating you both out to dinner. If you would enjoy seeing Peter and Ella Catineau and any of The West Coast associates that are still there they are also welcome to join us for dinner.
Nick, thank you again for your prompt reply. I remember both You and Marcia very well. of the 2 of you I had a much closer relationship with you. I have read all of the comments that people have written to both of you. In all of my years at AAFES I have never read as many nice compliments and memories from people you have known through the years. I look forward to seeing you and Marcia. I will be thinking of you both on Thursday as you retire.
Sincerely,
Garth
Congratulations to you both Nick and Marcia on your retirement! It has been an honor to work with both of you and I wish both of you all the best and much happiness in the future. God Bless, Sheryl Rico
Hi Sheryl – thank you so much for your note. I’ve enjoyed working with you for the last three decades and Marcia and I look forward to sharing the same retirement date with you.
Thank you so much for always keeping in touch over the last four years we’ve been in Korea. You are the definition of a great friend! I could always count on you to call to check up on us to see how we were doing during the pandemic.
You are a force to be recon with regarding your analytics skills – helping us navigate the fleet to significant improvements in efficiency.
Friends like you are difficult to find – and Marcia and I look forward to our continued friendship with you when we retire. Hope to see you in Florida when we get settled, Sheryl!
Nick and Marcia,
Thank you for the support. You both have been an example of how to navigate the challenges that come with being a mobile manager and what that means to the family, specifically your spouse. Much like what our service members and their families go through. It took the DoD a while to put in place the veterans and spouse hiring preference because it is so difficult to have to keep starting over. It isn’t great that our spouses don’t qualify for that category in the hiring process at least not that I have found on USA jobs. As the manager that moves us around it is hard to look at your spouse and to ask are you good if we make this move. Nick while an exceptional manager is better because of the support of Marcia all these years and the Exchange has been better because she has been successful at adapting to all the situations. You made the transition to Korea for my husband and I so much easier. Thank you. Enjoy your next adventure together. Turly a blessing that you get the opportunity to do this together.
Jessie
Hi Jessica – thank you so much for your note. You are correct – PCSing for mobile managers is not easy and Marcia had some considerable challenges that we wanted to highlight as we leave. We were most fortunate – understand many are not as fortunate as we’ve been. I wish something could be done but I do understand the challenges from a corporate perspective. That’s why we need – the PCSing managers – really need to pull together to take care of each other. Marcia has been in so many different career cones that she knew little about – but was given the opportunity and was always successful and rebounded.
Cris is one of the many folks that I’ve meet over my career that has joined our team and adapted exceptionally to a completely different environment. Most of the positions we have can be learned and while experience is good – I always look for the right attitude and initiative and Cris has both along with the understanding of working as the only US person in a LN workforce. If Cris didn’t apply for the position – we would have settled for mediocre at best.
I hope Cris is successful in finding a position in your next assignment – I know as we climb the ladder – it becomes more of a challenge for our spouses. I hope someone gives him an opportunity – he is adaptable and will do amazing no matter what role he takes.
Take care and please keep in touch!
Nick and Marcia,
Wishing you all the best in your new adventures. I hope to catch up with you both in your retirement. Nick, it’s has an honor working with you as a Motor Vehicle Operator at the Dan Daniels Distribution Center in Newport News, Virginia. The fleet hasn’t been the same since you left and we can only hope that the new leadership see how valuable the fleet is and starts to rebuild it as you and your team did. Thank you for everything you have done.
Hi Tom – thank you so much for your note and well wishes. While one of the most challenging – the fleet positions were by far the best positions I have held outside of deployment.
I’ve always had a special passion for the sacrifices of truck drivers – many don’t realize how challenging of a position you guys have.
I remember our first conversation shortly after joining the team. We may have disagreed about situations – but we were always able to get past the disagreements and we were always able to walk away with respect for each other.
Thank you for always looking out for our drivers and some great recommendations. Of all drivers – I know we spoke the most and you were a great help to Billy when he took over the fleet safety role.
We are excited to come back to the US and I know we will be on your path to some of the southern routes – so I look forward to catching you for a coffee at a truck stop and chatting non-AAFES things with you. You are a wealth of knowledge and I’ve had some of the best conversations with you! Take care of yourself and please stay safe on the road!
Congratulations – Nick and Marcia, I am so lucky person. Because I could have chances of working with you. I and all Okinawa DC associates are appreciating your help, support and having been leading us to the RIGHT DIRECTION to resolve the problems, to reach to the successfully goals of our missions always. Your words and educations are real “jewels” for developing my carrier in AAFES and operation of Okinawa Distribution Center.
Wishing best wishes!
PS: Please do not forget set up a KARAOKE SYSTEM in the new house in FL. Let us have the “Karaoke Party” in the future. I will bring Okinawan sake (awamori) at that time.
Hi Gushiken – thank you so much for your note! It was an absolute privilege to work with you not once – but twice in my career 2004-2008 and 2019-2023.
I learned so much from you over the years and we had such great times. I remember all the laughs we had about me having to “fire you” each day to get you to go home. You have an amazing level of dedication that is hard to find and when you finally decide to retire – you will be missed. You know when someone is amazing when you hear their name from so many people. I felt like I was meeting a rock star when I first met you in 2004. Then when we went to Kentos for Karaoke in Naha – I realized you were a real rock star.
Thank you for all you did over the last year to run the Okinawa DC and take of our team while Lewis deployed – you once again did amazing.
I wish I was able to make my way there to see you earlier this year – but I promised Marcia we would visit there once we get settled. Likewise – I really look forward to you coming to Florida and visiting us one of these days. You are a special friend – I know we will always keep in touch and I am grateful to have been on your team twice!
See you soon!
Congratulations – Nick and Marcia,
We (Okinawa DC team members and I) really appreciate your help, support and always leading us to the right direction to resolve issues and to find answers to get through the tough times.
Your advice and words are jewels for me to be piling up my carrier in AAFES.
We all wish best for you and your family.
PS: Please do not forget to set up a Karaoke System in the new house in FL. Let us have”karaoke party” in the future, and I will bring up Okinawan sake (awamori) at that time. Thanks,
Nick and Marcia!
Happy Retirement and Congratulations on the new adventure at the same time!
It was a wonderful time to work with you and I remembered you started picking on me, it brought a lot of laugh and made us happy. We had been through many events during work, you always motivated me and it made me developed. Your meeting is always the best I’ve ever heard of!
Thanks for your dedication and consideration on me and my family as always!
Hi Ms Sin – thank you for the note and well wishes! When I first met you – I could see your passion for perfection.
The move to this new DC, working with the contractor to fix problems and deficiencies, the Grand Opening which you planned exceptionally. Then taking over the Facility Manager position from Sung. Regardless of what project you are working on – you always complete it with on schedule and with the utmost of detail.
The team is so fortunate that you are here and taking care of the building and ensuring the folks are safe each day. Thank you for taking care of our team and everything you do. I wish you the utmost of success in your future.
The memories of four years with Nick in Korea are unforgettable. There were many things that Nick taught me, and he also made me realize that there is a reason behind every action. I also want to express my gratitude to Marcia for being a good friend and colleague.
Wishing you all the best in your new adventures
Hi Kay – thank you for the note and well wishes! Over the last four years – you have overcome ridiculous challenges such as running the Asan warehouse, getting the new DC labeled and prepared for JDA, teaching our folks about JDA, and then implementing it successfully and ahead of schedule.
Those were no easy tasks but you took everything with stride and always had a plan. Thank you for the amazing memories of the team here and all the great accomplishments through one of the most challenging times with COVID.
Also – thank you for always navigating me here in Korea – which is at times difficult for an outsider to get around. I’m sure we will see you in Dallas at some point when we visit. Keep in touch and all the best to you always!
Nick and Marcia,
I hope this message finds you both in high spirits and enjoying the soon, well-deserved bliss of retirement! I wanted to take a moment to extend my warmest congratulations on this new chapter of your lives.
As I reflect on your retirement, I can’t help but feel an immense sense of gratitude for the friendship, leadership, and mentoring you both have provided me throughout our time working together. Your impact on my life and career has been truly remarkable, and I want to express my heartfelt appreciation for everything you have done.
Your guidance and support have not only helped shape my professional growth but have also made a lasting impression on me personally. The way you’ve mentored and believed in me has given me the confidence to tackle challenges head-on and strive for excellence. Your leadership style, filled with empathy, wisdom, and creativity, has been an inspiration to me and many others.
Beyond the professional realm, our working relationship has transformed into a genuine friendship. The working moments we’ve shared, are memories I will cherish forever. Your kindness, generosity, and willingness to lend a helping hand have created a welcoming and inclusive environment that has made work feel like a second home.
As you embark on this new journey of retirement, I am confident that the impact you’ve had on countless lives will continue to be felt. Your legacy will live on through the individuals you’ve influenced and the positive change you’ve brought about. I am truly honored to have had the privilege of working alongside you both and benefiting from your wisdom and guidance.
Once again, congratulations on your retirement! May this new chapter bring you endless joy, relaxation, and fulfillment. Please know that I am always here to support you in any way I can, just as you have supported me throughout the years.
With sincerest appreciation.
Hi, my boss Nick and my friend Marcia,
Congratulations on your Retirement!!
Marcia, thank you for being nice to me and I’ll remember your warm heart and your pretty smile.
You were like my old Korean friend, and we got along pretty well from the beginning in the Finance & Accounting team.
Nick, thank you for all the excellent speech and guidance at the meetings. It has been an honor to work with you.
You two were an amazing couple and I was lucky to know both of you.
I promise that Nick and Marcia will always be remembered in my heart and wish you both all the best. Please stay healthy and keep in touch!
Congratulations and Happy Retirement Mr. Nick and Ms. Marcia!!! I am so fortunate to have met both of you. Beautiful couple, inside and out.
Mr. Nick, I remember the first time you visited JADC in 2019, I thought you are hard to worked with and looks very strict. But it’s the other way around, you are so easy to work with as long as we are doing the right thing. You have always led with respect. Thanks so much for guiding me both professionally and personally, for listening to my concern and make me feel heard and your confidence in me is my biggest motivator. I am so grateful for all your support, even for my Family, you even helped my daughter and Family to start their life in Korea, I do appreciate your generosity. Words aren’t enough. thanks for your kindness and good heart, and for treating me like your Family.
I cannot forget how many times you have fired me but the good thing is you hired me the next day:) I will miss you calling and Team messages, you always care, no matter how busy you are, you are always there whenever I need to talk to you, I will not forget you. Never ending thanks!!!
I wish you and Ms. Marcia all the best on your retirement, good health and happy life forever, which you both deserved. It’s not goodbye, I will see you both again!!! May God Bless and Protect You Both Always!!!
Hi Nick:Congratulations to you and Marcia. Your contributions to Mother AAFES are immeasurable! From ATC and throughout the world you two have been there for AAFES. Now it’s time for you two to enjoy the fruits of your labor!
Best!
Jerry Johnston
Congratulations Marci!! Wishing you and Nick all the best in the next chapter of your story. Hats off to one of the best EA’s ever!! It was a pleasure serving with you!
Take care,
Cherilicia Harris