Ten Associates Earn Recognition in 2023 Public Affairs Representative Program

Start spreadin’ the news: Ten associates were named winners of the 2023 Public Affairs Representative (PAR) program.

Associates serving as PARs at each installation work all year long to share Exchange relevancy messaging with their community. PARs also monitor their installation’s news channels and social media pages for Exchange mentions, which they then share with HQ Public Affairs, providing valuable insight into the reach and effectiveness of Exchange communications.

Travis AFB Secretary Ai Vy Tran won PAR of the Year, and Maxwell AFB/Fort Novosel Visual Merchandise Manager Susie Antonello won Brand Representative of the Year. Each earned a $1,000 Exchange gift card, a note from Director/CEO Tom Shull and Shull’s challenge coin.

Public Affairs Representative of the Year Ai Vy Tran, a secretary at the Travis Air Force Base Exchange, with Travis General Manager Cathie Byrns. Tran earned a $1,000 Exchange gift card, a note from Director/CEO Tom Shull and Shull’s challenge coin.

“The PAR program is vital in letting our military communities know about the many ways their Exchange benefit works for them,” said Sandi Lute, senior vice president, marketing customer engagement. “Our PARs ensure the Exchange story is resonating authentically in their local communities.”

PARs submitted more than 7,300 reports in 2023, underscoring the importance of the PAR program in sharing Exchange news in local channels.

Tran was appointed PAR by her GM a few months after she began working at the Travis AFB Exchange four years ago. At first, she just fulfilled the duties because it was a task assigned to her, and she always tries her best.

“Over time, I realized that I really enjoy it,” said Tran, who has a younger brother who serves in the Army. “It’s really important. The Exchange offers so many great benefits; it’s my honor to bring that information to the Travis community.”

PAR of the Year winners include:

• Second place: Kathy Kuhlman (Wright-Patterson AFB)
• Third place: Chris Litch (USAG Bavaria)
• Honorable mention: Vincent Lesesne (Yokota AB)
• Honorable mention: Liz Huntington (Fort Drum)

While PAR of the Year submissions track shared coverage of information generated from HQ Public Affairs, the Brand of the Year contest is for coverage of information not generated by HQ PA.

Antonello has worked for the Exchange for three decades and volunteered to be the PAR more than 15 years ago. She has found success in building her networks both on-post and off.

“We have a lot of retirees in the area, so I connect with social media pages for the larger community and not just Fort Novosel pages,” said Antonello. “I love promoting the Exchange and putting our best foot forward.”

Other Brand Representatives of the Year include:

• Second place: Chris Litch (USAG Bavaria)
• Third place: Kathy Kuhlman (Wright-Patterson AFB)
• Honorable mention: Alex Dewberry (Fort Liberty)
• Honorable mention: Vincent Lesesne (Yokota AB)
• Honorable mention: Corran Stockstill (Hill AFB)

Two additional prizes were awarded:

• Rookie of the Year: Alana Willis (Fort Campbell)
• Most Improved PAR: Victor Smith (Fort Bliss)

Each winner received an Exchange gift card, a personal note of thanks from Mr. Shull and a Director/CEO coin.

“We couldn’t get our messaging out to our shoppers without the help of our PARs,” Lute said. “They do outstanding work that makes a difference for service members, families, retirees Veterans and all our shoppers.”