Exchange HEROES Group Hosts National Poppy Day Remembrance Event

The Exchange’s HEROES special emphasis program hosted a remembrance event at HQ on May 23 in honor of National Poppy Day (May 24).

Chief Administrative Officer Tom Lozier joined HEROES Executive Champion Brad Nisbett, vice president, Corporate Policy, along with Program Managers Joseph Todd (vice president, Credit Operations) and Shalandrea Smith (Corporate Policy compliance specialist) as the HEROES and EEODI teams distributed free red poppies to associates.

Printed copies of Canadian Lt. Col. John McRae’s poem “In Flanders Fields” were also handed out. Inspired by the poem, poppies were first used near the end of World War I to commemorate British and U.S. military casualties of the war.

In its fifth year, the observance of National Poppy Day at the Exchange recognizes associates who have served and honors all who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their Nation. Poppy Day is celebrated in countries around the world, with the last Friday before Memorial Day marking the event in the U.S., coordinated by the American Legion.

“The HEROES program is honored to host this event and extend gratitude to Exchange Veterans and their families worldwide,” Nisbett said. “Raising awareness of the sacrifices that our Nation’s bravest have made as we approach Memorial Day weekend is very special.”

The HEROES program recognizes the contributions and sacrifices of Exchange associates and retirees who are Veterans, their spouses and family members. Veterans, military spouses and dependents represent 45% of the Exchange’s workforce, with more than 80% of all associates connected to the military.

Associates can honor Veterans year-round with the HEROES, one of the Exchange’s Equal Employment Opportunity Diversity & Inclusion special emphasis programs. Visit the HEROES portal page to join and learn more about upcoming events.

From left: Lenora Lindsey, Real Estate business systems specialist; Brian Lautieri, senior talent manager; Brian Newman, restaurant program specialist; Joseph Todd, vice president, Credit Operations; Anna Jeffries, associate EEODI officer; Arian Diggs, contract specialist; Merisa Trevino, EEODI & AE specialist; Brad Nisbett, vice president, Corporate Policy; Shalandrea Smith, Corporate Policy compliance specialist; Roger Hugh, audit project manager; Capt. Marquis Clark, transportation officer; Paul Gumbert; Tom Lozier, chief administrative officer; Denise Gumbert, former vice president, Services, Health, Wellness and Telecom; Roque Moreira, EEODI & Affirmative Employment manager.