Joint Base Andrews Visual Merchandiser Wins PRIDE Logo Contest

The first time’s the charm for Joint Base Andrews Exchange Visual Merchandiser Earl Carpenter III. In the first Exchange contest he’s ever participated in, he won special emphasis program PRIDE (Respecting Individuality, Diversity and Equality)’s logo contest.

Carpenter will receive a COO challenge coin and a Thanks Award of $250.

Carpenter, who has been with the Exchange for seven years and also works as a freelance graphic designer, decided to enter at his manager’s encouragement.

Carpenter chose to keep the new logo simple and incorporate the Exchange’s logo into the design. “It’s a striking logo and its instantly recognizable,” Carpenter said. “I wanted to incorporate that into the PRIDE logo because that community is part of our community and should be included as such.”

Emerging from behind the left side of the Exchange’s logo, a chevron created by Carpenter uses the colors of the Progress Pride flag – an evolution of the Pride flag that includes additional colors as a nod to transgender people, communities of color and those lost during the HIV/AIDS crisis.

“I wanted to symbolize the diverse set of employees, including members of the LGBT+ community, that make the Army & Air Force Exchange Service what it is,” Carpenter said.

Visibility was at the forefront of Carpenter’s mind when designing the logo. “I wanted to make sure the colors that represent the movement were visible because folks should be able to be visible and feel as if they can be visible,” Carpenter said.

Carpenter said to make sure he accurately represented the movement, he did his own research. He described his own creation process, however, as scattershot.

“It was a process of trial and error,” Carpenter said. “I started with the Exchange logo and looked at how I could break down, add to, and repurpose parts of it so I can incorporate Pride iconography.”

When Carpenter was notified his logo was selected, he said, he was surprised. It was the first contest he’s ever participated in. He submitted two logos and he said he was relieved when the one he liked was selected. “You get one that you really like, one you don’t like as much, and hope they choose the one you like the most,” Carpenter said. “They did, so it worked out!”

Carpenter said everyone’s work contributes to the service provided by the Exchange. “I appreciate what we do for the military,” Carpenter said. “In turn, I appreciate what the Pride community does for the Exchange. It takes all of us together to make the machine work.”

Carpenter encourages associates, regardless of their gender and sexual orientation, to participate in future PRIDE events, as well the upcoming logo contests to be held later in the fiscal year by ABLE, Nation’s Network, HEROES, BRIDGE and POWER.

If you are interested in joining a special emphasis program or want to know more about the Equal Employment Opportunity, Diversity and Inclusion Office, click here to visit the SharePoint portal.