‘This has hands-down been the greatest experience.’
In 2023, the Exchange welcomed Sgt. Maj. Jason A. Urquhart as its senior enlisted advisor for the Europe/Africa/Southwest Asia region. With a career spanning 27 years, Urquhart has brought a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to serving the military community, and will be missed as he prepares to move on to his next assignment.
Though only with the Exchange a short time, Urquhart has served as a key liaison between Exchange leadership and local commands, a role he quickly immersed himself in.
From the Outside Looking In
“As a young soldier, I looked at the Exchange as a regular retail store,” Urquhart said. “When I got my first DPP card [Deferred Payment Program, the predecessor to the MILITARY STAR® card], I appreciated having the store credit to purchase things right away and not being charged a great deal in credit card APR.”
During his multiple combat deployments, seeing Exchange trailers set up in austere remote locations was a source of comfort to Urquhart and allowed him to gain an even greater appreciation and understanding of the organization.
Seeing the Bigger Picture
“Stepping into the role of senior enlisted advisor for the Exchange in Europe, Africa and Southwest Asia regions was like diving into uncharted waters,” Urquhart said. “Despite being a seasoned Soldier, I had much to learn about the Exchange beyond its retail aspect, such as its crucial role in supporting military community programs through revenue contributions.”
During his tenure at the Exchange, Urquhart gained a profound understanding of the organization that surpassed his initial perception.
“The real eye-opener was learning how many lines of effort the Exchange mission supports,” Urquhart reflected. One standout initiative he highlighted was the school meal program, which ensures children in overseas DoDEA schools receive nutritious meals adhering to USDA guidelines, mirroring standards back home.
A favorite part of the job for Urquhart was taking part in community initiatives that celebrate outstanding performances by service members and their families and offer them well-deserved recognition and Exchange gift cards.
“As a senior NCO, I found great satisfaction in programs like Recognizing Excellence and You Made the Grade,” Urquhart emphasized. “These were morale-boosting gestures that resonated deeply with the military community.”
Summiting the Mountain
For Urquhart, being able to explain the Exchange’s operation complexities to command teams across the Army and Air Force began with educating himself.
“Before you can solve any problem, you must understand what that problem is,” he said, highlighting the hurdle of familiarizing non-logisticians with the nuances of the Exchange’s retail supply system. “Having the opportunity to get a sneak peek behind the curtain, I realized the importance of these practices, even if they may not always be transparent to the end user.”
With 129 years of service, the Exchange has continually evolved in its approach to retail and services. Urquhart believes that ongoing analysis and innovation have helped the Exchange “crack the code” on optimizing efficiency while maintaining a customer-focused approach.
Moving on to the Next Challenge
During his tenure at the Exchange, Urquhart found profound significance in the organization’s mission and its impact on military communities worldwide.
“My biggest takeaway from this experience is just how important this mission is to service members and families,” Urquhart said. “It’s not just about retail. It’s about supporting our troops in ways that go beyond the battlefield—providing essential services and enhancing Quality of Life wherever they serve.”
As Urquhart prepares for his next role as the Command Sgt. Maj of the 325th BSB, 25th Infantry Division at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii, he reflects on his time as senior enlisted advisor with gratitude.
“Of all the positions I’ve held, this has hands-down been the greatest experience,” Urquhart said. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for ‘green suiters’ to delve into a side of retail and service operations they wouldn’t normally see.
“This role offers a unique perspective and a chance to contribute to something larger than oneself. Despite the short duration, I deeply appreciate the chance to serve with the Exchange.”
