Exchange Welcomes New Commander for Europe, Southwest Asia, Africa

The Exchange recently welcomed Army Col. Everett “Bud” Lacroix as the commander of its Europe/Southwest Asia/Africa Region.

As the region’s commander, Lacroix is responsible for about 4,300 associates in more than 25 countries across three continents and 1,400 facilities, which support half a million customers.

“Although my tenure with the Exchange has just begun, my favorite aspect so far is the opportunity to meet exceptional people and serve as an ambassador for both the Exchange and the military community,” Lacroix said. “I look forward to fostering strong relationships, enhancing communication and promoting mutual support to ensure the military community’s Exchange benefit is working to enhance their quality of life and mission readiness.”

Lacroix has served in the military for more than 32 years. He served for six years in the Marine Corps before joining the Missouri National Guard from 1998 to 2001 while he attended college. He was commissioned in the Army as a second lieutenant in 2001, serving as a logistics officer.

“As a logistics officer, I ensured our troops had the necessary supplies and services to perform their missions efficiently,” Lacroix said. “My new role with the Exchange requires strategic planning, resource management and a deep understanding of operational logistics. I hope to bring my experience to these challenges.”

Lacroix has long been an advocate for the Exchange and was part of bringing the first PX to Balad, Iraq, in 2003 during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He also helped lay the groundwork for opening the Exchange’s Reel Time Theater in Balad, an experience he found incredibly rewarding.

Lacroix hopes to visit many Exchange locations throughout his region, including austere and remote Exchanges. Building strong relationships with commanders throughout the Europe/SWA/Africa region is a top focus for him.

“I know full well how far-reaching the Exchange benefit is for service members, but I also know firsthand the opportunities it provides for military families, which are just as important,” Lacroix said. “Both of my young adult children have worked or are currently working for Exchange concessionaires.”

Already Lacroix has seen the camaraderie among Team Exchange.

“Although I have been on the job for a short time, I can see the spirit of mutual support and dedication that runs through the Exchange community as it does the military,” he said. “This reflects the commitment to looking after each other, providing comfort and enhancing the living conditions of our service members and their families.

“Like the Exchange’s ethos of family serving family, it is about more than just providing services; it’s about building a community that cares and supports each other like a family, no matter where we are in the world.”