Exchanges Worldwide Salute Heroes With Special Coins on Veterans Day
For the fifth consecutive year, Exchanges worldwide honored those who have served with a challenge coin giveaway on Veterans Day. The coins feature an eagle on one side and emblems for all six military branches on the other.
In a united sign of appreciation for their sacrifice, Veterans were eligible to receive coins at all military exchanges.
“The Exchange is privileged to honor Veterans every day, but the Veterans Day coinings are extra special as some did not get the homecoming their distinguished service deserved,” said Chief Master Sgt. Rich Martinez, Exchange senior enlisted advisor.
Exchange Europe leaders with U.S. Air Force service members that received Veterans Day commemorative coins during a coining event held at the Kaiserslautern Military Community Center Exchange. From left: SGM Ashley Ikegwuono, Senior Airman Todd Karim, Tech Sgt. Alexander Walther, Senior Airman Alexandro Ochoa, Tech. Sgt. Stacy Dillon, and Col Bud Lacroix. (U.S. Army photo by Master Sgt. Caleb Barrieau)
Among the Veterans honored was Sgt. Bill Branham, an 87-year-old retired Air Force technical sergeant who served multiple tours in Vietnam.
“This means everything to me coming from the AAFES folks,” Branham said during a ceremony at Ramstein Air Base in Germany. “I love the Exchange and receiving coins like this means a lot to me, It will be put in my shrunk for display with all my other ones. God bless America.” (In Germany, a shrunk is a large piece of furniture that’s often used as a dresser and display case.)
Retired Army Sgt. 1st Class Johnnie Woods, a Vietnam Veteran who also attended the Ramstein commemoration also appreciated the Exchange’s celebration of service.
“This means a lot to me and others to receive a little bit of recognition,” Woods said. “Events like these provide an opportunity in real life for real people to look at you and shake your hand while thanking you for your service.”
Retired Army Sgt. 1st Class Johnnie Woods, a Vietnam Veteran, talks with Sgt. Maj. Ashley Ikegwuono, Exchange Europe/Southwest Asia/Africa senior enlisted advisor, at a coining event at the KMCC Exchange.
At the Fort Lewis Exchange at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, retired Army Spec. 4 Benny Cruz, a Vietnam Veteran, said that receiving the coin was about more than his own service.
“It is an honor to get this coin every year,” Cruz said. “The coin represents my service to my country and honors my brother and my family.” Cruz has two daughters and a son who are serving in the military.
Retired Army Spec. 4 Benny Cruz, a Vietnam Veteran, received his coin at the Fort Lewis Exchange. Cruz said that the coin honored not just him but his brother, as well as three adult children who are currently serving in the military.
Alexandro Ochoa, U.S. Air Force Senior Airman, Security Forces 86th Airlift Wing, summed up the day at Ramstein: “It feels great to be part of the 1% that serves,” Ochoa said, “and to be part of the greater community that cares enough to provide recognition of our service through events like this.”
Col. Everett “Bud” Lacroix, Exchange commander for Europe/Southwest Asia/Africa Region, said it was a profound honor to recognize the Veterans—including those who are part of Team Exchange.
“They are heroes who have served our nation with the dedication and integrity,” LaCroix said. “This Veterans Day marked my first with the Exchange, and it was an unforgettable experience to honor both the Veterans in our community and those who continue their commitment as Exchange associates. Our Veteran team members inspire us every day, embodying a spirit of service that strengthens the very heart of our mission.”
MSG Caleb Barrieau contributed to this report.
Show us your celebration!
Send us your photos of your store’s challenge coin giveaway for a special Flickr album. Please send high-res jpegs as attachments (not in the body of the email) to exchangepost@aafes.com and socialmedia@aafes.com.
You can view the photos that are already in the album here.
