SSG Mark Kauffman

125 Years of Family Serving Family – Sachie Yoshimoto, Camp Foster

By SSG Mark Kauffman / December 9, 2020 /

Throughout her career, the Exchange has given Sachie Yoshimoto more opportunities for professional growth than she expected.

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Camp Walker Express Associate Leads by the Golden Rule

By SSG Mark Kauffman / November 3, 2020 /

At Camp Walker’s Express, Ms. Song, Yong-chi is known for wearing a smile and bringing a helpful attitude. Ms. Song was recognized Oct. 16 for her outstanding customer service and professionalism by Korea Southern Exchange General Manager William Ripley and Joseph Lee, 19th Expeditionary Sustainment Command’s community relations director. “I wanted to take a moment…

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Lester Joins Army & Air Force Exchange Service as Food Safety Officer

By SSG Mark Kauffman / October 20, 2020 /

The Army and Air Force Exchange Service’s Pacific Region Headquarters is welcoming Chief Warrant Officer 3 Leanna Lester as its first ever food safety officer.

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Exchange’s Yokota Bakery Makes 8-Year-Old’s Birthday Wish Come True

By SSG Mark Kauffman / October 1, 2020 /

Birthdays aren’t complete without a treat to share—and the Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s bakery at Yokota Air Base recently came to the rescue to make an 8-year-old’s special day extra sweet. Maj. Alan Morford, 730th Air Mobility Squadron’s director of operations, and his family’s recent move to Yokota Air Base—their first overseas duty…

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Marine Alters His Routine … And Takes Home a $10,000 Exchange Shopping Spree

By SSG Mark Kauffman / September 16, 2020 /

The daily routines for Marines stationed at Camp Kinser have changed because of the impacts of COVID-19 across Okinawa. For precautionary measures, gyms and other non-mission essential facilities on Camp Kinser have been closed to minimize the spread of the virus and for Master Sgt. Jacob Hayes, a communications chief for the 3rd Supply Battalion,…

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An Anniversary to Remember ‘For the Rest of Our Lives’: Kadena Family Wins $10,000 Exchange Shopping Spree

By SSG Mark Kauffman / September 16, 2020 /

Shauna Federico and her husband, Jason, celebrated their 14th wedding anniversary family style by playing golf at Banyan Tree Golf Course on Kadena Air Base with their son Bryce, 12. They stopped at Subway located in the Kadena Air Base Olympic mini-mall to get a bite to eat before teeing off. She received a welcome…

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125 Years of Family Serving Family – Nick Cucinello, Camp Zama

By SSG Mark Kauffman / September 3, 2020 /

One in a series honoring the Exchange’s 125 years of family serving family From the day he was born at Travis Air Force Base, Nick Cucinello has spent his life surrounded by service members. His father retired from the Air Force after serving more than 25 years on active duty. As a child, one of…

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Two Marines from Same Unit Win $10K Exchange Shopping Spree

By SSG Mark Kauffman / August 18, 2020 /

KADENA AIR BASE — Cpl. “Paul” In B. Lee, a safety equipment technician, and Sgt. Jacob Myers, an airframe mechanic, are far away from home while being attached to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. Their normal duty assignment is with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron-463 on Marine Corps Base Hawaii in Kaneohe Bay. In the three…

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125 Years of Family Serving Family – Frederick R. Crowther, Loss Prevention Manager II

By SSG Mark Kauffman / August 10, 2020 /

One in a series honoring the Exchange’s 125 years of family serving family For Frederick R. Crowther, the tragedy of losing his mother ultimately led him to finding his passion. After his mother was killed by a drunk driver when he was just 11, Crowther ended up living with his eldest brother, David, who was…

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Exchange Welcomes New Pacific Senior Enlisted Advisor

By SSG Mark Kauffman / August 4, 2020 /

OKINAWA, Japan — The Army & Air Force Exchange Service recently welcomed Army Sgt. Maj. Wayne Crudup, who took over the duties as the Pacific Region’s senior enlisted advisor. As the senior enlisted advisor, Crudup is the focal point for communication between Exchange leadership and service members, their families and retirees. “I’m excited to start…

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