For many shoppers, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service is simply the place to grab lunch, pick up household essentials or grab a few things on post during the workday. For the employees who have spent decades behind the counters and in the stockrooms at the Exchange, it has become something much more. It’s a family.
That sense of loyalty was on full display as the Exchange celebrated the Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s 131st birthday while also marking National Hot Dog Day with free hot dogs, games and giveaways for customers on July 15. Employees grilled approximately 200 hot dogs during the lunchtime celebration, thanking customers for their continued support of the Exchange’s mission.
The Exchange traces its roots to July 25, 1895, when the War Department established the first post exchanges to provide affordable goods and services for Soldiers while improving quality of life on military installations. More than a century later, that mission continues at installations around the world, including Redstone Arsenal.
Perhaps the strongest testament to that mission is the people who choose to spend much of their careers there.
Between warehouse foremen Troy Jessie and Jasmine Martin, they have devoted 40 years to the Exchange, with Jessie serving 24 years and Martin 16. Their longevity represents a workplace culture that has kept generations of employees committed to serving the military community.
“It’s the family oriented atmosphere,” Jessie said. “You meet different people every day. I enjoy that customer interaction. You see people from different nationalities. It’s just one big family type environment. It motivates me to help customers and help people.”
Although much has changed on Redstone during his career, Jessie said the mission of serving customers has remained constant.
“When I first started, the installation was much more active,” he said. “There was a lot more training going on, so it was much busier.”
Jessie said today’s workforce includes more contractors than in years past, changing the character of the installation, but he said serving veterans, retirees and today’s workforce remains rewarding.
“The nature of the installation has changed,” Jessie said. “Back then there were a lot more Soldiers. It’s still a good place to work because you still have the veterans and retirees coming through.”
For Martin, who has balanced her Exchange career with service in the Alabama Army National Guard, the flexibility and sense of purpose have kept her at the Exchange since 2010.
“I like how easy it is to move between different jobs,” Martin said.
She joined the National Guard in February 2011, just months after beginning work at the Exchange, and she said the two careers have complemented one another throughout the past 16 years.
“It works very well together,” Martin said. “I’ve done both at the same time for about the same amount of time.”
Store Manager Chantel Scott said the commitment shared by longtime employees reflects the Exchange’s customer first philosophy.
Like her co-workers, Scott said the Exchange is a family-oriented workplace dedicated to supporting service members and their families. Supporting the military is also personal. Her husband previously served in the Army, and the couple met while he was stationed at Fort Rucker.
Scott said customer appreciation events such as the birthday celebration are one way to thank patrons for supporting the Exchange throughout the year. The lunchtime event featured games, giveaways and free hot dogs in recognition of National Hot Dog Day. Scott expected all 200 hot dogs to be snatched up before noon. Everyone in the Exchange parking lot was eating a hot dog, it seemed.
“As long as we’re building customer relationships, I’m happy,” Scott said. “That’s what it’s about. It’s about building relationships with our customers and showing them how much we appreciate them for continuing to support the Exchange.”
The Exchange’s 131st birthday celebration also reminded customers that while the Exchange has evolved over 131 years, its mission remains the same: serving those who serve.