JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
The senior enlisted advisor for the Army & Air Force Exchange Service visited Joint Base Charleston June 2-3.
During his visit, Chief Master Sgt. Tony Pearson toured Exchange facilities, met with Airmen and community members and talked about how the Exchange can better serve them, including updating its assortment of name-brand merchandise in store and online.
"One of the best parts of my job as senior enlisted advisor is connecting with Airmen in person to find out how the Exchange can serve them better," he said. "I'm excited to visit JB Charleston, and I want our Airmen to know our first duty is to serve them and their families."
Pearson is one of 54 active-duty service members assigned to the Exchange to carry out this mission. The Exchange also employs more than 38,000 civilian associates worldwide.
During his visit, Pearson met with JB Charleston shoppers and Exchange associates, answering questions about the Exchange. He discussed the importance of bringing more national brands to the JB Charleston Exchange.
"The Exchange wants to be the first choice for Airmen at JB Charleston, and we're bringing top brands to our shelves," Pearson said. "Think of the best brands -- well-known names such as Michael Kors, Under Armour, Samsung, Nike and more. Those are the types of names we want for the JB Charleston Exchange. Our shoppers deserve a first-class experience."
"Exchange prices on name brands are remarkably competitive," Pearson said. "And, we're always tax-free. This is a tremendous savings."
When shoppers buy from the Exchange, money goes back to supporting quality-of-life services on the installation, he said.
"The benefit is real," Pearson said. "For every dollar earned, historically 67 cents comes back to the military community from the dividend the Exchange generates on behalf of Air Force Services. Last year sales at the JB Charleston Exchange generated more than $450,000 on behalf of these quality-of-life programs. Our shoppers get the products they want and deserve, and their military community is better for it."
The Exchange is a joint nonappropriated fund instrumentality of the Department of Defense with a retail mission to provide quality products, services and food to service members, their families, Reserve and Guard members, plus military retirees. Exchange sales generate earnings to supplement Air Force Services.
For more information about the Exchange and Exchange programs, visit shopmyexchange.com
http://www.shopmyexchange.com.