On Dec. 3, the Lackland AFB Exchange held a special event for more than 3,000 basic military training recruits. The recruits, who are normally not allowed outside of their dorms when not training, bought, wrapped and sent gifts home in time for the holidays.
Just a week later, the Fort Sam Houston Exchange held an event for Advanced Individual Training (AIT) students, many of whom were about to travel home for the first time in months.
The Lackland AFB event made an impact on service members like 23-year-old Air Force trainee John Strader, who is spending his first holiday away from his wife and two children in Claremore, Okla. He was able to not only ship gifts home for the holidays, but also for his daughter’s third birthday.
“Training has been demanding, but it’s probably one of the best experiences I’ve had yet,” Strader said. “I’m away from my flight right now due to an injury, but if I make it I know it will be good for the family.”
Both stores opened at 6 a.m. – two-and-a-half hours earlier than normal. At Lackland AFB, the recruits were taken from the Exchange to the BMT Reception Center, where ROTC volunteers and Exchange associates helped them wrap and ship gifts home. At Fort Sam Houston, Exchange associates helped students wrap their presents in the Exchange mall.
“The Air Force is a big family, and part of that family is the Army & Air Force Exchange Service,” said Col. William D. Fischer, commander of the 737th Training Group. “We need to teach these recruits that no matter where they go or where they are stationed, great mission partners like the Exchange will be there to help make life better.”
Alison Clement, sales and merchandise manager for the Lackland AFB Exchange, said Exchange associates know what it’s like to not have loved ones home for the holidays. An Air Force spouse, Clement is an Air Force Spouse whose husband will be deploying to Qatar for one year.
“My husband was a military trainee instructor for four years,” she said. “That was our life. He worked 14-and 15-hour days, seven days a week, and he said that’s the best job he’s had in the Air Force. I love to support the mission and support my husband as well, so it’s very prideful for me to serve with the Exchange.”
John Burk, general manager of the Fort Sam Houston Exchange, said his store’s event was a great example of family serving family.
“A lot of happy troops got one of their first experiences with the Exchange on Saturday,” Burk said. “I overheard one of the students talking to her mom on the phone about all the prizes and the dance-offs. I know I would be one happy parent knowing that my kid was taken care of while they’re in AIT. It’s always an honor to serve these young service members as they launch their careers in the armed forces.”
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