From the Military Clothing Conference: Meet Three Expert Associates

Military Clothing store managers Donita Nobles, Julia Suan and Tonya Yancey are experts in their field, making sure Warfighters and retirees have the uniforms and insignia they need to look their best.

At the Military Clothing conference, these three experts are sharing their knowledge with new MCS managers and associates through workshops and training.

They also are prepping Military Clothing associates for the rollout of the Army Green Service Uniform.

Donita Nobles
Fort Benning, Ga.

17 – years she’s managed the Military Clothing Store at Fort Benning

35 – years she’s worked in Military Clothing stores for Exchanges in Germany, Fort McClellan, Fort Hood, Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base, Bosnia and Hungary

38 – years she’s worked with the Exchange

 “My favorite parts of my job are working closely with my MCS sister stores, developing great bonds with our customers and meeting their needs so they can accomplish their mission,” Nobles said.

“My motto is: “Teamwork . . . makes the dream work.”

Nobles’ tips for success:

1. 1. Remember that the uniforms your customers are buying mean much more to them emotionally than any other product they could buy from the Exchange.
   2. Get to know MCS managers and associates in other stores who can help you get items you may not have in stock.
   3. Work with your teammates in your MCS, alternations and concessions so shoppers have everything they need.
   4. Understand the Army and Air Force regulations on uniforms.

Julia Suan
Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland

5 – years she has managed the MCS store at JB San Antonio-Lackland

5 – years of Military Clothing experience

35 – years she’s worked at the Exchange, mostly in finance and accounting.

“In the MCS, we help our troops and Veterans ‘get dressed,’” Suan said. “Everyone likes to look good when going out, and this is especially true of our military and Veterans. Helping customers navigate directives and regulations correctly so they present the best possible images while in uniform is very rewarding.

“We interacted with customers from brand-new Airmen and junior officers to seasoned senior enlisted and officers, and help them select appropriate items, from ribbons and decorations for dress uniforms to footwear and cold weather protective garments. We make sure all our military look their best.”

Suan’s tips for success:

1. 1. Provide friendly service with a smile.
   2. Know the applicable directives and regulations for uniform wear. Many customers don’t wear their dress uniforms that often and aren’t always familiar with the correct wear and appropriate badges and decorations.
   3. Take time to help customers select the right items

Tonya Yancey
Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, Texas

2.5 – years as manager at Fort Sam Houston’s MCS

2.5 – years of experience in Military Clothing.

8 – years with the Exchange

“I have worked in a main store, Class VI and Express, but working at MCS helped me to connect the mission of the Exchange and the mission of the service members with what I do daily,” Yancey said. “I am honored to assist active-duty service members, retirees, Wounded Warriors and Veterans with the most sacred part of their military careers: their military uniforms.

“Every day at the MCS is rewarding, but if I had to choose one thing that is most rewarding personally is helping family members set up uniforms, awards and shadow boxes for memorial services for Veterans who have passed.”

Yancey’s tips for success:

1. 1. Learn what is unique about each branch of service, what is required of each of their uniforms, and know their traditions.
   2. Greet, listen, suggest and say “Thanks.”
   3. Learn from customers and co-workers.
   4. Forge and maintain relationships with customers, including commanders at your installations.
   5. Develop relationships with other Military Clothing stores