COVID-19 Heroes: Fort Rucker Associates Honored for Protecting the Force
Associates at the Fort Rucker Exchange worked quickly to make stores safe for military shoppers once COVID-19 broke out, and their efforts were honored recently with a note of thanks from installation command.
Col. Whitney Gardner, Garrison Commander, and Command Sgt. Maj. Jasper Johnson presented a Certificate of Appreciation to associates during an Oct. 6 ceremony.
Fort Rucker Command Sgt. Maj. Jasper Johnson, Exchange Operations Manager Kim Hampson, Main Store Manager Jessica Lynch, Sales and Merchandise Manager Chantel Scott, Fort Rucker Exchange General Manager Brenda Hyland, Garrison Commander Col. Whitney Gardner and Deputy to the Garrison Commander Chester Witkowski attended a recognition ceremony to honor the Fort Rucker Exchange.
“It was so touching and heartwarming. We were really grateful,” said Brenda Hyland, general manager of the Maxwell, Fort Rucker and Gunter Exchanges. “Team members have really been troupers during this whole thing.”
In April, command decided to implement temperature screenings in high-traffic buildings as well as to limit access to one entrance. The Exchange made space for screeners, but installation personnel conducted the screenings.
“Your rapid response to COVID-19 resulted in immediate action integrating screening team requirements into the daily store operations. Your professional staff continued to provide quality and exceptional services to Soldiers and their Family members,” the certificate read.
The Exchange worked closely with command to ensure all COVID-19 guidelines were followed, Hyland said.
“We have made sure to follow all the established post and Exchange guidelines for facial coverings, having sanitizer at various locations and maintaining social distancing so our shoppers have a safe and sanitized experience,” Hyland said.
Hyland added her voice to those who thanked Fort Rucker associates.
“They never missed a beat once and the Exchange always remained open,” she said. “They just kept going, and they did it at Maxwell and Gunter, too.”
The Fort Rucker Exchange was also recognized for helping to make the installation’s first Hometown Parade on July 4 a success.
“It’s a pleasure working with and serving a great community, a great command team and a great Exchange team,” Hyland said.
