Alex Dewberry, the GM Administrator/Supervisor at the Fort Bragg Exchange, often relies on the installation’s gate guards, requesting access for visitors, vendors, contractors and more. Aware that the guards are outside in all kinds of weather, Dewberry decided that she wanted to do something for them and the military police.
“The gate guards go out of their way to make things happen for us, even at the last minute,” Dewberry said. “They stand in their gear all day at the gates, protecting our safety.”
For three years, during the hottest months of summer, Dewberry has made water deliveries to the guards, with help from Andrea Moore, the Fort Bragg Exchange’s mail courier.
“This is a way to say ‘thank you’ and to let them know that we think about them as the heat takes a toll on all of us,” Dewberry said.
For the guards and the MPs, the “thank you” is mutual.
“Our military police and security guards work hard ensuring the safety and security of Fort Bragg rain or shine, humidity and freezing temperatures-—this is our responsibility and we take it seriously,” said Chief Anthony White, chief of guards, Directorate of Emergency Services. “We are grateful for the multiple organizations and partners who show their appreciation with deliveries of water and snacks throughout the year.”
Natalia Meyer, Fort Bragg’s Retail Business Manager, helped Dewberry contact vendors such as Coca-Cola and Pepsi to have drinks donated. After coordinating with the gate guards and the MPs, Dewberry and Moore loaded up the drinks and drove to drop-off locations to deliver the drinks.
“It’s always a pleasure doing this project,” Dewberry said. “You can tell in the guards’ faces how excited and grateful they are when we arrive. It reminds me why we do what we do. I take our core value ‘family serving family’ very seriously. This is one way to do it.”
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