MCS Conference Patch Honors Beloved Military Clothing Store Manager Jackie Arns
More than 160 Military Clothing Store Conference attendees received a memorial patch to honor the life and contributions of Peterson Space Force Base MCS Store Manager Jackie Arns, who passed away in December.
“We had a patch, like you would see on a uniform, made for the conference,” said Exchange Divisional Merchandise Manager JR Chidester. “The patch was designed by one of the Exchange’s insignia vendors, Ira Green, and displays the words ‘In Memory of Jackie Arns, Peterson MCS.'”
Chidester relayed his memories of Arns’ contributions as attendees received a memorial patch.
“I worked with Jackie off and on since 2011 and she actually sent me a note last year welcoming me back to the team,” Chidester said. “I kept that message dear to me, and we wanted to honor her by recognizing her on the patch.”
The Colorado Consolidated MCS teams received extra memorial patches to take back to the Peterson Exchange to share with Jackie’s family and associates who worked with her. From left: Fort Carson MCS Store Manager Tina Spears, Peterson MCS Store Manager Daphne Vanneman and Fort Carson Retail Business Manager Rhea Aguon. Back from left: Redstone Arsenal MCS Department Manager LaCrystal Andrews and United States Air Force Academy MCS Store Manager Christina Grelle.
Chris Holifield, Eastern Area Regional Vice President, recalled Jackie’s impact on the Peterson MCS store and the Exchange as an organization during his time as general manager.
“Jackie epitomized ‘family serving family.’ She was well known on Peterson and she was all about taking care of the customer,” Holifield said.
Additional patches were made for Arns’ family, including her son Tyler Arns, who is the firearms warehouse worker at the Peterson Exchange.
“My mom was one of my best friends. She influenced my decision to make a career with the Exchange and we became really close while working together every day,” Arns said. “She always showed up with a huge heart and loved the customers and everyone she worked with.”
Discover the latest Exchange News!
Explore the latest news articles.
Follow @ExchangeAssoc on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
I had the pleasure of working with Jackie during my 12 year career with MCS. All of us at Military Clothing will miss her. She was a great lady!
Jackie worked with me in the Offutt Main Store before moving to Peterson. She was a mentor. A constant professional. A great coworker and an even better leader. But she was also super fun and friendly. Gone way too soon. I miss you, Jax.