Military Clothing Store Managers Talk About the Rewards of Their Jobs
At the recent Military Clothing Conference, more than 150 MCS managers came to Frisco, Texas, to network with vendors, Exchange buyers, representatives from other directorates—and one another.
Military Clothing stores are a unique line of business at the Exchange as the official outfitter of combat uniforms for America’s Warfighters, providing uniforms at cost. The rewards are unique as well. We talked to MCS managers from each region about the most rewarding parts of their jobs.
Mary Ellis, Schofield Barracks
Karl Franklyn, Camp Foster
Pacific Region teammates Ellis and Franklyn met at the 2020 Military Clothing Conference and enjoyed reconnecting at this year’s conference.
Years with the Exchange: Ellis, 27; Franklyn, 13
Years as MCS managers: Ellis has been at Schofield for 12 years; she has also worked at two other Military Clothing stores in Hawaii. Franklyn has managed the Camp Foster MCS for five years.
The most rewarding thing about being a MCS manager: “There are many rewards every day, from the big stuff to the little stuff,” Ellis said. “In our roles, we have the opportunity to engage in such a special and unique way. It’s like no other Exchange position. So it’s tough to pinpoint one thing that’s more rewarding than another. I think anyone who has the opportunity to be a Military Clothing store manager should take it. It not only supports our mission, but it’s a special role.”
Added Franklyn: “I’m a retired Marine, so it’s great to support fellow Marines, because I’ve been there and done that, and I know exactly what they need. Giving back to them is the most rewarding thing.”
Ellis’ Schofield store recently became the first non-military entity to take home the Honorable Order of Our Lady of Loreto Award for its outstanding support of the military community. To read more about that, and about a special bond Ellis formed with a 90-year-old Korean War Veteran, click here.
Deniz Barcala, Kaiserlautern Military Community Center
Barcala manages the MCS at Kleber Kaserne, part of the Kaiserlautern Military Community in Germany, and the 10-year-old Wounded Heroes Service Center, which supplies injured troops with uniforms, gloves, hats, boots, duffel bags and more.
Years with the Exchange: 23
Years at current store: About 13
The most rewarding thing about being a MCS manager: “Helping Wounded Warriors. Our store is unique because it’s the only one in the world for Wounded Warriors. We’ve helped over 17,000 Wounded Warriors out of our facility. It’s rewarding to give back to Soldiers who have done so much for our country.
“We are mostly active-duty and new Soldiers are coming in for issue personal clothing, so they choose Kleber MCS often to fill their uniform needs. Our command 21st TSC and our Landstuhl hospital personnel are our favorite customers. They’re always supporting us when we need help.”
To learn more about the Wounded Heroes Service Center, click here.
Lee Stevens, Ellsworth Air Force Base
Years with the Exchange: About 35
Years in Military Clothing: Nearly 16
The most rewarding part of being an MCS manager: “Serving our military, serving our customers and helping military families is rewarding for me. They come to our store needing something, and they need assistance finding their sizes and other things. They’re very happy when I help.
“We serve active-duty, retirees, reserves, ROTC, all brands of service. We have Army Reserve, Army Guard and Air Force Reserve. The commanders always come and visit me and ask me how I’m doing. They always inform me about what’s going on. And they always check to see if the troops are respecting me and my team.
“It’s a pleasure serving those who serve. It’s an honor to serve them and dress them from the day they join the service till the end of their very precious lives. I take pride in what I do and enjoy every minute of it.”
Kim Dawes, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base
Years with the Exchange: About 15
Years as MCS manager: 19 months
The most rewarding part of being an MCS manager: “Working with the troops and helping them get them the things they need, need for their uniform. Also helping retirees put a uniform together for funerals or other functions. Sometimes they come in themselves to prepare for their own funeral and sometimes it’s a family member. We have a lot of regular customers who come in on a regular basis.
“Our favorite customer is one who is newl to the Air Force looking to purchase all of their uniforms. Great conversations come up with how they ended up in the service. Some doctors, attorneys, pilots are starting their career and we are their first impression of the military life. Being a retiree of the Ohio National Guard myself, I can relate to their stories and am honored to assist.”
Miguel Velasquez, McGuire Air Force Base
This was the first Military Clothing Conference for Velasquez, who was an MCS shift manager for two years before he became a store manager.
Years with the Exchange: 23
Years as an MCS manager: 2
The most rewarding part of being an MCS manager: One of the first things I realized about Military Clothing stores is you have to have a heart for people. You get younger Soldiers coming in, and you get to guide them and teach them along the way as they grow. When I see some of them come in and they’ve been promoted, it kind of blesses me, especially when I have a specific item they need.
“One of my regulars is an Army retiree named Ed who has been going to Military Clothing stores for more than 20 years. He comes in every few weeks and he interacts with everyone. He even helps the team interact with customers. Because he’s familiar with the product, he’s very helpful to us.”
