Shull Honors Tinker Team for Commitment to Mission

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE—During his visit to Tinker AFB, Director/CEO Tom Shull praised the Tinker Exchange team for taking exceptional care of service members, families and Veterans.

Shull visited Team Tinker on Aug. 15 as he and the team received high honors from the Oklahoma chapter of the Military Order of the Purple Heart. Team Tinker’s award marked the first time the Veterans group has honored an organization for its dedication to Purple Heart recipients, Wounded Warriors and families.

“It’s been a big day,” Shull told the team. “And take heart—each of you contributed to this. Each of you did your part. We are a team.”

Shull shared the Exchange’s by the numbers and tip of the spear videos, spotlighting the Department of Defense retailer’s support in all 50 states and more than 30 countries.

“Being part of the Exchange is a labor of love,” Shull said, noting that as fewer Americans raise their right hands to serve, the organization’s mission becomes even more critical. “It’s even more important that we double down to support those who serve.”

He highlighted the magnitude of the 128-year-old Exchange benefit, reminding associates that their work matters.

“Think about the things we do that no other retailer does,” Shull said. ‘It makes a difference. Not just for our Nation but all freedom-loving people in the world.”

Before meeting with the team, Shull toured the main Exchange and the Patriot Road Express, which debuted a $1.9 million face-lift this summer.

Shull presented Director/CEO challenge coins to several associates, honoring their strong work ethic and steadfast service:

• Dawn Gumaer, Logistics
• Nenty Anjain, main store manager
• Adam Wade, Patrol Road Express manager
• Yuki Hojnacki, inventory control associate
• Beverly Walker, customer experience associate
• Taylor Dooley, Burger King foreman
• Nobuko Aldis, customer experience associate
• Carol Hacknauer, dining room attendant
• Anika Sarul, Patrol Road Express associate
• Ashley Jones, Patrol Road Express associate
• Katlynn Haley, Patrol Road Express shift manager

In closing, Shull shared leadership advice with the Tinker Exchange team.

“Encourage your teammates from the heart,” Shull said. “Encourage yourself too. You need to make sure you give yourself full credit for what you’re doing to make a difference to those who serve.”