Nation’s Network Selects Logo, Slogan Contest Winners

Joint Base Langley-Eustis Visual Merchandiser Kevin Jirtle and Fort McCoy Visual Merchandiser Meredith Loihle were selected as the winners of Nation’s Network logo and slogan contest.

The winners will receive a Director/CEO or COO challenge coin and a Thanks Award of $250.

Jirtle’s logo, featuring an American bald eagle surrounded by feathers in the shape of a dream catcher, will represent the Exchange special emphasis program.

Across many Native American cultures, eagles represent strength, honor and freedom. Those values are also why Jirtle used red, white and blue as the only colors.

Jirtle said he researched before designing.

“I wanted to be respectful to the subject matter,” he said. “As I was putting it together, I also thought about making it a dream catcher, but I wanted to put the composition together in a way that wasn’t tropey.”

Jirtle said he’s competed in the previous logo contests and also freelances as a graphic designer.

“I thought it’d be a good way to flex creative skills and get involved,” Jirtle said.

Loihle, competing in his first special emphasis program contest, said the slogan “Honoring Heritage, Embracing Diversity,” recognizes and preserves the rich cultures of Native Americans.

“ ‘Honoring Heritage’ recognizes the importance of preserving cultural roots and respecting unique histories and contributions,” Loihle said. “ ‘Embracing Diversity’ promotes inclusivity and unity, valuing the richness that different perspectives and backgrounds that strengthen community. It reflects respect for the past and a commitment to building an inclusive future.”

Loihle initially created a logo and then came up with multiple slogans.

“I came up with five or six different slogans, and that one just popped off the page,” Loihle said. “I did some research, too, because I wanted to be sure I was culturally accurate in my design and slogan.”

Loihle said he entered after a store manager encouraged him to get involved.

“She sent me a Teams chat and told me I should enter, so I took her advice,” Loihle said.

Exchange Special Emphasis Programs

Associates interested in learning more about Nation’s Network can contact program managers Robert Largent III (largentrm@aafes.com) or Tiffany Serrano (serranoti@aafes.com) for more information.

Associates interested in joining a special emphasis program or who want to know more about the Equal Employment Opportunity, Diversity and Inclusion Office can click here to visit the SharePoint portal.