130 Years of Family Serving Family: Robert Chavis, Vilseck Rose Barracks

One in a series honoring the Exchange’s 129 years of family serving family.

Who he is: Robert Chavis, food court manager at the Rose Barracks Food Court in Vilseck, Germany.

Military connections: Chavis’s connection to the military runs deep. Not only is he a proud Army Veteran, but his commitment to service has never wavered since he hung up his uniform. “Family serving family means everything to me,” he said. “It’s not just a job; it’s a calling.”

Military service: Chavis served from 1993 to 1996 as an infantryman. Stationed in Baumholder, Germany, he took on multiple roles, from dismounted Soldier to Bradley Fighting Vehicle driver and gunner. His military service took him across Europe, from intense training in Hohenfels and Vilseck to deployment in Kuwait and support of the Kosovo Force peacekeeping mission. “I served with honor, and now I serve with purpose,” he said. “I know what it’s like to wear the uniform and what it means to feel that support from back home.”

What brought him to the Exchange: He joined the Exchange in April 1996 as a theater worker in Baumholder. “Though I was hired to work the theater, I actually started out cleaning it,” he said. “But I knew I was where I needed to be—still serving the military community.”

What he did next: Over his 29-year career with the Exchange, Chavis has worn many hats and each one, he said, came with pride and purpose. His roles have ranged from Loss Prevention and warehouse worker to assistant manager and concept manager for major food brands like Popeyes and Burger King. He’s managed facilities in Ramstein, Landstuhl, Grafenwoehr and Vilseck, where he now serves as the food court manager. “Every role, no matter how big or small, has been about making a difference. That’s what the Exchange allows us to do, show up for the people who serve.”

Memorable moments: Chavis’ time in Kosovo remains one of his most impactful experiences, whether it was delivering supplies, flipping burgers, or handing out toys to children in need. “That deployment reminded me why I do this,” he said. “It’s not about titles. It’s about heart.”

During his time deployed with the Exchange in Kosovo, Chavis delivered more than just supplies to service members, he brought a piece of home to a faraway place. On days when his courier route ended early, he’d pitch in at the snack bar or Burger King trailer, sharing conversations and games of pool with Soldiers stationed there. “We’d talk about home, where we were from. Even though we wore different uniforms, we were all there for the same mission.”

One memory still stands out more than two decades later. For his daughter’s birthday while he was away from home, Chavis visited a local market in Kosovo, bought toys, and delivered them to children at nearby schools. “Those kids didn’t ask to be in a war-torn country. Giving them joy on my daughter’s birthday, that was the best gift I could give to her, and to myself.”

Best part of working for the Exchange: “The best part? That’s easy. Making our service members smile and helping a family feel like they’re home, even when they’re far from it,” he said. Every interaction is a chance to serve those who serve. “Our Soldiers and Airmen sacrifice so much. Their families do too. It’s my honor to give them a little comfort and a little peace.”

Whether it’s serving a hot meal in a remote location or simply playing a game of pool after a long day, Chavis believes in creating meaningful moments. “Even something small, like talking about where we’re from, can remind someone that they’re not alone out there,” he said.

Family Serving Family: As a disabled Veteran, he feels a special responsibility to ensure every customer interaction reflects care, respect and gratitude. “I recognize the full mission,” he said. “I’ve walked that path. And now I’ll always make sure our Exchange is a place where people feel seen, valued and appreciated.”