MILITARY STAR Card Ambassador Pushes Big Numbers Out of Small POM Troop Store

At the Presidio of Monterey (POM) Exchange troop store, big numbers aren’t the norm, but customer experience associate and MILITARY STAR® ambassador Brandie Talavera has been rewriting the record.

Since the start of the fiscal year, Talavera has signed up nearly 250 students attending the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center for a MILITARY STAR card, raising the average monthly signups from 15 accounts a month to nearly 50.

She was recognized as a top ambassador by the Exchange Credit Program during a July ambassador meeting.

“It feels really good,” Talavera said. “It means a lot to me. I feel like I’m putting POM on the map.”

Talavera said she takes the time to understand the unique needs and wants of each shopper.

“The more tips you can give to help them save, the more likely they’ll say yes,” Talavera said. “You have to give them options. I read everything that is on sale. We always have flash sales and rewards.”

Talavera said the MILITARY STAR card is a good way to start building credit responsibly.

“One of my main key points is building credit,” Talavera said. “When they’re ready to make a bigger purchase or get another credit card, they have credit that’s built up from using their Star card.”

She also touts the accessibility of the card as an advantage.

“I always tell people, ‘You can take it wherever you go. The Star card is accepted at any food court, commissary, Express, concessions,’” Talavera said. “So if you’re in Germany, Japan or Kuwait, as long as there is a PX, you can use your card.”

Talavera said ultimately, being passionate goes a long way with shoppers.

“You have to sell it like you want it and give them a reason,” Talavera said. “You have to know what you are talking about. Being persistent, never quitting and never stop trying—that is what makes a good ambassador.”

Presidio of Monterey Exchange MILITARY STAR ambassador Brandie Talavera, left, with POM Administrative Assistant Sheryl Devera. Since the start of the fiscal year, Talavera has signed up nearly 250 students attending the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center for a MILITARY STAR card.