Exchange Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Rich Martinez talks with a Veterans Advocate.

Senior leaders from the Exchange briefed at the National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs (NASDVA) Mid-Winter Conference in Washington. D.C, marking the Exchange’s first participation in the annual event.

Chief Master Sgt. Rich Martinez, Exchange senior enlisted advisor; and retired Lt. Col. Jose Hernandez, the Exchangeโ€™s chief of staff; engaged with state commanders and leaders to strengthen partnerships and expand awareness of Exchange benefits.

The Exchange offers two benefits for Veterans: All honorably discharged Veterans can shop at ShopMyExchange.com tax-free for life. Service-connected disabled Veterans and their caregivers also have in-store shopping privileges at PXs and BXs.

NASDVA has served Veterans of the United States and its territories for more than 75 years. The organization works to provide services to Veterans and their families across all states and territories and is the Nationโ€™s secondโ€‘largest provider of Veteran services.

Exchange Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Rich Martinez talks with a Veterans Advocate.
Chief Master Sgt. Rich Martinez, Exchange senior enlisted advisor, talks with Dawn Rivera of Military Veterans Advocacy at the National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs (NASDVA) Mid-Winter Conference

โ€œWe are honored to serve the best customers in the world, and we are committed to ensuring they fully understand their benefits,โ€ Martinez said. โ€œThis includes access to exclusive programs, Veteran hiring and services designed to enhance their experience and support their needs.โ€

Retired Col. Gary Harter, executive director of the Utah Department of Veterans & Military Affairs and historian of NASDVA, invited the Exchange to speak at the event, which had approximately 315 attendees.

โ€œState departments are often the first point of contact for Veterans seeking benefits and support,โ€ Harter said. โ€œEngagement with the Exchange at NASDVA strengthens that connection and helps ensure Veterans across the states receive consistent, accurate information. I have had the privilegeย of utilizing Exchange facilities during my military career and appreciate the services they provide to the military and their families.”

The Exchange looks forward to continued participation with NASDVA to strengthen collaboration with state-level Veteran leaders and broaden awareness of Exchange benefits among eligible Veterans.

โ€œSpeaking with state commanders and expounding on our various Veteran benefits showcased how the Exchange supports Veteransโ€™ Quality of Life,โ€ Hernandez said.

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