Fort Leonard Wood Exchange customer experience associate Sharon Ruggles greets every shopper the same way—meeting them where they are with a smile and firm handshake. In fiscal 2025, her approach added up to 1,017 new MILITARY STAR accounts, earning her the award of MILITARY STAR Ambassador of the Year.
“It was really exciting and awesome to be named the top ambassador,” Ruggles said. “I had no words.”
Ruggles accounted for 65% of accounts opened at the Fort Leonard Wood Exchange during fiscal 2025, becoming the top ambassador across the program in all regions. She earned the recognition from among 209 ambassadors worldwide.
“What Sharon accomplished this year reflects the best of what our ambassadors do—connecting the military community with a benefit that makes a real difference in their lives,” Exchange Credit Program Senior Vice President Joseph Todd said. “Her commitment made her deserving of the recognition as Ambassador of the Year.”
Ruggles was also an active participant in ambassador meetings, encouraging and supporting other members while coaching and training fellow associates to raise awareness of the MILITARY STAR card’s benefits.
Ambassadors, including the winner of the Ambassador of the Year Award, are selected by ECP based on consistent use of best practices in sharing MILITARY STAR’s information with shoppers, growing new cardmember accounts and more while maintaining their regular duties as an associate.
She was presented with a Thanks! Award and certificate for her work.
Ruggles said her success lies in her approach, greeting everyone with a smile and handshake. First impressions make all the difference, Ruggles said, because shoppers may return later to register for a card.
“I get to their level,” Ruggles said. “Respect is everything, and that begins with starting with a smile. You have to realize you are working with all kinds of people.”
The most important thing, however, is to be yourself, Ruggles said.
“Being an ambassador, you should have that outgoing smile and firm handshake,” Ruggles said. “My recommendation, however, is to be who you are and to love your job—and I love mine.”
Ruggles said while perks and benefits are enticing, it is important to remind cardmembers to use their cards responsibly and provide education, especially to those who may be new to using credit.
“MILITARY STAR wants you to build your credit,” Ruggles said. “I’ll ask, ‘Do you already have a credit card? Do you know how to use credit?’ And if they tell me no, I’ll explain how to use one and to keep me in mind if you have any questions.”
Ruggles said her husband has been a longtime cardmember, which has made her a supporter of the MILITARY STAR card. She also credited her husband as a driving inspiration.
“He is such a supporter for me,” Ruggles said. “When I got my plaque and Thanks! Award, the store had a banner with my picture that went up on the wall. When my husband saw, he was like, ‘Look at my girl go!’ ”
The MILITARY STAR card offers benefits for both shoppers and the Exchange. In 2025, the card generated $483 million in value for the military community, including savings and rewards for service members and their families.
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