Western Region recognizes Rita McMahon, Sonja Shaffer and Luis Espino for their outstanding hard work and unwavering dedication to our customers.
Rita McMahon
Customer Experience Associate, Main Store
Vandenberg SFB Exchange
Rita has been a valued member of the Exchange team for 17 years, consistently demonstrating a strong work ethic and exceptional reliability. She plays an integral role in the Softlines department, ensuring that daily operations run smoothly and efficiently. Her strong performance and keen attention to detail have directly contributed to achieving strong Center Pad and Exchange Protection Plan metrics. Rita has developed a loyal customer base, with patrons willingly waiting for her assistance due to her exceptional customer service and professionalism. She also manages markdowns and price changes with diligence, helping to reduce unnecessary losses. Her proactive efforts have had a measurable impact on maintaining profitability. A team player, Rita consistently supports her colleagues and contributes to a positive work environment. Her dedication, initiative, and results-driven performance make her an outstanding member of the Vandenberg Exchange team.
Sonja Shaffer
Foreman, Lewis Arby’s
Joint Base Lewis–McChord
Sonja Shaffer is an exceptional food service foreman who takes ownership over the store. Since November 2025, the store has had no direct manger, but you couldn’t tell by the way Sonja has been taking charge. She continuously looks at the store operations and takes on new team members, training them in a way invest them in the store’s success. With Sonja’s dedication to the business, we were able to end 2025 with $35,706 direct operating profit over annual financial plan goal and Sonja is setting up the store to have great success in 2026! Sonja has been with the Exchange for more than 10 years and continues to do an excellent job!
Luis Espino
General Manager, Raising Cane’s
Fort Bliss Exchange
Fort Bliss Services would like to recognize the outstanding generosity of Mr. Luis Espino, general manager at Raising Cane’s. Mr. Espino recently received a glowing customer comment highlighting how the Fort Bliss Cane’s team has consistently supported community events by donating Cane’s gift cards and combo meals to service members. Mr. Espino and his team have repeatedly stepped up to support our mobilization and demobilization operations, including Soldier Readiness Processing, when many would otherwise be unable to purchase meals. His unwavering commitment to giving back reflects a deep respect for our Soldiers and their families. Mr. Espino embodies true generosity; his contributions are numerous, heartfelt and selfless. Acts like this remind us of the strength and compassion that make it truly #BetterAtBliss.
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