One in a series honoring the Exchange’s 130 years of family serving family
Who she is: Jasmine Nelson, Starbucks manager, Cannon Air Force Base
Years with the Exchange: Nelson joined the Exchange in 2022, starting in food service and eventually becoming the Starbucks manager at Cannon—a role she calls an honor because it lets her meet people and build connections, including with others who grew up in military families.
Military connections: Her father served 23 years in the Air Force as a fire protection specialist, retiring as a technical sergeant.
Growing up as a military brat: Nelson said her childhood included time in Aviano, Italy, but most of her time was spent in Clovis, New Mexico, when her dad was assigned to Cannon in 2005.
The moves led to lasting friendships that became an extended family.
“I have so many fun memories that will always be dear to my heart because they are not just with my family,” she said. “They are with my extended families that we have met along the way from place to place when we would move. All the holidays we would spend together while our loved ones were away were the best times, even if we all were missing someone who should have been there.
“Being a military brat is something to be proud of. It is an honor to have purple roots because someone in your family went and served your country.”
Remembering the Exchange: “When I came to Cannon Air Force Base, that’s when I saw what the Exchange would do for family and the children. Hosting egg hunts for Easter, taking Santa pictures and Black Friday became my favorite things to do as I got older.”=
Why she joined the Exchange: “After my dad passed away, I felt a strong desire to serve others, just like he did in the Air Force. I wanted to give back to the people who supported us during that difficult time. The Exchange became more than just a place to shop for us; the kindness of the staff, especially during the holidays and family events, meant a lot. Their support helped us stay connected to the military community in a different way. This experience inspired me to serve the men and women in the military by joining the Exchange team.
“I decided to apply for a food position, hoping I would get it, and ever since then, it has been such an honor serving the men and women of this base. I get to meet new people every day and make connections with fellow military brats.”
Family serving family: “We all understand each other, and we are always there for each other because we understand how it feels to not have loved ones around us. We all have the same core value that makes us one family.”
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