Exchange Partners with West Point and Air Force Academy to Develop Future Leaders

June 25, 2026

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The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is strengthening relationships with future military leaders through partnerships with the U.S. Military Academy and the U.S. Air Force Academy’s Cadet summer internships.

West Point’s Academic Individual Advanced Development and USAFA’s Cadet Summer Research Program provide Cadets with hands-on experience, mentorship and exposure to real-world business and operational challenges while supporting leadership development and innovation.

“The men and women participating in the Service academies’ internship programs represent the next generation of military officers and leaders,” said Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer Cedric Brown. “This experience enhances their awareness and strengthens advocacy for the Exchange’s mission.”

West Point Cadets Erika Nyberg, Class of 2027; Frances Teague, Class of 2028; and Fedrick Harris, Class of 2028, are supporting the Real Estate and Logistics directorates. Air Force Academy Cadet Samuel Banduah, Class of 2027, is supporting Customer Relationship Management.

Exchange President and COO Marla Randolph and Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Rich Martinez meet with U.S. Military Academy Cadet Fedrick Harris (front) and U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet Samuel Banduah, who are working summer internships at Exchange headquarters. Also pictured are CRM Data Scientist Randall Goodman (back, in blue shirt) and Exchange Transportation Officer Army Capt. Emilio Maestas. Not pictured is West Point Cadet Erika Nyberg, another summer intern.

Nyberg, an environmental engineering major, said the internship offers valuable leadership and problem-solving experience.

“Experiences like this help future officers broaden their perspectives and explore different approaches to solving challenges,” she said. “By learning how organizations outside of traditional military structures operate, we can bring new ideas and innovative solutions back to the Army.”

Banduah, an economics major who is minoring in global logistics, said the program provides a deeper understanding of organizations that support military communities.

“Programs like this help future officers better understand the people and organizations that support the military mission daily,” Banduah said. “By experiencing the operational side firsthand, we gain a deeper appreciation for the challenges people face and become better prepared to lead and support our teams in the future.”