One in a series highlighting service members assigned to the Exchange.
Who she is: Army Sgt. 1st Class Alexia Dehoyos, NCOIC, Military Personnel Office, HQ.
Years of experience: Dehoyos enlisted in 2008. She has worked for the Exchange since November.
Why she joined the Army: “I joined the Army during a pivotal moment in my life,” Dehoyos said. “I was seeking stability, purpose, safety and a better future for my family.
“With a little courage and determination, I made the decision to step into the unknown and make that commitment to the Army. While I did not have all the answers at the time, I did have faith the size of a mustard seed—tucked away in my back pocket.”
Dehoyos was also a Basic Combat Training drill sergeant at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, for two years. During her time, she was responsible for onboarding and developing large diverse groups of individuals with no experience into disciplined, high-performing team members who would be a assets for the Army.
“The role requires the ability to apply pressure while still mentoring with patience,” she said. “You learn how to balance correction with development. When the assignment ends, what matters isn’t the hat and badge—it’s whether the people you trained are better prepared, whether the system functioned ethically, and whether you upheld the trust placed in you, by those you trained, their families and the Army.”
Dehoyos described her leadership approach as balancing strict standards with mentorship. She managed high-pressure situations while enforcing discipline, safety protocols and accountability. Additionally, she built her trainees’ resilience and confidence by coaching them through challenges and correcting issues promptly while adhering to established policies and timelines.
“I witnessed firsthand that ordinary civilians, when given structure, standards and belief, can transform into disciplined Soldiers in just a matter of weeks,” she said.
“Those transformations, and knowing I had a hand in forging them, in shaping discipline out of doubt and strength out of struggles, teach you that people are capable of far more than they think—that is my greatest takeaway from the trail,” she said. “This we’ll defend.”
Memories of Exchange support: Dehoyos recalls a special moment with the Exchange when it came time for her two daughters to begin their college journey together.
“At that time finances were tight, as I had recently purchased a home and helped them with moving into a place all their own,” Dehoyos said. “The MILITARY STAR card provided the flexibility and support I needed to ensure my daughters had the home essentials and the tools they required for success in their studies.
“I was able to purchase both a MacBook and other essential college supplies without financial strain, which allowed me to fully enjoy that bittersweet milestone,” she said. “I still have photos of them holding up those ‘surprise’ laptops, smiling from ear to ear, memories I will always cherish.”
Her role at the Exchange: “My role is to serve as the Military Personnel Office noncommissioned officer in charge,” Dehoyos said. “The scope of my duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, personnel administration, pay and accountability, military readiness and compliance, policy enforcement and standardization.
“I am also the designated military representative responsible for coordinating security clearance eligibility verification and access requirements for assigned personnel supporting Exchange operations. My role allows me to continue serving the military community in different but equally impactful ways, bridging personnel readiness and operational capability.”
Learning about the Exchange: “Since working with the Exchange, I have gained a deeper understanding and appreciation for its mission and the extent of its reach,” she said. “It is far more than a retail organization. It’s a support system that consistently reinvests in the military community, provides stability and meets people where they are from all walks of life, during all stages of life and service.”
Family serving family: “‘Family serving family’ means understanding the unique challenges of military life because you live them too,” she said. “It means showing up with empathy, reliability, understanding and purpose.
“For me, it reflects the Exchange’s commitment to supporting not just Soldiers and Veterans, but the entire family during moments of transition, celebration, challenges and everyday life.”
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