For more than two decades, Margaret “Maggie” Evans has helped military shoppers find the uniforms and gear they need at the Exchange. Along the way, she has become a mentor to hundreds of youth learning the importance of leadership, service and military customs. Now, her commitment to supporting the next generation has earned special recognition.
Evans, PX manager at the Los Alamitos Exchange near Long Beach, California, and Mercedes Sheaffer, Military Clothing associate, recently received an appreciation award from the United States Cadet Corps, a nonprofit leadership organization that serves youths ages 9 to 18. The recognition honors years of support provided by Evans and her team to youths participating in training, community service projects and leadership development activities.
“I’ve been working with the program for about 20 years,” Evans said. “It always feels good to mentor kids and see them succeed. We get to watch them grow, become more confident and move on to ROTC or even military service.”
A former military spouse whose family includes multiple Veterans and service members, Evans began her Exchange career at Fort Drum in 1999 before returning to California and joining the Los Alamitos Exchange, where she has served for more than two decades. Today, she oversees the PX, Military Clothing and troop store.
The relationship between the Los Alamitos Exchange and the Cadet Corps developed naturally over the years as cadets visited the store. Evans and her team soon found opportunities to do more than simply provide products. They began teaching cadets how to properly wear and care for uniforms, understand military regulations and present themselves with confidence.
The Exchange’s support extends beyond the sales floor. Cadets regularly assist at store events, participate in community service and help with ceremonies and special programs hosted on the installation. Evans coordinates many of those opportunities with Cadet Corps leadership, creating experiences that benefit both the youth participants and the military community.
Evans says the award recognizes the continued support the Exchange team provides whenever the organization needs assistance. She credited Sheaffer for sharing in those efforts and helping mentor the young participants.
“We are always happy to help the kids and bring awareness to the program,” Sheaffer said. “Anything we can do to support them and contribute to their success means a great deal to us. The program is a great one, and I love helping them as much as I do. Their enthusiasm and progress make this experience incredibly rewarding.”
Located on the Joint Forces Training Base in Los Alamitos, the Exchange serves a unique military community that includes National Guard units, retirees and other organizations that regularly use the installation. The base is home to numerous training activities and community programs throughout the year, giving Exchange associates opportunities to connect with and support a wide range of customers.
For Evans, those connections are among the most rewarding aspects of her work.
“The kids show their appreciation, and it’s nice to see them gain confidence and take pride in what they’re doing,” she said. “Anything we can do to encourage them and help them succeed is worth it.”
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