One in a series honoring the Exchange’s 131 years of family serving family
Who he is: Eric Pena, visual merchandiser, Cannon AFB
Years at the Exchange: Pena has been with the Exchange for 30 years, mostly at the Cannon Exchange.
Military connections: Pena’s father was in the Air Force for more than 20 years, retiring as a tech sergeant. From following along with his dad’s military career, Pena has many memories of the Exchange, which ultimately led to his start at the BX.
“I remember as a little kid, we would always go to the BXs, especially in England, since we were there for four years,” Pena said. “The most memorable one was when we went to Bentwaters -Woodbridge over in the U.K. That was a very memorable Exchange because in my teen years, a lot of my friends worked there, and we would always go there and hang out.”
Job highlights: “There’s always somebody new working with us, and so it’s just always been great meeting new people,” Pena said. “Once, I got to TDY to Los Angeles when they were building a new store there. I got to go put up gondolas, signage and all the things visual merchandisers do. Los Angeles was so beautiful, and it was another chance to meet new people and Airmen.”
Memorable moments: “Getting to see the little kids seeing their mom or dad coming home from deployment is really powerful. It makes you understand why we’re here at the Exchange working for these great people.”
Eric has helped with numerous events welcoming troops home at Cannon AFB. Read an example here.
Family serving family: “The Exchange to me is like a big family, and we’re over here taking care of all these other families.”
Pena has three daughters and recently became a grandfather. He says that the strong bonds and care he experiences with his family at home help him recognize and appreciate similar qualities among his co-workers. For Pena, the way his family supports one another is a reminder of how his teammates also look out for each other and work together as a close-knit team.
“All the great people that I’ve worked with, all the GMs that I’ve worked with, they all mean a lot. It’s just been great working with all these people all these years. I think that’s what’s kept me here for 30 years—all the great people that I’ve worked with.”
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