From Toyland Memories to Serving Those Who Serve

One in a series honoring the Exchange’s 131 years of family serving family.

Who she is: Tysonia Brinkley, Robins Express store manager

Years with the Exchange: 28 years

Military connections: Brinkley’s father served 24 years in the Air Force, retiring as a master sergeant.

Early Exchange memories: “One of my fondest memories would probably be Toyland around Christmas,” Brinkley said. “I remember my mom and my dad asking me to pick out what I wanted. I also remember back-to-school shopping at the BX. We probably did more shopping on base than we did off base.”

What brought her to the Exchange: “In school, we had a program called Job Co-Op, where I went to school half the day, then worked half the day. My dad suggested that I should try working at the BX. I applied for lawn and garden, but didn’t get hired. I called and ended up speaking to the store manager. He said, ‘I want you to come in and apply for cashier.’ I applied, and I got it.”

Her Exchange career: Brinkley has spent most of her career at Dover Air Force Base, where she’s held roles such as foreman, assistant store manager, shift manager and first assistant. Brinkley later became store manager of the Dover Express.

To advance her career, Brinkley decided to become mobile with the Exchange and became the store manager at the Robins Express.

“To further my career and be able to give the Exchange what I felt like I could give, I had to move on,” Brinkley said. “My whole family is in Dover, but this move has been great for me.”

Navigating career and family: Brinkley said the Exchange’s family serving family core value rings true.

“The Exchange has always been accommodating,” she said. “I’ve been fortunate to work for good managers who are compassionate and empathetic. My mom watched my kids while I worked, but if I needed something, I can’t ever recall a time where I’ve been told ‘No, you can’t,’ when it came to my kids. It’s always been, ‘That’s your family and family comes first.’

“It’s been a blessing. I was able to buy my first home with the Exchange, where I’ve been able to raise my kids as a single parent. I just bought my second home here on Robins too. I am definitely blessed and grateful.”

Family serving family: “The Exchange is part of my family. We try to work better and together for the people we are serving.”