Ta-ya Yi, Dai Kobayashi and Jackel Sanchez represent the “Best of the Best” from the Pacific Region. Our teams continue to provide amazing customer experiences for our service members, retirees and their families. We could not be prouder of what they do daily. Their actions reflect great credit upon themselves and the Pacific Region. Pacific Pride!
Ta-ya Yi, Senior Store Associate
Kunsan Branch Store
Kunsan Exchange
Ms. Yi continuously demonstrates a strong commitment to professional growth by consistently updating her knowledge of Exchange Protection Plan (EPP) guidelines and ensuring she stays fully informed of all program updates and coverage details. Whenever a customer purchases an EPP-eligible product, Ms. Yi effectively engages them by highlighting the extensive benefits and long-term value of the plan, successfully capturing their interest, and driving informed purchasing decisions. Her persistent efforts, seamless communication skills and ability to clearly articulate product protection have yielded outstanding results. Through her unwavering commitment, Ms. Yi successfully sold a remarkable 254 EPP units year-t0-date through August, achieving an extraordinary 338% increase compared with last year. Her stellar sales performance and relentless drive to exceed targets have significantly boosted the branch’s revenue and set a benchmark for customer service excellence across the facility.
Dai Kobayashi
Food Service Foreman, Subway
Camp Zama Exchange
Kobayashi Dai, the foreman at the food court Subway, learned that the walk-in freezer at the Express store in the same building had failed. Since his own store had sufficient associates on duty, he took the initiative to assist with the emergency. Understanding the importance of quickly transferring frozen products to another freezer to prevent product loss, he helped move the inventory without being asked. His knowledge of food operations and ability to recognize the urgency of the situation helped minimize potential damage. Kobayashi demonstrated the Exchange core value of “courage to use good judgment” through his proactive and responsible actions.
Jackel Sanchez, Store Manager
Foster Janz Medical Supply
Okinawa Exchange
Jackel Sanchez is being recognized for her exceptional leadership, dedication and commitment to achieving outstanding results. Through her proactive management and strategic focus, Janz Medical Supply at Camp Foster achieved an impressive 185% increase in year-to-date sales as of July 2026 ($807,475 July 2026 YTD vs. $283,514 July 2025 YTD), demonstrating remarkable business growth and operational excellence. Jackel has played a pivotal role in this success by effectively leading her team, ensuring consistent inventory availability, maintaining high standards of customer service and fostering strong relationships across the installation. Her outreach efforts and collaboration with the U.S. Naval Hospital have expanded customer engagement and strengthened Janz Medical Supply’s presence within the community.
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