Tom Shull

Timeless Lessons for a New Year

By Tom Shull / January 1, 2017 /

Each new year offers an opportunity to reflect on where we have been, where we are going, and perhaps those who inspired us. To start 2017, please allow me to share some memories of someone who shaped my approach to work, people and life—my grandmother Marguerite “Daisy” Counter.

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Korea DMZ visit - Director/CEO Tom Shull

Reflections on 2016 and a Look Toward 2017

By Tom Shull / December 1, 2016 /

Happy holidays! This month, we are privileged to celebrate this special time of year with our family, at home and at the Exchange. This is a time to reflect on the year that was and look forward to the new one ahead.

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Director/CEO Tom Shull shares a smile with an associate at Osan’s Military Clothing Store during his recent visit.

November is the Month of Remembrance, Gratitude

By Tom Shull / October 31, 2016 /

For many Americans, November is a time of football and friends—it is also a time to give thanks. As I have done for the past four years, it is you—the spouses, veterans, patriots and wounded warriors who make up the Exchange team—who I will be thinking of this Thanksgiving.

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Director/CEO Tom Shull visits with associates at Exchanges in Southwest Asia. Serving in contingency locations sets the Exchange apart from other retailers.

The Essential Exchange Story We Need to Tell

By Tom Shull / September 28, 2016 /

Show your Exchange pride each and every day. Share your journey, tell our story and join me in letting the world know the Exchange is like no other. With a mission to serve Soldiers, Airmen and their families wherever they go, the Exchange is unique. As a member of the Exchange team, you play an…

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Director/CEO Tom Shull meets with third-country nationals who work in some contingency locations.

Continuing the Spirit of Selfless Service

By Tom Shull / August 30, 2016 /

From Director/CEO Tom Shull Fifteen years ago, the world witnessed unprecedented destruction in New York City and Washington, D.C. In the ensuing months and years, Exchange associates have served with Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors and Marines, exemplifying our motto—We Go Where You Go. On that September morning, then-Washington Office Director Bob Ellis was waiting for a meeting…

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Jim Jordan

Celebrating Legacies, Looking Toward Our Future Leaders

By Tom Shull / August 1, 2016 /

Two valued team members, our Chief Financial Officer Renee Figge and President/Chief Operating Officer Mike Howard, are readying to enjoy the rewards of the Exchange’s unmatched deferred compensation plan as they embark on new journeys in retirement. Originally a management trainee, Renee dedicated three decades to protecting and preserving the Exchange’s fiscal health in our…

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Congratulations on 121 Years of Service!

By Tom Shull / July 1, 2016 /

This month, the Exchange celebrates 121 years of serving Soldiers, Airmen and their families. A lot has changed in those 12-plus decades. What began on the American frontier as individual Army post exchanges, often one-room stores, is now a single global $8.5 billion enterprise and No. 52 on the National Retail Federation’s top 100 retailers…

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Be Proud of Your Legacy: You are the Backbone of the Country

By Tom Shull / June 1, 2016 /

As I write this column, the Exchange has just wrapped up the 2016 MSM/GM conference. GMs, MSMs and key headquarters executives coming together, sharing ideas strengthen us as a team as we confront the challenges of a shrinking military and an ever-increasing competitive retail environment. It was inspiring to recognize the many deserving Exchanges that…

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Pausing to Honor the Fallen On Memorial Day, Let’s Remember the Heroes

By Tom Shull / May 1, 2016 /

We are a free nation because of these great Americans. We remain free because of the people we have the privilege to serve today. On Memorial Day, the nation pauses to honor service members who, in Abraham Lincoln’s words, “gave the last full measure of devotion” while serving our nation. We are a free nation…

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Celebrating Achievements, Looking Toward Future

By Tom Shull / April 1, 2016 /

Congratulations! It is Truly an Honor to Serve with Each of You  I have exciting news to share about the Exchange’s 2015 financials. I have seen the preliminary results, and our team can be proud of what is projected to be record-setting dividends for the past year. Once we have the final results, I will share…

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