VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Mike Immler, Army & Air Force Exchange Service deputy director, visited Vandenberg to ensure the Base Exchange is doing all it can to serve Airmen, March 1.
To better understand how the Exchange can best meet the needs of the community, Immler met with Col. J. Christopher Moss, 30th Space Wing commander, Chief Master Sgt. Robert Bedell, 30th SW command chief, and Lt. Col. Candice Pipes, 30th Force Support Squadron commander.
“The Exchange is dedicated to making Vandenberg Air Force Base a community, ensuring Airmen, retirees and their families have a place to shop and dine that they can be proud of,” said Immler.
Immler toured the Main Exchange and Military Clothing store for a first-hand look at how the Exchange supports Vandenberg. The Exchange brings name brands at competitive prices to ensure Airmen, families and retirees have an exceptional shopping experience.
“We are honored to help make Vandenberg a great place to live and work,” said Immler. “The Exchange remains focused on bringing terrific brands and great value to Airmen.”
If Airmen can’t find the products they need at the Vandenberg Exchange, they can go to shopmyexchange.com, which has been improved to make shopping and order fulfillment easier.
“The Exchange online store is continually being updated to ensure the best brands are just a click away,” said Immler. “Being able to shop the Exchange online for an expanded product assortment is a key part of our efforts to provide a consistent experience on the Internet or on the installation.”
Every time Airmen shop at the Exchange or shopmyexchange.com, they generate funds to help make life better on the installation.
“For every dollar earned, historically 67 cents comes back to the military community through the Air Force Services dividend,” said Immler. “In 2016, sales at the Vandenberg Exchange generated more than $354,000 in dividends for quality-of-life programs. Every time shoppers buy from the Exchange, they are improving their entire military community.”
Vandenberg Exchange associates are passionate about serving the military community. During his visit, Immler met with the Exchange team, recognizing several associates for their good work.
“Besides ensuring that the Exchange is doing all it can to support the community, the visit gave Immler a chance to see our associates shine,” said Christine Stallwood, Vandenberg Exchange general manager. “Our associates' deep passion for serving sets the Exchange apart from retailers outside the gate, and across the organization, 85 percent of us have a connection to the military.”
As the oldest and largest Department of Defense retailer, Immler was able to see how the 121-year-old benefit is thriving at Vandenberg.
“Exchange senior leaders like Immler meet with Vandenberg's leadership helps us ensure we're serving this community in the best way possible,” said Stallwood. “We're passionate about serving Airmen, and we want to make sure we're getting it right.”