Road Masters: Pacific Drivers Mark 35 Years of Accident-Free Excellence for the Army & Air Force Exchange Service

DALLAS – Two Army & Air Force Exchange Service truck drivers have gone the distance for the military community for decades. Motor Vehicle Operator Ho Ton recently celebrated 35 years of accident-free driving for the Exchange, while Takashi Toyama is closing in on that milestone.

Mr. Ho, who works out of the Korea Distribution Center at Camp Market, is the first driver in the Exchange’s Pacific Region to achieve the feat. Toyama, from the Okinawa Distribution Center at Camp Kinser, is expected to reach 35 accident-free years in January.

The two drivers are a critical part of how the Exchange brings a taste of home to service members and families far from the U.S. Mr. Ho and Toyama deliver familiar products and favorite brands to Exchange locations on their routes, including Exchange main stores, convenience stores and restaurants.

Mr. Ho has been with the Exchange for 37 years, starting as a bakery worker before becoming a truck driver in 1984. Mr. Ho has driven more 740,000 miles during his career.

“I absolutely love my job as a professional driver at the Exchange,” said Mr. Ho, who is eyeing his next goal of 40 years accident-free. “Not only does it give me a great sense of pride, but it also gives me personal satisfaction knowing that my job is an essential part of fulfilling the Exchange mission of serving the men and woman of the U.S. military.”

For Toyama, who has made approximately 20,000 deliveries since January 1985, joining the Exchange made sense. His father was an Air Force fuel handler, his mother worked at the commissary and his brother is an Exchange driver at Camp Foster.

“I have gotten to know lots of the Exchange associates, and it’s always interesting to meet others,” said Toyama, who plans to drive four more years. “I’m happy and proud to help in a customer service support role.”

The Exchange’s Logistics Directorate recently honored both drivers for their skill and dependability.

“Ho Ton and Takashi Toyama display a level of professionalism that their peers aspire to,” said Col. Scott Maskery, the Exchange’s Pacific Region commander. “They bring the comforts of home to service members and their families. We are honored to have them on our team.”

Facebook-Friendly Version: Two Army & Air Force Exchange Service truck drivers have gone the distance for the military community for decades. Motor Vehicle Operator Ho Ton recently celebrated 35 years of accident-free driving for the Exchange, while Takashi Toyama is closing in on that milestone. Read more: https://wp.me/p9Q7PG-1g1

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Since 1895, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service (Exchange) has gone where Soldiers, Airmen and their families go to improve the quality of their lives by providing valued goods and services at exclusive military pricing. The Exchange is the 62^nd-largest retailer in the United States. Its earnings provided $2.3 billion in dividends to support military morale, welfare and recreation programs over the last 10 years. The Exchange is a non-appropriated fund entity of the Department of Defense and is directed by a Board of Directors. The Exchange is a 50th Anniversary Vietnam War Commemorative Partner, planning and conducting events and activities that recognize the service, valor and sacrifice of Vietnam Veterans and their families in conjunction with the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration. To find out more about the Exchange history and mission or to view recent press releases please visit our website at http://www.shopmyexchange.com or follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ExchangePAO.

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Media Notes:

For more information or to schedule an interview with an Exchange representative please contact Eric Zarate, 214-312-3830 or [email protected].

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