Businessman, Staunch Veterans Advocate Honored For Legacy of Serving Those Who Serve
WEST POINT, New York – Army & Air Force Exchange Service Director/CEO Tom Shull—a lifelong advocate for Warfighters, military families and Veterans—received the 2021 Distinguished Graduate Award from the West Point Association of Graduates during a Sept. 11 ceremony at the U.S. Military Academy. The award honors USMA graduates whose character, distinguished service and stature exemplify West Point’s motto of Duty, Honor, Country.
Less than two-tenths of 1% of the Long Gray Line have earned the Distinguished Graduate Award. Since 2012, Shull has served as the first civilian director/CEO of the Exchange, the Department of Defense’s largest retailer.
Shull, USMA Class of 1973, returned to his Rockbound Highland Home to be recognized alongside 2021 and 2020 Distinguished Graduates. Shull was honored for his commitment to strengthening the Exchange benefit for all who serve—past, present and future.
“This a fitting tribute to the Exchange team and the critical work it does for Warfighters and their families,” Shull said. “It is such an honor to serve with amazing teammates who are all in for those who serve.”
In addition to Shull, 2021 Distinguished Graduates included:
- The Honorable Michael Wynne
- COL(R) Randall Pais
- GEN(R) Stanley McChrystal
- GEN(R) David Rodriguez
- LTG(R) H.R. McMaster Jr.
Shull, a Soldier for Life, has a legacy of excellence. At the Exchange, his leadership has made an indelible difference to Warfighters’ readiness and resiliency as well as all who have worn our Nation’s uniform.
Shull’s father served 30 years in the Army, spending more than 40 months in World War II. Shull graduated from West Point in 1973, three years after his brother, John. Early in his Army career, Shull led several platoons, including a Scout Platoon, and Commanded C Company, 1/22nd Infantry Regiment.
While on active duty, Shull was selected to attend Harvard Business School, where he graduated with an MBA. In 1981, Shull was named a White House Fellow and served in the Reagan administration.
He taught leadership at West Point and, in his last active-duty assignment, served as Military Assistant to National Security Advisor Robert “Bud” McFarlane. Shull conducted a comprehensive review of the National Security Council and coordinated low-intensity conflict policy initiatives. Shull also represented the White House to facilitate the construction and dedication of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. He secured required approvals for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, clearing the way for its groundbreaking on March 26, 1982.
During his extensive business career, Shull served as CEO of Barney’s New York, Hanover Direct and Wise Foods, successfully turning around these iconic American brands.
In 2012, Shull became the first civilian to lead the Exchange, the Department of Defense’s largest retailer. As American retailers struggled during the worst downturn since the Great Depression, Shull expertly led a turnaround of the Exchange to preserve the hard-earned benefit.
Through his leadership, the Exchange’s profitability nearly doubled since 2011, and the organization provided $1.6 billion in dividends for critical Quality-of-Life programs. Other successes at the Exchange include:
- Pivoting to provide safe, sanitized, secure shopping while protecting the force and Exchange associates during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Securing a lifelong shopping benefit at ShopMyExchange.com for 18 million honorably discharged Veterans, who can shop tax-free with military-exclusive pricing at ShopMyExchange.com.
- Introducing a program allowing Exchange shoppers to donate to Army Emergency Relief and the Air Force Assistance Fund, with more than $4 million in donations to date.
- Supporting Exchange in-store shopping privileges for service-connected disabled Veterans and Department of Defense civilian and Coast Guard employees.
- Outfitting nearly 1 million combat uniforms annually.
- Providing more than 1 million meals every year to Warfighters’ children at Department of Defense Education Activity schools overseas.
— 30 —
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 53rd-largest retailer in the United States. Its earnings provided $2.1 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.
###
Media Notes:
For more information or to schedule an interview with an Exchange representative please contact Julie Mitchell, 214-312-3327 or [email protected].
Follow the Exchange:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/shopmyexchange
Twitter: https://twitter.com/shopmyexchange
Instagram: @shopmyexchange