SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE – Since the Scott Air Force Base Exchange opened in 1972, Margo Gobin has been a fixture in the community, serving Airmen, retirees and families with her can-do spirit.
Now, after spending 43 years—more than half her life—dedicated to Team Scott, Gobin is bidding farewell. The 80-year-old associate, who works on the sales floor in the health and beauty department, is retiring March 31. 
“I will miss my customers tremendously,” Gobin said. “I’ve met a great bunch of people who have become my friends.”
Gobin helped open the Scott Exchange in 1972, working as a stocker. Her husband was an Airman assigned to Scott, and once the youngest of their four children started school, Gobin decided to look for work. The Exchange was a natural fit.
“I didn’t drive, so my husband would take me to work and pick me up,” Gobin said. “I learned to drive when he got tired of taking me.”
During her career, Gobin has worn many hats, working at the jewelry counter, as an office clerk and Express manager. For 43 years, she’s kept going strong—except for four months back in 1999, when she retired for the first time. That retirement lasted just four months.
“I got bored staying at home,” Gobin said. “I came back to be of service to the Airmen—and myself.”
She’s seen many changes over the decades—including the introduction of computers in the workplace—but her dedication to Team Scott has remained constant. One of her favorite parts of her job was getting to know the Airmen at Scott, not just as customers but as friends.
“I have customers who have acquired the German language from their time in the Air Force,” Gobin said. “When they hear I have an accent and detect I’m from Germany, they want to speak the language. I’m like a grandma to some of the Airmen who want to keep up with Germany.”
Gobin, with her long Exchange tenure, is in good company at Scott. Her fellow associate Carol Potts, a logistics assistant, has been with the Army & Air Force Exchange Service since 1977, working at Exchanges around the world and serving Team Scott for more than 10 years. And, Scott Exchange associate Joyce Roberts began her career with the organization in 1974.
Together, Gobin, Potts and Roberts have 121 years of service. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Sean Applegate, the Exchange’s senior enlisted advisor, honored the women during his recent visit to Scott AFB, presenting them special coins for their service.
Exchange General Manager Ralph Kleemann calls Gobin, Potts and Roberts shining examples of the organization’s commitment to taking care of service members.
“They’ve all had remarkable careers with the Exchange and have dedicated their lives to serving those who serve us,” Kleemann said. “Their passion for the Exchange’s mission is an inspiration to other associates.”
Gobin plans to leave quietly, with no grand party in her honor. And that’s how she wants it. Soon, she’ll be heading to Vermont to be closer to family.
“I would love to say goodbye to all the customers—and the sad part is knowing I can’t say goodbye to them all, especially the retirees who don’t always make it in very often,” Gobin said. “But it’s time for me to retire. It’s time for me and my family.”
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The Army & Air Force Exchange Service goes where Soldiers, Airmen and their families go to improve the quality of their lives through goods and services provided. Exchange earnings provide dividends to support military morale, welfare and recreation programs. The Exchange is part of the Department of Defense and is directed by a Board of Directors, responsible to the Secretaries of the Army and Air Force through the Chiefs of Staff. To find out more about the Exchange history and mission or to view recent press releases please visit our Web site 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 Julie Mitchell, 214-312-3327 or [email protected].
