Exchange’s Associate Recognized as DoD Outstanding Employee of the Year
MEDIA CONTACT: Lisa Neidinger
MEDIA ADVISORY: 13-084
RELEASE DATE: Dec. 3, 2013
DALLAS – Army & Air Force Exchange Service Associate Tony Garcia received the Department of Defense Outstanding Employee with a Disability Award for 2013 at the Exchange headquarters Nov. 15.
Garcia, a custodial Associate at the Fort Knox, Ky., Exchange Main store, was one of 19 DoD employees worldwide selected to receive the honor this year.
“Our honorees demonstrate that when we give people an opportunity, they can flourish – and we all can benefit,” said Assistant Defense Secretary for Readiness and Force Management F. E. Vollrath.
The award highlights the accomplishments and abilities of employees with disabilities who have made significant contributions to their organization’s mission, Vollrath added.
Garcia received the honor because of his strong his job performance, outstanding work ethic and ability to overcome physical limitations.
Initially hired as a custodial team member five years ago, supervisors quickly recognized Garcia’s abilities and varied his duties. After completing a task, Tony always cheerfully asked “What’s next?” He is a keen observer who picks up new skills and completes tasks thoroughly, according to Mary Smith, Garcia’s former supervisor who is now the Knox Express store manager.
At the Fort Knox store, “Mr. Garcia” is well known for his initiative and going above and beyond supporting customers. “Service has become one of Garcia’s strengths and he knows many shoppers by name,” Smith said. “Tony supports customers with disabilities by assisting them with motorized shopping carts.
In addition to his DoD award, Garcia received Exchange leadership coins from the Director/CEO Tom Shull, Deputy Director Maj. Gen. Joseph Ward, Chief Operating Officer Michael Howard and Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Tony Pearson. Garcia’s parents, Todd and Gloria Sherman, accompanied him to the ceremony and received a certificate of appreciation. Todd Sherman is a retired Command Sgt. Maj. who is deputy director for recruiting operations with U.S. Army Recruiting Command.
As an employer supporting servicemembers, families and retirees worldwide, the Exchange offers a host of full and part-time employment options. To learn more, perspective applicants can visit their nearest Exchange or the www.shopmyexchange.com.
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The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is a joint non-appropriated fund instrumentality of the Department of Defense and is directed by a Board of Directors which is responsible to the Secretaries of the Army and the Air Force through the Service Chiefs of Staff. The Exchange has the dual mission of providing authorized patrons with quality merchandise and services at competitively low prices and generating non-appropriated fund earnings as a supplemental source of funding for military morale, welfare and recreation programs. 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.
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Media Notes:
For more information or to schedule an interview with an Exchange representative please contact Lisa Neidinger at 214-312-4168 or [email protected].
