{"id":1814,"date":"2014-11-17T11:28:48","date_gmt":"2014-11-17T17:28:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/publicaffairs-sme.com\/pressrelease\/?p=1814"},"modified":"2014-11-17T11:28:48","modified_gmt":"2014-11-17T17:28:48","slug":"little-rock-afb-exchange-associate-honored-as-dod-outstanding-employee-for-2014","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/publicaffairs-sme.com\/pressrelease\/?p=1814","title":{"rendered":"Little Rock AFB Exchange Associate Honored As DoD Outstanding Employee for 2014"},"content":{"rendered":"

LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE \u2013 <\/span><\/b>An <\/span>Army & Air Force Exchange Service associate<\/a> received the Department of Defense Outstanding Individual With a Disability Award for 2014 during a presentation Nov. 14 at the Little Rock Air Force Base Exchange. \"LRAFB<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

John Perry, senior store associate in the electronics department, was honored for his strong job performance and steadfast commitment to serving Airmen, retirees and their families at Little Rock AFB. Perry, who has been paralyzed from the neck down since birth, provides technical answers to shoppers\u2019 electronics questions, and his positive disposition has helped him forge a bond with the community.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGetting to know our customers and taking care of them are the best parts of my job,\u201d Perry said. \u201cI get to know some of them personally, too. Sometimes we talk about electronics. Sometimes we talk about sports or something else on their mind. It\u2019s just an honor to serve them.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Exchange Deputy Director Maj. Gen. Joseph Ward and Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer Michael Immler honored Perry at the presentation, praising him for his tireless work ethic and passion for serving those who serve.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJohn brings his \u2018A\u2019 game each and every day to the Airmen assigned to Little Rock and to his fellow Exchange associates,\u201d Gen. Ward said. \u201cHis warmth and enthusiasm shine through in all he does.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Immler agreed, citing Perry\u2019s tenacity during his 14-year career at the Exchange.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJohn started at the Exchange as a greeter and has worked his way up to senior store associate in the electronics department,\u201d Immler said. \u201cToday, he helps educate shoppers of all ages about the latest technology. Both the Exchange and Little Rock AFB are better for having John on our team.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Perry commended the Little Rock AFB Exchange team, crediting his fellow associates with always being there for him.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI appreciate my co-workers and the help they give me,\u201d Perry said. \u201cThey deserve praise also.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Exchange Assistant Store Manager Shannon Koder, who nominated Perry for the award, called him an inspiration to fellow associates, shoppers and community members.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJohn has taught us all how the human spirit can ignite an internal flame to achieve more than we thought possible,\u201d Koder said. \u201cHe truly embodies the Exchange motto of family serving family.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

— 30 —<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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. \u00a0To 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<\/a> <\/span>or follow us on Twitter at https:\/\/twitter.com\/ExchangePAO<\/a>.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a0Media Notes:<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/b>For more information or to schedule an interview with an Exchange representative please contact Julie Mitchell, 214-312-3327 or mitchelljul@aafes.com.<\/span><\/p>\n\t

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