Newsletter

AAFES Retired Employees Association
Newsletter
January 2013
Supporting the Interests of AAFES, Its Retirees and the People it Serves
A handy guide to AREA Chapters
See the complete listing on pages 10-11
COLUMBIA RIVER
KENTUCKIANA
D
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
VIRGINIA LOVERS
KANSAS
NORTH CAROLINA
A
B
GOLDEN GATE
SOUTH CAROLINA
E
AUGUSTA
NORTH TEXAS
SOUTHEASTERN
C
CENTRAL TEXAS
ALOHA
INFORMAL CHAPTERS
(Locations shown by letters on map)
CHAPTER ONE — A
TIDEWATER — B
SPACE COAST — C
PUGET SOUND — D
SOUTHERN NEVADA — E
WEST GEORGIA
ALAMO
LOUISIANA CROSSROADS
METRO MONTGOMERY
GULF COAST
Periodically we publish a list of AREA Chapters to give you their locations on a
map and in listings with names of presidents, addresses, contacts, phone numbers
and emails. We hope you’ll find that a local chapter may be closer to you than you
think and you’ll consider joining and participating. AREA President Chuck Poffenbarger has updated the chapter listings for 2013, and they’re on pages 10-11.
Update your membership info for next Exchange CEO, COO bring year’s updates
AREA directory—COMING: April 2013 What’s going on
YOU still have time to update your membership information before we print a new directory in April. Pat Weaver,
membership director, received a sizeable number of
changes to members’ personal information after
the October announcement about
updating info for the upcoming AREA
directory. So if you moved, changed
phone numbers or email addresses,
had a change in marital status, etc.
just fill out the Membership Update
Form on page 20 to send Pat any
and all changes you wish to make.
with the Army
and Air Force
Exchange Service? You’ll
find out by reading two articles
by the management team at the
Exchange, Tom
Schull, Civilian Director/Chief Executive Officer (above left)
and Mike Howard, Chief Operating Officer. Turn to pages
12-15 for the “inside story” from the top Exchange civilians.
Page 2
January 2013
AREA NEWSLETTER
CHUCK POFFENBARGER, PRESIDENT
Welcome to the January, 2013 edition of AREA’s Newsletter, and the first month of Winter.
Winter Musing
"Without sharing there can
be no justice;
Without justice there can
be no trust;
Without trust there can
be no peace;
Without peace there will
be no future.
Presentation: The Gathering of the Forces of Light:
UFOs and their Spiritual Mission.
Weather Sayings:
A wet January, a wet Spring.
A warm January, a cold May. (Welsh Proverb)
On New Year's Eve, wrap a large rock
with some rope and hang it from a branch.
One New Year's morning: If the rock is dry,
good weather will come to stay.
If the rock is wet, rain is on the way.
If the rock is moving, high winds will come at night.
If the rock is white, snow will fall tonight.
If the rock is gone, time for moving on.
A favorable January brings us
a good year.
In Janiveer if the sun appear
March and April pay full dear.
If grain grows in January,
there will be a year of great need.
January blossoms fill no man’s cellar.
If birds begin to sing in January,
frosts will come.
AREA ...JUST FOR YOU
AREA NEWSLETTER
January 2013
Page 3
Hampton Roads ALA Benefit Luncheon
raises $30,000 for scholarship
programs
th
A total of 140 guests turned out for the 13 Annual Hampton Roads
ALA Benefit Luncheon for AREA, NEREA, and HRALA Scholarship
Programs. The guests enjoyed a great buffet lunch, followed by presentations from Mike Howard, Exchange COO, and Robert Bianchi, NEXCOM CEO.
The event was organized by the HRALA and chaired by Cory Belkov
from Watt/Spohn. A total of $30,000 was raised from the event sponsors with checks of $10,000 each presented to AREA, NEREA, and
HRALA Scholarship Programs.
Hampton Roads ALA Scholarship presentation
participants in the photo above were John
Reiley, CGX COO; Captain Robert McKennea,
CGX Commander; Mike Howard, Exchange
COO; Cory Belkov and Lou Mungin, both representing Watt/Spohn Universal; and Admiral
Robert Bianchi, NEXCOM CEO.
AAFES Retired
Employees Association
Mike Howard, Exchange COO, receives
HRALA benefit check for the AREA Scholarship Fund from Cory Belkov.
North Texas ALA Chapter annual holiday luncheon
raises $13,000 to support AREA scholarship
The North Texas Chapter (NTC) of the ALA held their annual holiday luncheon and
auction on December 14 at the Las Colinas Country Club in Irving, Texas. Represented
by Richard Krug, President, the chapter has been a long-term sponsor of AREA's
Scholarahip Program and donated $13,000 at the luncheon for scholarships our 20132014 academic year. For all of 2012, the chapter donated $18,000 for scholarships for
Exchange dependents. Richard Krug is also President, Military Sales & Service (MSS).
Marilyn Iverson, retired Exchange COO and current Director, Veterans Canteen Service, sent us a personal check for $1,000. Carey Filer, Chief Merchandise Officer, Veterans Canteen Service attended the luncheon and gave the check to Chuck Poffenbarger,
AREA President.
Participating in the
check presentation by
the North Texas Chapter
of ALA from left to right,
are Tom Gallagher,
Scholarship Committee
Chairman; Chuck
Poffenbarger, AREA
President; Mike Howard,
Exchange COO, Randy
White of the Dallas
Cowboys; Rich Krug,
President, DFW ALA and
Carey Filer, Veterans
Canteen Service.
The AREA Newsletter is published in
January, April, July and October
Mailing Address:
AREA
P. O Box 380614
Duncanville, TX 75138-0614
President:
Chuck Poffenbarger
cpoffen@yahoo.com
Tel: (972) 296-0388
FAX: (972) 692-5176
Membership & Address Changes:
Send your NEWSLETTER ADDRESS
and MEMBERSHIP changes to the
Membership Director Pat Weaver.
ken-pat@sbcglobal.net
Tel: (972) 780-9810
Newsletter input:
Submit articles for the newsletter to the
editor by e-mail to Newsletter Editor:
Larry E. Phillips
AREA-Newsletter@tx.rr.com
AREA Web address:
www.shopmyexchange.com/community/area
Page 4
January 2013
AREA NEWSLETTER
YOUR EXCHANGE BENEFITS…
Protect yourself from
the seasonal flu —
get the flu vaccine
AREA NEWSLETTER
January 2013
Page 5
YOUR EXCHANGE BENEFITS…
Benefits Q & A
Often when our AAFES employees enter the world of retirement, there are questions concerning their benefits and how
other items may affect those benefits. Listed below are the answers to recent questions received from AAFES retirees:
Q.
I will be turning 65 soon, what happens with my medical benefits?
A.
When you turn 65, you will need to sign up for both Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical
Insurance) as soon as you are eligible. Most people don't have to pay for Medicare Part A, but there is a cost for
Medicare Part B.
You do not need to sign up for Part D (Medicare’s prescription drug benefit ) because our Aetna plan is expected to pay (on average) at least as much as a standard Medicare drug plan so it is considered creditable coverage. Part D also has a cost so most people stick with the free coverage we give you with Aetna. You can also
find out more at My Medicare Enrollment
You should also be receiving a letter from Aetna also which will explain what you need to do. The Medicareeligible participant (typically retirees and spouses over 65) should give the doctor their Medicare card as it is
their primary coverage. The doctor will bill Medicare first and then Medicare’s Explanation of Benefits (EOB)
needs to be sent to Aetna for any secondary coverage. Retirees can do this themselves, or they can make an arrangement with Aetna (called Medicare Direct) so that the Medicare EOB will go directly from Medicare to
Aetna, and the retiree doesn’t have to take any action.
The Medicare Direct arrangement that Aetna can set up with Medicare is so that Medicare will automatically
send their EOB to Aetna for secondary processing on a medical claim. If you do not have Medicare Direct, you
will have to wait to receive the Medicare EOB and then send it to Aetna themselves which obviously means it is
a slower process.
Retirees:
Each year (Jan/Feb) Aetna will send a letter to all who are turning 65 that year.
The letter tells the retiree that (assuming their Medicare number is their SSN + letter ‘A’) Aetna will enroll
the retiree in Medicare Direct when they turn 65.
If the retiree has some unique situation where their Medicare # is not SSN + ‘A’, the retiree needs to call
Aetna for assistance to get enrolled in Medicare Direct arrangement.
Spouses:
Spouses always must call Aetna customer service to get enrolled in Medicare Direct.
Q.
What impact is the new Health Care Act projected to have on current AAFES insurance and other benefits?
A.
The quick answer is that for retirees there won’t be much of an impact. Most of the provisions of the Patient Pro
tection & Affordable Care Act, otherwise known as Health Care Reform, that have already been enacted have
added benefits for our retirees. There is a good AARP article which helps explain some of these benefits
at http://www.aarp.org/health/health-care-reform/info-01-2011/health_law_benefits_2011_and_to_come.html.
Other future provisions of Health Care Reform should not have a big effect on the AAFES retirees.
Page 6
January 2013
AREA NEWSLETTER
YOUR EXCHANGE BENEFITS…
New No-Cost Women’s Cost of Living Adjustment
(COLA) announced at 1.7%
Preventive Care
In March 2010, Congress passed the Affordable Care
Act (ACA), also referred to as Health Care Reform.
Beginning January, 2013, the following women’s
preventive care will be covered at 100% (without
having to pay the deductible) when given by an innetwork provider:
The announced 2013 COLA increase effective with the December
1, 2012 pension payments is 1.7%. Retirees with an annuity start
date of December 01 2011 or before will receive the entire 1.7%
increase. Those who have an annuity start date after December 1
2011 will receive a prorated COLA as shown below.
Well-woman visits, including prenatal visits during pregnancy.
Health screenings and counseling to include:





Screening for human papilloma virus (HPV)
Counseling for sexually transmitted infections
Counseling and screening for human immune-deficiency virus (HIV)
Screening and counseling for interpersonal
and domestic violence
Gestational diabetes screening
Breast feeding support, supplies and counseling,
including rental equipment and lactation support
and counseling.
FDA-approved women’s contraceptive drugs and
devices are covered at 100% when prescribed by
a doctor and obtained through Aetna’s network.
You can find a list of contraceptive drugs and
devices at www.aetna.com/formulary.
Contraceptive counseling
Female sterilization, including implants and surgery.
Annuitants who have been retired for at least 12 months will receive
the full COLA increase. The COLA will be prorated for the annuitants retired for less than 12 months. The COLA increase is effective
December 1.
It’s a New Year. Get Another $100 Credit!
Hopefully, you were able to earn up to a $100 credit in 2012 to offset some of your out-of-pocket medical expenses. You can now
earn another Health Incentive Credit of up to $100 during 2013!
Here’s how:
Earn a total of $100 in Health Incentive Credits when you:
(a) take an online Health Risk Assessment = $50
plus
(b) get your annual routine physical exam = $50
Total: $100
As each credit is earned, Aetna will automatically apply it to the next claim’s deductible or coinsurance for any covered family member. If you are not able to use the credit during 2013, it will roll over to the next plan year. Credits are banked for up to three years.
Start the year out right and earn your health incentive credit now, so it can be applied to your next medical claim.
AREA NEWSLETTER
January 2013
Page 7
CHAPTER HAPPENINGS
North Texas Chapter enjoys holiday celebration
Leon Levin makes a holiday celebration announcement
Karen and Dalton
Murayama
Bill Eddings and
Michele Priester
Jerry Krontz, Sue Sheff
and Jerry Johnston
Hilde and
Richard Doyle
Bill Eddings & Jack Leavitt
Pinky Sullivan, Sandy Johnston, Karen
and Dalton Murayama
Corrine and Bill McQueen
Barbara and Al Caisse
Chuck and Lina Poffenbarger with Sue Sheff
Linda and Roy Dean
Bob and Leslie
Munsey
Victor and Brenda
Morgan
Michele Priester and
Pinky Sullivan
Norma and Jack
Parkhouse
Sandy and Jerry Johnston
Christine Justus and Bonnie
Gauvin
Umang and Anja Chaudhry
Rich and Sue Sheff
Paul and Kathie Kelleher
Leon and Marilyn Levin
Paul Kelleher and Jerry's
mother, Bonnie Johnston
Jack and Joanne Leavitt
Page 8
January 2013
AREA NEWSLETTER
CHAPTER HAPPENINGS
Milton Shimizu Judy Bargfrede
and Linda Shimizu
Margaret Hasegawa and Doris
Roskiewicz
Lester Tokuhisa, Buda Ishihara and
George Turqueza
Aloha Chapter — The Aloha Chapter brought in the
holiday season with its annual Christmas party on Sunday, 2 December. Where else but the Pearl City Country
Club. They're just like family now!!! Another fantastic,
fun-filled AAFES retiree holiday party attended by 54
members and guests. A Prime Rib luncheon buffet was
enjoyed by all. After tummys were filled, the calories
were miraculously washed away by games, door prizes
and trivia questions.
Marion Grohoski Bea Shiroma and
Val Grohoski and Buddy !
Mary Ann Asato and Elaine Takahashi
Joyce Kikuchi and
Alice Suma
Willa and James Gardner
The afternoon was started off by a Welcome to All from
our Chapter President, Philip Roach, followed by an
invocation offered by Wilton Santos. MC duties for the
afternoon was handled by the "never lost for words"
Lester Tokuhisa.
Our chapter again supported the Hawaii Food Bank as Ruth Shimooka and Suzie Wong
its charity fundraiser. Last year a total of 179 pounds
of food was donated by our members and guests. From the
looks of our donation table in the picture, we surpassed that
mark this year. Our THANKS to all who so generously contributed to this cause.
Grand prize winners of $100 each this year were: Elaine Takahashi; Pat Watson; And Lauri Santos.
Charlie and Shirley Kon
Wendell Wong and Rachel Fu
Of course, none of this happens without the efforts of some
dedicated people so recognition also needs to be given to the ladies who made sure
we had table decorations and favors: Adrienne Hamada, Judy Bargfrede, Charlotte Roach, Linda Shimizu and Lauri Santos. Door prizes purchased and
wrapped by Rose Kawata. Menu committee Bill Allgire, Rose Kawata, and price
negotiator Lester Tokuhisa. Flyers/Mailings Pauline Ung/Rose Kawata. Reception: Charlotte Roach And Pauline Ung. Food Bank Delivery Gary Hamada.
And to top it all off a beautifully decorated holiday cake for all to enjoy donated by
Linda and Milton Shimizu.
Rachel Fu and Helen Ginoza
—Bill Allgire
AREA NEWSLETTER
January 2013
Page 9
See page 23 for
additional AREA
Chapter Happenings...
CHAPTER HAPPENINGS
Frances Hillhouse and Tia
Pearson
Trevor Yamamoto and
Jeanne Fujise
1
Jan Santana and Ethel
Miguel
Rose Kawata and Beverly
Pestano
2
Pat Watson and
Adrienne Hamada
3
Golden Gate Chapter—The chapter ended the year on a busy note, holding three luncheons from
September through December. A sampling of Ernie Kodama’s photos from the September luncheon in
the historic town of Benicia and the Octoberfest luncheon at the Speisekammer Restaurant in Alameda
are shown here identified by the numbered photos and captions. For the most recent gathering, the
Christmas luncheon, photos and captions are identified by the ABC’s.
Twenty-seven members, family and friends of AREA-Golden Gate
Chapter met on for the annual Holiday Luncheon at the Spinnaker Restaurant in Sausalito.
5
A
4
1 — Mary Lou Geimer, Iyoko Pao, Val Grohoski & Buddy the poodle
2 — Val & Marion Grohoski
3 — Ernie Kodama, Dennis Gilman & Sandy Gilman
4 — Sandra Westfall, Marion & Val Grohoski & Buddy
5 — Iyoko Pao, Ernie Kodama & Mary Lou Geimer
6 — Joan Turner, Sandra Westfall & Neil Burns
7 — Joan Turner, Iyoko Pao, Mary Lou Geimer, Val Grohoski,
6
A — Iyoko Pao, Mary Lou Geimer, Ernie Kodama and Arlene
Hadfield
B — David Cooper, Diane Cooper and Mary Santoni
C — Dennis Gilman, Sandy Gilman and Lou Vitalie
D — Noble Emery, Carol Beatty and Marion Emery
E — John Pazmieri and Pat Pazmieri
F — Arlene Hadfield and Joan Turner
G — Katrina Westfall and Neil Burns
H — Jake Westfall and Sandra Westfall
I — Ernie Kodama, Ikue Burney and
Sonoko Kirk
7
E
B
C
G
D
F
H
I
Page 10
I. ACTIVE CHAPTERS:
1. ALAMO CHAPTER
LEN FREITAS, PRESIDENT
19626 ENCINO KNOLL ST.
SAN ANTONIO, TX 78259
Email: lfreitas001@satx.rr.com
HM 210-481-3672
Cell 210-687-8644
Apply for Membership contact:
Ann Pauleuc - Secretary/Treasurer
hpauleuc@satx.rr.com
2. ALOHA CHAPTER
PHIL ROACH
P.O Box 235069
Honolulu, HI 96823-3501
Email: proach@hawaii.rr.com
Phone: 808. 234.5552
To Send chapter E-mail &
Apply for Membership, contact:
Bill Allgire: allgirew001@hotmail.com
3. AUGUSTA CHAPTER
CYNTHIA GRZYBOWSKI, PRESIDENT
6968 MOONTOWN DR. EAST
APPLING, GA. 30802
Email: grzybowskic@bellsouth.net
Phone: 706.541.1383
Apply for Membership contact:
Cynthia Grzybowski
4.. CENTRAL TEXAS CHAPTER
JEANNETTE STARK
105 JEFFERY DR. 78612
CEDAR CREEK, TX.
E-Email: mstark9@austin.rr.com
Phone: 512.303.1904
Apply for Membership contact:
Frank Archer: aqueen6@aol.com
5. COLUMBIA RIVER CHAPTER
RON CLEMENT, PRESIDENT
18115 N. E. 92ND AVENUE
BATTLE GROUND, WA 98604-5287
Email: W7QU@amsat.org
*Phone: 360.574.4290
Apply for Membership contact:
Ron Clement
January 2013
AREA NEWSLETTER
6. GOLDEN GATE CHAPTER
MARY LOU GEIMER, RECORDING SEC.
1306 ASPEN DRIVE
PACIFICA, CA 94044-3719
Email: MLGeimer@flash.net
Phone: 650.355.5213
Apply for Membership contact:
Nobel Emery, Treasurer
2534 Darrock Ct., Napa, CA 94558
7. GULF COAST CHAPTER
STEVE MITCHELL, PRESIDENT
5960 CROMWELL DRIVE
MILTON, FL. 32571-6347
Email: spmsa@msn.com
Phone: 850.995.8290
Apply for Membership contact:
Steve Mitchell
8. KANSAS CHAPTER
WANITA HULETT, PRESIDENT
2505 MEADOWLARK ROAD
MILFORD, KS. 66514
Email: rwhull2003@yahoo.com
Phone--785-238-8656
Apply for Membership contact:
Wanita Hulett
9. KENTUCKIANA CHAPTER
MARGARET BOWERS, PRESIDENT
11103 LEHR ROAD
LOUISVILLE, KY 40272-4542
Email: mmbowers@insightbb.com
Phone: 502.937.9797
Apply for Membership Contact:
Margaret Bowers, President
11103 Lehr Road.
Louisville, KY 40272-4542
10. LOUISIANA CROSSROADS
VIRGINIA MANSELL, PRESIDENT
532 W. EIGHTH ST.
DERIDDER, LA 70634
Email: vmansell@suddenlink.net
Phone: 337.462.0722
Apply for Membership contact:
Virginia Mansell, vmansell@suddenlink.net
AREA NEWSLETTER
11. METRO MONTGOMERY CHAPTER
HOUSTON “JOE” FULLER, PRESIDENT
103 WILLIANS ST.
PRATTVILLE, AL. 36066
Email: joelaura59@aol.com
Phone: 334.365.8930
Apply for Membership contact:
Joe Fuller
12. NORTH CAROLINA CHAPTER
RICHARD RAMOS, PRESIDENT
7005 HOLMFIELD DR.
FAYETTEVILLE, NC 28306
Email: rich7652@embarqmail.com
Phone: 910.425.4189
Apply for Membership contact:
Richard Ramos
13. NORTH TEXAS CHAPTER
RICHARD SHEFF, PRESIDENT
2317 MISTY TRAIL LANE
FLOWER MOUND, TEXAS 75028
Email: sheffrl@aol.com
Phone: 972.691.1959
Apply for Membership contact:
Jerry Cloud, cloud2@airmail.net
14. NORTHERN CALIFORNIA CHAPTER
JERRI THOMAS, PRESIDENT
4812 ROCKLAND WAY
FAIR OAKS, CA. 95628
Email: RonJerriT@aol.com
Phone: 916.966.1429
Apply for Membership contact:
Jerri Thomas
15. SOUTH CAROLINA CHAPTER
THERESE MORGAN, PRESIDENT
2000 WATER OAK DRIVE, #11-C
LEXINGTON, SC 29072.
Email: morgan.tj39@gmail.com
Phone: 803-358-0977
Apply for Membership contact:
Theresa Morgan,: morgan.tj#39@gmail.com
16. SOUTHEASTERN CHAPTER
JAMES W. MAHONEY, PRESIDENT
975 E LAKEHAVEN WAY
MCDONOUGH, GA 30253-5573
Email: None
Phone: 770.914.8494
Apply for Membership
Georgie Heyman, Vice-President
Email: georgieheyman@yahoo.com
Phone: 770-860-1571.
January 2013
17. VIRGINIA LOVERS CHAPTER
BETTY THORNE, PRESIDENT
11316 WILLOW LANE
DISPUTANTA, VA 23842
Email: bettyandrick@aol.com
Phone: 804.862.1762
Apply for Membership Contact:
Betty Thorne
18.WEST GEORGIA CHAPTER
ELIZABETH BAUM, PRESIDENT
2735 FERNWOOD AVE.
COLUMBUS, GA 31907
E-mail: mssippiqn1@aol.com
Phone: 706.561.3431
Apply for Membership contact:
Arlene Moore
7750 Lee Road
Smith Station, Alabama 36877
II. INFORMAL CHAPTERS:
(Meet from time to time.)
1. PUGET SOUND CHAPTER
EDITH ODA, POC
11525 MADERA GARDENS DR SW
LAKEWOOD, WA 98499
Email: edieoda@aol.com
Phone: 253.588.2424
2. CHAPTER ONE
MIKE GRIFFIN, POC
4230 PENNSBORO CT.
CHANTILLY, VA 20151
Email: torcmtn29@gmail.com
Phone: 703.802.2567
3. TIDEWATER AREA
URSULA FOUST, POC
HAMPTON, VA. 23669
Email: fousturs@aol.com
Phone: 757.850.0992
4. SOUTHERN NEVADA
DONALD JONES, POC
Email: DJones7813@aol.com
Phone: 702-645-0400
Jerry Saperstein, POC
E-mail: saperg@aol.com
Phone: 702.236.0196
5. SPACE COAST CHAPTER
GARY L. SMITH, PRESIDENT
DEBARY, FL 32713-2346
Email: trekker01@gmail.com
Phone: 386.668.1757
Apply for Membership contact: Gary Smith
P a g e 11
Page 12
January 2013
By Tom Shull
Exchange Director
A
s we start the New Year, I am grateful to be at the
Exchange. Having been a “military brat” and then
serving in the Army myself, it is like coming home. I
deeply appreciate what the Exchange does, and it’s truly a
wonderful experience to be a part of this team.
Shortly after my arrival in June, I conducted a comprehensive assessment of the organization. From that, we, as an
executive team, have developed 14 strategic priorities to
support what is required going forward in terms of driving
sales, cutting costs and ensuring the organization’s longterm viability.
You will be hearing more about these strategic priorities
(including leadership, management, and supply chain), but
coming off the fourth quarter I’d like to share with you
some of the things the Exchange has done in support of
Soldiers, Airmen and their families as well as initiatives
specific to merchandising, selling and marketing.
Exchange story in supporting troops and their families.
The following numbers tell the story of the Exchange’s
relevance to the military community.
$203.3 million in dividends for quality-of-life improvements including youth services, Armed Forces
Recreation Centers, arts and crafts, aquatic centers,
golf courses and more
3 million school lunches served year-to-date
1.9 million combat uniforms sold year-to-date
390,000 calling cards sold year-to-date
4,300 Associates deployed since 9-11
325 Wounded Warriors hired since March 2010
65 Exchanges in Afghanistan
8 contingency sites in Iraq
Intensify National Brands. Our current stock assortment
mix is 45% national brands/55% exclusive brands. Our
goal is to drive toward 65% national brands and 35% exclusive brands. To achieve this, we need to provide solution selling, store-in-store concepts, ensure signing supports the brand and use co-branding with prominent fashion
and accessory labels, with exclusive products, from key
brands.
AREA NEWSLETTER
Launch Online
Store. Nationwide
Internet sales almost
doubled since 2005.
The Exchange is significantly improving
its online experience
so our customers
view our site as their
destination of choice.
Reposition Main
Stores. We are improving the effective
utilization of our existing Main Stores.
In the coming year
we will:
Tom Shull
Exchange Director/CEO
Re-purpose underperforming space for high-demand
products
Seek strategic partnerships to drive synergistic relationships
Increase store-in-store programs
Optimize category and planograms to improve assortments
Grow Concessions. To grow concessions, we are aggressively expanding the range of national and regional brands
we offer. We will expand into business areas that the Exchange has not traditionally operated in.
Grow the Express. Today 80% of married soldiers live off
the installation, with 40% living 20 miles or further from
the installation. Capturing them as they come onto the post/
base and again as they leave for the day are the best opportunities we have to serve their needs. Some initiatives we
are working include:
Expanding the carry out selections of “Grab ‘n Go”
clusters
Adjusting floor plans to include more island coolers
Creating unique food service concepts to drive customer loyalty
Leveraging technology to our advantage
Continued on Page 13
AREA NEWSLETTER
January 2013
Continued from Page 12
Increase Customer Market Share. Including dependents,
we have 12.7 million customers, but only 300,000 of their
email addresses. Our goal is to increase our access to the
number of customers, 18 years of age and older, who receive offers from the Exchange via email to 3 million
within two years. The intent is to increase market share by
communicating with customers by demographic segment/
zip code and ultimately drive more traffic to Online and
Main Stores.
Grow the MILITARY STAR Credit Card and Launch
Loyalty Program. I can’t say enough good things about
the MILITARY STAR card. It is a tremendous deal for
Soldiers & Airmen with a very low interest rate. We just
need to tell more people about it. To this end, we are ensuring all associates are trained to educate customers of the
advantages of the card and developing a loyalty program.
P a g e 13
The idea is to offer low-cost rewards early, with more
highly valued rewards as customers shop more.
The future will no doubt be challenging with the evolving
footprint of all U.S. forces. The Exchange has been in business for 117 years, and, as long as there are service members defending our country, we plan to be right there alongside them to provide a taste of home. All of our actions
today are designed to ensure the long-term success of the
Exchange so future generations of Soldiers and Airmen can
enjoy the level of support today’s troops have come to expect.
______________________________
Thomas C. Shull, is Director/Chief Executive Officer,
Army and Air Force Exchange Service, and became
the first civilian Director/CEO of the Exchange in
2012.
What’s coming in our
118th year of service?
By Mike Howard
Exchange COO
The Exchange had many significant
successes in 2012. We celebrated our
117th year of service to America’s
brave service members and their families. We welcomed a new CEO/
Director, Tom Shull. And, we continued improving our product selection
both in stores and online.
In 2013, the Exchange will focus on a
number of strategic priorities to grow
the business and improve the customer
experience.
Contingency Support
Today, we have more than 200 associates in 69 locations around the world.
Since 2001, nearly 4,300 associates
have deployed voluntarily to serve
troops wherever they
go. We are extremely
Mike Howard
proud of these indiExchange Chief Operating Officer
viduals, who leave
their families and
in our recent Customer Service Index
friends behind to serve scores. Our spring CSI results showed
those who serve.
our overall customer satisfaction score
hitting 78, a six-year high, and up two
Customer Service
points from last spring. And, our fullBack home, our asso- year results show a one-point increase
ciates continue to pro- when compared to 2011. We made
significant progress in sales promovide top-notch custions, merchandise selection, merchantomer service, and
their insistence in do- dise availability, store environment
ing the right thing for and problem resolution—all areas that
our shoppers is echoed really count with customers.
We provide contingency support in 69 locations worldwide.
Page 14
January 2013
AREA NEWSLETTER
Consumer Reports ranks Exchange #4 for electronics
Exchange Recognition
I would like to mention one of the recent accolades achieved by our stores.
The December 2012 edition of Consumer Reports confirms that the Exchange is one of the best places to shop
for electronics. Consumer Reports
magazine, widely recognized as the
most trustworthy, unbiased, and influential buying guide in America, ranked
the Exchange at #4 for best walk-in
electronic stores.
New Programs
With the help of our Softlines' team,
the Exchange unveiled a new, lowpricing strategy for childrenswear with
the price points $5, $10, two for $15,
$15 and $20. The prices send a message that our children’s departments
are new shopping destinations for parents looking for value. And, I’m
pleased to report that performance has
exceeded our expectations. The Backto-School tabloid that launched the
new strategy to customers generated
sales of 284,000 units. In fact, Fall/
Winter 2012 fashion units were up
425,000 units to 2011 (as of midNov). That’s a $1.8 million increase in
sales!
Healthy Food and Operation BeFit!
The restaurant business is ever changing, in terms of customer tastes, and
variety certainly plays a role in that.
Customers are looking for healthier
choices at our restaurants, and Capt.
Katey Schrumm, our staff dietician, is
working educational programs that
highlight “Better-for-you" fast food
options.
The Exchange has signed franchise
agreements with Froots, a healthy
salad/wrap option, and Arby’s which
boosts a “market fresh” sandwich
menu line up. Both brands have
opened at four locations over the past
18 months. UFood Grill is a healthy
sauna suits, toning balls, exercise
mats, weight bars, and ankle and
wrist weights with an average savings of 10 to 15 percent.
But Operation Be Fit goes beyond
merchandise assortments and displays. The Exchange’s Operation
BeFit! magazine features health
and fitness articles written by certified fitness trainers, and distributed
at select Exchanges, Expresses and
MWR fitness centers.
Scan Based Trading initiative
To drive sales, inventory effectiveness and productivity, we’re continuing to expand our Scan Based
Trading (SBT) initiative. SBT is a
business model in which the vendor
owns the inventory until point of
sale. Vendors manage the inventory
and can make adjustments locally
Operation Befit Magazine
or regionally depending upon store
demographics. The vendor’s attention
alternative menu that we are testing.
to inventory management has resulted
We’ve been a leader in the restaurant
industry by implementing trans-fat free in increased sales for those vendors.
Currently vendors on SBT include
oils ahead of the competition and replacing toys with apples in our signa- American Greetings, IRA Green, and
select souvenir vendors. In 2013, we
ture brand kid’s meals. We have decreased pepperoni on Anthony’s pizza will be working toward converting
by 17.5 percent this past year, and are DVDs and Videos to SBT.
in the final stages of re-engineering
our menus for our Signature Brands of Changes in eCommerce
Anthony’s Pizza and Robin Hood. In
addition, the Exchange took the proac- In an effort to improve the eCommerce
customer shopping experience, the Extive step of posting calorie counts on
the eCommerce
its Burger King menu boards, making change is transferring
operation from a 3rd Party Logistics
the Exchange the largest BK franchi(3PL) in Memphis, Tenn., to the Dan
see to do so.
Daniel Distribution Center (DDDC) in
Virginia.
We are spreading the word about
healthier options through our new Operation Be Fit program, which focuses This joint effort initiative between the
Logistics, Marketing, Sales and IT dion health, fitness and nutrition. Each
rectorates will reduce operational exmonth, healthy foods are featured in
Exchange stores. In addition, custom- penses and enhance the online cusers can shop our new line of Operation tomer shopping experience by wareBe Fit exercise equipment, including
housing eCommerce items and exkettle balls, yoga sets, jump ropes,
panding the online assortment that is
currently stocked at DDDC.
AREA NEWSLETTER
January 2013
P a g e 15
change Germersheim DC location will
be .4 million sq. ft., a 2/3 reduction in
DC storage space. This reduction in
November marks the end of an 11However, in reviewing the Exchange
space required the Exchange to remonth, $46 million project to replace Supply Chain and the demand for fur- evaluate the European supply chain for
the conveyor system at the Waco Dis- niture, which represent 80 percent of
goods being shipped to the Europe retribution Center, which was installed in the DC product flow, it was detergion. The majority of the goods that
1988. Major changes in the DC layout mined the Exchange could save addi- will now be stocked at the Germerwill provide for a more logical move- tional transportation and handling costs sheim location will be high-velocity
ment of merchandise; from Receiving, by redistributing this category of prod- items, while all other goods will be
through Storage, to Shipping.
uct to its other three centralized DC’s handled through the Exchanges existin the U.S. The last day the SEDC will ing CONUS supply chain.
The conveyor is expanding from a 27” ship out product will be April 30,
to a 34” width, and the overall system 2013, and the complete closure of the The Exchange will be transitioning
length was extended from 5.5 to 6.3
into the Germersheim location in Sept/
operation is scheduled for October
miles, allowing for larger boxes to be 2013.
Oct 2014, with an expected seamless
conveyed through the system. In addicustomer shopping experience.
tion, it will move faster with conveyor In April 2005, USAREUR outlined a
We have an exciting year ahead of us,
sortation speeds doubling from 300 to Global Rebasing Initiative in Europe
and the Exchange team is focused on
600 feet per minute.
which included closing the Giessen
providing our valued customers with
Military Community, to include the
great service no matter where they
The Exchange Southeast Distribution
Exchange’s 1.2 million sq. ft. Giessen shop us. Above all, it is the dedicated
Center (SEDC), located in Morrow,
Distribution Center (GDC). In May
associates who make the Exchange
Ga., will start closing procedures in
2006, USAREUR asked the Exchange successful and I am proud of their efJanuary 2013. Its’ mission was to supto join DLA, AMC, IMA and DeCA in forts.
port the Exchanges worldwide furniconsolidating all theater logistics to
ture and promotional merchandise.
Germersheim, Germany. The new Ex- Here’s to another great year!
Big changes in distribution centers
Page 16
January 2013
AREA NEWSLETTER
Vita Toting brings her friends to Las Vegas
The mission of the PHAX Clark Air
Base Retired Employees, “To continue
to unite with our former co-workers
and their families as we grow in faith
and love and foster a lasting friendship
among ourselves,” was once again fulfilled on October 20, 2012
in Fiesta Rancho
in Las Vegas.
Thanks to
Vida Toting
whose
ardent
desire to
stay true to
the mission displayed her strong
leadership qualities, gained as the
Main Store manager in Clark Air Base
for 40 years, in holding another annual
reunion that started with a small
group in an employee’s huge yard in
Manteca, California in 2010.
annual gathering where her former coworkers can once again meet, enjoy
and replicate the camaraderie they enjoyed working in the store facilities
and PHAX headquarters. Through her
perseverance and relentless daily calls,
going through her ever-growing list of
employees, to insure everyone
gets the information about
the next reunion, Vida
felt richly rewarded
by the attendance
this year of 80 employees, some of
whom were accompanied by their spouses
and children, more
than that of last year. Also
among the attendees were five
employees from the appropriated group in Clark Air Base.
Eager participants traveled from
all over the country, not only
from Northern and Southern
Leading the Council of Elders divided California, composing the biginto various committees that give life gest group, Arizona, Colorado
to the success of a cohesive and well- and Washington, but also from
organized annual event, Vida has joy- Illinois, North Carolina, Virfully found a sense of purpose in her
ginia and Florida, and as far as
life, in addition to relishing family
Canada. There was a surprise
closeness, the aspiration to organize an visit from Mrs. Renate Atkin-
son, once a PHAX General Manager,
accompanied by her daughter, and Mr.
Lloyd Reese, Chief of the Procurement
Office, who both dropped by to say
hello to some employees who recognized them.
While Filipiniana was the chosen
theme in the 2011 reunion that showed
female attendees resplendent in their
native costumes such as saya, kimona,
and mestiza dress and men distinguished in barong tagalog, Hawaian
Escapade was this year’s choice. The
Club Tequila at the Fiesta Rancho exploded in radiant colors owing to the
flattering, colorful wrap-around and
Competing in the Hawaiian dance contest are Carina
Morris, Susie Florendo, Lydia Baron in the oval photo
(above left) and Lucy Muli-Pineda, Luz Crisologo,
Norma Sanders in this photo.
AREA NEWSLETTER
January 2013
Grace Bondoc-Hanover, Ed Ronquillo, Ginny Wong-Ronquillo,
unidentified guest, Eddie Dayrit, Zeny Dayrit, Mrs. Urquico, Noel
Urquico
grass skirts worn by some female attendees, a tiny bunch of flowers tucked
underneath a few women’s ears and
leis hanging by their necks while a few
men were observed wearing attractive
floral shirts and fashionable hats.
The well-organized program started
with the singing of the American and
Filipino anthems followed by an invocation led by Ricardo Cordero from the
Accounting branch. It was most fitting
that the welcome address was delivered by Jesse Yumul from the Safety
and Security office and now a Las Vegas resident. Forwarding on with the
program was the melancholic, but
gleeful singing by everyone of a popular 1930’s song, For All We Know,
P a g e 17
L-R (Sitting) Elma Dizon, Myrna Mendoza, Irene Abdon
L-R (Standing) Ed Ronquillo, Lucy Muli-Pineda, Vida Aragon-Toting,
Manny Espiritu, Lita Espiritu, Ginny Wong-Ronquillo, Beny Nebres,
Grace Bondoc-Hanover, Regalado Dizon – all former PHAX Headquarters employees
appropriate for
the occasion and
named the reunion’s theme
song. Its sad
ending phrases,
“Tomorrow may
never come, for
all we know,”
seemed a conGrace Bondoc-Hanover, Sonia Argao, Regalado Dizon, Loella Dizon,
templative reJesse Yumul, Vida Aragon-Toting, Gil Crisologo are members of the
minder to make Council of Elders without which the reunion was not possible. Here
they’re singing Maalaala Mo Kaya.
efforts to enjoy
the reunion; simand unforgettable Filipino songs. The
ply enjoy the moment.
Council of Elders set the pace for a
The occasion, of course, was not com- delightful afternoon of songs and
plete without the rendition of favorite dances in the singing of Maalaala Mo
Kaya (Do you Still Remember?) and
Dahil Sa Iyo (Because of You).
Rose Varizei, Meda Sager, Carmen Bucud-Quiwa
Unidentified guests
L-R (Sitting) Inidentified guest, Myrna Mendoza, Lita Espiritu,
Manny Espiritu (Standing) Jane Muli, Lucy Muli-Pineda, Regalado Dizon
L-R (Sitting) Ginny Wong-Ronquillo, Dorie delos Reyes-Pantier
(Standing) Lucy Muli-Pineda, Romy Sanchez, Lita Espiritu
Page 18
January 2013
L-R (Sitting) Benny Nebres, Myrna Mendoza, Lita Espiritu, Manny
Espiritu, Jesse Yumul, (Standing), Tony Nabor, unidentified guest
AREA NEWSLETTER
Enjoying a brief moment of camaraderie while posing for a
good photo
A group gets
together for a
captivating photo
Jesse Yumul, Gil Crisologo, Primo Zamora and
an unidentified guest are
pleasantly interrupted by
an enthusiastic photographer from a joyful exchanging of pleasantries
and updating of their
continuous journey
A sumptuous lunch was followed by
the area talent and Hawaiian dance
contests showcasing the Filipino penchant for singing and dancing and declaiming. Two vocal solos, three Hawaiian dance numbers and two declamations were enthusiastically performed by employees representing specific areas in California and from various states.
States Congress to grant Special Immigrant Visas to exchange employees.
Several hundreds of them are currently
enjoying retirement in the United
States because of the petition’s approval.
surprise, with a plaque of recognition
and appreciation for “her leadership
and invaluable support” to the successful organization of three annual reunions. Encircling Vida on stage, the employees serenaded her with the song,
“For She’s a Jolly Good Fellow.”
The award was received by Mr.
Suarez’ grown-up kids, Rico Suarez
and Teresa Suarez Frost, who gave a
brief reflection of how this award was
special for the Suarez family.
At 85, Vida, without the slightest trace
of slowing down, is determined to continue to bring together her co-workers
every year.
Ballroom dancing has always been the
centerpiece of any PHAX gathering in
the past as well as the present. Dancing
to their heart’s content, the attendees,
some of whom had not seen one another since leaving the organization,
alternated dancing with reminiscing
On towards the end of the program, a their good old salad days and updating
one another with their current lives for
posthumous recognition award was
the rest of the afternoon until the manpresented to the late Abelardo Suarez, ager of the Club Tequila closed its
“Abe,” as he was fondly called, for his doors at 1900 hours.
substantial contributions to the efforts
in submitting a written petition to the After delivering the closing remarks,
House of Representatives of the United Vida Toting was honored, to her great
Just before the train dance, a brief general brainstorming took place regarding the next possible reunion venue.
Several employees vigorously suggested: Angeles City, Philippines! Indeed, such a grand wishful thinking.
A special guest, Lulu Mercado, who
manages a dance studio in Las Vegas
wowed the audience with her Hawaiian dance exhibition. Winners from
each category picked by assigned
judges as well as several raffle winners
went home feeling fortunate with
prizes in the form of carefully-chosen
and useful gifts.
You can bet, wherever the next reunion, you will hear from Vida again in
her persistent phone calls as early as
August, 2013, transcending the employee’s theme song, “For all we
know, we may never meet again.”
--Grace Bondoc-Hanover
PHAX Training Specialist - 1976-1987
AREA NEWSLETTER
January 2013
P a g e 19
IN REMEMBRANCE
Floyd R. Iscrupe, 80, died August 11 in Stahlstown, PA. The JB Andrews Stockroom Manager retired in
1987.
George T. Ogawa, 82, died August 24 in Honolulu, HI. The Exchange Operations Supervisor retired in
1990.
Frederick W. Richards, 84, died August 10 in Ann Arbor, MI. The Exchange General Manager retired in
1988.
Isabel Ratledge, 73, died October 5 in Cornelius, NC. Isabel was a manager for the DOD for over 20
years, serving with AAFES from December 1970 – October 1991. Isabel was born October 1, 1939 in
Seville, Spain, and was a resident of Colorado for many years. She married Bill Ratledge at the Air Force
Academy in Colorado Springs. Isabel and Bill lived in Colorado for over 30 years before moving to North
Carolina to be with family. She loved to do needle work, garden, cook, and take care of others. Isabel was
very involved in the Catholic Church as a Eucharistic minister and spent many hours assisting Cuban refugees.
Isabel is survived by her husband Bill, and seven children: Joseph Ratledge (Carol), Isabel Neunsinger,
John Ratledge (Jennifer), Joseph Neunsinger (Valerie), Maria Kostylo (Scott), Carol Ratledge (Joe), and
Jackie Hayden (Paul). She also is survived by sixteen grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Page 20
January 2013
AREA NEWSLETTER
USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS
The following telephone numbers are provided as a convenience to members wishing
to contact certain HQ AAFES offices and the AAFES Federal Credit Union.
HQ SWITCHBOARD
(214) 312-2011
FOR RETIREMENT and GROUP INSURANCE BENEFITS:
HQ. AAFES BENEFIT BRANCH REPRESENTATIVES
(800) 519-3381
GENERAL COUNSEL:
COLONEL ERIC E. WEISS, USAF
(214) 312-3126
EXCHANGE POST:
BARBARA KIRSCH
(214) 312 3831
SALES TABLOIDS:
DEBBIE BYERLY
(800) 733-5142
ID CARD, PRIVILEGES
HR-L/H Servicing Personnel Office
(214) 312-3330
ID Cards issued Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 7:30-10 a.m.
DOD VEHICLE STICKERS:
DOD stickers are issued in AD from 7:30-11 a.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
AAFES FEDERAL CREDIT UNION: TOLL FREE SERVICE
NORTH AMERICA
(800) 452-7333
UNITED KINGDOM
0800-89-7490
GERMANY
0130-81-1187
FOR OTHERS NOT LISTED:
PAT WEAVER
(972) 780-9810
For other information, check out the AAFES website at: http://www.shopmyexchange.com and
the AREA website http://www.shopmyexchange.com/community/area
AREA NEWSLETTER
January 2013
P a g e 21
AREA SCHOLARSHIP FUND
DONATION FORM
To: AREA
P.O. Box 380614
75138-0614
Duncanville, TX 75318-0614
From:
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This donation is (check one box below) *IF YOU HAVE MORE THAN ONE PERSON TO LIST, USE COMMENTS SECTION BELOW
*In
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* In Memory Of
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Your donation will be acknowledged to both the donor and to the recipient or the survivor. All donations are
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Enclosure # 6-1
Page 22
January 2013
AREA NEWSLETTER
Email Address Changes
AREA NEWSLETTER
P a g e 23
January 2013
CHAPTER HAPPENINGS
Woodrow Portee, Oscar Betournay, Ken Dorey, and
Liz Dorey
Flora Long, Therese Morgan, Suzanne
Dodd, Frank Miller and Toshi Storer
Nedra Dover, Fay Shorter, Emma Norman, Glenn Blake, Nelda
Youker, and Leonard Youker
Scott Crawshaw, Billie Barlow,
and Mary Thomas
Don Sydlik, General Manager, Fort Jackson/Shaw AFB Exchange
South Carolina Christmas luncheon
South Carolina Chapter—It was 75 degrees at Fort Jackson, when
the retirees met to celebrate their Christmas luncheon at the Officers’
Club. The weather was great and the group enjoyed the gathering of
old and new friends. It is always a pleasure seeing each other for our
quarterly meetings. Although Therese Morgan, President, was present, the meeting was conducted by Frank Miller, Past-President. It
is a heart-warming experience, knowing that we are among friends
ready to help each other.
Mr. Sydlik came and graciously talked to the group giving us the
latest news. As Exchange retirees, we are all very interested to know
what is happening at the Exchange, because that company has been
part of our life for so many years and most of us keep fond memories. It is said, “Once a Marine, always a Marine.” This quote applies to the Exchange employees as well.
Mary Thomas suggested having day trips for our quarterly meeting;
she is organizing the first trip scheduled to take place in March 2013,
to the Harrah Casino, North Carolina. Many members are looking
forward to this new adventure.
The meeting was successful; and, for the less fortunates, the retirees
gathered 262 lbs of food that was given to the Harvest Hope Food
Bank in Columbia. What a great group!!!
— Therese Morgan
A NEW YEAR’S WISH
A HEAPING CUP OF HAPPINESS
2 OF LOVE AND CARING
1 OF UNDERSTANDING
1 OF JOYFUL SHARING
A LEVEL CUP OF WISDOM
1 OF ARTFUL LIVING
1 OF THOUGHTFUL INSIGHT
1 OF SELFISH GIVING
MIX INGREDIENTS TOGETHER
TOSS IN A LITTLE FLAIR
SERVE TO EVERYONE YOU KNOW
TOPPED WITH A TINY PRAYER
MAY EVERY MEASURE OF HAPPINESS,
BE YOURS FOR 2013
—Submitted by Pat Weaver
Page 24
January 2013
AAFES Retired Employees Association
P.O. Box 380614
Duncanville, TX 75138-0614
AREA NEWSLETTER
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PERMIT #1478
DUES ALERT! Please check the expiration date above. If the date is
December 2012 (or earlier) please send your $15 dues PAYABLE to AREA.
AAFES Retired Employees Association
Help Us Save Money!
Get the Newsletter online rather than through the mail.
The difference in cost is significant*, and you’ll
enjoy these advantages:
Get the Newsletter first, before anyone else. E-mail is faster than
snail-mail. The Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) format is in color and you
can transfer/save the file as you desire.
*Per copy print cost at $1.42 + mailing at $0.57 = $1.99 cost per copy. Do yourself and AREA a favor—try the
Newsletter via e-mail attachment.
Here’s what one member said: “The e mail edition is superb. Easy to read, brilliant colors, etc. I can't say
enough about it, and would recommend that anyone with a computer should give it a try. Especially since they
can always convert back to hard copy. I doubt if any would do that.”
Send an e-mail to Pat Weaver, Membership Director, at ken-pat@sbcglobal.net and state that you would like to
get the Newsletter on line and we’ll do the rest. Give it a try. If you don’t like it, we can always add you back to
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