DeCA Vision Winter 2009 Vol. 18, No.1
Transcription
DeCA Vision Winter 2009 Vol. 18, No.1
decavision deca vision www.commissaries.com Patrons, workforce and stakeholders working together to create ‘raving fans.’ WINTER 2009 McChord puts creative spin on new outreach campaign ‘Every Day is Mom’s Day’ decavision Winter 2009 Vol. 18, No. 1 decavision is an authorized publication for members of the Defense Commissary Agency. It is published by Corporate Communications, DeCA Headquarters, Fort Lee, Va. Contents are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. government, the Department of Defense or DeCA. Printing is by offset method; printed circulation: 10,000. Readers may submit articles and photos. Suggestions and criticisms are welcomed. All pictures are DeCA photos unless otherwise identified. Contact editor at: decavision, HQ DeCA Corporate Communications, 1300 E Ave., Fort Lee VA 23801-1800; telephone (804) 734-8000, ext. 4-8768; e-mail: cherie.huntington@deca.mil 11 PRODUCE PROS: The produce department at Yongsan Commissary, South Korea, showcases fresh fruit during Korean Thanksgiving. Yongsan won top honors in the “Large Overseas Store” category, its fourth consecutive first-place finish. Read more, Pages 11-15. DeCA photo: Kim Sun-Tae 16 23 35 PENGUIN POWER: The parade of Penguins continues, with two stores adding to their huge “rookery” of amber, gold and silver crystal birdies, Pages 16-20. HURRICANE COMMISSARY: DeCA West stores mobilize to open an emergency commissary to serve shoppers in a devastated area, Pages 23-24. NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE DAY: Fort Sill Commissary, Okla., brings to life the culture, history and delicious recipes of local tribes. ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: Samoa on-site sale ....................... 8 New meat contest results .......... 30 CAM winners .............................. 33 You’ve got mail ............................. 37 Heart of the benefit ...................... 48 COVER STORY: The team at McChord Commissary, Wash., stepped up the excitement for its “Every Day is Mom’s Day” outreach campaign by giving it a historical flavor. Employees dressed in Victorian-style costumes treated customers to a variety of little luxuries. See merchandising ideas from around the world, Pages 4-7. DeCA photo: Nancy O’Nell Philip E. Sakowitz Jr. DeCA director and CEO Corporate communications Ron Kelly .......................................... acting director Sallie Cauthers ........................... chief, marketing Ron Kelly ................................. chief, public affairs Janice Pavlock ................................ Web manager Staff contributers Rick Brink ..................................... PAO, DeCA East Cherie Huntington .................. editor, decavision Nancy O’Nell ................................ PAO, DeCA West Kevin Robinson ............................. media relations Gerri Young ............................... PAO, DeCA Europe CORRECTION: In the last issue, Page 6, Patricia Jackson, customer service manager at Patrick Commissary, Fla., was mistakenly identified as Patricia Johnson. We regret the error. Surf VISION online @ http://www.commissaries.com/employees/news_room/vision_magazine/index.cfm ! fromthetop So much good news to share Philip E. Sakowitz Jr. DeCA director and CEO S uccess and more success – that’s the DeCA story. You’d think that with so much good news, we’d have nowhere to go but down. Instead, you find more ways to excel, more ways to serve our customers well. Take a look at a few of the phenomenal success stories from 2008: Sales. Can you say “jump”? We jumped 1.5 million transactions and 5 percent in sales, generating $5.8 billion in sales. That’s our sixth straight year of sales increases, and we matched the highest sales total for DeCA since fiscal 1993. We had 385 commissaries then, compared to 254 at the end of September 2008. You made it happen! Guard and Reserve support. Again, jump’s the word. We jumped to serve our reserve forces customers where they live, work and serve our country, growing the number of on-site events DeCA Director and Chief Executive Officer Philip E. Sakowitz Jr. visits from 21 in fiscal 2007 to an amazing 104 with commissary customer Desiree Serrano during a visit to Fort Bragg in 2008. This fiscal year, we’re shooting South Commissary, N.C., in November. DeCA photo: Cynthia Hernandez for 150 events and are well on our way to achieving that goal. Internal review. What tremendous shopping bags and energy-saving light bulbs. achievements we hold in this area. DeCA Last fiscal year, shoppers purchased nearly earned the highest score in the Department two million bags and more than a million of Defense for the fiscal 2007 Statement compact fluorescent bulbs. of Assurance for Internal Controls, and Employee survey. The agency’s also for the second straight year. If that’s latest employee satisfaction survey revealed not enough, DeCA achieved its seventh unprecedented improvement in every consecutive clean audit opinion for 2008. category and also set a DoD benchmark That excellence reflects the commitment score in customer orientation. and dedication of the entire DeCA I could go on all day heralding DeCA’s workforce, from our senior leaders to the great people and accomplishments, and commissary storeworker. We must maintain I’m not wearing rose-colored glasses, a credible, sound benefit for the men and overlooking major failures somewhere. women in uniform who earned it. I’ve traveled around the world to visit CARTS. Every store now operates stores and central distribution centers; I’ve with new front-end equipment and the listened to our customers when they pull Commissary Advanced Resale Transaction me aside and tell me how much they love System, providing our customers with their commissary. I know what you do and the “latest and greatest” technology in the how hard you work to give our customers a grocery industry. (See story, Page 27.) shopping experience that’s out of this world. Going green. Our customers Here’s to another year of teamwork, enthusiastically support our green efforts, pride and accomplishment together! particularly when it comes to reusable 3 The staff at McChord Commissary, Wash., stands stage ready for customers for the kickoff of the “Every Day is Mom’s Day” outreach campaign. Store Director Victoria Best-Rush came up with the Victorian-era theme. “It represented a time when life was simpler and moms had time to spend with the family,” she said. Sixty staff members dresssed in Victorian-era clothing, and store end caps and some aisle tops had Victorian-style displays. DeCA photo: Nancy O’Nell Right, with décor as serene and light as in a spa, Sembach Commissary, Germany, offered an affordable luxury section, inviting moms to relax and indulge. Customers were given free hand massages and aromatherapy, as well as a chance to win four free facials. DeCA photo: Michele Johnson 4 decavision!Winter 2009 ! coverstory In honor of all their sacrifices, every day is ... Mom’s Day Kevin L. Robinson Corporate communications E very day in commissaries around the world, mothers are shopping for their families. They often pay attention to everyone but themselves. The Defense Commissary Agency wants to lavish some well-deserved attention on the military mom for a change. “Moms are the heartbeat of our military families, whether they are holding down the home front or in uniform themselves deployed down range,” said Philip E. Sakowitz Jr., DeCA director and chief executive officer. “From January through Mother’s Day in May, we want to focus special attention on our military moms and show them how much they mean to us.” With its “Every Day is Mom’s Day at Your Commissary” initiative, DeCA wants to pamper moms with a variety of specially-priced health and beauty care products set aside just for them. It’s the commissary’s way of saying “thank you” to a customer demographic that represents about 80 percent of daily commissary shoppers. Commissaries stateside and overseas rolled out their “red carpets” for mothers who populate all segments of the military community. Each store highlights a special shopping area for military moms, a place where mothers can purchase discounted products to treat themselves or where their husbands or children also can do the honors. “The military mom is the person who typically runs the household and routinely puts herself at the end of a long list of family obligations,” Sakowitz said. “‘Every Day is Mom’s Day’ seeks to put our military moms first, honoring all the sacrifices they make each and every day.” Banners, posters and shelf signs point the way toward product displays designed especially for mom. More photos Z Kaylene Anderson, food service worker and one of the cake decorators extraordinaire at Vogelweh Commissary, Germany, shows Philip E. Sakowitz Jr., DeCA director and chief executive officer, how easy it is to pluck a single cupcake from a giant “pull-apart” cake. The bakery specializes in these confections, which involve masses of cupcakes smothered in a blanket of icing. DeCA photo: Norman Brown 5 ! Ramstein Commissary, Germany, offers moms a relaxing spot with a garden theme for them to shop for little luxuries such as lotions and soaps that fit in any budget. DeCA photo: Danielle Parker Storeworker Una Chom gives customer Katherine Forbes a gift pack including chocolate-covered pretzels and an assortment of teas at McChord Commissary, Wash. All shoppers were offered hot tea and cookies at the entrance to take the chill off the cold, rainy Seattle weather. DeCA photo: Nancy O’Nell 6 decavision!Winter 2009 Bitburg Commissary, Germany, provides a bright, salon-style showcase of personal luxury items at affordable commissary prices for moms. DeCA photo: Ernestina Vasquez ! Liz Bever, with her baby daughter, Ellie, received a Super Bowl surprise at the grand opening of Richards-Gebaur Commissary, Mo., in January. Presented by Nick Conforti of C & C Produce, Kansas City, Mo., the football-shaped snack bowl filled with fruit and affordable luxuries from the commissary highlighted the “Every Day is Mom’s Day” promotion. DeCA photo: Rick Brink Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Pilar Turner, Imperial Beach Commissary, Calif., won some sweet luxuries to brighten her day, courtesy Coast Produce Company. Coast’s “Every Day is Mom’s Day” produce pampering basket promotion awards a gift to one mom at each store the company services. Contents include a fruit assortment, lotion, hand and sunscreen cream, and facial scrub. Pictured with Turner are, from left, Store Director Freddie Espiritu; Turner’s daughter, Falicity; her husband, John; and produce manager Tom DeGuzman. Coast Produce Company photo 7 ! Virginia Galuvao, left, store associate at Pearl Harbor Commissary, Hawaii, uses a hand lift to restock cases during the sale at American Samoa. “The pace was steady for all three days,” said Galuvao, who has been with DeCA for five years. DeCA photo Commissary goods await stocking in 14 van containers in American Samoa. DeCA photo 8 decavision!Winter 2009 ! Four thousand shoppers benefited at the on-site sale in American Samoa, hosted by Pearl Harbor Commissary, Hawaii. DeCA photo Samoa sensation Happy customers report going to sale three, four times Nancy O’Nell DeCA West public affairs officer P earl Harbor Commissary, Hawaii, delivered the benefit in a big way to reserve forces members and their families at Konelia Pele U.S. Army Reserve Center, American Samoa, Aug. 11-13, resulting in record sales for an on-site event: $250,222. More on-site news, American Samoa is an unincorporated U.S. next page Z territory in the South Pacific. More than 4,000 shoppers came through the registers for the sale, described as “a tremendous benefit for our Reserve members and their families” by Maj. John Adams, commander of Army Reserve forces on American Samoa. Fifteen commissary associates and three industry representatives supported the sale. Fourteen van containers of resale product, including one filled with frozen foods, arrived two days before the sale. Freda Tuaau, secretary, and Juanita Burrus, lead store associate, both from Schofield Commissary, Hawaii, took their skills “on the road” to serve at the on-site sale in American Samoa. DeCA photo 9 ! ‘Road warriors’ Twelve commissaries currently lead the way in taking their goods on the road for on-site sales, with six-figure success at 23 events, as of Dec. 31, 2008: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. NB Pearl Harbor, Hawaii @ American Samoa Fort Bragg South, N.C. @ Charlotte, N.C. Fort Bragg South @ Charlotte NB Pearl Harbor @ Hilo, Hawaii Fort Bragg South @ Charlotte Fort Gillem, Ga. @ Atlanta Fort Gillem @ Chattanooga, Tenn. NAS Jacksonville, Fla. @ Miami NB Pearl Harbor @ Hilo Fort Jackson, S.C. @ Greenville, S.C. Patrick AFB, Fla. @ Miami Fort Jackson @ Greenville Fort Gillem @ Chattanooga Maxwell AFB, Ala. @ Fort McClellan, Ala. Fort Gillem @ Atlanta Fort Sam Houston, Texas @ Houston Fort Gillem @ Atlanta Fort Gillem @ Chattanooga Fort Campbell, Ky. @ Louisville, Tenn. Hill AFB, Utah @ Riverton, Utah Little Rock AFB, Ark. @ Camp Robinson, Ark. Little Rock AFB @ Camp Robinson Eglin AFB, Fla. @ Mobile, Ala. Tinker Commissary, Okla., hosted an on-site sale, Aug. 7-8, for the Oklahoma Army National Guard in Tulsa, about 100 miles away, with sales of $56,171. DeCA photo: John Spaur 10 decavision!Winter 2009 Aug 08 Jun 08 Apr 08 Oct 08 Dec 08 Oct/Nov 08 Dec 08 Apr 08 Oct 07 Oct 08 Nov 08 Jun 08 Sep 08 Oct 08 Apr 08 Jun 08 Jul 08 Jun 08 Aug 08 Sep 08 Mar 08 Oct 08 Oct 08 $250,222 $248,250 $233,414 $216,940 $211,598 $211,279 $199,486 $191,476 $187,000 $181,624 $165,000 $162,085 $159,724 $155,405 $145,616 $144,195 $142,042 $128,000 $124,105 $101,583 $101,043 $100,844 $100,362 ! Produce pros P Fresh ideas abound in annual competition retty as a picture but oh so fresh and delicious, too – that describes the hundreds of mouthwatering produce displays created in the Defense Commissary Agency’s 9th Annual Produce Merchandising Contest. Fifteen commissaries earned honors this year, highlighting a theme of “Fresh Fruits and Veggies = Health and Fitness = Mission Ready.” Yongsan Commissary, South Korea, celebrated an unprecedented fourth consecutive win as best large overseas store. “Produce represents the ‘crown jewel’ of the commissary benefit,” said Philip E. Sakowitz Jr., DeCA director and Superstore First place: Second place: Third place: chief executive officer. “We’re proud to serve the world’s most health-conscious, discerning customers when it comes to fresh fruits and vegetables, so we work extremely hard to delight them and exceed their expectations in quality, variety, presentation and personal service.” The annual competition highlights the commissary’s role as nutritional leader for the Department of Defense. Winning stores excelled in quality and team performance in creative displays, customer education programs emphasizing healthy benefits of fresh produce, and increased produce sales. The evaluation period covered a minimum of any two weeks, May 1-Sept. 15, 2008. Commissaries submitted digital portfolios to DeCA’s sales directorate for judging. Z Lackland Air Force Base, Texas McChord Air Force Base, Wash. McGuire Air Force Base, N.J. Large U.S. Store First place: Tinker Air Force Base, Okla. Second place: Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas Third place: McClellan, Calif. Large Overseas Store First place: Yongsan, South Korea Second place: Camp Courtney, Okinawa Third place: Spangdahlem, Germany Small U.S. Store First place: Altus Air Force Base, Okla. Second place: Vance Air Force Base, Okla. Third place: Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho Small Overseas Store First place: Bamberg, Germany Second place: Taegu Camp Walker, South Korea Third place: Livorno, Italy 11 ! “Healthy Bear” combines the cute factor with the health factor of fresh fruits and veggies for Lackland Commissary, Texas, in the annual produce merchandising contest. Sales soared nearly 21 percent higher than last year. The store previously won the 2006 superstore category. DeCA photo: Sun Hui Giacobbe “The commissary is worth the trip, and produce is no exception,” said Randy Chandler, DeCA’s sales director. “Many customers make extra visits to the commissary just for fresh fruits and veggies between their regular shopping trips because they demand quality produce at the peak of freshness. It’s important to our customers, and it’s important to us.” Commissary shoppers save an average of more than 30 percent on their overall grocery bills compared to commercial prices. In addition, fresh produce frequently takes center stage at case lot sales or special “farmers market” events, which can deliver savings of 50 percent or more. 12 decavision!Winter 2009 Team Lackland’s produce team includes, from left, Vanessa Pizana, Miguel Santos, Belinda Connell, Edgar Gonzales, Petra Martinez, and Sun Hui Giacobbe, produce manager. Not pictured are Dwayne Clark, Jose Pena, Samuel Marquez, Roger Faz, Adam Newman, Kevin Murray, Fredrick Fraijo, and Magdalena Lindley, lead. DeCA photo: Katherine “Kat” Lee ! Left, Tinker Commissary, Okla., nailed first place large U.S. store honors in the annual produce merchandising competition with imaginative, colorful displays such as this one. C & C Produce photo: Dennis Messner Below, Tinker Commissary’s award-winning produce team includes, standing from left, Tina Davenport, Alana Kueffler, Rayong Jackson, Christopher Craig, Tom Davenport, Melvin Hopkins, Darrly Grayson and Janice Murphy. Kneeling is Terry Watson, former produce manager. Not pictured is Pam Walker, storeworker leader. C & C Produce photo: Dennis Messner Left, a parade of produce gift baskets awaits display at Yongsan Commissary, South Korea. Yongsan remains the one to beat in the annual produce merchandising contest, achieving four consecutive wins. DeCA photo: Kim Sun-Tae Z 13 ! Yongsan Commissary, South Korea, uses colorful signs to highlight the vitamin sources found in different types of produce. The local produce vendor, KACM, created the signs. DeCA photo: Kim Sun-Tae Above right, the awardwinning Yongsan produce team includes, from front left, Yi Mun-U, An Chong-Hwan and Kim Chung-Jik. From rear left is Kim Yong-Kuk, To Kon-U, Julie Rusch, No Tae-Su, and Kim Sun-Tae, produce manager. DeCA photo: Michael Mertz Above, pears proved irresistible to customers at Altus Commissary, Okla., thanks to this mass display of pear varieties, built by Gary Gillispie, produce manager. C & C Produce photo: Dennis Messner Left, the Altus produce team includes Sharea Rhue, produce worker; Gary Gillispie, produce manager; and Rudee Conroy, produce worker. Not pictured are Mary Baugh and Juan Chavarria, produce workers. DeCA photo: Misty Martin 14 decavision!Winter 2009 ! The Bamberg team includes Stefan Schluter, produce manager; Kathrin Gotz and Rickey Baldwin, produce storeworkers; and Robert Vogel, store manager. DeCA photo Customers enjoyed fresh fruit samples from this display at Bamberg Commissary, Germany. The store won first place small overseas store in the produce merchandising competition. DeCA photo Chris Craig, produce associate at Tinker Commissary, Okla., helps “pile ‘em high to watch ‘em fly” at the store’s first farmers market sale. Two more sales followed, proving so popular with customers that in June 2008, the department celebrated its first time as the No. 1 produce department in sales in Zone 8. DeCA photo 15 T Penguin power wo commissaries clearly rank as “best in class” when it comes to winning amber, gold and silver Penguins, taking seven of this year’s 17 awards: Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., and Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. Ice is nice, but these penguins thrive on hot competition Awarded by the National Frozen and Refrigerated Foods Association in three annual competitions, DeCA traditionally scores trophies into the double digits, with 23 in 2007 and 17 in 2006. Following are the winners in two of the competitions, with no DeCA winners this year in the Ice Cream and Novelties competition in June and July. March Frozen Food Month Gold Eglin Commissary, Fla.: Best Department Display, 2nd consecutive; Overall Store Promotion Fort Belvoir Commissary, Va.: Best End Cap Display Silver Aberdeen Commissary, Md.: Best End Cap Display McClellan Commissary, Calif.: Best End Cap Display, Overall Store Promotion McGuire Commissary, Md.: Best Department Display Quantico Commissary, Va.: Best End Cap Display, 2nd consecutive 16 decavision!Winter 2009 Tinker Commissary, Okla.: Best End Cap Display, Best Department Display Yokosuka Commissary, Japan: Overall Store Promotion June Dairy Month Amber Aberdeen Commissary, Md.: Overall Store Promotion, 3rd consecutive gold Gold Eglin Commissary, Fla.: Best End Cap Display; Best Department Display, 2nd consecutive Silver Aberdeen Commissary, Md.: Best End Cap Display, 2nd consecutive McGuire Commissary, N.J.: Best Department Display Fort Leonard Wood Commissary, Mo.: Overall Store Promotion ‘Penguin queens’ Can anyone ever match the achievements of Aberdeen’s Diane Mann, store manager, with nearly 40 Penguins behind her, or Eglin’s Maggie Hayden, grocery manager, with nearly 30? ! Winning four golds total this year, Eglin went with a theme of “Eglin Goes to the Movies” in frozen food competition. “We made a 66-foot film reel above our freezers,” said Hayden, “introducing the customers to the characters they would encounter in each display throughout the frozen food department. Our Diane Mann customers loved it!” Aberdeen celebrated its third consecutive gold in the dairy contest for overall effort, which earned the store a coveted Amber Penguin. “The entire store was decorated and cross-merchandised with the Kung Fu Panda movie theme,” said Store Director Tammy Spickler. “Demos added to the ‘flavor’ of the theme.” New to winner’s circle Maggie Hayden New to gold recognition this year was Fort Belvoir, and its winning end cap in Using a movie theme in Frozen Food Month décor, Eglin Commissary, Fla., let popular characters such as Doc Hudson from “Cars” draw attention to frozen meal options. DeCA photo: Maggie Hayden Tinker Commissary, Okla., welcomes customers to Frozen Food Month with an enormous igloo flanked by larger-than-life penguins. DeCA photo: Andrea White Left, this end cap display at Fort Belvoir Commissary, Va., illustrates the ease of frozen food options for family meals. Webco photo: Theresa Catlett Z 17 ! Penguin footprints lead customers through the variety of frozen food selections in Yokosuka Commissary, Japan, during Frozen Food Month. DeCA photo: Totolua Ripley Jr. McClellan Commissary, Calif., highlights a theme of “From Our Table to Yours” in their Frozen Food Month displays, such as this polar bear family gathered at a picnic table. DeCA photo: Howard Malloy 18 decavision!Winter 2009 frozen food already had shoppers buzzing with excitement. “Our customers loved the end caps that were decorated for this competition,” said Store Director Troy Collins. “We had four end caps that were decorated, and there was one end cap that most customers picked as their favorite. Lo and behold, it won the Golden Penguin for best end cap. Bravo!” Tinker emerged on the scene to win two silvers in frozen food competition, and the staff remains pumped up to pursue gold next year. “This promotion in particular creates a lot of excitement among our store personnel due to its magnitude and level of competition,” said Andrea White, store manager. “Employees take tremendous pride in seeing a display concept transform into a finished product. Customers, both young and old, recognized the efforts put forth, and we received many compliments on the display during promotion.” Compliments aren’t all the store received, however. Sales bumped up 8.3 percent over the previous year, with the frozen food commodities reflecting an overall increase of 4.1 percent over the previous year. All winning stores noted a sales increase. Other newcomers included McClellan and Yokosuka. “Any time a display this large is built, the entire store feeds on the excitement,” said Bill Brown, McClellan’s grocery manager. “All departments benefited from increased sales and felt a sense of accomplishment.” “We saw an increase in frozen food sales during the month,” said Yokosuka Store Director Totolua Ripley, “and we attribute this to the many product demonstrations, cooking classes and other outreach events.” Returning ‘warriors’ Fort Leonard Wood, Colorful displays such as this one helped boost sales of frozen vegetables and meals at Quantico Commissary, Va. DeCA photo: Rick Brink Z A truck delivers more product for the March Frozen Food Month sidewalk sale at Yokosuka Commissary, Japan. DeCA photo: Totolua Ripley Jr. McGuire and Quantico all scored gold or silver victories last year, and Quantico seems primed to bring home Penguins every year, with roughly a dozen to their credit. “One great benefit was seeing the enthusiasm on the kids faces,” said James Johnson, Quantico computer-assisted ordering specialist. “The sales went up on frozen pizza, vegetables and dinners. Our sales were outstanding!” With its Jersey Shore theme, McGuire Commissary, N.J., drew customer interest with this Ferris wheel, complete with penguin passengers. DeCA photo: John Zoubra 19 ! HOT STORE-LEVEL RECORDS Anchorage Area, Alaska Sep Record sales day $343,351 Aviano, Italy Sep Deli record sales $82,139 NBK Bangor, Wash. Jul Produce record sales $300,228 Sep Record sales year $29.5 million Bolling AFB, D.C. Dec Sushi record sales day $1,084 Camp Courtney, Okinawa Sep Record sales day $53,860 Camp Lejeune, N.C. Aug Produce record sales, meat record sales $346,196, $347,456 Camp Pendleton, Calif. Aug Record sales, produce record sales $5.4 million, $445,000 Sep Record sales year $58.7 million Nov Record sales $5.43 million Aug Record sales; produce, meat, grocery record sales $2.7 million; $220,129, $234,371, $2.3 million Charleston AFB, S.C. Sep Record sales day $173,722 NWS Charleston, S.C. Aug Record sales; produce, meat, grocery record sales $2.1 million; $177,366, $182,551, $1.8 million Jul All-time record sales day $141,679 MCAS Cherry Point, N.C. Aug $186,985 Columbus AFB, Ga. Jul/Aug Meat record sales 1st two-month streak $1 million+ Aug Produce, grocery record sales $78,150, $885,895 Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz. Jul Produce record sales $349,704 Eglin AFB, Fla. Aug Record sales $4.5 million Sep Case lot record sales day $260,225 NAF El Centro, Calif. Aug Produce record sales day $555 Ellsworth AFB, S.D. Aug Record sales day, meat record sales, meat weekend record sales $103,181, $100,263, $15,000 Fairchild AFB, Wash. Jul Produce record sales $181,858 Fort Belvoir, Va. (agency & store records) Jul Produce record sales $951,607 Aug/Sep Record sales/record sales year $8.9 million/$102 million Oct Record sales $8.97 million Nov Record sales, record sales day, 3-day record sales, 3-day hourly record sales $9.3 million, $534,382, $1.4 million, $40,077 Fort Benning, Ga. Aug/Nov Record sales $5.1 million/$5.2 million Fort Bliss, Texas Aug Meat 2-day record sales $50,800 Fort Bragg North, N.C. Sep Record sales year $43.5 million Fort Bragg South, N.C. Aug Record sales since store opening in 2000 $6.5 million Fort Buchanan, Puerto Rico Nov Record sales $4.4 million Fort Detrick, Md. Nov Store-only record sales day $67,415 Fort Drum, N.Y. Oct On-site pre-booked record sales $64,000 Fort Eustis, Va. Aug/Nov Record sales $4.2 million/$4.2 million Sep Grocery record sales day $205,264 Fort Greely, Alaska Nov Meat 3-day record sales $2,729 Fort Jackson, S.C. Sep Case lot 2-day record sales $719,123 Fort Leavenworth, Kan. Aug Meat record sales $216,249 Fort Lee, Va. Nov Record sales $3.4 million Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. Fort Lewis, Wash. 20 Aug/Sep Record sales/case lot Friday record sales $3 million/$219,636 Nov Record sales, record sales Sunday $3.1 million, $130,000 Jul Produce record sales day $17,266 decavision!Winter 2009 ! Fort McCoy, Wis. Sep Case lot record sales day $56,000 Fort Meade, Md. Nov Record sales day $372,320 Fort Myer, Va. Nov Record sales day $322,534 Fort Rucker, Ala. Sep Record sales year $30.3 million Fort Sill, Okla. Aug Record sales, record sales day $3.2 million, $171,212 Sep/Oct Record sales year/record sales $34.5 million/$3.1 million Fort Stewart, Ga. Aug Record sales $3.2 million Harrison Village, Ind. Aug All-time record sales $1.3 million Hickam AFB, Hawaii Nov Record sales $4 million Holloman AFB, N.M. Oct Produce record sales $11,595 NAS Jacksonville, Fla. Jul/Sep Record sales/record sales year $5.2 million/$62.3 million Kadena AB, Okinawa Sep/Nov Record sales day/record sales, all-time record sales day $209,000/$5.7 million, $287,518 MCB Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii Aug Record sales $3 million NSB Kings Bay, Ga. Aug Record sales, produce record sales, meat record sales, grocery record sales $1.4 million, $98,166, $135,674, $1.1 million Kunsan AB, South Korea Jul Record sales day $39,877 Langley AFB, Va. Nov Record sales $5.9 million NAB Little Creek, Va. Aug Record sales, bakery record sales, deli record sales, grocery record sales $5.9 million, $54,607, $92,357, $4.9 million Oct Bakery, meat record sales Little Rock AFB, Ark. Sep Case lot Friday record sales Los Angeles AFB, Calif. Aug/Nov Record sales $2 million/$2 million Maxwell AFB, Ala. Oct Record sales $3 million McConnell AFB, Kan. Shopper at Fort Belvoir $57,715, $443,429 Commissary, Va., in 1964. DeCA historical$195,305 file photo Aug Record sales day $133,990 Nov Record sales, record customer count Thanksgiving week $207,014, 2,665 Mitchel Field, N.Y. Nov Record sales day $41,839 Nellis AFB, Nev. Sep Record sales year $59 million NSB New London, Conn. Jul Produce all-time record sales $172,826 Nov Two consecutive months’ sales $2 million+ NB Norfolk, Va. Aug/Nov Record sales $4.5 million/$4.5 million NAS North Island, Calif. Aug Record sales $1.6 million NAS Oceana, Va. Aug Record sales, meat record sales $7.3 million, $540,648 Osan AB, South Korea Oct Produce record sales $154,996 MCRD Parris Island, S.C. Jul Record sales; meat, 15 consecutive months record sales $1.3 million; $100,000+ Patrick AFB, Fla. Nov Record sales $4 million NB Pearl Harbor, Hawaii Jul Record sales, produce record sales Aug Record sales $8 million, $1 million NAS Pensacola, Fla. Sep/Nov All-time record sales day/grocery record sales $272,637/$3.6 million MCB Quantico, Va. Nov Record sales, record sales day $5.9 million, $323,721 Robins AFB, Ga. Sep $12,240 NS Rota, Spain Sep Bakery-deli No. 1 increased sales for Military Deli and Bakery Service Inc. for 2 weeks Case lot: 1st day record sales, weekend record sales NB San Diego, Calif. Jul/Aug Produce record sales/record sales, meat record sales $669,737/$7.5 million, $591,560 Sep/Oct Record sales day $371,618/$378,695 Nov Record sales $7.9 million Current Store Director Troy Collins, Fort Belvoir $8.5 million Commissary, Va. DeCA photo: Rick Brink $54,973, $121,117 Z 21 ! MCB San Onofre, Calif. Jul/Aug Produce record sales $51,581/$54,979 Schofield Barracks, Hawaii Nov Record sales $5 million Schweinfurt, Germany Nov Record sales day $86,323 Spangdahlem, Germany Aug All-time record sales $793,656 Shaw AFB, S.C. Aug Record sales $2 million NIOC Sugar Grove, W.Va. Sep/Oct Record sales day/record sales $12,027/$45,394 Nov Regular day record sales, seafood road show record sales $4,950, $1,567 Tobyhanna AD, Pa. Nov Record sales day $24,517 Vicenza, Italy Aug Record sales, decorated cake record sales $1.1 million, $1,800 Oct All-time record sales, grocery record sales $1.2 million, $995,079 Vance AFB, Okla. Sep Record sales year $6 million Vogelweh, Germany Aug Seafood road show record sales, 3-day record sales $23,702, $418,000 Zone 28, Fort Lee, Va. Aug Record sales $32.9 million Nov Record sales, Military Produce Group record cases $33 million, 13,370 Fresh grillin’s thrillin’ A barbecue tin man helps remind customers that fresh, grilled veggies are healthy and tasty, too, in this display built during DeCA’s annual produce merchandising competition. DeCA photo: Sun Hui Giacobbe 22 decavision!Winter 2009 ! Nancy Wade, right, sales store checker from Fairchild Commissary, Wash., checks out Senior Master Sgt. John Padfield in the temporary store established at Ellington Field, Texas. DeCA photo: John Spaur Hurricane relief Zone 6, Fort Sam Houston Commissary set up temporary store to serve customer needs Nancy O’Nell DeCA West public affairs officer D eCA came to the aid of military families after Hurricane Ike hit the coast of Texas on Sept. 13. With local food stores severely stripped of supplies, DeCA set up a temporary relief commissary on Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base, Texas, about 15 miles south of downtown Houston. The store opened Sept. 28 with 160 products, a mix of easy-to-prepare food and other essential household items. “Our stock grew to nearly 400 products before we closed Oct. 10,” said Marty Jackson, Zone 6 manager. Jackson had been manager overseeing 10 commissaries in Texas for barely a month when Hurricane Ike hit. “With the electricity still out in many places, fresh meat was in demand,” said Jackson. “Ground beef, steaks, sausages — they wanted anything you could barbecue. We went through a lot of charcoal and lighter fluid.” DeCA filled in the stock list with fresh produce, milk, eggs, canned goods — anything with a flip top that could be poured in a pan and heated — paper products, batteries, Sterno fuel, baby food, diapers and cleaning supplies. And without the local bread plant operating, bread became a coveted commodity. As customers came through, the staff asked them what they needed most then ordered those items from Fort Sam Houston Commissary. When the relief commissary opened the next day, the requested items were on the shelf. Z 23 The installation provided hangar space for DeCA’s temporary commissary. DeCA photo: John Spaur Jackson said one of the biggest challenges for DeCA was traffic. A round-trip drive to pick up food supplies at Fort Sam took more than 10 hours, and DeCA made this trip every day to restock and pick up special orders. To transport daily deliveries from Fort Sam, DeCA rented two trucks: a 20-foot refrigerated truck and a 24-foot nonrefrigerated truck. The local distributor, Grocery Supply Company, delivered the rest of the stock directly to the site. The distributor also helped set up the store by bringing in display supplies and shopping carts from the Warrior Way commissary on Fort Hood, Texas. To serve as a “backroom,” DeCA rented a 48foot refrigerated trailer to store eggs, dairy, meat, produce and frozen products. As luck would have it, the logistics of finding a location and setting up the relief commissary was easy because Fort Sam Houston had held an on-site sale for Guard and Reserve members at Ellington Field in June 2008. “Our contacts were solid,” said Jackson. “I called the 147th Fighter Wing commander, Col. Lanny McNeely, and practically before I could ask the question he said, ‘Yes, we need you now. When can you get here?’” Once the decision to open the store was made, Jackson appointed Store Director John Spaur, Tinker Commissary, Okla., as the site director. “John carried the sale on his shoulders,” said Jackson. “He made everything come together.” According to Spaur, the 147th Fighter Wing played a significant role in getting the commissary up and running quickly. “The 147th gave us their aircraft hanger to hold the sale,” he said. “They hard-wired all the refrigeration cases, supplied the forklifts and fuel, and provided any other on-the-ground support we needed. They really rocked and rolled and took good care of us.” During the two weeks the commissary was open, all 19 DeCA employees lived in motor homes parked about a quarter of a mile from the hangar. The Federal Emergency Management Agency set up a day center for displaced residents in the same parking lot, and FEMA provided a mobile shower and a mobile laundry unit. Spaur said that both the shower and laundry units were appreciated by the DeCA workers after the long days at work. Other DeCA team members working at Ellington included: Barstow Commissary, Calif.: Curtis Walker Davis-Monthan Commissary, Ariz.: Charlene Berger, Michelle Langdon DeCA West: Efren Metrillo, Mike Selkirk Ellsworth Commissary, S.D.: Berlyn Ghost, Dave Knott Fairchild Commissary, Wash.: Nancy Wade Fort Irwin Commissary, Calif.: Jessica Harris Fort Sam Houston Commissary, Texas: Veronica Carrillo, Ricky Martinez Lackland Commissary, Texas: Tonya Brown, Reba Perlotte Peterson Commissary, Colo.: Fe Vaughn, Maria Fe Bettencourt U.S. Air Force Academy Commissary, Colo.: Rick Skubal The team staffing the temporary commissary came from various DeCA West locations. Volunteers included: front row, Fe Vaughn, Peterson Air Force Base, Colo.; and Veronica Carillo, Fort Sam Houston, Texas; middle row, Stacy Roberts, Fort Riley, Kan.; Maria Fe Bettencourt, Peterson Air Force Base; and Charlene Berger, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz.; and back row, Efren Metrillo, DeCA West, McClellan, Calif.; Nancy Wade, Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash.; and Marty Jackson, Zone 6 manager, Fort Sam Houston, Texas. DeCA photo: John Spaur 24 decavision!Winter 2009 ! Holiday hoopla Fort Bragg South’s holiday decorating tradition delights customers A holiday Ferris wheel, decorated trees and plenty of giant candies represent a few of the creative touches generated by grocery manager Bonnie Ramsey at Fort Bragg South Commissary, N.C. DeCA photo: Rick Brink Rick Brink DeCA East public affairs officer W rapping rolls of paper towels with colorful cellophane, amazingly turning them into large “candies” placed under a lighted tree, is just one display technique Fort Bragg South Commissary, N.C., employs in creating a fantastic, storewide holiday atmosphere year after year. The first sites customers encounter when they enter the store include “Santa’s Landing,” featuring the store’s permanent, custommade replica of the Cape Hatteras lighthouse – famous symbol of North Carolina and tallest lighthouse in the nation; a silvery mountain decked out with a variety of nutcracker soldiers; and a large gingerbread house that tops a spice display. By the time they leave, they’ve enjoyed the scene of a life-size, stuffed Santa going over a list in a room festooned with gifts and a lighted tree. They’ve seen the tops of every refrigerator and freezer display case decorated with a variety of animated and static holiday theme figures – from a train, a Ferris wheel, several Santas, elves and snowmen, to penguins, carolers, bears and M&M guys – and lots of tinsel and evergreen garland. There’s not a section that doesn’t feature some kind of decoration. “Every year it just gets better – and our customers love it, largely because it’s smartly done,” said Loren Sperrey, store director. It all began in 2000 when Bonnie Ramsey, grocery manager, arrived at the commissary after her store at nearby Pope Air Force Base closed, and she brought her penchant for holiday decorating with her. “Bonnie can certainly be described as the leader and brains behind it all, but she’s the first to pass along a good deal of the credit to the many employees who work together to literally decorate the entire store in what’s become our annual holiday Z décor,” Sperrey said. 25 ! No detail goes untended with Fort Bragg South’s rich tradition of holiday decorating. DeCA photos: Rick Brink Fort Bragg South’s ‘holiday décor 101’ B • • • • • 26 onnie Ramsey, grocery manager at Fort Bragg South Commissary, N.C., offers simple decorating tips: Start with what you have. The scope and detail of Bragg South’s displays have been years in the making. Store what you have. The decorations are packed away carefully to be used again. Accumulate what you can. Add new items each year if possible. She has her eye out for an inflatable helicopter that could be suspended from the ceiling for Santa’s use since Bragg is “Airborne Country.” Keep out of reach of children. This is why the tops of refrigerator and freezer display cases are used, the gingerbread house sits atop a spice display and the nutcracker mountain is surrounded by bins of nuts. It’s not all store-bought. Clear, colorful cellophane wrapped around paper plates stuck on the end of long, thin cardboard tubes look like giant lollipops. decavision!Winter 2009 ! We have liftoff Rick Brink DeCA East public affairs officer O ne of the most modern checkout systems in the grocery industry is now used by commissary shoppers around the world since the Defense Commissary Agency and IBM completed installing the new Commissary Advanced Resale Transaction System in record time in DeCA stores worldwide. “All 255 of our commissaries now have our new checkout system, and I want to thank IBM and all the DeCA employees who worked so very hard to make this happen with minimal disruption in just two years time – something unheard of in our business, considering the scope and complexity of the project,” said Philip E. Sakowitz Jr., DeCA director and chief executive officer. The installation program began in October 2006 at Fort Lee Commissary, Va., and trekked around the world to commissaries in the United States, Europe and Asia. It New front-end system stands mission ready in record time, with minimal disruption ended last Oct. 15 about a month ahead of schedule when the system, otherwise known as CARTS, was installed at Riyadh Commissary, Saudi Arabia. The numbers reveal the project’s enormity: a 2,134 in-lane registers (conventional) installed a 870 self-checkout registers installed a 611 wireless registers (mobile carts) installed a 541 price check stations installed a 764 handheld terminals installed a 17,000-plus store personnel trained The new checkouts replace a system that had become outdated since it was installed in 1996 and upgraded in 2004. The new system brought self-checkouts to stores for the first time and features technology that meets the evolving needs of DeCA, the Department of Defense and the grocery industry. Not a single commissary had to close to accommodate the installation because the systems were installed during times stores were normally closed. The installation is part of a fiveyear, $270 million contract with IBM, a multinational computer technology and consulting corporation. With the installation complete, the program has entered the sustainment phase. “Much of what DeCA does is on the leading edge of technology to boost our efficiency and effectiveness,” Sakowitz said. “This is funded by the 5-percent surcharge we collect at the register, so we’ve gone to great lengths to ensure we’ll get the highest return possible for our investment. As we enter the sustainment phase, we’ll continue efforts to ensure we’re providing the best possible service to our customers as well as to our employees who operate the system.” Chomp! The winning pumpkin in a carving competition at Ramstein Commissary, Germany, features two pumpkins — a “chomper,” and a “chompee” masquerading as a loaded hamburger. The store sold 31,181 pounds of pumpkins in October, not counting painted or “baby” decorative pumpkins. DeCA photo 27 ! One part spiders, spooks; 99 parts pumpkin Fall colors XGRAB ONE, IF YOU DARE: With the stage set for giant spiders and skeletons galore, Fort Stewart Commissary, Ga., makes buying a pumpkin a spooky adventure. DeCA photo: Priscilla Echols T PUMPKIN PRINCESS: Little Sophie fits easily into one of the large pumpkins for sale last fall at Garmisch Commissary, Germany. Sgt. William Good and his wife, Shira, loaded their daughter into the pumpkin, much to the toddler’s amusement. Courtesy photo S CANDY CREEPY-CRAWLY: This giant spider at Oceana Commissary, Va., serves as sentry for a mass display of Halloween candy. DeCA photo: Hazel Ennis 28 decavision!Winter 2009 S FALL’S SWEET BOUNTY: A variety of fall apples take center stage in this colorful display built by Vicky Parsons, produce manager, and Scott Davis, Military Produce Group merchandiser, at Gunter Commissary, Ala. DeCA photo: B.J. Montgomery SBAUMHOLDER BOO: Grocery manager Loretta Moses and WEBCO merchandiser Rita Sanderful built this creepy Halloween scene at Baumholder Commissary, Germany. The display won large store top honors in DeCA Europe’s theme display contest in October. DeCA photo: Loretta Moses 29 ! Meat merchandising competition magic New highlights meat department skills T hirteen commissaries won honors for their meat merchandising mettle in the Defense Commissary Agency’s first-ever Meat Merchandising Contest, announced Jan. 7. “Savvy shoppers know that commissary meat cases carry the top value savings throughout the store,” said Philip E. Sakowitz Jr., DeCA director and chief executive officer. “Great merchandising helps customers remember that fact when it’s time to spend their hard-earned dollars on groceries.” Highlighting a theme of “Meat Your Healthy Choices,” winning stores are listed below by region. Included are “site stores,” or commissaries that are provided fresh meat cuts processed and wrapped at a larger, “parent” commissary. DeCA East Superstore: Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Fla. Large: Fort Eustis, Va. Small: Naval Support Facility Dahlgren, Va. Site Store: Fort McCoy, Wis. DeCA West, Stateside Superstore: Lackland Air Force Base, Texas Large: McClellan, Calif. Small: Vance Air Force Base, Okla. Site Store: Naval Air Facility El Centro, Calif. 30 decavision!Winter 2009 DeCA West, Overseas Large: Yokota Air Base, Japan Small: Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan Site Store: Camp Stanley, South Korea DeCA Europe Large: Heidelberg, Germany Small: Bamberg, Germany DeCA Overall, First Place Stateside Superstore: Lackland Air Force Base, Texas Large: Fort Eustis, Va. Small: Naval Support Facility Dahlgren, Va. Site Store: Fort McCoy, Wis. DeCA Overall, First Place Overseas Large: Yokota Air Base, Japan Small: Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan Site Store: Camp Stanley, South Korea Right, barbecue rules supreme at Dahlgren Commissary, Va., in this huge oasis of everything needed for great grilling. DeCA photo ! Atsugi Commissary, Japan, boosted overall meat sales by 12.7 percent, and lean cut sales saw a 20-percent lift during the contest period. DeCA photo: William Stall Left, the meat department at Yokota Commissary, Japan, borrowed a 1957 Chevy golf cart to illustrate gameday tailgating with old-fashioned style. See another ingenious display centerpiece, this one created completely by store employees, on Page 59. DeCA photo: William Hicks A panel of judges evaluated commissaries in four areas: o Display and merchandising, o Consumer education and outreach, o Store metrics, and o Entry presentation. In what is planned to be an annual competition, stores chose a minimum two week period for judging, June 1-Sept. 30, 2008. Every commissary worldwide participated. “This new event provides a competitive platform for meat departments to express their creativity in merchandising, generating customer excitement, increasing sales and promoting health education through targeted fresh meat products,” said Randy Chandler, DeCA’s sales director. “Informing customers about healthy choices in the meat department helps highlight our role as nutritional leader for the Department of Defense. Superior selection, quality and prices spanning all budgets make DeCA’s fresh meat just one more reason the commissary is worth the trip.” More photos Z 31 ! Fort Eustis Commissary, Va., showcases healthy meat selections both in-store and during meat truckload sales. The three-day sale during this competition period achieved sales of nearly $92,000, setting meat sales records each day, as well as helping boost sales by 36 percent. DeCA photo: Alzina Skinner Left, meat manager Jerry Church, grocery manager Jessica Pfaff and produce manager Bob Moreno joined forces to cross-merchandise for meat sales at Fort McCoy Commissary, Wis. DeCA photo: Steven Brown James Wright, meatcutter; Mark Hinkel, meat market store associate; and Paul Limon, meatcutter, at Lackland Commissary, Texas, not only saw overall meat sales increase nearly 13 percent, they boosted fish sales a phenomenal 2,051 percent. DeCA photo: Mike Mena Camp Stanley Commissary, South Korea, which provides customers 82 percent or more savings on meat items, highlighted T-bone steaks for the July Fourth holiday. DeCA photo: Jessica Crowl 32 decavision!Winter 2009 ! outreachpros Bonus bucks, bonus fun Record number of participants learn benefit info, earn cash prizes Caroline “Carrie” Williams DeCA East Guard/Reserve on-site sale liaison E ach year in May, DeCA and a coalition of industry partners, who are part of the American Logistics Association’s Consumer Awareness Team, hold a competition among installation single service member programs to see who can get the most service members into their respective commissaries for educational tours. “Commissary Awareness Month gives us an opportunity to connect with young service members and introduce them to the commissary benefit,” said DeCA Director and Chief Executive Officer Philip E. Sakowitz Jr. “Single service member program coordinators work with store directors to offer fun, fact-filled commissary tours. It’s the games that bring them in the door, but it’s the demonstrated savings that bring them back again.” All programs registered to participate and earn commissary gift certificates. They go on to compete for “bonus bucks” in first, second and third prizes within four categories: Army’s Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers; Single Marine; Air Force First Term Airmen; and Navy Liberty. First Term Airmen centers participate through sponsorship of their respective family support centers. “We are thrilled with the results, doubling the participation from last year,” said Kris Stranko, CAT member and Commissary Awareness Month chairman. The entries were very creative, and a lot of hard work and effort went into organizing these tours. In fact, we had more than 5,000 participants – up from last year – despite massive deployments.” The Fort Eustis, Va., BOSS program won first place for Army, while Fort Riley, Kan., took second and White Sands Missile Range, N.M., third. For the Air Force First Term Airmen, Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, won first place; Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, took second; and MacDill Air Force Base, Fla., finished third. For the Single Marine program, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., won first place. Second place went to Camp Allen, with tours conducted at nearby Naval Base Norfolk, Va., and third place to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif. Z First Term Airmen competitors race shopping carts at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas. The group won first place in its category for Commissary Awareness Month participation. DeCA photo 33 ! Navy Liberty was well represented by Naval Station Whidbey Island, Wash., earning first place. Naval Support Center Smokey Point, Wash., took second place and Naval Support Facility Dahlgren, Va., third. The BOSS program at Fort Polk, La., earned honorable mention. The Consumer Awareness Team provides all cash prizes and gift certificates. CAT members judge the entries based on originality, presentation and number of service member tours. Right, Store Director Steve Villeneuve, Fort Eustis, Va., explains how buying produce locally benefits customers. Fort Eustis won first place for Army programs. DeCA photo: Alzina Skinner 34 decavision!Winter 2009 Cherry Point Commissary, N.C., more than doubled attendees this year over last year at its 2nd Annual Italian-American Café in September, feeding nearly 700 people. Vendors supported the free event, and base dining hall chefs voluntarily cooked the donated food and delivered it to the commissary. Cherry Point won first place Marine program in Commissary Awareness Month competition. DeCA photo: Phyllis Black ! Celebrating Native American heritage Fort Sill Commissary hosts successful exhibition Nancy O’Nell DeCA West public affairs officer I n observance of Native American Heritage Month, representatives from nine American Indian tribes gathered at Fort Sill Commissary, Okla., on Nov. 19 to share their heritage. Teresa Komahcheet, a Comanche Indian and the lead store associate in the accounts control section, worked with Store Director Don Teresa Komahcheet Johnson to organize the event. Komahcheet aimed to recreate a typical tribal powwow in a 90-minute exhibition. She called on members from local tribes for assistance. “Powwows are a community gathering — a celebration,” explained Komahcheet, a 24-year veteran at the Fort Sill Commissary. “In the summer, a tribe’s annual powwow will last two or three days, and they are normally held on the same weekend each year. Shorter, one-day powwows are held to honor someone who has returned from war or to mark a special birthday or event.” Displays, dancing, dining Komahcheet and volunteers set up a teepee and a display of traditional American Indian goods outside the commissary the day before the exhibition. Twelve dancers and two singers, who also played the drums, arrived the following day. The dancers came from Arapaho, Cheyenne, Comanche, Cree, Crow, Kiowa, Navajo, Oneida and Santa Ana tribes. One dance performed during the exhibition was an Indian two-step. According to Komahcheet, during the two-step, tradition calls for the female dancers to select a male partner. Tribal dancers invited Ron McMasters, Zone 8 manager; Robert Valles, store administrator; James Freeman, store manager; and Johnson to participate. “Dancing in a Native American ceremony was quite an emotional experience,” said McMasters. “I was honored to have the opportunity to get a small taste of Native American culture, observe the immense pride in their heritage and their enthusiasm for sharing their ethnic traditions with the community. I was proud to be included in the celebration and it has inspired me to learn more.” After the exhibition, the commissary staff invited the dancers inside for Indian tacos, fry bread and stewed corn prepared by the staff using recipes provided by Komahcheet. “We achieved our purpose to recognize the historical significance of American Indians in Oklahoma,” said Johnson. “This was a great success and we plan to make it an annual event.” DeCA managers learn the Indian two-step from Comanche Nation dancers. From front right are Don Johnson, Fort Sill store director; with dancer Janice Wermy; Ron McMasters, Zone 8 manager with Teresa Komahcheet, Fort Sill lead store associate; and Sergeant Daniel Powell, an active-duty soldier selected from the crowd, with Natalie Blackstar, a Comanche Nation Princess. DeCA photo: Roxanne Novotny 35 ! Programs spotlight special contributions, learning opportunities N Diverse workforce ational Disability Employment Awareness Month in October provided opportunities for commissaries around the world to showcase support of their diverse workforce. The following are just a few of the special events held. Lakehurst: Disability Mentoring Day Lakehurst Commissary, N.J., participated in Disability Mentoring Day, a program of the American Association of People with Disabilities sponsored by the base equal employment opportunity office. A nationwide effort to promote career development for students and job seekers with disabilities, job shadowing and hands-on career exploration help them observe a typical day on the job and prepare to enter the workforce. Four students spent four hours each “shadowing” commissary employees Katina Beebe, supervisory store associate; Frank Foran, store associate; Roger Jeffries, general manager; and Greg Mergogey, meatcutter. The event marked the first time the commissary participated. “Our participation increased the diversity of career field experiences offered to the attending students,” said Store Director Scott Huckins. “The event was a great learning experience for both the students and commissary employees. The students gained insight into opportunities available to them in the working world. We look forward to participating again next year.” Bitburg, Spangdahlem: diversity honor Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, selected two commissary employees as the first two recipients of its Diversity Award in October: Ernestina Vasquez, store director at Bitburg Commissary, and George Mann, store manager at Spangdahlem Commissary. 36 The award recognizes those who actively and consistently support cultural awareness and understanding. Bitburg Commissary received praise for having its own multicultural awareness committee. In addition to nine observances mandated by the Department of Defense, Bitburg highlighted the German and Italian cultures with displays of personal keepsakes or items on loan from friends and neighbors. “Diversity is the cornerstone of a productive workforce and should be embraced by managers at all levels,” said Vasquez. “Today’s workforce offers us the opportunity to work with so many employees of different cultural backgrounds. To me, this is such a wonderful learning experience!” Spangdahlem Commissary helped sponsor food tastings and other community events, but Mann also contributed personal funds to ensure success. He said he was surprised and honored, and he feels great about the award. “Without diversity, we would lack understanding,” said Mann, “and without understanding, we lack compassion and the ability to do our job effectively.” Base cultural committee member Evelyn Shephard and her daughter, Air Force Staff Sgt. Mignon Miller, serve down-home cooking at Bitburg Commissary, Germany, during one of its special events for Black History Month 2008. About 500 customers sampled the food and took home recipes. DeCA photo: Jesse Anderson III decavision!Winter 2009 Sagamihara: staff salute The staff at Sagamihara Commissary, Japan, held an informal get-together in appreciation of its diversity in October. “We have two very important team members with disabilities, so we took some time to recognize the important contributions they have made,” said Alex King, store administrator. Chang Akana, ID checker, started his career at the store in 1981, and Andrew Burnett volunteers at both Sagamihara and Camp Zama commissaries, cleaning shelves and rotating product. You've got ... Mail The world's best customers salute the world's best employees Wright-Patterson Thanks for the outstanding job done by everyone at Wright-Patterson Commissary, Ohio. While on temporary duty there for two weeks, I prepared a large consumables shipment for $4,200. Everyone went well above the norm to assist me with a smile, offering whatever help they could. I have been in the Army 23 years, have moved 20 times, and have visited commissaries around the world hundreds of times, but I have never been treated as well as I have by your team. Well done! Lt. Col. Matt Battiston U.S. Air Force Bangor My compliments to Colleen Wilhite, storeworker at Bangor Commissary, Wash. Whenever I have a problem or question while shopping, Ms. Wilhite stops whatever she is doing and immediately provides the information desired, in the most pleasant manner. She has the capabilities, patience and Colleen Wilhite personality in dealing with customers that any organization would desire in a manager. She is an exceptional employee who deserves recognition. Lt. Cmdr. Robert Borges, retired U.S. Navy Lakenheath I want to let you know about the wonderful customer service I received in the bakery at Lakenheath Commissary, England. I contacted Susan DeLeon, bakery manager, about a lastminute cake order. She told me she would try to get it done, but she had more than 20 cake orders to Susan DeLeon work on. Then when I brought in the picture to put on the cake, the scanner wasn’t working, so she could not guarantee it could be done. I was pleasantly surprised when, at the time agreed upon, my cake was ready and looked great! She went that extra mile to help me with a late request. Great customer service! Dolores Reed Annapolis My husband left his bank card in the automated teller machine just outside the Annapolis Commissary, Md. A customer turned it in at the customer service desk where cashier Lindsay Woolford was working. She immediately tracked us down and turned the card over to my husband. He was very grateful, and Lindsay’s quick thinking saved us from a stressful evening of trying to locate the ATM card. Most people would just leave it in the cash cage, but she went the extra mile to find us in the store. Thank you, Lindsay. Terri and Brian Paukert Kaneohe Bay I have shopped in commissaries for more years than I care to recollect, in many countries, operated by different military services, but I haven’t ever had the pleasure of meeting a more dedicated employee as Danalynn Kepaa, store associate at Kaneohe Bay Commissary, Hawaii. She is always cheerful and greets everyone with a beaming smile. She is always pleasant and goes out of her way to be Z (Editor’s note: Letters are edited for length and clarity.) 37 You've got ... Mail The world's best customers salute the world's best employees helpful. I am a 100 percent disabled veteran who despises shopping, but Danalynn helps make it a treat rather than a chore. She is a definite asset to the commissary and should be rewarded for her devotion and outstanding performance of her duties. Chief Warrant Officer Kedon You, retired U.S. Army Scott While shopping at Scott Commissary, Ill., I watched one of your contract deli personnel assist a customer while I was being served. The lady wanted a particular cheese. When Derrick Blacketter told her the different varieties, she seemed overwhelmed. He described the flavor for each and asked if that was the taste she was going for. He then narrowed it down to two and let her taste them; then she made her decision. I compliment him because he was patient and knows what he is selling. He cares – something rare in many stores. Anonymous Yokota I wholeheartedly thank the management at Yokota Commissary, Japan, and everyone involved in sending care packages to Yokota airmen downrange. I was deployed to Iraq for six months along with a large number of airmen from Yokota. The commissary led the charge in mailing “a taste of Japan” to us. It was a great feeling to see these items delivered to our airmen. They were far away from home, but it was good to see and know that others were thinking of them. Thank you, Yokota Commissary, for your kindness and going the extra mile. Chief Master Sgt. Clifton Cole U.S. Air Force Lajes Lajes Commissary, Portugal, is a phenomenal store with an awesome staff – the best I have seen in my 18 years in the Air Force. Thank you so much. Col. A.A. Edward U.S. Air Force 38 decavision!Winter 2009 Dahlgren Wow! Other commercial stores should tour the Dahlgren Commissary, Va., to see how a store should be run. It’s always clean and well-stocked, and customer service provided by all hands. I am so proud to have access to this store and benefit every shopping day from the excellent products and friendly assistance. The store is small, but a true diamond. I would especially like to thank Walter Ford, meat manager, and Theresa Baker, grocery department, for their professionalism, dedication and pride of ownership. Thank you for having such a great store and great employees to service both the active-duty families and us who are retired. Well done to all hands! Capt. James Graham, retired U.S. Navy Chievres I’m leaving Chievres, Belgium, after being stationed here for five years. I have seen many great changes in Chievres Commissary since Store Director James Hayden arrived. He is so efficient and professional, with great customer service. I must also James Hayden mention some cashiers – Carine Guilbert, Tania Rousseau and Cheryl Lee Best – for such wonderful customer service. The store is always so clean and well-stocked, and the workers are so kind and helpful. I feel I’m leaving friends behind, not DeCA employees. Thanks for hiring this caliber of people. Senior Chief Petty Officer James Deniham U.S. Navy Kunsan I contacted Store Manager Michael Durrence, Kunsan Commissary, South Korea, because my fiancé is deployed and I wanted to see if I could get him a cake. There is no bakery at the commissary, so Michael had one made at Osan Commissary, South Korea, and hand delivered it to Kunsan Air Base. He had it decorated how I wanted it, made a banner, and took photos for me at the party. He went above and beyond to make my fiancé’s 40th birthday something he will never forget. I can’t tell you how grateful I am. He is fabulous, and if all his customer service is this impeccable, you have one fabulous employee. I have thanked Michael many times, but he seriously deserves it again: Thank you! Janet Waggoner ! Moody Pamela Eddington, cashier at Moody Commissary, Ga., kept her line open for me to check out, even though it was her break time. The register light was off, and I asked if she would ring me up, and she did. She has a positive and can-do, will-do attitude for commissary patrons. I think this reflects the overall attitude of Moody Commissary employees. It’s a joy to shop there. Chief Master Sgt. Roland Medeus, retired U.S. Air Force Camp Casey I thank the entire team at Camp Casey Commissary, South Korea, for the courtesy, helpfulness and professionalism demonstrated by the baggers, cashiers, stockers and management. I’m especially appreciative of the courtesy, professionalism and dedication of the Korean nationals who are part of the Camp Casey Commissary team, to include the always respectful, courteous and efficient baggers and the hard-working stockers. Camp Casey always sets the standard by which I judge all other commissaries, both overseas and stateside. Maj. Dan Zahody, retired U.S. Army Fort Belvoir I was very impressed with Fort Belvoir Commissary, Va., Store Administrator Raymond Lane’s professionalism and followthrough on a suggestion from my wife regarding store layout. Mr. Lane contacted my wife after duty hours to get further information and discuss potential fixes. When I Raymond Lane later spoke to him about the extra effort he made to ensure customer satisfaction, it was clear that he takes great pride in ensuring that the commissary meets very high standards of service to its customers. I commend Mr. Lane for the superb job he does. John Everson Yokosuka Thank you to Store Director Totolua Ripley at Yokosuka Commissary, Japan, for locating my son’s lost toy. He went above and beyond for such a little thing, but it was such a big thing to my son. Thank you for caring and following through. Lauren Shedd for finding my purse in a shopping cart in the parking lot and turning it in. I didn’t realize it was missing until I was called that evening to tell me my purse was at the store, intact. I can’t imagine the anguish and distress I would have endured if my purse were not found by honest Katie. Bette Paquitto Bitburg I ordered a fruit tray from the produce department at Bitburg Commissary, Germany, and was very pleased with it. The fruit selection was colorful; the fruit itself was tasty; and the price was unbeatable. My order was taken by one employee and given to me by another – both were professional and very nice. I will definitely keep the commissary fruit and veggie trays in mind when planning future get-togethers. Jan Wyatt Dyess Please convey our thanks to General Manager Penny Singleton at Dyess Commissary, Texas, for the great service she has afforded us. Twice now, she has made sure we have the products we want and has gone out of her way to save items for us. We appreciate her good work and hope there is some way you can materially recognize her contributions in the commissary during this difficult time of remodeling. (The $13.6 million construction project nears completion, with a grand reopening set for April 21.) Maj. Curtis Godfrey, retired U.S. Air Force Garmisch Garmisch Commissary, Germany, is the best commissary, hands down. There’s always good customer service and you have a great group of people working there. If there’s a product they don’t have, they are always willing to get the items. I have lived in Garmisch for the past two years and cannot recall one time that I have gotten anything but the best service. Kudos to all the employees! Jennifer Donnelly Vandenberg General Manager Douglas Fellows, Vandenberg Commissary, Calif., always greets us retired folks at the entrance with a happy, friendly, funny, caring personality. Thank you for being there for us. By the way, I like the new sign over the store entrance: “The commissary – it’s worth the trip.” Yes, it is worth the trip, especially when you live on a fixed income. Z Ali Anderson Camp Lejeune Kudos to Katie Dubbs, cashier at Camp Lejeune Commissary, N.C. I appreciate her genuine honesty 39 You've got ... Mail The world's best customers salute the world's best employees New Orleans A month ago, the day before going to the hospital, I went to New Orleans Commissary, La. Veronica White was the cashier. She smiled, and for some reason, I told her I was afraid of what tomorrow would bring. She told me she had the same test and I would do just fine. She took a few moments to talk to me, when most Veronica White people will not give you the time of day. Today was the first day I’ve seen her again, and I thanked her. I told her how much it meant to have just one person who did not know me offer me words and thoughts of goodwill. Thank you to the commissary for all it does for our military and retired families. Even though I already told Ms. White, “Thank you, again. I will remember you.” Susan Gossiaux Sembach The entire staff at Sembach Commissary, Germany, did a great job supporting our Boy Scout national youth leadership course. They allowed us to purchase items daily, even on days the store was closed, and use the warehouse and freezers to store purchased food. Their help was invaluable, one reason for the course’s success and staying within the budget. Paul McLaughlin March During my shopping visit to March Commissary, Calif., I had the pleasure to be checked out by Victor Freeman. Victor demonstrated that he is a true professional and is there to make the commissary customers as comfortable as possible. He is truly an asset to your agency. Please convey our appreciation to him. Master Sgt. and Mrs. José Lopez-Tolentino, retired U.S. Air Force Little Rock My wife made it home minus a few bags of groceries that the bagger missed at Little Rock Commissary, Ark. She contacted store personnel who told her to mark the missing items on the receipt and bring it back for replacements. This duty fell to me, and I wondered how I would get this done with just the descriptions on the receipt. Teller Naomi Johnson went through the store with me, found every item, and was so helpful to me. I didn’t expect to get those items replaced, let alone get the great help that I needed. Being retired for 10 years and receiving this type of service made me feel I was still part of the Air Force team. Thanks for the great service and the wonderful staff at Little Rock Commissary. Tech. Sgt. Steve Schade, retired U.S. Air Force Orote Normally, 72 hours notice is requested for produce, veggie and fruit trays at Orote Commissary, Guam, and signage is posted to that effect. I called at 2 p.m., told them I had an emergency request, and my large veggie tray was ready by 5 p.m.! Thank you, thank you, thank you! Tech. Sgt. Kenny Fitzpatrick U.S. Air Force Fort Bragg South I was at Fort Bragg, N.C., to attend a class. I had been in class all day after an exhausting weekend of work and travel, and I fell asleep. When I awoke, I was afraid I would miss shopping at the commissary and have to eat out again. I came into the commissary at 8:50 p.m., and when I approached the deli, Eddie Jackson promptly asked how he could help, and he took my order. I noticed he began to reassemble the slicer. Feeling guilty, I retracted my order, but he assured me it was no problem. He continued to complete my order with a sense of humor and positive attitude. Even though he had already broken down the slicer and was cleaning the deli, he took personal pride in his job and created a very happy customer! People like Eddie will keep the traffic flowing through your doors. By the way, I used to be an assistant customer service manager in a major grocery store, so I know what good service looks like. Eddie is a valuable asset to your agency. Sgt. Amy O’Brien U.S. Army Fort Carson My wife and I attended Retiree Day at Fort Carson, Colo., then we went to the commissary to do some shopping. As we entered the store, we were pleasantly 40 decavision!Winter 2009 ! surprised to be invited for a retiree brunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. We were ushered into a large break room where tables with tablecloths were set up. The menu included scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, hash browns, salsa, bagels and cream cheese, pineapple, and strawberries. Someone’s son waited the tables to get refills and anything else we needed. Everyone was happy and enjoying the occasion, and it was contagious. We have been to a number of Retiree Days, but this was a first. It was nice to eat and then do our shopping. We complimented the staff, and you should be as proud of them as we are. Ed Rodenbeck Jr. She addresses me personally when she sees me. I go out of my way to look for her as my cashier. This is the kind of person people look forward to spending those mundane moments with at the register. She always has a smile on her face, and it’s a pleasure to talk to her for those brief moments. Christy Duffey Ellsworth Bangor John Reed, storeworker at Bangor Commissary, Maine, is one of your best employees. He really makes sure I get all the help I need. He tries to help me in any way he can, and when one is disabled as I am, that’s important. He is a very kind man, and there ought to be more people like him. John is a great asset to you and the service you provide. You’re doing a great job, John. Keep on keeping on! Sgt. Maynard Bradley, retired Fort Hood I Today, I was truly blessed when I met Mary Kight, supply manager at Fort Hood I Commissary, Texas. Our family had been going through financial hardships, while at the same time, my husband had been hospitalized. James Kissia Jr., grocery manager, and Mary came through for us when we had nobody to turn to. Out of the kindness of their hearts, they provided us with the assets to buy our family some food. We had been going to food banks, and people were giving us their old food. Thank you for having such wonderful people working for you. You all inspired us to take that extra step of faith when we were at the edge of losing it. I pray you acknowledge these wonderful souls for giving us a little bit of help when we needed it the most. Name withheld Grafenwoehr First of all, Grafenwoehr Commissary, Germany, looks great. I love the tower display at the entrance of the produce department. Tammy King, sales store technician, is a wonderful, delightful person. She’s friendly and very much a people person. I see her talk to everyone, and she made a point to get to know me. Koitisha Funches I observed Koitisha Funches, store associate, helping an elderly lady in the self-checkout line at Ellsworth Commissary, S.D. I have been going to commissaries for about 50 years, and I have never seen a more helpful, professional and kind person than Tish. She made me proud to be an American and know there are beautiful people working at my commissary. Phil Lynch Fort Leonard Wood At the Fort Leonard Wood Commissary, Mo., tent sale, Becky Snipes, computer-assisted ordering specialist, came up with the idea to put universal product codes on the order sheets for the sale. This greatly sped up the checkout time as well as the accuracy of products sold and prices. She cut out and copied the UPC codes at work and on her own time to enable the customers as well as store personnel to benefit from this simple change in procedure. Kudos to her for thinking of this and for taking her time to make this tent sale a better experience for customers and her store. Susan Boies Gunter A hearty thank you and well done to grocery manager Marisol Hennessey and storeworkers Carol Conner, Cynthia Owens and Chris Watts at Gunter Commissary, Ala. They have been gracious and helpful to provide 300-400 used egg crates to be packed with gifts to be shipped to the poor in Panama. Gunter Commissary has helped in this way for many years, but this year was a cliffhanger. The store was going through a reset in August, and they needed all of the egg crates from May through July to use during the event (loading the crates with items as the shelves are cleared.) Thanks to kind attention in preserving the crates, we were still able to use them for our 2008 shipment. I know the reset was a lot of hard work in a very short time, and that it was a great success. Thank you! Chief Master Sgt. Tommie Pruitt, retired U.S. Air Force Z 41 You've got ... New London My wife recently had knee surgery, and a trip to New London Commissary, Conn., was her first attempt to walk any distance. We were not aware that the store had handicap carts, so she leaned on our grocery cart for support. By the fourth aisle, she was experiencing pain and sat down. Richard The world's best customers salute the world's best employees Biondo, store administrator, happened to walk by, saw her and Hanscom asked if she was OK. He then offered to get her a cart. I manage several morale, welfare and recreation He brought it over and explained how to use it. I was events annually at Hanscom Air Force Base, impressed with his courtesy and service. Thank you Mass. In addition to relying on the commissary so much for having such a valuable employee. for personal needs, I depend on it to source large Lt. Peter Kolasa volumes of quality, reasonably priced rations for U.S. Navy Oktoberfest, Summer Bash, Sports Day and other Los Angeles occasions. While the overall support is always good, We are grateful for and proud of our Los Angeles the support from the deli staff is exceptional. Year Commissary, Calif. The staff caters to us and makes after year, even when I am less than organized and us feel appreciated and welcome. We shop at least not so timely with my order, they go well beyond the weekly and spend about $900 to $1,000 a month. standard. They are true enablers for the high quality I’m legally blind and navigate with a white cane, of life we strive to offer the Hanscom community. I and we are in our mid-60s. Most employees cannot can’t thank them enough. This gratitude is not just do enough for us; they recognize us and cheerfully for when I buy 1,000 sausages; it extends to when drop what they are doing to help us. They bag and I buy six for my family. They are always the best! haul our groceries to our car and pack the car neatly Thank you for having them be part of my commissary experience. and professionally, all with a positive attitude. They Maj. Kevin Kaminski all richly earn and deserve their gratuities. No one shows us any negative attitude or lousy work ethic. U.S. Air Force We have been regularly shopping this commissary for many years, and the current management seems Fort Riley to be the best and most concerned ever for customer Storeworker Teresa Nash at Fort Riley satisfaction and appreciation. Thanks, DeCA, for an Commissary, Kan., has always been a great help outstanding operation to help enrich our retired lives. to me and other customers. Her warm, helpful Petty Officer 2nd Class Stephen and personality in the produce department is an addition to the store. On numerous occasions, she has helped Shirley Long, retired me get the freshest vegetables in the store. She goes U.S. Navy beyond the call of duty in making sure the customers Ramstein get great quality service. It’s always a pleasure seeing I went to the Ramstein her – she is an asset to our store. Commissary, Germany, about Lisa Ramsey a week or so ago, and the service Heidelberg I received was great. It was very I commend Orion Sharpsteen, storeworker busy, and I was having the worst at Heidelberg Commissary, Germany, for all possible day. I came in to get some his help. On several occasions, I requested his rotisserie chicken because I didn’t help and he was willing to assist me on every one feel like cooking – but the store of my requests. His customer service is highly was out of rotisserie chicken. I was Alisa Foster appreciated. His professionalism is outstanding, and so mad I could have cried. I was his willingness to help the customer rates an A+. leaving when bakery employee Alisa Congratulations! Foster, carrying three or four trays of cookies, came Silveria Meeker around the corner with a huge smile on her face. To my surprise, she said I looked a little lost and asked if I needed help. I snapped at her for not having any Mail 42 decavision!Winter 2009 ! chickens. She didn’t make a face or show that she was mad; she actually gave me other options. She said she knows what it’s like to have a day when you just don’t want to cook. She recommended I get a bag of salad, some of her baguette rolls, and some precooked shrimp. She even told me what salad dressing to get. She said it would take the same amount of time to put these few ingredients in a bowl as it would to warm the chicken I wanted. She was so kind and helpful that I decided to do it. Thank you so much. It was incredible, and my husband and I loved it. We have had it three times since that night. This is the type of service that is lacking in so many other stores. I am very pleased! Maggie Sanders Malmstrom The case lot sale at Malmstrom Commissary, Mont., was great! All the cashiers were so patient with all the coupons; the employees were so eager to help us all save money and get what we needed, while controlling the mass of people. Thanks for making it a great experience. Lacie Clark Keesler Even though it’s small, Keesler Commissary, Miss., is a wonderful place for retired people like me. I come down here every couple of months and love the kind people who work here. Today, I had a very kind cashier, Renee Crawford, help me shop for items I needed. I went back to her to check out, and she even helped me with my check and did it with a kind smile and a thank you. It is so heartwarming to see there is such a thing as customer service today. Keep up the good work and give her another hug from me. Brenda Calumet Peterson Inadvertently, my portable oxygen tank was still connected to the electric mobile cart when my son and I finished shopping at Peterson Commissary, Colo. It wasn’t until the next day that I discovered the tank missing. I called the commissary, fearful I wouldn’t find it and would have to pay about $2,000 for Gloria Lumives the equipment. Teller Gloria Lumives and her husband delivered the tank to my home in Colorado Springs. What a relief, and what a special service! I cannot drive and depend on my son to take me to the commissary. I truly appreciate my military benefits earned for me by my late husband, Lt. Col. George Schroeder, U.S. Army. Betty Schroeder Shaw After shopping at Shaw Commissary, S.C., I went to my car and it wouldn’t start. A couple of people tried to jumpstart it, to no avail. Barbara Matta, lead sales store checker, made a phone call for help but no one would come, so she organized my solution. She got my perishable groceries back into Joey Autry the commissary cooler. Then Joey Autry, store administrator, took me to an auto parts store to buy a new battery. Mr. Autry took out the old battery and installed the new one using his tools. I was more than taken care of – way over the top! By the way, I am disabled and on oxygen. I cannot compliment Ms. Matta and Mr. Autry enough. Col. Bart Heyward, retired U.S. Army McChord I thank Margaret Birnie, assistant customer service manager, and vendor Pam Bolan for their care and concern when I became very ill while shopping at McChord Commissary, Wash. I had just come from a medical appointment and had taken a new pain medication that was too strong for me and caused a number of ill effects. Pam paged my husband, brought me cold compresses and alerted Margaret, who offered to call an ambulance, got a wheelchair and stayed with me until my husband arrived. Thank you so very much to Pam and Margaret. I sincerely appreciated their much-needed help at that time. Marilyn Quinn Vincenza I have been a regular patron at Vicenza Commissary, Italy, for five years. Although I always receive prompt, friendly service, I was pleasantly surprised today when cashier Stefania Rigoto assisted me. This friendly woman went out of her way to make sure I was a satisfied customer. Please praise her for her exceptional customer service. Keep up the good work. Gary Johnson Walter Reed Seldom have I encountered a person as effective and dedicated to assisting others as Zelma Couser, customer service manager at Walter Reed Z 43 You've got ... Mail The world's best customers salute the world's best employees Commissary, Md. As a hands-on supervisor, she guides those around her. She is a motivational person who takes pride in herself and what she does. She knows practically every customer by name and cheerfully greets us by asking how we are and how she can be of assistance, making customers feel welcome. Ms. Couser is highly visible and not one to hide in her office. On several occasions, she personally saw to it that our special requests were taken care of promptly, followed up by a phone call. Her presence contributes a good deal of stability to the constant activity at the commissary. Please convey our appreciation for her efforts on behalf of her customers. She deserves an A+ and a gold star! John Coulehan Holloman About six months ago, I met Connie Hoey, store associate at Holloman Commissary, N.M. She greeted me and asked if she could be of any help. We talked for a few minutes, but in that time, I found out what a caring person she is. Every week when I shop, she always greets me and asks to be of assistance. She told me she Connie Hoey enjoys working there and works with such a nice group of people. She should be recognized for doing an outstanding job and serving military families. Rita Smith Newport I have commended a number of employees at Newport Commissary, R.I., over the years but now would like to do so more formally for cashiers Sue Piekarski and Lorraine Norell, cashier supervisor Diane Saez, Arthur David in produce, and Steve Furtado, store administrator. o Sue has been so helpful and is one of the nicest persons I have ever met. She is quick to notice when I’m having a difficult day health wise – I’m a 100-percent disabled veteran – and without 44 decavision!Winter 2009 fuss or calling attention to my disability, helps me empty my shopping cart. She is so quick and efficient on the register and directs the baggers in the best way to sort my items. That makes it so much easier to put them away when I get home. She makes my commissary shopping experience a pleasure. o I’m always happy to see Lorraine and even happier when she calls me to her register. She always tries to help me load the belt with my groceries. I shoo her away if it’s a good day and am very grateful to her if it’s a bad day. She always fills me in on the specials and gives me ideas and recipes while quickly and efficiently scanning my items. She has introduced me to her three children, and they are a credit to her – a wonderful person and mother. o Diane is a model of energy and efficiency. She moves quickly and seems to handle three things at once while moving to take care of a fourth! She is quick to run a register to ensure prompt checkout on a busy shopping day. She has been very helpful to me. o Arthur greets me without fail on my visits to the commissary. He recommends good buys and especially nice shipments of produce. I have seen him many times working hard to attractively display his product, and he is diligent in checking expiration dates. His attention to his duties make my shopping experience a much better excursion. o Mr. Furtado works very hard to ensure displays are arranged nicely, well-stocked, and located where common items are. He can always direct me to an item and accompanies me to make sure I find it. He will produce a brand for you or suggest an appropriate substitute, and he always makes a note of your request then gets back to you during your next visit. An added plus is his willingness to chat football with me while helping me find an item. He is wonderful. Thank you! Kathleen Trombley Schofield Barracks I thank store associates Regina Jordan and Rachel Ramelb at Schofield Barracks Commissary, Hawaii, for helping me at the self-checkout line on several occasions. Regina is extremely friendly and courteous. She made an extra effort in helping me, and she was professional and pleasant. Her attitude is very much appreciated. Rachel made sure I didn’t have any problems and was more than happy to assist me with the entire checkout process. On another visit, she was not working at self-checkout but ! Grand old heritage Keith Pollanen, supervisory store associate at Fort Myer Commissary, Va., created a display honoring DeCA’s 17th anniversary in October. He drew from his personal collection of historical pictures, patches and military insignias from as far back as 1825. Pictured here are past and present commissary system patches. While visiting the store, DeCA East Director Mike Dowling awarded a director’s coin to Pollanen for his work on the display. DeCA photo: Keith Pollanen noticed I was using it and came by to say hello. It’s always nice to shop here because there are so many helpful, friendly team members. Please thank Regina and Rachel for doing a great job. Jenn DeBellis Fort Myer The customer service and support provided by the employees in the meat department at Fort Myer Commissary, Va., is simply outstanding. I frequently call and ask for special cuts of meat – they always do a great job and go out of their way to make sure everything is exactly as I have requested. It is a pleasure shopping in this department. From answering questions to having my order right and ready on time, all these employees make certain everything is right. They are friendly, very knowledgeable, and always focused on the customer, and it makes you want to shop there. Gordon Call Davis-Monthan I want to recognize the recent efforts of Imelda Williams, sales store checker, in the self-checkout lanes at Davis-Monthan Commissary, Ariz. Eight self-checkout registers were operating, and Imelda was handling all of them herself. Her hustle while checking IDs, entering coupons the system didn’t recognize, helping people scan produce, and more, was outstanding. Her effectiveness certainly helped prevent a backlog. (As I was departing, another checker arrived to help.) Please let Imelda know that her work is appreciated. Maj. Tom Bredwell, retired U.S. Air Force Sugar Grove I waited a couple of months to see if I remained as impressed with Sugar Grove Commissary, W.Va., as I was during our first visit in September. Once we let it “age,” my wife and I realized how far Beth Holden, store administrator, goes to satisfy our shopping needs. We travel about two and a half hours to Sugar Grove, and I must say it is worth the trip. Mrs. Holden graciously answered all my questions via phone in September, and with gas nearly $4 a gallon at the time, it had to be economically advantageous. Mrs. Holden saved us money and special ordered products we cannot purchase locally. So, after considering all things about the commissary, my thanks and a “done good” for an attractive, clean, easy-to-shop experience. Tom Danek 45 ! getsmart Strategic Plan 101 Stay on target with DeCA’s strategic plan by using this primer on what’s hot D eCA is working toward developing a new strategic plan for 2009 to 2015, but have no fear: The “old” plan remains viable. The document can be found on OneNet at https://www. commissaries.com/employees/ home.htm, then Our Agency. This “snapshot” document links objectives and actions to the agency’s budget via the Program Objective Memorandum, referred to as the POM. Vision reviewed two of the three agency goals in the strategic plan in previous issues, completing the overview now with Goal 3. If there’s one word that summarizes the four strategies established for achieving this goal, it’s “planning.” Strategy 1. Achieve a strategically focused corporation that links planning, investment, 46 decavision!Winter 2009 performance and accountability, through the use of disciplined decisionmaking techniques. • • Early and wellresearched planning activities draw increased focus. The strategic plan itself represents a roadmap keeping the agency focused on its goals. All activities remain centered on a business model, seeking continued strengthening of how we prioritize and spend our resources. • Targets are being developed to help us focus, and our Enterprise Performance Reviews monitor agency progress in accomplishing its goals. Goal 3: Maintain and communicate the relevance of the commissary benefit through constant innovation and by strengthening our internal governance.. ! Strategy 2. Achieve an optimal organizational framework with streamlined processes and maximized use of technological opportunities. • Accurate data, that can be shared and is readily available, will be useful in making corporate business decisions. • This strategy will help us continue to improve business processes, striving to remove non-valueadded activities. For example, self-checkout counters represent an improved service to patrons reflecting Strategy 2. • The focus of this strategy also supports the most effective use of our resources and investments. Strategy 3. Continue implementation of sound financial management and internal controls. Annette Corsey, store administrator; Judy Nealis, customer service manager; The agency’s latest and Nina Smith and Princess Jarrell, customer service team members at clean audit opinion Travis Commissary, Calif., greet customers at the self-checkout registers. is but one notable Jarrell designed the display booth in support of the “Every Day is Mom’s Day” accomplishment in this area. Only five Department campaign, one of several campaigns aimed at informing customers about their commissary benefit. DeCA photo: Rommel Castro of Defense organizations achieved this. the agency’s mission success and DeCA’s home economist and DeCA remains protection of the benefit. dietician each provide healthy one of only eating information in a variety four Strategy 4. Communicate of formats, all emphasizing the the value of the commissary commissary’s role in buying benefit as well as our healthy food at significant DoD effectiveness in delivering it to savings. activities the customers. with seven Examples of this include This concludes an overview consecutive clean audit the Office of Corporate of agency goals, and strategies to opinions. Communications’ marketing achieve those goals. Watch for In support of this strategy, team launching worldwide patron news on the updated plan later new awareness and training campaigns including “Discover this year to ensure you stay on programs should make their Your Benefit,” “The Commissary track in delivering a premier debut soon to show how every – It’s Worth the Trip,” and the benefit to our customers. employee’s performance ties to new “Every Day is Mom’s Day.” 47 ! <ofthebenefit ‘Heart of the Benefit’ celebrates the Aurora ‘Myrna’ winning work philosophies of three outstanding DeCA team members. Pascua El Centro Commissary, Calif. What do you like best about your job as a sales store clerk in produce? That I am able to provide a high level of customer service to all our active-duty, Reserve and retired patrons. I do this by listening carefully to their requests and fulfilling their needs. I also enjoy meeting and talking with the diverse range of people who visit our store on a regular basis. How do you help create “raving fans”? My contribution to raving fans is first and foremost being at my job on time with a positive attitude and a willingness to do my part to make the team a success. I am eager to assist other team members when I am able so our store remains well-organized and userfriendly. I believe wholeheartedly in Ken Blanchard’s philosophy of raving fans: “Just having satisfied customers isn’t good enough anymore. If you really want a booming business, you have to create raving Ms. Pascua is a valued employee who truly cares about her customers. She demonstrates teamwork and customer focus every day. When shoppers walk down her produce aisle, they are enticed by the colors and attractive displays and usually purchase more than what is on their shopping list. She always cuts up fruits and vegetables for customers to sample and goes to no end to fill special orders. Velma Siler Store director fans.” We create raving fans at El Centro by fulfilling our customers’ needs. When our customers request an item, we get the product for them, if necessary by driving to another commissary to get it. What’s your professional history? I began my career in morale, welfare and recreation as a food service worker at the Naval Air Facility El Centro Officers Club and was soon promoted to cook. I’m a military spouse and my family moved frequently. Before beginning at the commissary, I worked as a cook and waitress at the officers club at Misawa Air Base, Japan; as a cook at Naval Facility Centerville Beach, Calif.; and as a waitress at El Centro. I began with DeCA in 1995 as a cashier at El Centro. What are your professional goals? My immediate goal is to become a produce manager in a DeCA commissary in Southern California or Hawaii. As a long-term goal, I would like to participate in the DeCA management trainee program. Aurora “Myrna” Pascua 48 DeCA photo: Marnitta Pavao decavision!Winter 2009 Who influenced your career most? The person who has had the most influence on me is Store Director Velma Siler. Ms. Siler has worked as a produce manager and has always been willing to impart information and training to mold me into an excellent produce worker. Ms. Siler is constantly broadening my knowledge of the entire produce operation by sharing her knowledge. ! Edyta Verdejo Heidelberg Commissary, Germany What do like best about your job as food service worker leader? The ability to be creative. About a month ago, I introduced different varieties of wraps and kids’ grab-and-go packs that include a small sandwich, drink pouch, small bag of chips and a cookie. I love to prepare them early in the morning with my team and see them sell quickly in the early hours of the day. They are so successful we have to replenish them two to three times before lunch. How do you help create “raving fans”? I simply follow DeCA’s six articles of customer service: professional, courteous service; a clean, pleasant department; fresh, high-quality merchandise; well-stocked shelves; the best possible prices; and quick, efficient service. What’s your professional history? I entered the U.S. Army in 1996 in Hanau, Germany, and left the service in 2004 in Darmstadt, Germany. During that time, I served as an automated logistical specialist. Shortly after, I started working in the Darmstadt Commissary as a part-time storeworker. Within six months, I was converted to lead cashier. In 2005, I was promoted to night shift supervisor. From 2005 until closure of Darmstadt Commissary, I was detailed to various positions at the store, including grocery manager, produce manager and scanning coordinator. After closure in August 2008, I was transferred to the Heidelberg Commissary and, in September, selected as deli-bakery manager. Ms. Verdejo’s customer service skills are greatly admired by all of our customers. She always greets them with a smile and genuine concern. When she asks, “How are you today?” she really wants to know. You can’t help but walk away with a smile. I have seen her pay for the balance of a customer’s grocery bill when the customer came up short. She has driven customers home on her lunch hour so they would not have to wait for the shuttle bus. Gabriel Lugo Store director Edyta Verdejo What are your professional goals? I would like to enhance my knowledge in the deli-bakery department for better service to the customers. This is just another step toward my goal of becoming a store director. Throughout my career in DeCA I have heard many stories of how successful people have become, even starting as a cashier. I have been taught that some of the fundamentals of being successful are: “Take care of your customers or someone else will take care of them for you,” “Employees are our biggest assets,” and “Always present a clean, well-stocked, customer-friendly store.” I know if I keep following these fundamentals, I will achieve my goals. Who influenced your career most? Gabriel Lugo was store director in Darmstadt and now in Heidelberg. His incredible knowledge of store operations and his dedication to duty have had the most impact on my career. He was, and continues to be, my inspiration. I have the honor and pleasure to work for him again, now at the Heidelberg Commissary. I also want to mention my two local national work leaders, Simone Wuerth-Thorson and Irma Lane, at Heidelberg Commissary for their tremendous dedication to the deli-bakery department and their continuous support. Z 49 ! Lawrence Wheaton Gulfport Commissary, Miss. What do you like best about your job as a produce worker? I like the interaction with customers. I have a special bond with many of them. I can relate to many of their situations and lifestyles. Being retired military, I find that many of my concerns are the same as both retired and active-duty customers. Lawrence Wheaton How do you help create “raving fans”? I create raving fans by consistently practicing good stewardship. I put the customer first. I try to accommodate their needs within reason and the capabilities of the store. I am honest with our customers and I never make promises the store can’t accomplish. I love what I do and that alone fosters positive feedback. What’s your career history? I was a professional soldier for more than 30 years in the Army and achieved the rank of sergeant major. I am a combat veteran, and I’ve served at various levels of leadership. My career field was logistics. In 1998, I retired from the Army and went to work in the private sector. I was an assistant manager of a parts store for two years. I joined Team DeCA in 2000 where I employ the skills I learned in the Army. What are your professional goals? My goals are to serve the military communities for at least nine 50 decavision!Winter 2009 more years, serve at a higher level of responsibility, remain a positive asset, and maintain a healthy body and sound mind. Who influenced your career most? My co-workers and their spirit of cooperation have had the most influence on my career. When one works with good people, it makes life much easier. I will go above and beyond when required, and they would do the same. I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Wheaton while he was employed in Gulfport prior to his coming to work at the commissary. I was always impressed with his demeanor and service to the patrons, then and still today. He is an outstanding individual I am proud to have on our team; he is the epitome of what DeCA provides and stands for to our military. He consistently goes above and beyond when serving the commissary patrons and assisting co-workers no matter the challenges, creating raving fans among the patrons, the workforce and the community. Walt Taylor Store director ! frontandcenter obituaries DONNA BEADEL, Fort Worth, Texas (Dec. 14) LONNIE DUNFORD, Fort Sill, Okla. (Oct. 29) SHARI SMITH (retired), Fort Jackson, S.C. (Dec. 20) EUGENE STRANGE, Heidelberg, Germany (Oct. 24) BEVERLY BURLEY WASHINGTON (retired), HQ DeCA, Va. (Nov. 18) retirements IRENE APGAR, Grand Forks, N.D. ROBERT BARR, Nellis AFB, Nev. UWE BECKER, Heidelberg, Germany (40) JEANETTE BLAS, MCLB Barstow, Calif. BLAS CASAUS, Kirtland AFB, N.M. VIRGINIA COFIELD, McChord AFB, Wash. KIRBY COGGINS, McChord AFB, Wash. MONIKA FAGAN, Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz. * ROBERT HAYDEN, HQ DeCA, Va. (44) E. ALEX HEBERT, Dyess AFB, Texas MICHAEL HERNANDEZ, Cannon AFB, N.M. GARY HERUBIN, HQ DeCA, Va. WALTER HOWARD, NAB Little Creek, Va. (42) Robert Hayden (44) NANCY JONES, McConnell, Calif. VIOLET KLAREN, HQ DeCA, Va. GLORIANNA LEE, Kirtland AFB, N.M. EDWARD LEWIS, Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz. GALE MANRING, Bangor ANGB, Maine PAT McBURNEY, HQ DeCA, Va. RICHARD PAGE, HQ DeCA, Va. DAVID ROBINSON, McClellan, Calif. FLO ROUX, HQ DeCA, Va. JERRY SENA, Cannon AFB, N.M. JERRY SMITH, Luke AFB, Ariz. YONEKO TSUHA, Kadena AB, Okinawa RON WILLIAMS, Vance AFB, Okla. NEIL WRAY, Whiteman AFB, Mo. (40) BARBARA ZANYK, Fort Polk, La. anniversaries (Mug shots welcomed for those with 40+ years of service) 45 years PETER MAYER, Kaiserslautern CDC, Germany 40 years * RON FOSTER, Aviano AB, Italy HERBERT KAISSLING, Kaiserslautern CDC, Germany * JOHN KIRK, Yongsan CDC, South Korea * MICHAEL MÜLLER, Germersheim CDC, Germany * HANS WALTER SINN, Germersheim CDC, Germany * Pictured Ron Foster (40) John Kirk (40) Michael Müller (40) Hans Walter Sinn (40) * PAUL WATSON, CMPP, Germany 35 years GÜNTER BEITELSTEIN, Germersheim CDC, Germany CLEMENS FLICKINGER, Ramstein AB, Germany 30 years ROBERT BARR, Paul Watson (40) Nellis AFB, Nev. XENIA BOND, Kaiserslautern CDC, Germany RICK BRYANT, Ramstein AB, Germany HSIU CHO, Vandenberg AFB, Calif. VIRGINIA COFIELD, McChord AFB, Wash. KIRBY COGGINS, McChord AFB, Wash. SHERRI COOPER, NSCS Athens, Ga. ZAHIDE DELIBAS, Incirlik, Turkey MONIKA EARLEY, Baumholder, Germany JESSE GARCIA, NAS Key West, Fla. RAYMOND GONZALES, Bamberg, Germany ROBERT GOODWIN, DeCA Europe, Germany MANFRED HÖHN, Kaiserslautern CDC, Germany FRANZ HOLMER, Ramstein AB, Germany CAROL HUMPHRIES, McChord AFB, Wash. SIGITTA JANCYS, Kaiserslautern CDC, Germany BETTY JOHANSON, NAS Brunswick, Maine BENNIE JOHNSON, Illesheim, Germany WARDELL JOHNSON, McChord AFB, Wash. ROBERT KADOR JR., Schweinfurt, Germany HILDE KRAUSS, Kaiserslautern CDC, Germany RAYMOND LANGFORD, Los Angeles AFB, Calif. EDWARD MAUK, DeCA Europe, Germany CHARLES PACE, MCLB Barstow, Calif. ROBERT POOL, Kaiserslautern CDC, Germany BARBARA ROBBEN, Beale AFB, Calif. ANTHONY SANCHEZ, Kirtland AFB, N.M. PETRA SCHMIDT, Baumholder, Germany JAIME SEGARRA JR., Hohenfels, Germany MANFRED STOCKEMER, Bitburg AB, Germany JESUS TORRES, Wiesbaden, Germany GENE TREMBLY, Luke AFB, Ariz. ERNESTINA VASQUEZ, Bitburg, Germany BELINDA WATKINS, Kirtland AFB, N.M. DOUGLAS WEADEN, Germersheim CDC, Germany ANGELITA WEIS, DeCA Europe, Germany KEIKO YONAHA, Okinawa CDC Everyday hero Seichu Hayashi, Okinawa CDC supply specialist, saved a young man from burning to death after a motorcycle crash, Dec. 1. The victim was struck at high speed by a car and thrown from his bike in a fireball of flames from ignited gas and burning clothes. Driving home with his family, Hayashi jumped from his car and used his jacket to smother flames on the victim, calmly asking the man not to move and remain calm until the police and ambulance arrived. DeCA photo: Hiromi Higa 25 years ANDREA BRENNER, Germersheim CDC, Germany LIDIA DE FATIMA MORAIS FONTES, Lajes Field, Portugal ERCAN DELIBALTA, Incirlik AB, Turkey ROCKY GARDNER, Fort Sill, Okla. MICHELE GARGANO, Aviano AB, Germany Z 51 ! CHRISTOPHER GOMEZ, Fort Knox, Ky. JUTTA HELFRICH, DeCA Europe, Germany ALFRED HORMESCH, Bitburg AB, Germany AGRON MECE, Kaiserslautern CDC, Germany HARALD MÜLLER, Kaiserslautern CDC, Germany PETRA RUTZ, DeCA Europe, Germany SO YUN-SIK, Camp Casey, South Korea ALFRED STENGEL, Vogelweh, Germany GARY STULL, Fort Knox, Ky. STEPHEN WERNER, Bitburg AB, Germany WILTRUD ZEIMENS, Spangdahlem AB, Germany 20 years YILMAZ AKBAS, Incirlik AB, Turkey PIA ALLEN, Vogelweh, Germany CARMEN ATES, DeCA Europe, Germany CARLOS COELHO A AZEVEDO, Lajes Field, Portugal MARTHA BELL, Sembach, Germany THOMAS BRONSON, RAF Lakenheath, England MEHMET BUYUKNISAN, Incirlik AB, Turkey LISA CAMPBELL, McChord AFB, Wash. CHOE SOK-CHU, Yongsan, South Korea AUDREY CROUCH, Eglin AFB, Fla. DEBBIE DOMINGUEZ, San Onofre, Calif. EDITH DOWTIN, Schinnen, Germany PETER DRUM, Germersheim CDC, Germany PETER EPPERS, Bitburg, Germany TONY FAFARA, NSB New London, Conn. MARY GRASSEL-BAXTER, Kirtland AFB, N.M. DIANE GREEN, Kirtland AFB, N.M. MASAMI HAMASAKI, Kanto CDC, Japan ANNETTE HAYDEN, Fort Knox, Ky. ALFRED HORMESCH, Bitburg AB, Germany TOMMY ISBELL, Illesheim, Germany WILLIE JOHNSON, Patch Barracks, Germany CHRISTIAN KEMMERLING, Kaiserslautern CDC, Germany ELKE KUHN, Germersheim CDC, Germany PATRICIA LARSEN, Luke AFB, Ariz. SWINETTE MARTIN, RAF Alconbury, England BERNIE MESA, McChord AFB, Wash. HERMANN MICHEL, Kaiserslautern CDC, Germany HUBERT MÜRRIGER, DeCA Europe, Germany PRENTISS NEAL, Germersheim CDC, Germany GAIL NICHOLLS, RAF Fairford, England DAVID PALMER, Ramstein AB, Germany WENDY PARKS, DeCA Europe, Germany JODI PUSLEY, Fairchild AFB, Wash. ANNIE QUITUGUA, Fort Irwin, Calif. STEFAN RADNER, Kaiserslautern CDC, Germany RITA REBECCA, Aviano AB, Italy MICHAEL REMMLER, DeCA Europe, Germany SIGRID RIGONI, DeCA Europe, Germany NORA ROWLAND, McConnell AFB, Kan. TATSUNORI SATO, Kanto CDC, Japan GERHARD SAUER, Kaiserslautern CDC, Germany ELVI STEPHENS, Ramstein AB, Germany PEGGY STRAND-CHANDLER, Fort Knox, Ky. RAMAZAN SUMER, Incirlik, Turkey MICHAEL TAYLOR, Beale AFB, Calif. JUERGEN WAGNER, Vogelweh, Germany JOSEPH WARWICK, Vogelweh, Germany LARRY WEATHERS, Schweinfurt Commissary, Germany HOPE WEBER, NSCS Athens, Ga. JOSEF WEISS, Vilseck, Germany LEVI WOMACK JR., Germersheim CDC, Germany DILEK YILDIRIMOGLU, Izmir, Turkey 15 years PAOLA BOSCHIAN CAMPANER, Aviano AB, Italy SSODA ART: Mountain Home Commissary, Idaho, recently took top honors in two Coca-Cola display contests. This snowman scene won in fall football display competition, and another gave the store its fifth consecutive win for NASCAR displays. DeCA photo: Michael Howell 52 decavision!Winter 2009 MICHAEL GRIES, Ramstein AB, Germany KIYOTAKA GUSHI, Okinawa CDC KATSUYO HENNA, Okinawa CDC AKIRA HIGA, Okinawa CDC NAEKO HIGA, Okinawa CDC TETSUYA HIGA, Okinawa CDC SONJA HILL, Ramstein CMPP, Germany BUDDIE KOLATH, Taegu Camp Walker, South Korea ALVA LEWIS, NFA Yokosuka, Japan SUEKO MATAYOSHI, Okinawa CDC YOSHINORI MATSUKAWA, Okinawa CDC YUJI MIYAGI, Okinawa CDC JINKO MOMOJI, Okinawa CDC SHINKO NAKAMOTO, Okinawa CDC KIYOMI NAKAZATO, Okinawa CDC THOMAS OBORNIK, Ramstein AB, Germany SIRA REBECCA, Aviano AB, Italy ISAMU SAKUMOTO, Okinawa CDC MARIA SPEARS, Vogelweh, Germany CHRISTIAN STUMPF, Germersheim CDC, Germany YASUYOSHI TANAKA, Okinawa CDC MORIMICHI TAMAYOSE, Okinawa CDC ERIKA WETZEL, Germersheim CDC, Germany SHOTA YAMASHIRO, Okinawa CDC 10 years NUNO VALERIO FREITAS ANDRADE, Lajes Field, Portugal HUESEYIN ATAR, Germersheim CDC, Germany GREGORY BARTLETT, RAF Lakenheath, England CONSUELO BETTIN, Aviano AB, Germany CHOE YONG-KIL, Yongsan CDC, South Korea MARIA EUGENIA COSTA DA SILVA, Lajes Field, Portugal COLIN CRAEMER, RAF Lakenheath, England MARILYN CRESCINI, NB San Diego, Calif. GEORGE CSABA, RAF Lakenheath, England RICHARD DAVIS, McConnell AFB, Kan. REBECCA DELANCY, Eglin AFB, Fla. INGE DIESTERWEG, Vogelweh, Germany RUSSELL ELLISON, Germersheim CDC, Germany THOMAS FEDROWITZ, Ramstein CMPP, Germany YON SON FIELD, Luke AFB, Ariz. GERTY GEAHRY, Kirtland AFB, N.M. GISELA GONZALEZ, DeCA Europe, Germany VIKTOR GOTTFRIED, Vogelweh, Germany LILIAN GRAJO, Patch Barracks, Germany TIZIANA GRAZIOSI, Aviano AB, Italy TROY GREEN, Schinnen, Germany ANGELA HARMON, Kirtland AFB, N.M. PAT HAUGHTALING, Vance AFB, Okla. BRUCE HENDERSON, Patch Barracks, Germany ROXANA HERNANDEZ, NS Rota, Spain JÜRGEN HOHLFELD, Kaiserslautern CDC, Germany RONALD HOPKINS, Wiesbaden, Germany JOSEPH “TODD” HUBBUCH, Fort Knox, Ky. CHRISTOPHER ILAGAN, Los Angeles AFB, Calif. HIDEYUKI KATO, Kanto CDC, Japan BERNHARD KENNEL, Ramstein CMPP, Germany TRACEY KITZLER, Eglin AFB, Fla. GEORGE KLINE, Ansbach, Germany EDUARD KUNSTMANN, Germersheim CDC, Germany REGINA LANIER, Fort Knox, Ky. DESA MACOMBER, DeCA Europe, Germany MANNA ABRAHA MAHARI, Aviano AB, Italy DOSWELL MAKLE, Grafenwoehr, Germany TETSUYA MANNEN, Yokota AB, Japan ! SLOBSTER LESSON: Bill Nethercutt, meat department manager at Cherry Point Commissary, N.C., explains lobster anatomy to children touring from the base child care center in October 2008. DeCA photo: Phyllis Black BRUCE MANOW, Germersheim CDC, Germany OKITAKA MEDORUMA, Okinawa CDC DIANE MUELLER, RAF Lakenheath, England GISELA MÜLLER, Ramstein CMPP, Germany ANTONELLA MURAN, Aviano AB, Italy KATSUYUKI NARITA, Misawa AB, Japan RAFAEL NORA, Holloman AFB, N.M. MARIA CRISTINA PAVANETTO, Aviano AB, Germany SAMUEL PETERS, Los Angeles AFB, Calif. HELEN PIERSON, Ramstein CMPP, Germany SIMONE PLEIN, Spangdahlem, Germany LISA POND, Vance AFB, Okla. MARLENE QUIOCHO, Mannheim, Germany PAUL RICHARDS, Vance AFB, Okla. DONNIVLE RISER, RAF Lakenheath, England LINDA RIVERS, Vance AFB, Okla. TOMOTSUNE SAWADA, Okinawa CDC ANKE SCHMIDT, Sembach, Germany JON SCHULTZ, Grafenwoehr, Germany ROBERT SHEETS, RAF Alconbury, England SIN CHA-REID, Camp Red Cloud, South Korea EUGENE STRANGE, Heidelberg, Germany INGRID STRUTZBERG, Germersheim CDC, Germany ETHEL ROSHA STUKES, Kirtland AFB, N.M. ROBERT SUTTON, Fairchild AFB, Wash. FRANCESCA TASSAN, Aviano AB, Italy RYOZO UMETSU, Misawa AB, Japan DAWN VAUGHN, NSCS Athens, Ga. TONYA VELAZQUEZ, Baumholder, Germany LEIGH ANN WHITE, NAS Key West, Fla. MICHAEL WILLIS, Germersheim CDC, Germany FUMIAKI YAMADA, Misawa AB, Japan TERRY YANNACCI, Kirtland AFB, N.M. top employees 5 years CHOE IN-TAEK, Yongsan CDC, South Korea CHONG HAN-CHAE, Yongsan CDC, South Korea DeCA warriors DeCA East: GERALD MARTIN, meatcutter, Hanscom Commissary, Mass. Military rank, title and duty station: Specialist, communications specialist, 211th Military Police Battalion, Headquarters Detachment, Army National Guard, Gerald Martin Lexington, Mass. Duty locations and inclusive dates: Baghdad, Iraq, July 2007 to July 2008 Yoshihiko Nakachi Mary Ratcliff Employees of the Year 2008 IRMA CARDENAS, Fort Knox, Ky. CLAUDIA CROCKER, MCLB Barstow, Calif. * YOSHIHIKO NAKACHI, Okinawa CDC * MARY RATCLIFF, NAF El Centro, Calif. TONYA TAWLINGS, MCB San Onofre, Calif. GREGORY UN-YOUNG, Yongsan CDC, South Korea JOSE YRACHETA, NB San Diego, Calif. Safety Employee of the Year 2008 MARIA CARRERA, NAF El Centro, Calif. Z 53 ! Employees of the Quarter 1st Quarter 2009 JANICE BOELTER, Nellis AFB, Nev. ANDY CABUSAO, NB San Diego, Calif. CRAIG DE BROSKY, Camp Foster, Okinawa YOSHIKI EBINA, Misawa AB, Japan ANGELA FIACCATO, Edwards AFB, Calif. DANIEL GEORGE, NB Pearl Harbor, Hawaii KAYOKO KUBA, Kadena AB, Okinawa HIROKO MAEHARA, Okinawa CDC TADASHI MATSUMOTO, Iwakuni CDC, Japan OKITAKA MEDORUM, Okinawa CDC TAITO MIYAZATO, Okinawa CDC FRANK MOON, Holloman AFB, N.M. YOSHIHIKO NAKACHI, Okinawa CDC GERALD PEREZ, NAS Key West, Fla. EMI SAITO, NAF Atsugi, Japan KEITH TERRY, Fort Irwin, Calif. 4th Quarter 2008 MARY AGULAR, Holloman AFB, N.M. MELODY ALBERT, Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz. GAYLA BARTOW, Vance AFB, Okla. KIMBERLY BROCK, Fort Huachuca, Ariz. EVELYN BROWN, Fort Knox, Ky. MARGARET CAMACHO, Dugway PG, Utah NICOLETTE CAMACHO, McChord AFB, Wash. MARIA CARRERA, NAF El Centro, Calif. CHOE SONG-CHU, Taegu Camp Walker, South Korea MICHAEL CLEMENS, Malmstrom AFB, Mont. HYON DANYLUK, NAWS China Lake, Calif. MARIS EYASU, MCLB Barstow, Calif. AGNES FEGURGUR, McChord AFB, Wash. EDNA HAAG, Fort Eustis, Va. GREG HADDEN, McChord AFB, Wash. LORNA HEINEN, Mountain Home AFB, Idaho DANNY JOHNSON, McChord AFB, Wash. TAKAHIKO MATSUMOTO, Sagamihara, Japan BERNIE MESA, McChord AFB, Wash. DAWN MONTERO, NB Pearl Harbor, Hawaii THEODOSIA MORTENSON, McChord AFB, Wash. HESUSU OKUHARA, Camp Zama, Japan PAK SU-PAE, Kunsan, South Korea SUSAN RICKER, Hannam Village, South Korea LEIGH ANN WHITE, NAS Key West, Fla. 4th Quarter Safety Employee KEVIN LARSEN, Malmstrom AFB, Mont. 3rd Quarter 2008 TYLER BRADOVICH, Hill AFB, Utah KRENIL DALIRE, NAS Whidbey Island, Wash. RICHARD DAVIS, McConnell AFB, Kan. BETTY FRYE, Holloman AFB, N.M. YONG GALLOP, Hickam AFB, Hawaii AFA ILAOA, NB Pearl Harbor, Hawaii MASAE KUBO, Camp Kure, Japan PERRI MERRITT, Fort Eustis, Va. ROBERT MORGAN, McConnell AFB, Kan. RUBY RAMOS, NB San Diego, Calif. NORA ROWLAND, McConnell AFB, Kan. GARY STULL, Fort Knox, Ky. TEENA TUCKER, McConnell AFB, Kan. 3rd Quarter Safety Employee TRACY BUCHANAN, Beale AFB, Calif. CHING BURTON, Beale AFB, Calif. JEFF TAYLOR, Vance AFB, Okla. 2nd Quarter 2008 JOHN FIGGINS, Holloman AFB, N.M. CHANG LAWHORN, Fort Eustis, Va. ANDY SALAZAR, NB San Diego, Calif. 54 decavision!Winter 2009 S‘TIS THE SEASON: DeCA West transportation assistant Gail Mefford helps organize some of the 1,515 food items collected by region employees for a local food ministry in December. With about 50 people assigned, first, second and third floors competed to see which would donate the most food. The third floor emerged victorious. DeCA photo: Nancy O’Nell DB SMITH, Fort Knox, Ky. DEBORAH SONNENBERG, USAF Academy, Colo. 1st Quarter 2008 IRMA CARDENAS, Fort Knox, Ky. MARYLENE JOHNSON, SC Smokey Point, Wash. ALZINA SKINNER, Fort Eustis, Va. Employees of the Month December 2008 ROBERT ABERGAS, NB Pearl Harbor, Hawaii CRAIG DE BROSKY, Camp Foster, Okinawa KATSUHIRO FUKU, FA Sasebo, Japan TOMOKO HAYANO, Yokota AB, Japan HANAZAWA HIROYUKI, Kanto Plains CDC, Japan YOSHITAKA KAWAMURA, Misawa AB, Japan ! HIROKO MAEHARA, Okinawa CDC TADASHI MATSUMOTO, Iwakuni CDC, Japan OKITAKA MEDORUM, Okinawa CDC YOSHIHIKO NAKACHI, Okinawa CDC NAOSHI NAKAMUREA, Okinawa CDC MEGUMI OSHIRO, Kadena AB, Okinawa BERTHA RODRIGUEZ, Edwards AFB, Calif. RACHEL ROMERO, Hario Village, Japan SHIN SAKIHAMA, Camp Courtney, Okinawa JUNICHI SUZUKI, Sagamihara, Japan KEVIN WHITEFIELD, NAF Atsugi, Japan December 2008 Cashier of the Month YOLANDA BASULTO, FA Sasebo, Japan SHOKO EGUCHI, NFA Yokosuka, Japan November 2008 KENTON CONNER, Iwakuni CDC, Japan CHANGSUN DOUGHTY, Osan CDC, South Korea BETH DUFRESNE, Dugway PG, Utah IN FILIPOWSKI, Yongsan CDC, South Korea MARYANN ISIDRO, Kadena AB, Okinawa VANDELL JOHNSON, Misawa AB, Japan KIM CHUNG-HWAN, Hannam Village, South Korea EDDIE KING, Hario Village, Japan KWON HAN-MIN, Yongsan AB, South Korea CIARA LATKA, Osan CDC, South Korea CAMILLE MASK, Edwards AFB, Calif. TATSUYA MASUDA, Yokota AB, Japan TAITO MIYAZATO, Okinawa CDC YOSHIHIKO NAKACHI, Okinawa CDC NAOKI NAKAHARA, Okinawa CDC ANA RARANGOL, NB Pearl Harbor, Hawaii HIRONORI SUNAGAWA, Okinawa CDC HIROTOMO TERUYA, MCB Camp Courtney, Okinawa TO KWON-U, Yongsan AB, South Korea ATSUSHI UEHARA, MCB Camp Foster, Okinawa ROSE VANCE, FA Sasebo, Japan LESLIE VILANUEVA, NAF El Centro, Calif. SHINJI WAKAMATSU, Sagamihara, Japan YIM CHONG-KUN, Yongsan AB, South Korea HITOSHI ZAMA, NAF Atsugi, Japan November 2008 Cashier of the Month MERCEDES CANETE, NAF Atsugi, Japan SHOKO EGUCHI, NFA Yokosuka, Japan STEPHANIE STAGGERS, FA Sasebo, Japan November 2008 Safety Employee CHANGSUN DOUGHTY, Osan CDC, South Korea October 2008 HEDETOSHI ARAKAWA, Kadena AB, Okinawa CHON HAE-SAENG, Camp Stanley, South Korea KENTON CONNER, MCAS Iwakuni, Japan YOSHIKI EBINA, Okinawa CDC KEIKO HIGA, MCB Camp Courtney, Okinawa SCOTT HOLT, Okinawa CDC CHRISTY HUTCHINGSON, Kadena AB, Okinawa HWANG CHUN-SOK, Osan CDC, South Korea FUTOSHI ITO, Yokota AB, Japan TISOJIA KAGLER, NS Port Hueneme, Calif. KIM CHONG-IL, Yongsan, South Korea KIM YONG-KUK, Yongsan, South Korea HIROYA KINJO, Okinawa CDC KAYAKO KUBA, Misawa AB, Japan MASAE KUBO, Camp Kure, Japan MITSUYSKI MATSUDA, Okinawa CDC AKIRA MEKARU, Okinawa CDC PRISCILLA MELEISEA, NB Pearl Harbor, Hawaii CHININ MIKI, Camp Foster, Okinawa YOSNINAO NAGAMINE, MCB Camp Kinser, Okinawa PAK SU-UEN, Kunsan, South Korea LOUIS RIVERA, Edwards AFB, Nev. SHIN CHU-HYON, Yongsan, South Korea WILLIAM STALL, NAF Atsugi, Japan IZUMI TAKAHASHI, Sagamihara, Japan Z SLET’S HEAR IT FOR HEALTH: Portsmouth Commissary, Va., helped sponsor a health fair and safety stand down for sailors from the USS Harry S. Truman at the Naval Base Norfolk gym, Sept. 29. The store set up a commissary awareness booth, and DeCA’s dietitian, Lt. Col. Karen Hawkins, provided nutritional advice. More than 2,000 sailors attended. DeCA photo: Doug Buntley 55 ! YIM NAM-CHAE, Osan CDC, South Korea YO TAE-WON, Yongsan CDC, South Korea ERIC YORK, Hario Village, Japan YONG CHAE-WON, Hannam Village, South Korea October 2008 Cashier of the Month EDEN SULLIVAN, NFA Yokosuka, Japan ROSE VANCE, FA Sasebo, Japan September 2008 MARITA ANDREWS, NB Pearl Harbor, Hawaii MARIA CARRERA, NAF El Centro, Calif. JUDITH CRUZ, NBK Bremerton, Wash. PAULA MENDEZ, Hannam Village, South Korea September 2008 Cashier of the Month MEDINA JOHNSON, NAF Atsugi, Japan YASUKO NAGAOKA, FA Sasebo, Japan September 2008 Safety Employee JOAN GAILO, NAS Whidbey Island, Wash. August 2008 AN CHANG-HWAN, Yongsan, South Korea HIDETOSHI ARAKAWA, Kadena AB, Okinawa YUKO ARCHER, Okinawa CDC ROBERT ARMEL, Okinawa CDC JULIE BARCINAS, Vandenberg AFB, Calif. CHARITY BUGAWAN, MCAS Iwakuni, Japan ZAREENA CATALLA, Dugway PG, Utah TAKASHI CHINEN, Okinawa CDC FELICIDAD GARCIA, NFA Yokosuka, Japan OSAMU HIGA, MCB Camp Courtney, Okinawa JORDAN HOOTEN, Edwards AFB, Calif. KWON HAN-MIN, Yongsan, South Korea IM CHUNG-KUN, Yongsan, South Korea DENNIS JONES, Osan CDC, South Korea HIROHITO KAWASHIMA, Yokota AB, Japan KIM KYU-CHIN, Yongsan CDC, South Korea KWON HAN-MIN, Yongsan, South Korea DEANNA MAIO, NB Pearl Harbor, Hawaii SHIN MIYAGI, MCB Camp Foster, Okinawa HIROMITSU NAKAE, MCB Camp Kinser, Okinawa PAK CHONG-HYE, Osan CDC, South Korea AURORA REYES, Hario Village, Japan EMI SAITO, NAF Atsugi, Japan RIE UTSUGI, Kanto Plain CDC, Japan GRACE VALCARCEL, FA Sasebo, Japan GEORGE WALLACE, Iwakuni CDC, Japan HITOSHI YAMAGUCHI, Misawa AB, Japan KEIKO YONAHA, Okinawa CDC August 2008 Cashier of the Month MEDINA JOHNSON, NAF Atsugi, Japan YASUKO NAGAOKA, FA Sasebo, Japan July 2008 DUSTIN BAYER, NB Pearl Harbor, Hawaii MARGIE COOPER, NBK Bremerton, Wash. MONETTE KLINKENBERG, Dugway PG, Utah July 2008 Cashier of the Month MEDINA JOHNSON, NAF Atsugi, Japan June 2008 KENZY EINMO, NB Pearl Harbor, Hawaii pro honors SAPPLES, CENTER STAGE: Fort Sill Commissary, Okla., showcased varieties of apples in this huge display, prepared in pursuit of annual New York State Apple Display Contest honors. C & C Produce photo: Dennis Messner Brach’s Caramel Apple Display DeCA East: PATRICK AFB, NAS PENSACOLA, Fla. DeCA West: FORT SILL, Okla.; McCHORD AFB, Wash. Dr. Pepper/Snapple Indiana Jones Display DeCA West: NS EVERETT SMOKEY POINT, Wash. Campbell’s Life Display DeCA West: McCONNELL AFB, Kan. Elite Foods/C. Lloyd Johnson Seafood Display DeCA Europe: AVIANO AB, Italy Campbell’s/Pepperidge Farm Labels for Education Display DeCA East: FORT McCOY, Wis.; NS NEWPORT, R.I.; MCAS NEW RIVER, N.C.; McGUIRE AFB, N.J.; NAS PENSACOLA, Fla. DeCA West: ELLSWORTH AFB, S.D.; FORT HOOD I, Texas; McCHORD AFB, Wash. Frito-Lay NFL Super Bowl Display DeCA West: YONGSAN, South Korea Clorox Health and Wellness Sale DeCA West: MINOT AFB, N.D. General Mills Just Add Milk Display DeCA East: NSF DAHLGREN, Va.; GUNTER AFB, Ala., honorable mention DeCA West: EDWARDS AFB, Calif.; MOUNTAIN HOME AFB, Idaho Coca-Cola NASCAR Display DeCA East: FORT EUSTIS, LANGLEY AFB, Va. DeCA West: CANNON AFB, N.M.; FORT BLISS, Texas; MOUNTAIN HOME AFB, Idaho (5th consecutive) Coca-Cola Fall Football Display DeCA East: COLUMBUS AFB, Miss. DeCA West: MOUNTAIN HOME AFB, Idaho (Other winners from listed contests may have been published previously) ConAgra Truckload Sale Display DeCA East: LANGLEY AFB, Va. DeCA West: CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (3rd consecutive); FORT HOOD II, Texas; FORT LEWIS, Wash.; NFA YOKOSUKA, Japan Bird’s Eye Frozen Food Display DeCA West: FORT SILL, Okla. Del Monte Home Grown Goodness Display DeCA East: LANGLEY AFB, Va. 56 decavision!Winter 2009 Eastern Apple Display DeCA East: USMC WEST POINT, N.Y. General Mills Cinco de Mayo Display DeCA East: FORT BENNING, Ga.; NB NORFOLK, Va.; GUNTER AFB, Ala., honorable mention DeCA West: McCHORD AFB, Wash. General Mills Sensational Savings DeCA East: FORT RUCKER, Ala. General Mills Warming Up America DeCA West: FORT BLISS, GOODFELLOW AFB, Texas; LOS ANGELES AFB, Calif., honorable mention Gorton’s Solve Dinner Display DeCA West: McCLELLAN, Calif., honorable mention Goya Cinco de Mayo Display DeCA West: KADENA AB, Okinawa Heinz Golden Ketchup Display DeCA East: FORT MEADE, Md.; FORT STEWART, NSB KINGS BAY (worldwide), ! HUNTER AAF, Ga.; NAS KEY WEST, NAS MAYPORT, Fla.; WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB, Ohio DeCA Europe: HEIDELBERG, Germany DeCA West: MCLB BARSTOW, EDWARDS AFB, McCLELLAN, Calif.; FORT BLISS, LACKLAND AFB, RANDOLPH AFB, Texas; KADENA AB, Okinawa; KIRTLAND AFB, N.M.; MOUNTAIN HOME AFB, Idaho (5th consecutive); OFFUTT AFB, Neb.; OSAN AB, YONGSAN, South Korea; TINKER AFB, Okla., honorable mention Highplains Heroes Display DeCA East: HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. Kellogg’s Free Milk Display DeCA East: COLUMBUS AFB, Miss.; USMA WEST POINT, N.Y. DeCA Europe: WIESBADEN, Germany DeCA West: MCLB BARSTOW, MCB CAMP PENDLETON, McCLELLAN, ORD COMMUNITY, TRAVIS AFB, Calif.; NAS JRB FORT WORTH, Texas; KADENA AB, Okinawa Kellogg’s NASCAR Display DeCA East: C.E. KELLY, Pa.; NB NORFOLK, Va.; REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. DeCA West: YONGSAN, South Korea Kellogg’s/Keebler Perfect Match Display DeCA West: NAS JRB FORT WORTH, Texas Kimberly Clark Box Tops for Education DeCA East: NAS PATUXENT RIVER, Md. (2nd consecutive) DeCA West: CAMP PENDLETON, Calif.; RANDOLPH AFB, Texas Kingsburg Orchards Pluots Display DeCA East: FORT MEADE, Md. Kraft Excellence in Execution DeCA East: COLUMBUS AFB, NCBC GULFPORT, KEESLER AFB, NAS MERIDIAN, Miss.; NSF DAHLGREN, FORT BELVOIR, FORT MYER, MCB QUANTICO, NB NORFOLK, FORT LEE, Va.; FORT BRAGG NORTH, SEYMOUR JOHNSON AFB, N.C.; FORT BUCHANAN, Puerto Rico; FORT DETRICK, FORT MEADE, Md.; FORT KNOX, Ky.; FORT McCOY, Wis.; FORT STEWART, HUNTER AAF, Ga.; GUNTER AFB, MAXWELL AFB, Ala.; PARRIS ISLAND, SHAW AFB, S.C.; SCOTT AFB, Ill.; NIOC SUGAR GROVE, W.Va.; WHITEMAN AFB, Mo.; NAS WHITING FIELD, Fla. DeCA Europe: HEIDELBERG, Germany DeCA West: ANCHORAGE, FORT GREELY, FORT WAINWRIGHT, Alaska; DAVIS-MONTHAN AFB, FORT HUACHUCA, Ariz.; ELLSWORTH AFB, S.D.; FORT HOOD I, FORT HOOD II, Texas; FORT RILEY, Kan.; HILL AFB, Utah; KANEHOE BAY, Hawaii; NELLIS AFB, Nev.; OFFUTT AFB, Neb.; TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif.; WHIDBEY ISLAND, Wash.; YOKOTA AB, Japan Kraft Pizza Display DeCA East: ZONE 28, FORT BELVOIR, LANGLEY AFB, NB NORFOLK, Va.; NAS JACKSONVILLE, Fla.; KEESLER AFB, Miss.; NIOC SUGAR GROVE, W.Va. DeCA West: FORT SILL, Okla.; WHITE SANDS MR, N.M. Marzetti Apple Display DeCA West: YOKOTA AB, Japan Milk-Bone Canine Assistants Display DeCA East: FORT BENNING, Ga.; FORT JACKSON, S.C. DeCA West: CANNON AFB, N.M.; FORT BLISS, Texas; OFFUTT AFB, Neb.; TINKER AFB, Okla. Nestlé Best Sales Award DeCA East: NAB LITTLE CREEK, Va. DeCA West: ARNOLD AFB, Tenn. Northwest Pear Display DeCA East: FORT RUCKER, Ala. Old El Paso Cinco de Mayo Display DeCA West: McCHORD AFB, Wash. OSC Dollar Days Display DeCA East: NSB KINGS BAY, Ga. Procter & Gamble Special Olympics DeCA East: FORT KNOX, Ky.; FORT MEADE, Md.; NB NORFOLK, Va.; SELFRIDGE ANGB, Mich. DeCA West: NBK BREMERTON, Wash.; MCB CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa; CAMP STANLEY, South Korea; FORT SILL, Okla. Progresso Soup Display DeCA West: NAWS CHINA LAKE, EDWARDS AFB, LOS ANGELES AFB, Calif.; NFA YOKOSUKA, Japan Purina Canine Hero Display DeCA East: FORT GORDON, Ga. Quaker/Tropicana Start Your Day Right Display DeCA East: SELFRIDGE ANGB, Mich. DeCA West: NBK BREMERTON, Wash.; NAF EL CENTRO, Calif.; MALMSTROM AFB, Mo. S&K Sales March Madness Display DeCA East: FORT GORDON, Ga. S&K Sales Spring Display DeCA West: NAS SIGONELLA, Italy San Joaquin Valley Farm Harvest Display DeCA East: NSA MEMPHIS, Tenn. DeCA West: SAGAMIHARA, Japan; SHEPPARD AFB, Texas San Joaquin Valley Farm Pistachio Award DeCA East: ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL, Ill. Smucker’s Serving Our Country’s Finest DeCA East: FORT GILLEM, NSB KINGS BAY, Ga.; FORT MEADE, Md. DeCA Europe: LAKENHEATH, England DeCA West: ARNOLD AFB, Tenn.; KADENA AB, Okinawa; LACKLAND AFB, Texas; NB PEARL Z HARBOR, Hawaii Oneata/Star Ranch Apple Display DeCA West: HICKAM AFB, Hawaii WSPECIAL DELIVERY: Fort Rucker Commissary, Ala., created a helicopter toting fruits and veggies for display during the 2008 DeCA Produce Merchandising Contest. A real helicopter wouldn’t fit into the store, so storeworker Christopher George’s garage became production line central to build one on a smaller scale. When complete, George had to drive about 10 miles an hour to safely transport it, and it took five men to unload it and get it into the store. DeCA photo: Stephen Pope 57 ! Snapple Crystal Creative Display DeCA East: FORT BENNING, ROBINS AFB, Ga.; McGUIRE AFB, N.J., best overall DeCA Europe: HEIDELBERG, RAMSTEIN AB, Germany DeCA West: FAIRCHILD AFB, Wash.; KADENA AB, Okinawa; TAEGU CAMP WALKER, South Korea; TINKER AFB, VANCE AFB, Okla. 14th Annual StarKist “Charlie” Awards DeCA East: BANGOR ANGB, Maine; FORT McCOY, Wis. (4th consecutive year); NAS PENSACOLA, Fla.; CHARLESTON NWS, S.C.; FORT GORDON, FORT STEWART, ROBINS AFB, Ga. DeCA Europe: LIVORNO, Italy; GRAFENWOEHR, RAMSTEIN AB, WIESBADEN, Germany; VICENZA, Italy, honorable mention DeCA West: ANCHORAGE AREA, Alaska; CAMP HUMPHREYS, OSAN AB, YONGSAN, South Korea; MCB CAMP KINSER, Okinawa; TINKER AFB, Okla.; USAF ACADEMY, Colo. Tanimura & Antle Homerun Lettuce Display DeCA East: NAS OCEANA, Va.; McGUIRE AFB, N.J.; TYNDALL AFB; Fla. Unilever-Continental Sarvis Italian/American DeCA East: MCAS CHERRY POINT, N.C.; HARRISON VILLAGE, Ind.; WRIGHTPATTERSON AFB, Ohio DeCA West: FORT SILL, Okla. USA Pear Winter Wonderland Display DeCA East: WHITEMAN AFB, Mo. Wisk Field of Dreams Sales DeCA East: NSA ANNAPOLIS, Md.; COLUMBUS AFB, Ga.; SCOTT AFB, Ill. DeCA West: FORT SILL, Okla. XHERALDING GOOD THINGS: Storeworker David Wiggins, Alconbury Commissary, England, designed and painted a sign sporting DeCA’s motto. Store Director Paula Bennett said the staff was proud and excited to have such a talented employee who completed the project in one day. DeCA photo: Janet Cox 58 decavision!Winter 2009 Organizational honors ANDREWS AFB, Md., certificate of appreciation from National Industries for the Blind, for promoting products and services. BITBURG AB, Germany, honors from Red Cross, for outstanding support of Operation Open Arms, providing incoming or departing troops a snack at the flight terminal. CAMP CASEY, South Korea, award from Army Substance Abuse Program, for community service during Red Ribbon Week. CAMP RED CLOUD, South Korea, award on behalf of commanding general, for outstanding support of Second Infantry Division. DOVER AFB, Del., certificate of appreciation from National Industries for the Blind, for promotions. FORT BRAGG NORTH, N.C., certificate of appreciation from post elementary school, for outstanding support of annual “Cowboy Cookout.” FORT HOOD I, Texas, certificate of appreciation from Texas National Guard, for support of Christmas party. Commander and command sergeant major coins Donna Baird, store director; Betty Carey, store manager; and Mary Kight, supply technician, for on-site sale support. FORT IRWIN, Calif., certificate of appreciation, for support to annual breast cancer awareness run. FORT LEE, Va., store employee contributions to Combined Federal Campaign surpassed 2008 levels, headed by Jacquelyn Brown. FORT MEADE, Md., Commander’s Certificate of Highest Commendation from departing garrision commander, for exceptional, dedicated service. FORT MYER, Va., commander’s coins from National Capital Region/Military District of Washington command sergeant major, to Elizabeth Herm, store director; Marsha Davis, customer service manager; Linda Harrington, store manager; Jeanette Riddick, produce manager, for excellent service during Thanksgiving holidays. FORT POLK, La., plaque from Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare, and Recreation, for continuing support. FORT SILL, Okla., wall clock from National Industries for the Blind, for outstanding support of Ability One program sponsored by Skillcraft. GUNTER AFB, Ala., plaque from mission support group, for support of “Courtyard Grill Master Burger Burn.” HEIDELBERG, Germany, award for largest increase in sales of National Industries for the Blind products. LAJES FIELD, Portugal, certificate of appreciation from commanding generals, for extraordinary support of U.S. Marine Corps 233rd birthday celebration. LANGLEY AFB, Va., certificate of appreciation and picture plaque from Fort Monroe, Va., for support of 2008 Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers program. LOS ANGELES AFB, Calif., crystal plaque from Goodwill Industries of Southern California for outstanding cooperation and support in customer service. MOUNTAIN HOME AFB, Idaho, letter of appreciation from Veterans Resource Network, for outstanding support from commissary and industry. NAS PENSACOLA, Fla., commander’s coins to Store Director Mark Crump and grocery manager Renée Washington, from Naval Air Technical Training Center Pensacola, for outstanding support of food drive. RIYADH COMMISSARY, Egypt, plaque, commander’s coins and certificates of achievement from commanding general, deputy, chief of staff, and division chiefs, for winning “Most Improved Store” honors. SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii, certificates of appreciation from garrison commander, one for outstanding professionalism and dedication to the U.S. Army Garrison, Oahu, and one for outstanding support and dedication of the “Tell Me A Story” reading program. SELFRIDGE ANGB, Mich., plaque from morale, welfare and recreation, for support of 6th WFLYING HIGH: Yokota Commissary, Japan, won first place as DeCA’s top large store overseas in the agency’s meat merchandising contest, and display pieces such as this baby C-130 Hercules cargo aircraft grabbed customers’ attention. Warehouse employees created the aircraft out of papiermâché and wood. See more on the winners, Pages 30-32. DeCA photo: William Hicks Annual Ride for Freedom bike rally supporting Michigan troops. VANCE AFB, Okla., wall clock from National Industries for the Blind, for largest sales increase in DeCA West, small store 2007. VOGELWEH, Germany, commander’s coin from security forces and certificate of appreciation from National Industries for the Blind, for outstanding support; cake decorators Kaylene Anderson and Myrna Perez received commander’s coins from United Service Organizations European regional vice president, for cakes decorated for USO events. WHITEMAN AFB, Mo., 1st place, base Christmas tree decorating contest. NAS WHITING FIELD, Fla., Bronze Certificate from installation, for achievements in Combined Federal Campaign, represented by key person Angela Brewton. WIESBADEN, Germany, plaque of appreciation from garrison commander, for continued community support. Individual honors BETH ADAMS, store director, Cannon Commissary, N.M., letter of appreciation from director of resource development, Big BrothersBig Sisters Club, for contributions and assistance in special events. DENIKA ANDERSON, contract bakery, Dover Commissary, Del., commander’s coin from wing commander, for outstanding customer service. BRIAN AIPPERSPACH, executive assistant to the director, DeCA West, Calif., Bachelor of Science in business administration and management, cum laude, Colorado Technical University, Colorado Springs, Colo. DANNY BATARA, sales store technician, Wiesbaden, Germany, “Pay Customer Service Award” and $250, from installation for best customer assistance. ALAN BROWN, store administrator, Keesler Commissary, Miss., general officer commander’s coin, for outstanding customer service. CHARLES CHO, store manager, Camp Carroll, South Korea, commander’s award, for extraordinary efforts as store manager. ELECTRA FREDERICK, intern, DeCA East, Va., “Business Woman of the Year Award” from local chapter of Eastern Star. LARRY HOOVER, store director, Carlisle Barracks Commissary, Pa., recognition certificate from National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, for outstanding support of employee participation in National Guard and Reserve. WALTER HYDE JR., student hire, Fort Hood I Commissary, Texas, Biltmore Who’s Who Among Executives and Professionals, 2008 Honors Edition, selected as representative for business community of Killeen, Texas. WILFORD KNOX, computer-assisted ordering, Fort Rucker Commissary, Ala., Golden Eagle statue from 1st Aviation Brigade, for outstanding support of Food Locker Program. PAULA LEWIS, store director, Robins Commissary, Ga., plaque from wing commander, for support during Warner Robins Air Logistics Center change of command ceremony. JIM MARINO, store director, Lajes Commissary, Portugal, certificate of appreciation from commanding general, in recognition of superior performance and selfless dedication to others. DEBBIE McFALL, secretary, Fort Bliss Commissary, Texas, plaque from the Retirees Association of El Paso, recognizing her and commissary for support of Retiree Appreciation Day activities. JOHN MOORE, store director, Jacksonville Commissary, Fla., Excellence Eagle Award from commanding officer, for outstanding support of military personnel and families. NANCY O’NELL, public affairs officer, DeCA West, Calif., Master of Science in business administration and marketing, University of Phoenix, Sacramento, Calif. GINNY NEWBOLD, store administrator, F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo., commander’s coin and certificate of appreciation, from Wyoming Army National Guard’s 84th Civil Support Team, for her caring, thoughtfulness and selfless service in taking care of soldiers and families. HARRY NICHOLS, store director, Ramstein AB, Germany, appointed a Kentucky Colonel, the highest honor awarded by the Commonwealth of Kentucky, by the governor and secretary of state, for outstanding troop support. CLYDE NOLEN, store director, AMC Walter Reed, Md., Wounded Warrior Project coin for program support. KRISTINE POLTRICK, intern, Fort Lee, Va., graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University in December. ELLI ROBISON, computer-assisted ordering, Fort Huachuca, Ariz., certificate of appreciation from Greater Huachuca Men’s Golf Club, for outstanding support of Turkey Scramble Golf Tournament. JOHN TURNER, store director, Fort Irwin Commissary, Calif., certificates of appreciation, one 2008 Breast Cancer Award from U.S. Army Medical Activity, for outstanding support of the 2008 Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Run; and one from television show, “Army Wives,” for support to cast and crew. SHARON WASHINGTON, store director, Hanscom AFB, Mass., commander’s coin from mission support group commander for selfless service and superior support of base community; Deputy Commanding General Coin for Excellence; Operation Iraqi Freedom coin from Gerald Martin, Hanscom meatcutter, for support during his deployment to Baghdad, Iraq (see Page 53, “DeCA Warriors”). Army Achievement Medal for Civilian Service JANET BERRY, USMA West Point, N.Y. (now HQ DeCA, Va.) Superior Civilian Service Award PAMELA CROLL, HQ DeCA, Va. GARY HENSLEY, Fort Benning, Ga. 59 RIGHT DOWN SANTA CLAUS LANE: Bonnie Ramsey, grocery manager at Fort Bragg South Commissary, N.C., helps create a holiday wonderland throughout the store to delight customers. See story, Pages 25-26. DeCA photo: Rick Brink
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