Army & Air Force Exchange Service
Public Affairs
DALLAS –The Department of Defense’s largest retailer continues to advance in its goal to hire 50,000 military spouses and veterans by 2020.
The Army & Air Force Exchange Service, which operates more than 4,000 retail stores and restaurants on military installations, specifically recruits members of the military family to help fulfill its mission of serving those who serve.
“As a military spouse, I can connect with our customers because I understand their lifestyle,” said Patrick Air Force Base Express associate Katherin Zimmerman, the Exchange’s 40,000th military spouse/veteran hire. “They can talk to me like a family member.”
Military spouses are nearly 22 percent of the Exchange’s worldwide workforce, while veterans account for about 12 percent overall, 85 percent of Exchange employees have a military connection.
“The Stuttgart Exchange has 40 veterans currently working with the team,” said Michael G Ryan, Panzer Exchange general manager. “This equates to approximately 13 percent of our total workforce.”
The Exchange has hired more than 1,400 wounded warriors since 2010 and was recently named a Military Friendly® Employer for the eighth consecutive year.
“For members of the military community like veterans and spouses, serving others is in their DNA,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Luis Reyes, Exchange senior enlisted advisor. “They are huge assets to the Exchange team and the communities they serve.”
The Exchange also has a spouse continuity program, which assists military spouses in maintaining a career while supporting their Soldier or Airman, often allowing them to retain their job category and benefits during moves.
Zimmerman encourages other military spouses to apply at the Exchange.
“I love the people here,” Zimmerman said. “The Exchange truly understands the military lifestyle and works with you as much as possible if something comes up.”
Veterans and military spouses can find job opportunities worldwide at ApplyMyExchange.com