KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- During his visit to Keesler, Chief Master Sgt. Kevin Osby toured Exchange facilities and met with Col. Chad Gemeinhardt, 81st Mission Support Group commander, Lt. Col. Christopher Dauer, 81st MSG deputy commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Lance Power, 81st MSG senior enlisted leader, on Jan. 10 to discuss how the Department of Defense retailer can improve the quality of life for the Keesler community.
“The Exchange is all in to make Keesler a great place to work and live,” said Osby, one of about 30 active-duty service members assigned to the Exchange. “We’re committed to expanding and improving our services and options to best serve the community.”
As part of its improvement efforts, the Exchange is planning upgrades to both the Express with gas and the Military Clothing Store. The facilities will receive a facelift that includes new flooring, fixtures and lighting, and the Express will add another quick-serve restaurant alongside the existing Hunt Brothers Pizza.
Every time service members shop their Exchange—whether in person or at ShopMyExchange.com—they are strengthening their community. 100% of Exchange earnings are reinvested in the military community through funding for critical Quality-of-Life programs, as well as capital improvements. In the last 10 years, the Exchange worldwide has contributed $3.5 billion in earnings.
“It matters where you shop,” Osby said. “Small changes can make a big difference in a community. The Exchange is passionate about enhancing the quality of life for our heroes.”
During his visit, Osby also thanked Exchange associates for their dedicated service.
The Exchange is committed to hiring heroes. Since 2013, the Exchange worldwide has hired more than 56,000 Veterans and military spouses and aims to increase that to 75,000 by 2026.
“Since 1895, the Exchange has provided a lifeline to America’s service members and their families,” Osby said, noting that 85% of the Exchange’s 29,000-strong worldwide workforce has a military connection. “The Exchange is family serving family. Whether supporting troops downrange or here at Keesler, Exchange associates are there to serve those who serve.”