(left to right) Exchange Director/CEO Tom Shull; Yokota AB Exchange General Manager Andrew Defelice; Exchange Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Kevin Osby; and Exchange Chief Operating Officer Jason Rosenberg. ()
DALLAS – The Yokota Air Base Exchange has been named among the best in the world, receiving the Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s highest honor, the Director/CEO Cup.
The Yokota Exchange—which encompasses a main store, three Expresses, a Military Clothing store, 10 restaurants, a theater and more, including Camp Fuji facilities—was recognized for its exceptional service to the military community during the Department of Defense retailer’s managers’ conference in Frisco, Texas.
374th Airlift Wing Commander Col. Andrew Roddan wrote a letter in support of the Yokota Exchange’s nomination for the award, which helped secure its win.
“In my 25 years of service across 13 difference PCS bases, I have never found a greater AAFES partner than the team at Yokota AB,” Roddan wrote. “The commitment underscores how Yokota Exchange continues to embrace every opportunity to boost morale and raise thousands of dollars in dividends to give back to the Yokota community, improving the lives of those who have served and those that continue to serve today.”
Roddan also commended the Yokota Exchange for its work collaborating with mission partners and operating the Yokota Bakery Plant, which provides bread and baked goods to Exchange restaurants and stores, commissaries and DoD schools.
“Yokota Exchange associates are incredibly passionate about taking care of our shoppers,” said Yokota AB Exchange General Manager Andrew Defelice. “We’re honored to be recognized and look forward to continuing to provide the best service to the best customers in the world.”
One winner and one runner-up were awarded the Director/CEO Cup in each of four size categories, based on sales volume: Super, Large, Medium and Small. The Yokota AB Exchange was the winner in the Medium category.
The winners were chosen from among 94 eligible stores based on customer experience, leadership, business results, marketing efforts and community presence.
