DALLAS – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is recruiting veterans to bring a taste of home to warfighters downrange. The 123-year-old Department of Defense retailer is seeking veterans to deploy to fill various positions wherever the Exchange operates within Southwest Asia and Eastern Europe. “When the Exchange hires veterans for downrange assignments, these former service members draw on the same strong work ethic, commitment and loyalty they used to serve our country,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Luis Reyes, the Exchange’s senior enlisted adviser. “Many already have served downrange and now they are able to give back, supporting troops on the front line.” No matter where America’s troops go, the Exchange goes with them. The Exchange operates 41 direct-run stores on 32 installations in eight Middle East countries, including Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, Qatar, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Egypt, as well as on installations in Europe, such as Bosnia, Kosovo, Romania, Poland and Bulgaria. This program supports the Exchange’s commitment to hire 50,000 veterans and military spouses by 2020. Veterans can look for jobs at ApplyMyExchange.com.
Many veterans already have the favorable security clearance needed to work downrange, which can save three to 15 months in conducting necessary background checks. Deployments with the Exchange range from six months to a year, with an option to extend up to two years. After their deployments, veterans are eligible to apply for other jobs with the Exchange. Leroy Elliott, a Vietnam War and Desert Storm veteran, has been the Exchange’s services business manager in Kuwait since August. Elliott served in the Marines and Army for 22 years. He also worked for the Exchange from 1993 to 2009. “The work is challenging and the days are long,” Elliott said. “It’s all worth it when we can bring a little bit of home to the men and women who are putting themselves in harm’s way and serving our country.”
(Courtesy of AAFES News Service)