• DALLAS
For the fifth consecutive year, Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) Exchanges worldwide honored those who have served with a challenge coin giveaway on Veterans Day.
The coins feature an eagle on one side and emblems for all six military branches on the other.
In a united sign of appreciation for their sacrifice, veterans were eligible to receive coins at all military exchanges.
“The Exchange is privileged to honor veterans every day, but the Veterans Day coinings are extra special as some did not get the homecoming their distinguished service deserved,” said Chief Master Sgt. Rich Martinez, Exchange senior enlisted advisor.
THOSE HONORED
Among the veterans honored was Sgt. Bill Branham, an 87-year-old retired Air Force technical sergeant who served multiple tours in Vietnam.
“This means everything to me coming from the AAFES folks,” Branham said during a ceremony at Ramstein AB, Germany. “I love the Exchange and receiving coins like this means a lot to me. It will be put in my shrunk for display with all my other ones. God bless America.”
(In Germany, a shrunk is a large piece of furniture that is often used as a dresser and display case.)
Retired Army Sgt. 1st Class Johnnie Woods, a Vietnam veteran who also attended the Ramstein AB commemoration, appreciated the Exchange’s celebration of service.
“This means a lot to me and others to receive a little bit of recognition,” Woods said. “Events like these provide an opportunity in real life for real people to look at you and shake your hand while thanking you for your service.”
At the Fort Lewis Exchange at JB Lewis-McChord, Wash., retired Army Spec. 4 Benny Cruz, a Vietnam veteran, said that receiving the coin was about more than his own service.
“It is an honor to get this coin every year,” Cruz said. “The coin represents my service to my country and honors my brother and my family.”
Cruz has two daughters and a son who are serving in the military.
HEROES
Alexandro Ochoa, U.S. Air Force senior airman, Security Forces 86th Airlift Wing, summed up the day at Ramstein AB.
“It feels great to be part of the 1 percent that serves, and to be part of the greater community that cares enough to provide recognition of our service through events like this,” Ochoa said.
Col. Everett “Bud” Lacroix, Exchange commander for the Europe/Southwest Asia/Africa Region, said it was a profound honor to recognize the veterans — including those who are part of “Team Exchange.”
“They are heroes who have served our nation with dedication and integrity,” LaCroix said. “This Veterans Day marked my first with the Exchange, and it was an unforgettable experience to honor both the veterans in our community and those who continue their commitment as Exchange associates.
“Our veteran team members inspire us every day, embodying a spirit of service that strengthens the very heart of our mission.”
Source: AAFES
Edited by Larry Lapka
