• NEW YORK
The Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM) and the Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) have once again been recognized as 5 Star Employers by Vets Indexes.
The award recognizes NEXCOM and AAFES for their strong commitment to recruiting, hiring, retaining, developing and supporting veterans and the military-connected community.
Vets Indexes analyzes employers’ policies, practices and outcomes in detail in five categories: veteran job candidate recruiting and hiring; veteran employee development and retention; veteran-inclusive policies and culture; support for members of the National Guard and Reserves; and military spouse/family support.
NEXCOM
“This marks the second consecutive year NEXCOM has been selected as a 5 Star Employer,” said Tonia Morgan, director of Talent Acquisition at NEXCOM.
“It means even more as it comes after one of the most challenging recruiting environments we’ve ever faced,” she noted. “My team leaned in by launching the SkillBridge program, hosting in-person events and continuing to build meaningful connections with the military community. This 5 Star Employer recognition is a direct reflection of all that hard work.”
Nearly half of NEXCOM’s global workforce of 13,000 associates have a military affiliation. Veterans and their family members can be found across all six of NEXCOM’s business lines, which include retail, services, uniforms, hospitality and telecommunications.
AAFES
The Exchange made the list for the sixth consecutive year.
“Bringing those who have served into our workforce ensures the Exchange remains deeply connected to the community we support,” said Exchange Director/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Tom Shull, an Army veteran.
“Hiring heroes is a quality-of-life force multiplier for the military community and keeps the Exchange strong, connected and mission-focused,” he explained.
Veterans, active-duty military, National Guard members, Reservists, military spouses and dependents represent 46 percent of the Exchange’s workforce.
As the Department of War’s (DoW) largest retailer, the Exchange remains focused on attracting and retaining top talent by offering competitive compensation, including paid vacation and sick leave.
For veterans joining the Exchange as full-time associates, their military service counts toward retirement, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to long-term financial stability and support for those who have served.
Additionally, the Associate Transfer Program helps military spouses maintain employment when their active-duty spouse undergoes a Permanent Change of Station (PCS), allowing them to build careers and maintain benefits.
See the complete list at https://vetsindexes.com/award-results-2026/.
Source: NEXCOM, AAFES
Edited by Larry Lapka
