Tag Archives: Defense Commissary Agency

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Defense Commissary Agency appoints Michael G. Shaffer as the new deputy director of acquisition management

FORT LEE, Va., 2017-May-30 — /EPR Retail News/ — Michael G. Shaffer is the new deputy director of acquisition management for the Defense Commissary Agency effective April 30.

The announcement came from Larry Hahn, director of acquisition management. Shaffer previously served as enterprise acquisition division chief and will continue to provide oversight to this division until the agency selects his replacement. Shaffer follows Richard Deiter, who left the agency in December 2016 for an assignment at the Defense Logistics Agency in Richmond, Virginia. He had served more than two years as deputy director of acquisition management.

“Mike has been a key member of the DeCA acquisition community for many years,” Hahn said. “His long history of dedication to his customers and the commissary patrons has provided him with a broad base of knowledge that will serve him well in leading the acquisition community in his new position.”

In addition to serving as the deputy director of acquisition management, Shaffer has secondary oversight of the resale contracting division and primary oversight of DeCA’s overseas contracting operations and its IT contracting operation.

For the past five years, he was chief of the enterprise acquisition division, where he managed three procurement branches supporting a wide array of requirements for areas such as DeCA’s business transformation, new commissary construction and rehabilitation, architect engineering, logistics, commissary support services, worldwide operational supplies, revenue generating agreements and emergency support.

Shaffer came to DeCA in 2002, serving first as a procurement analyst for three years and later as the chief of the revenue, supplies and headquarters support branch from 2005 to 2012.

Before DeCA, Shaffer served eight years in Washington D.C., with the Naval Sea Systems Command’s (NAVSEA) contracting directorate, the first four as a contract specialist and the balance as a procurement analyst.

During his tenure as a contracting specialist with NAVSEA, Shaffer spent one year with the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy’s Research Development and Acquisition office in Arlington, Virginia. There, he reviewed acquisition documents submitted from three Navy system commands prior to service-level approval. Shaffer also served on the Navy inspection team for two of these system commands, assessing contract compliance and performance management for the commands’ procurement offices.

Later, after returning to NAVSEA, Shaffer was promoted to procurement analyst, where he reviewed high-dollar acquisitions for the Surface and Undersea Warfare Centers as well as the Supervisor of Shipbuilding contracting offices. During this assignment he was acknowledged for recommending a cost-saving commercial alternative to a piece of military shipboard equipment later adopted by the Navy.

Shaffer entered federal service in 1994 after graduating from Frostburg State University with a business administration degree with a concentration in marketing.

Before college he served four years in the Navy from 1987 to 1991, his last job as a petty officer third class assigned at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia as a lead storekeeper aboard the Resolute AFDM-10, a floating dry dock used for repair and maintenance of submarines. His duties included supervising two storekeepers as well as procuring, receiving, storing and issuing inventories of repair parts and other supplies while maintaining the financial ledger for those inventories and also the equipment rental budget.

His most recent awards include the Superior Civilian Service Award (2016), runner-up selection in the DeCA Director’s Innovation Challenge (2011) and various Special Act Awards. He was also selected Navy Petty Officer of the Quarter (1991).

“In my ‘former life’ I’ve worked a number of shelf stocking jobs at a variety of retailers to include Costco, Be-Lo Food Stores, County Market, Wilson’s Grocery, Food Lion and the Walter Reed Commissary (stocking shelves at night for a commercial contractor),” Shaffer said. “This work made me appreciate what I did later and still do today as a part of the acquisition directorate.

“My daily focus has been and will remain to support key DeCA functions like store operations, business transformation and the sales directorate,” he added, “procuring contracts that save the agency millions of dollars, improve our internal business processes and result in a better shopping experience for our patrons.”

About DeCA:

The Defense Commissary Agency operates a worldwide chain of commissaries providing groceries to military personnel, retirees and their families in a safe and secure shopping environment. Commissaries provide a military benefit and make no profit on the sale of merchandise. Authorized patrons save thousands of dollars annually on their purchases compared to commercial prices when shopping regularly at a commissary. The discounted prices include a 5-percent surcharge, which covers the costs of building new commissaries and modernizing existing ones. A core military family support element, and a valued part of military pay and benefits, commissaries contribute to family readiness, enhance the quality of life for America’s military and their families, and help recruit and retain the best and brightest men and women to serve their country.

Media Contact:
Kevin L. Robinson
(804) 734-8000, Ext. 4-8773
kevin.robinson@deca.mil

Source:  Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA)

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Defense Commissary Agency to relaunch newly enhanced website this summer

Commissaries.com helps patrons maximize savings

FORT LEE, Va., 2017-Mar-06 — /EPR Retail News/ — For commissary shoppers such as Air Force Command Chief Master Sgt. Stuart M. Allison, the Defense Commissary Agency website is a GPS to even greater savings opportunities.

“My wife and I don’t step foot into a commissary until we’ve first gone on commissaries.com to check out what promotions, coupons and other discounts are available,” said Allison, the senior enlisted advisor to the DeCA director. He combines his web surfing with following the commissary on Facebook and Twitter. “The more I know before I enter the store, the more I maximize my benefit.”

Allison’s particular pre-shopping regimen involves logging on to the website on Mondays to the Exclusive Savings section under the Sales and Events page for a preview of special offers and promotions from DeCA’s industry partners. He also stays alert for the new sales promotional packages available every two weeks.

More and more commissary patrons like Allison are using the website to help them maximize their savings before they shop. Website visitors can access Commissary Rewards Card digital coupons, the sales flyer and the “Savings Aisle” for promotional prices and more. Commissaries worldwide now have in-store Wi-Fi services to help patrons access the agency’s Internet resources while they shop.

Based on commissaries.com analytics data as of Feb. 28, there was a monthly average of 300,000 visits to the website so far in fiscal 2017 alone. The top five viewed pages in order were the home page, the Commissary Rewards Card page, the Savings Aisle, the Store Locator page and Sales & Events. More than 60 percent of the visits to commissaries.com were done from a smartphone or tablet.

Here are some website highlights accessible from the menu bar at the top of the homepage:

Locations tab:

  • Patrons can plan shopping trips before they leave home by checking store hours, sale dates and special events on their store information page. Shoppers can also obtain local store news, telephone numbers, email addresses and directions to their commissary.

Shopping tab:

  • The Sales and Events page features the commissary sales flyer. Authorized shoppers can log in to see the biweekly sales flyer with discounted products; every two weeks it reflects products as they go on and off sale. The flyer also contains the “Thinking Outside the Box” recipe that uses products on sale as ingredients for a healthy meal. The page also contains a link to coupons, lists of new products and additional discounts from commissary vendors.
  • The Savings Aisle allows visitors to see every product on sale by store location after they confirm their shopping privileges.
  • Commissary Gift Cards allow individuals and organizations to give the gift of groceries to authorized patrons. They’re purchased in denominations of $25 or $50. As of Feb. 26 and since 2011, DeCA has sold nearly 750,000 cards worth nearly $26 million – more than $23 million have been redeemed.
  • Commissary Rewards Cards open the door to thousands of digital coupons redeemable at any commissary. Mobile applications for both Apple and Android platforms are available for download and allow customers to access to their account, review and select coupons, and find store information such as hours of operation and phone numbers. As of Feb. 28, more than 1.04 million cards have been registered, 90.9 million coupons downloaded and 10.5 million digital coupons redeemed for $11.6 million in coupon savings.
  • Case Lot sales, the Healthy Lifestyle Festival and Guard/Reserve On-site sales. Patrons should check individual commissary schedules for these special events.
  • Commissary Connection. Stay connected with the latest news, hot links to additional savings, shopping sprees, contests, commissary promotions, events and more.

Healthy Living tab:

  • DeCA supports Defense Department initiatives to educate the military community about health and nutrition. Visitors to this page can get information on healthy habits, nutrition, recipe suggestions, food safety and more. Information about how to use the agency’s new Nutrition Guide Program is also featured.

Customer Service tab:

  • Here, patrons can access Frequently Asked Questions that cover everything from “Advertising Prices” to the “Surcharge”; voice their concerns, compliments or suggestions by filling out a Customer Comment form; or inquire about doing business with DeCA.

The website also gives patrons access to DeCA’s social media platforms – Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Flickr and Pinterest. Regular visits to these sites keep patrons tuned in to emerging information on everything connected to their commissary benefit – sales flyers, food safety notices and more.

Later this summer, commissaries.com will relaunch with a new look and enhanced features and access to the resources patrons need to get the most from their commissary benefit.

“As a patron I appreciate what the commissary offers with the everyday savings on the groceries and household products my family needs,” Allison said. “But, if you take just a little time to use your smartphone, tablet or other device to hit the website before you shop, you will get much, much more for your benefit.”

About DeCA:

The Defense Commissary Agency operates a worldwide chain of commissaries providing groceries to military personnel, retirees and their families in a safe and secure shopping environment. Commissaries provide a military benefit and make no profit on the sale of merchandise. Authorized patrons save thousands of dollars annually on their purchases compared to commercial prices when shopping regularly at a commissary. The discounted prices include a 5-percent surcharge, which covers the costs of building new commissaries and modernizing existing ones. A core military family support element, and a valued part of military pay and benefits, commissaries contribute to family readiness, enhance the quality of life for America’s military and their families, and help recruit and retain the best and brightest men and women to serve their country.

Media Contact:
Kevin L. Robinson
(804) 734-8000, Ext. 4-8773
kevin.robinson@deca.mil

Source: Defense Commissary Agency

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Defense Commissary Agency supports “Military Saves Week” Feb. 27 – March 4

FORT LEE, Va., 2017-Feb-24 — /EPR Retail News/ — Commissary shoppers tend to be savvy shoppers – they know the best grocery deals in town are found on their commissary store’s shelves. That’s been true for almost 150 years, since commissaries began offering groceries to all service members in July of 1867.

Today (Feb. 16, 2017), the Defense Commissary Agency is tasked with safeguarding that tradition of savings for the military – active duty, guard and reserve, military retirees, and their families. It’s no surprise then that DeCA supports “Military Saves Week,” held this year Feb. 27 – March 4.

Military Saves is one part of the nonprofit America Saves, and a partner in the Department of Defense’s Financial Readiness Campaign. According to their website, the organization “seeks to motivate, support, and encourage military families to save money, reduce debt and build wealth.”

The organization’s website offers financial planning tools, encouragement and advice for both military consumers and their DOD civilian counterparts. The site offers advice on everything from basic financial planning, to taxes, avoiding scams, and even investment tips.

The commissary benefit is fundamental to many service members’ budgetary planning. Best in town everyday savings throughout the store means not having to make multiple stops to ensure you’re saving all you can. And by adding the Commissary Rewards Card digital coupon program to their savings strategy, commissary shoppers stretch their grocery dollars even further.

Patrons use a mobile device app to select and “save” coupons to the card, redeeming them automatically at the register. The app is available for both Android and Apple devices and also offers store location information for patrons, as well as highlighting promotions and contests tied to the Rewards Cards. Authorized shoppers who prefer to load coupons to their cards from a computer can go to the Rewards Card page where they can also find program information and register their cards.

“The Commissary Rewards Card goes that extra step and saves patrons even more on top of their commissary benefit,” said Marye Dobson, manager of DeCA’s Commissary Rewards Card program. “We work with our industry partners to provide our patrons with the type of digital coupons they want most.

Here are just a few of the ways shopping at commissaries helps balance your budget:

  • Commissaries provide a one-stop-shopping experience, with pricing that is consistently best-in-town, across their entire line of goods.
  • Commissaries offer better-for-you food choices, at easy on your budget prices, including organics and a growing number of specialty items, such as gluten-free alternatives, low sodium, sugar-free and reduced-calorie products.
  • Commissaries strongly support use of coupons for additional savings, and the Commissary Rewards Card banks electronic coupons for automatic savings at checkout. Rewards Card users are now approaching 1.5 million, who’ve saved an additional $11.5 million on their grocery bills.

“Military Saves is a great source for financial planning tools, ideas and encouragement, not only during Military Saves Week, but year-round,” said Tracie Russ, DeCA’s director of sales. “Military members and their families can follow them on Facebook, Twitter, through their website and their newsletter. And be sure to take advantage of your commissary benefit when planning your budget. As we like to say, ‘it’s worth the trip!'”

About DeCA: The Defense Commissary Agency operates a worldwide chain of commissaries providing groceries to military personnel, retirees and their families in a safe and secure shopping environment. Commissaries provide a military benefit and make no profit on the sale of merchandise. Authorized patrons purchase items at cost plus a 5-percent surcharge, which covers the costs of building new commissaries and modernizing existing ones. By shopping regularly in the commissary, patrons save thousands of dollars annually. A core military family support element, and a valued part of military pay and benefits, commissaries contribute to family readiness, enhance the quality of life for America’s military and their families, and help recruit and retain the best and brightest men and women to serve their country.

Media Contact:
Kevin L. Robinson
(804) 734-8000, Ext. 4-8773
kevin.robinson@deca.mil

Source: Defense Commissary Agency

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Defense Commissary Agency announces retirement of its Director and CEO Joseph H. Jeu

FORT LEE, Va., 2017-Feb-10 — /EPR Retail News/ — Defense Commissary Agency Director and CEO Joseph H. Jeu announced today (Feb. 2, 2017) that he will retire June 3 after more than 38 years of federal service. Jeu has served as DeCA’s director since January 2011.

Over the course of his six and a half years as DeCA director, Jeu has guided the agency through an enormous and challenging transformation; set an aggressive strategic direction to ensure the relevance of the commissary benefit for generations to come; and provided direction and oversight for the modernization of DeCA’s supply chain management systems.

His plan for transforming the commissary business model set in motion actions to transition the commissary benefit from an “at cost” benefit to a “variable-price” business model, intended to preserve the future of the benefit while reducing the agency’s reliance on appropriated funds.

Under his direction, the agency also acquired, developed and began deploying its Enterprise Business Solution (EBS), one of the most impactful business initiatives the agency had ever undertaken, which would modernize DeCA’s legacy business systems and revitalize the way it does business.

In announcing his retirement, Jeu noted, “The transformation is well on its way and the right people are in place to see it through. It’s time for me to leave it in their capable hands.”

About DeCA:

The Defense Commissary Agency operates a worldwide chain of commissaries providing groceries to military personnel, retirees and their families in a safe and secure shopping environment. Commissaries provide a military benefit and make no profit on the sale of merchandise. Authorized patrons purchase items at cost plus a 5-percent surcharge, which covers the costs of building new commissaries and modernizing existing ones. By shopping regularly in the commissary, patrons save thousands of dollars annually. A core military family support element, and a valued part of military pay and benefits, commissaries contribute to family readiness, enhance the quality of life for America’s military and their families, and help recruit and retain the best and brightest men and women to serve their country.

Media Contact:
Kevin L. Robinson
(804) 734-8000, Ext. 4-8773
kevin.robinson@deca.mil

Source:  Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA)

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Defense Commissary Agency marks 25 years of service to millions of authorized service members and their families

 

FORT LEE, Va., 2016-Sep-27 — /EPR Retail News/ — Twenty-five years ago on Oct. 1, the Defense Commissary Agency took control of armed forces commissaries, worldwide.

The commissary benefit wasn’t new in 1991, but it was the first time in history all military commissaries were managed by one agency. Since 1867, the benefit enabled armed forces personnel of all ranks to purchase food and household goods at a substantial savings, compared with civilian prices.

For years, each installation ran its own store, with minimal guidance from the service headquarters. After World War II, each service took a more active role in guiding commissary operations.

By the mid-1970s, each of the armed services had offices or agencies that were specifically dedicated to running retail commissaries: AFCOMS, the Air Force Commissary Service; NAVRESSO, the Navy Resale Services Support Office; TSA, the U. S. Army Troop Support Agency; and the Marine Corps Commissary Office.

As the Cold War ended, Congress began to anticipate the reduction of the Armed Forces, and their budgets; bases no longer needed would close, as would their stores.

Members of Congress wishing to protect the benefit thought it would be easier – and less costly – if all four services combined their operations under one roof – a “purple” agency with one budget to run all military commissaries.

In 1989, Congress formed a commission, led by Army Maj. Gen. Donald P. Jones, to conduct a study on the viability of such a system. The Jones Commission Report, as it was called, prompted Congress to merge the headquarters and region structures of the four systems into one.

At first, each service feared the merger would cause them to lose control over what they perceived as “their” benefit, and that one service or another might control the agency, to the detriment of the others.

Those fears proved to be false. The new defense agency was impartial to the services, thanks to the director, Army Maj. Gen. John P. Dreska, and a transition team of specialists from across the services’ commissary organizations.

Since then, eight directors or interim directors have led the agency in its mission of providing a commissary benefit to millions of authorized service members and their families.

A quarter of a century later, DeCA employees are proud of the agency’s accomplishments. Much of what was done in 1991 has been improved, as DeCA adopted new and emerging methods and technologies. Today’s commissaries have conveniences like self-checkouts, sushi bars, hot foods, deli-bakeries, credit and debit card acceptance, gift certificates and much more.

“The history of DeCA has been one of adjusting to change,” said current Director and CEO Joseph H. Jeu. “This agency has excelled in turning challenges into opportunities to improve the commissary benefit for our patrons. We’re proud of what we have accomplished, which is especially noteworthy when you consider how much has been done since our inception.”

For 25 years, DeCA has made adjustments, as needed, to keep providing the benefit, even as stores closed due to base realignment and closure actions. Originally numbering 411 sales stores (plus another 17 grocery sections inside exchanges), there are now 238. But DeCA’s newest stores are state of the art, and its older stores have received multiple upgrades.

Average customer savings increased as much as 10 percent in some locations. Industry supported the agency with great deals and prices, and DeCA developed new ways of doing business and reaching its customers. The Guard-Reserve “on-site” sales for customers who do not live near a commissary, is one obvious example.

Air Force Command Chief Master Sgt. Stuart M. Allison, the senior enlisted advisor to the DeCA director, sees the work of DeCA’s employees up close and personal. He’s also a dedicated commissary patron.

“Since 1991, the Defense Commissary Agency has provided a highly valued military benefit to our troops and their families,” he said. “I appreciate my commissary benefit and salute the dedicated men and women who have delivered it for nearly a quarter of a century.

About DeCA: The Defense Commissary Agency operates a worldwide chain of commissaries providing groceries to military personnel, retirees and their families in a safe and secure shopping environment. Commissaries provide a military benefit and make no profit on the sale of merchandise. Authorized patrons purchase items at cost plus a 5-percent surcharge, which covers the costs of building new commissaries and modernizing existing ones. By shopping regularly in the commissary, patrons save thousands of dollars annually. A core military family support element, and a valued part of military pay and benefits, commissaries contribute to family readiness, enhance the quality of life for America’s military and their families, and help recruit and retain the best and brightest men and women to serve their country.

Media Contact:
Kevin L. Robinson
(804) 734-8000, Ext. 4-8773
kevin.robinson@deca.mil

Source: Commissary

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Defense Commissary Agency observes Food Safety Month with food safety tips from experts

FORT LEE, Va., 2016-Sep-05 — /EPR Retail News/ — When it comes to food safety, a few simple precautions at home could prevent a trip to the emergency room, Defense Commissary Agency officials say.

“Commissary patrons have just as important a role to play in protecting themselves from foodborne illnesses as our food safety inspectors,” said Chris Wicker, a public health advisor at DeCA headquarters. “Simple actions can go far at home, whether it’s keeping your hands and food preparation surfaces clean or not leaving food out unrefrigerated after the meal is over.”

In observance of Food Safety Month, DeCA is reminding its patrons to use the “Be Food Safe” guidelines when they handle their groceries from the store to their kitchen table.

The consequences of ignoring food safety at home can be potentially fatal. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 100,000 people are hospitalized and 3,000 die of foodborne illnesses each year.

“You cannot take a day off when it comes to food safety,” Wicker said. “We formally track proper food handling techniques from the farm to the supplier and on to the store. But once they leave the store, consumers must be vigilant, too.”

The “Be Food Safe” message is simple: clean, separate, cook and chill. The Centers for Disease Control and the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Food Safety Inspection Service recommend the following safe handling techniques:

Clean

  • Wash hands with warm soapy water for 20 seconds before and after handling raw meat, poultry or seafood.
  • Wash utensils, cutting boards, dishes and countertops with hot soapy water after preparing each food item and before you go on to prepare the next item.
  • Food contact surfaces can be sanitized with a freshly made solution of 1 tablespoon of unscented, liquid chlorine bleach in 1 gallon of water.

Separate

  • Separate raw meat, poultry and seafood from other foods in your grocery shopping cart and in your refrigerator.
  • If possible, use one cutting board for fresh produce and a separate one for raw meat, poultry and seafood.
  • Never place cooked food on a plate that previously held raw meat, poultry or seafood.

Cook

  • Cook poultry to a safe minimum internal temperature of 165 F as measured with a food thermometer.

Chill

  • Chill food promptly and properly. Refrigerate or freeze perishables, prepared foods and leftovers within two hours (or one hour if temperatures are above 90 F).

Wicker said cross contamination along with failure to maintain proper temperatures of foods are leading causes of food borne illness – even on the trip home from the commissary.

“It’s always important to keep different perishable foods separate and that means paying attention to where they are in the car,” he said. “It also means bringing along a cooler if you’re transporting groceries that could spoil during a long trip.”

A few more tips for handling food safely can be found at HomeFoodSafety:

  • Use hand sanitizer to wipe hands and the handle of the shopping cart.
  • Clean hands before sampling food. Either bring moist towelettes or carry a bottle of hand sanitizer to use before you taste.
  • If you use reusable grocery bags, wash them often.
  • Check food packages for holes, tears or openings. Frozen foods should be solid with no signs of thawing.
  • Check for a loose lid on jars whose seals seem tampered with or damaged. Report a defective cap to the store manager.
  • Avoid buying cans that are deeply dented, bulging, rusting or have a dent on either the top or side seam.
  • Use plastic bags to separate raw meat, poultry and seafood before placing them in your cart to avoid contaminating ready-to-eat foods like bread or produce.
  • When shopping, select perishable foods last before checkout and group them together.
  • Take groceries home immediately and store them right away. If on an extended trip, bring a cooler with chill packs for perishable foods. Perishable foods must be refrigerated within two hours and only one hour if it is over 90 F outside.
  • Keep perishable foods out of the hot trunk in summer and place in the air-conditioned car instead.

For more food safety information, visit the Food Recalls page. You can also visit the Links page to see a list of websites on the latest health and safety reports and information from other agencies.

To find the latest food safety alerts and product recalls affecting military commissaries, visit http://www.commissaries.com and click on the “Food & Product Recalls” box on the front page.

For more food handling techniques, go to Food Safety – Start at the Store.

About DeCA: The Defense Commissary Agency operates a worldwide chain of commissaries providing groceries to military personnel, retirees and their families in a safe and secure shopping environment. Commissaries provide a military benefit and make no profit on the sale of merchandise. Authorized patrons purchase items at cost plus a 5-percent surcharge, which covers the costs of building new commissaries and modernizing existing ones. By shopping regularly in the commissary, patrons save thousands of dollars annually. A core military family support element, and a valued part of military pay and benefits, commissaries contribute to family readiness, enhance the quality of life for America’s military and their families, and help recruit and retain the best and brightest men and women to serve their country.

Media Contact:
Kevin L. Robinson
(804) 734-8000, Ext. 4-8773
kevin.robinson@deca.mil

Source: Commissary

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Defense Commissary Agency store manager selected by United Fresh for its 2016 Retail Produce Manager Award

FORT LEE, Va., 2016-Aug-23 — /EPR Retail News/ — A Defense Commissary Agency store department manager is one of the nation’s best at promoting fruits and vegetables, according to the United Fresh Produce Association.

Ryan Blancas, former produce manager at the Beale Air Force Base Commissary, California, is one of 25 produce managers nationwide selected by United Fresh for its 2016 Retail Produce Manager Award. Since 2005, the association has awarded nearly 300 produce managers from more than 80 grocery retailers.

“It’s truly an honor getting this award,” said Blancas, who is now assistant grocery manager at the Naval Base San Diego Commissary after being at the Beale store since September 2014.

“I still can’t believe that out of hundreds of nominees around the world I’m one of the 25 chosen,” he added. “Although my name is the one being recognized, I owe all my success to the hard-working team at Beale and the produce merchandisers. They’re the ones that helped make this possible.”

The award recognizes the hard work and accomplishments of produce managers who reach out to their community to promote fresh produce and help their customers eat healthier.

Blancas was selected from hundreds of nominations submitted by produce suppliers and retailers from across the industry. The nominations were evaluated on a number of criteria including the nominees’ efforts to increase produce consumption through excellence in merchandising, sampling events and attractive store displays.

“Ryan won the award because he was the most deserving,” said Marlon Walker, Beale assistant store director. “His outstanding performance and local participation in the [installation’s] Quality of Life program contributed to the success as well.”

Blancas echoed the partnership the Beale store had with base leadership and its health officials, one that fit the commissary into the military’s campaign for healthier service members.

“We can educate our customers about the health benefits and nutritional value of fruits and vegetables,” Blancas said. “For example, kiwi can help you fall asleep and has more vitamin C than oranges, and eating broccoli and cabbage has been shown to help prevent cancer.”

As a former “military brat,” Blancas said he took a personal stake in helping convince young airmen at Beale to add more produce to their diets, a definite challenge when you consider they usually shopped for fast food and sweets.

His strategy was simple: Offer demos and samples of cut fruit in checkout queuing lines and the commissary’s grab and go area.

“What I love most about my job is being able to serve those who serve our country,” Blancas said. “Growing up with a Navy dad, I know the sacrifices the troops make to serve our country. Knowing I am making a positive impact on the health of our troops by providing fresh quality produce keeps me going.”

About DeCA:
The Defense Commissary Agency operates a worldwide chain of commissaries providing groceries to military personnel, retirees and their families in a safe and secure shopping environment. Commissaries provide a military benefit and make no profit on the sale of merchandise. Authorized patrons purchase items at cost plus a 5-percent surcharge, which covers the costs of building new commissaries and modernizing existing ones. By shopping regularly in the commissary, patrons save thousands of dollars annually. A core military family support element, and a valued part of military pay and benefits, commissaries contribute to family readiness, enhance the quality of life for America’s military and their families, and help recruit and retain the best and brightest men and women to serve their country.

Media Contact:
Kevin L. Robinson
(804) 734-8000, Ext. 4-8773
kevin.robinson@deca.mil

Source: Commissary

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Defense Commissary Agency observes the 226th birthday of the U.S. Coast Guard

FORT LEE, 2016-Aug-08 — /EPR Retail News/ — While the Defense Commissary Agency’s 25th birthday on Oct. 1 is fast approaching, the agency salutes the people it has had the privilege to serve for the last 25 years: the men, women, and families of the military community – active duty, reserves, and retirees.

In August, DeCA observes the 226th birthday of the U.S. Coast Guard. Congress established the Coast Guard – at the time it was called the “Revenue Cutter Service” – on Aug. 4, 1790.

The Coast Guard is a multi-mission service unique among the U.S. military branches. It has a maritime law enforcement mission as well as duties as a federal regulatory agency. It is not controlled by the Department of Defense. Until 1967, it had been a branch of the Treasury Department, but then control was transferred to the Department of Transportation.

In the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, it transitioned to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in 2003. It can be transferred to the Navy Department by the president at any time or by Congress during wartime. This transfer has only occurred twice: during World Wars I and II.

The Coast Guard began selling groceries to its community after the Navy began its commissaries in 1909-1910. After the World Wars, all services, including the Coast Guard, discovered that commissaries were a valuable inducement to enlistment and retention. In 1949, although the new Armed Services Commissary Regulation (ASCR) did not control the actions of the Coast Guard stores, they used the ASCR as a guide to their own operations.

The Coast Guard never had many commissaries in the modern sense of the word. Instead, most USCG grocery stores were located inside their exchanges. By the 1980s, there were 15 such stores; 11 of them were located on bases on or near the Atlantic Ocean, two were near the Pacific, and two more were located near the Great Lakes.

When DeCA started up in 1991, it assumed control of one of the few true commissaries the Coast Guard owned: the store on Governors Island, located south of Manhattan, squarely on the approach to New York City’s harbor. Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) actions shut down the Governors Island installation in 1996, but DeCA took control of the Coast Guard’s commissary at Kodiak Coast Guard Station, Alaska, located on Kodiak Island in the Aleutians, at virtually the same time.

Today, DeCA continues to manage the Kodiak store. It’s the only Coast Guard store on DeCA’s books. Located in a large building that also houses the station’s exchange, credit union, post office, and several concessionaires, it is one of DeCA’s most unique stores. Its exterior is unglamorous, but it was designed specifically to stand up to harsh weather and heavy snow.

No exterior signage advises what functions are housed inside, but it’s safe to say the station’s population knows exactly where their commissary is; after all, it supplies vital goods for people stationed at a location that truly is ‘at the far end of the pipeline.’

About DeCA: The Defense Commissary Agency operates a worldwide chain of commissaries providing groceries to military personnel, retirees and their families in a safe and secure shopping environment. Commissaries provide a military benefit and make no profit on the sale of merchandise. Authorized patrons purchase items at cost plus a 5-percent surcharge, which covers the costs of building new commissaries and modernizing existing ones. By shopping regularly in the commissary, patrons save thousands of dollars annually. A core military family support element, and a valued part of military pay and benefits, commissaries contribute to family readiness, enhance the quality of life for America’s military and their families, and help recruit and retain the best and brightest men and women to serve their country.

Media Contact:
Kevin L. Robinson
(804) 734-8000, Ext. 4-8773
kevin.robinson@deca.mil

Source: Commissary

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Procter and Gamble and Defense Commissary Agency host youth football ProCamps

FORT LEE, Va., 2016-Jun-22 — /EPR Retail News/ — Thousands of boys and girls in military communities are seeing their pro football heroes up close and personal through youth football ProCamps sponsored by Procter and Gamble in partnership with the Defense Commissary Agency.

“Beyond the everyday savings our patrons receive by shopping their commissary, our industry partners provide millions of dollars annually in additional or ancillary benefits to our patrons because a commissary is operating on their base,” said Sallie Cauthers, DeCA’s marketing and mass media specialist. “Thanks to this partnership event, our patrons receive quality products at savings significantly lower than commercial stores and our military youth learn some football from some of the pro players they see on television.”

From March through April, nearly 100 installations competed for the opportunity to host a free, two-day ProCamp for first through eighth grade youth of active duty military, reservists, retirees, and DOD civilian employees. The 11 winning military installations qualify for a camp based on their patrons’ purchases of select items in their local commissaries.

Camp participants learn from and play with NFL players such as Andre Roberts (Detroit Lions), Alejandro Villanueva (Pittsburgh Steelers), Patrick Peterson (Arizona Cardinals), Steve Smith Sr. (Baltimore Ravens) and Darren McFadden (Dallas Cowboys).

The first stateside camp of the year kicked off June 13-14 at Fort Polk, Louisiana, led by Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson. Several camps have already been held at bases overseas, at Ramstein Air Base, Germany and Okinawa, Japan.

This marks the fourth year P&G has partnered with the commissary to run the NFL Military ProCamps program at installations worldwide, said Molly Fanning of Blue Chip Marketing, the firm handling publicity for this Procter & Gamble event.

“We have been throughout the United States, to Germany and also Japan,” she said. “We hope to continue to grow the program next year as well.”

ProCamps manages and operates sports camps around the world led by professional athletes. These camps take place on military bases and are designed to teach the fundamentals of football, teamwork and how to make new friends, Fanning added.

“ProCamps also uses sports to impart important life lessons in a safe place,” Fanning said. “This program is in line with the Department of Defense’s Healthy Lifestyles Initiative. The athletes infuse a message of healthy eating and staying active into every part of a ProCamp day.

“Our program started in 2013 with three camps and has grown significantly over the past few years,” Fanning said. “Our first camps were with Steve Smith Sr. and Andre Roberts. They are really the face of the program and both of them have done more camps than any other athlete.”

ProCamps Schedule
  • June 20-21: Fort Meade, Maryland, Steve Smith Sr., wide receiver, Baltimore Ravens Day 1: 1-4 p.m.; Day 2: 9 a.m. – noon (Cougars Football Field); autograph signing at commissary: June 20, 11 a.m.
  • June 21-22: Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, Jonathan Stewart, running back, Carolina Panthers; Day 1: 1-4 p.m.; Day 2: 9 a.m. – noon (Murphy Field); autograph signing at Fort Eustis Commissary: June 21, 4:30 p.m.
  • June 23-24: Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, Darren McFadden, running back, Dallas Cowboys; Day 1: 4-7 p.m.; Day 2: 4-7 p.m. (Warfit Pavilion); autograph signing at commissary: June 23, 2:30 p.m.
  • June 26-27: Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Andre Roberts, wide receiver, Detroit Lions; Day 1: 1-4 p.m.; Day 2: 9 a.m. – noon (Youth Sports Field); autograph signing at commissary: June 26, 11 a.m.
  • June 29-30: Fort Hood, Texas, Steve Smith Sr., wide receiver, Baltimore Ravens; Day 1: 1-4 p.m.; Day 2: 9 a.m. – noon (field TBD); autograph signing at Clear Creek Commissary (Fort Hood 1): June 29, 4:30 p.m.
  • July 6-7: Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, Steve Smith Sr., wide receiver, Baltimore Ravens; Day 1: 1-4 p.m.; Day 2: 9 a.m. – noon (James Sports Center Turf Football Field); autograph signing at commissary: July 6, 4:30 p.m.
  • July 8-9: Fort Carson, Colorado, Mark Sanchez, quarterback, Denver Broncos; Day 1: 9 a.m.- noon; Day 2: 9 a.m. – noon (Pershing Field); autograph signing at commissary: July 8, 1 p.m.
  • July 12-13: Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Andre Roberts, wide receiver, Lions; Day 1: 4-7 p.m.; Day 2: 4-7 p.m. (field adjacent to the Kennecott Youth Center); autograph signing at Anchorage Area Commissary: July 12, 11:30 a.m.
  • July 14-15: Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, Virginia,Alejandro Villanueva, offensive tackle, Pittsburgh Steelers; Day 1: 1-4 p.m.; Day 2: 9 a.m. – noon (Sulinski Field); autograph signing at Little Creek Commissary: July 14, 4:30 p.m.
  • July 19-20: Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida, Graham Gano, kicker, Carolina Panthers; Day 1: 1-4 p.m., Day 2: 9 a.m. – noon (Barrancas Ballfield); autograph signing at commissary: July 19, 4:30 p.m.

To see a photo on DeCA’s Flickr page related to this story, click on the photo or go to, go to DeCA’s Flickr page

About DeCA: The Defense Commissary Agency operates a worldwide chain of commissaries providing groceries to military personnel, retirees and their families in a safe and secure shopping environment. Authorized patrons purchase items at cost plus a 5-percent surcharge, which covers the costs of building new commissaries and modernizing existing ones. Shoppers save an average of more than 30 percent on their purchases compared to commercial prices – savings amounting to thousands of dollars annually. A core military family support element, and a valued part of military pay and benefits, commissaries contribute to family readiness, enhance the quality of life for America’s military and their families, and help recruit and retain the best and brightest men and women to serve their country.

Media Contact:

Kevin L. Robinson
(804) 734-8000, Ext. 4-8773
kevin.robinson@deca.mil

Source: Commissary

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Michelle Frost named director of the Defense Commissary Agency’s East Area

FORT LEE, Va., 2016-May-27 — /EPR Retail News/ — Michelle Frost, a supervisory category manager for the Defense Commissary Agency’s Sales Directorate, has been named director of the agency’s East Area effective June 13.

She fills a position held by Hector Granado who in January became part of DeCA’s newly formed business transformation team. A successor has not been named for the category manager position Frost vacates.

“Michelle brings a wealth of commissary operator experience to the job, having enjoyed great success in previous field assignments including store director, zone manager and director of operations for DeCA West,” said Keith C. Hagenbuch, DeCA’s executive director of Store Operations. “I look forward to working with her as all of us in store operations collaborate to provide the highest levels of commissary service in our East Area stores.”

The East Area encompasses 49 commissaries divided into six zones in 14 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. The area’s annual sales exceed $1.4 billion, the highest of the agency’s five areas.

Frost has been employed in various capacities within the commissary system since 1986. She’s been at DeCA Headquarters in Fort Lee, Virginia, the past eight years working assignments dealing with promotions, sales and marketing. Since 2013, she’s been the supervisory category manager for shelf stable beverages, responsible for the pricing, promotion and placement of those products, with annual sales of $500 million.

She started her commissary career with the Air Force Commissary Service as an intern at Mountain Home Air Force Base Commissary, Idaho. She worked eight years as store director of the Malmstrom Air Force Base Commissary, Montana, and two years as store director of the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Commissary, California, before becoming zone manager of DeCA’s Zone 15, with her office at Travis Air Force Base, California. She subsequently served four years as DeCA West’s director of operations at McClellan Air Force Base, California, before taking on the DeCA Headquarters assignments.

Her educational accomplishments include a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Montana State University, and a Masters of Business Administration with honors from University of Phoenix.

About DeCA: The Defense Commissary Agency operates a worldwide chain of commissaries providing groceries to military personnel, retirees and their families in a safe and secure shopping environment. Authorized patrons purchase items at cost plus a 5-percent surcharge, which covers the costs of building new commissaries and modernizing existing ones. Shoppers save an average of more than 30 percent on their purchases compared to commercial prices – savings amounting to thousands of dollars annually. A core military family support element, and a valued part of military pay and benefits, commissaries contribute to family readiness, enhance the quality of life for America’s military and their families, and help recruit and retain the best and brightest men and women to serve their country.

Media Contact:
Kevin L. Robinson
(804) 734-8000, Ext. 4-8773
kevin.robinson@deca.mil

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Defense Commissary Agency’s gift card program enters its 6th year

FORT LEE, Va., 2016-Apr-29 — /EPR Retail News/ — Gift cards are a great idea. They solve the problem of trying to figure out what to give someone with a simple answer: give them a choice. But then you’re faced with a different question – which card to give? Sure, you could give them one for an online retailer, but then much of the card’s value would probably go toward paying shipping costs and handling fees.

What to do?

Here’s an idea: get them a commissary gift card! Authorized shoppers can then pick out what they want, knowing they’re getting the biggest bang for every dollar spent by shopping at the commissary and taking advantage of the best prices in town. And from meat and potatoes to hanging plants, commissaries sell a surprising variety of everyday needs.

“The cards can be used to purchase anything sold in the commissary,” said Bob Bunch, the Defense Commissary Agency’s gift card program manager. “And we do about $5 million a year in gift card sales.” The program, which enters its 6th year in June, has seen just shy of 660-thousand cards worth more than $22.5 million snapped up by givers. And unlike most gift cards, shoppers actually use the commissary gift cards they receive. “Our redemption rate is really phenomenal,” said Bunch, adding that almost 90 percent of all cards sold have been fully redeemed. “The industry average redemption rate for a gift card is about 75 percent.”

The cards are available to anyone online at commissaries.com and in-store for authorized commissary shoppers.

Here are some commissary gift card quick facts:

  • Gift cards are available at all commissaries worldwide – on a rack at full service, front-end registers – as well as the website. Just use the “Place your order” button on the Gift Cards page.
  • Cards are good for five years from the date of purchase.
  • Only gift cards purchased online incur a shipping and handling fee. There are no fees when the card is purchased in a store.
  • There is no limit to the number of gifts cards that a purchaser can buy. However, DeCA officials recommend organizations and activities consider purchasing their cards online if they plan to purchase more than 50 at a time.
  • The cards can be sent anywhere in the United States. However, cards can only be shipped to APO, FPO or DPO addresses outside the United States.
  • To check card balances, use the “Check Your Balance” button on the Gift Cards page.

Customers who still have unused gift vouchers, the precursor to the gift card, may still redeem them through Aug. 31, regardless of the expiration date printed on it. After that date, DeCA will no longer accept the vouchers as a form of payment.

For customer service questions, please call 877-988-4438, which is also found on the back of the gift card. Customers can also use this number to check the balance on their card.

Note: To watch a video about commissary gift cards on DeCA’s YouTube page, go tohttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mM2pdI9z06Y.

About DeCA: The Defense Commissary Agency operates a worldwide chain of commissaries providing groceries to military personnel, retirees and their families in a safe and secure shopping environment. Authorized patrons purchase items at cost plus a 5-percent surcharge, which covers the costs of building new commissaries and modernizing existing ones. Shoppers save an average of more than 30 percent on their purchases compared to commercial prices – savings amounting to thousands of dollars annually. A core military family support element, and a valued part of military pay and benefits, commissaries contribute to family readiness, enhance the quality of life for America’s military and their families, and help recruit and retain the best and brightest men and women to serve their country.

Media Contact:
Kevin L. Robinson
(804) 734-8000, Ext. 4-8773
kevin.robinson@deca.mil

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Defense Commissary Agency celebrates Earth Day by reducing its environmental footprint through recycling, food donations, and environmentally friendly products

FORT LEE, Va., 2016-Apr-18 — /EPR Retail News/ — As Earth Day rolls around the Defense Commissary Agency is working diligently to reduce its environmental footprint through recycling, food donations, and environmentally friendly products.

“Seven stores have achieved ‘net zero’ status,” said Robin Armhold, DeCA’s environmental engineer. “That means through organic material disposal contracts and other means the stores have virtually no waste.”

Net zero waste is a total systems effort that changes the way materials flow through an organization, ideally resulting in no waste. Instead of throwing waste away, stores divert it to a contractor who turns all organic waste into compost. The following stores have reached the mark: two stores in Washington, at McChord Air Force Base and Fort Lewis; the four stores in Hawaii, at Schofield Barracks, Hickam Air Force Base, Marine Corps Base Kaneohe Bay and Naval Station Pearl Harbor; and the store at Los Angeles Air Force Base, California.

And DeCA is doing much more to help stores reduce their footprints.

In 2015, DeCA stores recycled almost 1,920 tons of plastic, more than 60,000 tons of cardboard and over 108 tons of paper. It has also composted or repurposed almost 6 million pounds of organic material, recycled over 5 million pounds of pallets and another 3 million pounds of things like fats, bones, kitchen grease, metal and wood.

So far, for 2015, records show about $1.8 million has been earned from recycling cardboard and plastic. The proceeds from the transactions go to the surcharge fund, which help to build new commissaries and renovate older stores.

But that’s not all.

Commissaries also donate edible but unsellable food to food banks around the country through their food bank donation program. To date there are 136 commissaries working with 123 foodbanks, and in 2015, almost 2.4 million pounds of food were donated.

“The edible but unsellable food is good, wholesome food,” said Armhold. “The food bank gets fruits and vegetables for their clients, which helps the community, and the commissary doesn’t have to send edible food to a landfill, which helps DeCA save significant money due to disposal cost avoidance.”

DeCA also makes it easy for its patrons to get involved with “green” purchasing. Customers can purchase organically grown fruits and vegetables, compact fluorescent and LED light bulbs, high-efficiency laundry products, and environmentally friendly cleaning products. Customers can also find products with reduced packaging like paper towel and bathroom tissue without the cardboard tubes.

“We have a goal to eliminate waste because we spend millions of dollars every year on waste disposal,” Armhold said. “Reaching our goal requires a nonstop education process to ensure folks are doing all they can to keep all waste, including food, from landfills.”

Food banks interested in receiving edible but unsellable food from a commissary should contact their local store for information on how to apply.

About DeCA: The Defense Commissary Agency operates a worldwide chain of commissaries providing groceries to military personnel, retirees and their families in a safe and secure shopping environment. Authorized patrons purchase items at cost plus a 5-percent surcharge, which covers the costs of building new commissaries and modernizing existing ones. Shoppers save an average of more than 30 percent on their purchases compared to commercial prices – savings amounting to thousands of dollars annually. A core military family support element, and a valued part of military pay and benefits, commissaries contribute to family readiness, enhance the quality of life for America’s military and their families, and help recruit and retain the best and brightest men and women to serve their country.

Media Contact:
Kevin L. Robinson
(804) 734-8000, Ext. 4-8773
kevin.robinson@deca.mil

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DeCA received $1.4 billion in appropriated funding in FY 2015

FORT LEE, Va., 2016-Apr-13 — /EPR Retail News/ —  A lot happened in 2002. The Euro became legal tender in 12 European countries; the U.N. froze the assets of Osama bin Laden; Kmart became the largest retailer in U.S. history to file for bankruptcy. The New England Patriots defeated the St. Louis Rams in Super Bowl XXXVI for their first NFL championship; Tiger Woods won the Masters Golf Tournament for the second straight year; and “American Idol” premiered on Fox. On Sept. 11, the Pentagon was rededicated after repairs were completed – one year after the terrorist attack; and, Hollywood released “The Gangs of New York,” starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Leonardo DiCaprio and Cameron Diaz.

Also in 2002, the Defense Commissary Agency began its string of clean audits, an unbroken streak that continued with the agency’s financial statements for fiscal 2015 being given an “unmodified” audit opinion by independent auditors.

“This opinion means our financial house is in order, and we’re good stewards of the appropriations entrusted to us,” said DeCA Director and CEO Joseph H. Jeu, “and that’s crucial to our mission of delivering an effective and efficient commissary benefit.”

DeCA received $1.4 billion in appropriated funding for fiscal 2015. During that timeframe the agency generated nearly $6 billion in annual sales and processed almost 90 million transactions in its stores, while delivering $2.4 billion in patron savings. Commissaries also redeemed nearly 90 million coupons in fiscal 2015 for additional customer savings of nearly $84 million.

“We have a dedicated team of employees in resource management who help ensure DeCA’s financial statements are presented properly,” said Larry Bands, the agency’s chief financial officer. “However, this level of fiscal excellence is an agency achievement, when you consider the daily activities affecting all employees such as time and attendance, and accounting for resale items, equipment and property.”

There are plenty of moving financial parts to a defense agency such as DeCA that’s organized to operate like a business, Bands added. “So when we receive this rating from an independent audit, it certifies that we’re responsible caretakers of our patrons’ benefit.”

For DeCA, the road to a successful audit is continuous. Auditors from the CliftonLarsonAllen auditing firm, one of the 10 largest CPA firms in the country, started the process with onsite visits in February and March. They evaluated any internal controls and transactions that link to DeCA’s financial statements.

Although DeCA’s accountants collect and process the financial data that’s audited, the process still hinges on support and cooperation across the agency, said Edna Willis, chief of the compliance and reporting branch in the resource management directorate.

“This unmodified opinion tells our patrons that the finances of their commissary benefit are accurately reported, open and accessible for review,” Willis said.

Note: For an info graphic on the agency’s clean audit, go to DeCA’s Flickr page.

About DeCA: The Defense Commissary Agency operates a worldwide chain of commissaries providing groceries to military personnel, retirees and their families in a safe and secure shopping environment. Authorized patrons purchase items at cost plus a 5-percent surcharge, which covers the costs of building new commissaries and modernizing existing ones. Shoppers save an average of more than 30 percent on their purchases compared to commercial prices – savings amounting to thousands of dollars annually. A core military family support element, and a valued part of military pay and benefits, commissaries contribute to family readiness, enhance the quality of life for America’s military and their families, and help recruit and retain the best and brightest men and women to serve their country.

Media Contact:
Kevin L. Robinson
(804) 734-8000, Ext. 4-8773
kevin.robinson@deca.mil

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Defense Commissary Agency kicks off spring National Case Lot Sale events

FORT LEE, Va., 2016-Apr-09 — /EPR Retail News/ — Military members and their families in the U.S. wanting to load up on savings only need to venture as far as their local store during the Defense Commissary Agency’s spring National Case Lot Sale event.

“You cannot find a better deal than our case lot events to save up to 50 percent on some items,” said Tracie Russ, DeCA’s director of Sales. “Many of our savvy shoppers circle their calendars for these events – they never miss the chance to stock up.”

Each stateside store hosts an individual two- or three-day case lot sale. Sale dates begin in some locations as early as the first week in May and in others as late as the end of June. Patrons are encouraged to check the Case Lot Sales page for schedules. Commissaries in Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico are also participating.

Commissaries in Europe and the Pacific, while not officially participating, may have substitute events such as sidewalk sales.

Case lot sales traditionally offer extraordinary discounts in case formats similar to commercial club stores. However, commissary case lot events also offer additional “mix and match” packages of similar items in bulk-size cases. These include grocery items such as barbecue sauces, canned tomatoes, beans, certain pasta meals, cereals, snacks, water, tea and juices.

Customers have a variety of options to choose from. Sale items include products in the following categories:

  • Fruit snacks, crackers, cereals, pastries, popcorn and potato chips
  • Water and flavored water, juices, juice mixes, sodas, sports drinks and milk
  • Frozen family meals
  • Pet supplies to include bagged and canned food, treats and cat litter
  • International foods such as Italian, Asian and Hispanic items
  • Cookies, brownies, pancakes and muffin mixes
  • Canned fruit and vegetables
  • Sandwich, storage and freezer bags; paper products and cleaning supplies such as bathroom tissue, fabric sheets and laundry detergent
  • Health and beauty care including diapers, wipes, soaps and body lotions

“Our case lot events are perfect for the shoppers who want to get the most of their commissary benefit through extra savings on bulk items,” Russ said. “It’s definitely worth the trip!”

Note: Photos related to this news release are on our Flickr page.

About DeCA: The Defense Commissary Agency operates a worldwide chain of commissaries providing groceries to military personnel, retirees and their families in a safe and secure shopping environment. Authorized patrons purchase items at cost plus a 5-percent surcharge, which covers the costs of building new commissaries and modernizing existing ones. Shoppers save an average of more than 30 percent on their purchases compared to commercial prices – savings amounting to thousands of dollars annually. A core military family support element, and a valued part of military pay and benefits, commissaries contribute to family readiness, enhance the quality of life for America’s military and their families, and help recruit and retain the best and brightest men and women to serve their country.

Media Contact:
Kevin L. Robinson
(804) 734-8000, Ext. 4-8773
kevin.robinson@deca.mil

 

 

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Defense Commissary Agency appoints Linda K. Randall new director of accounting

FORT LEE, Va., 2016-Apr-06 — /EPR Retail News/ — Linda K. Randall has been named the Defense Commissary Agency’s director of accounting effective March 20.

She fills a position last held by Cynthia Morgan from 2011 until Morgan was selected as director of budget and manpower in 2015. From that time, the resource management directorate manned the position through a series of rotational assignments.

Before coming to DeCA, Randall served as a financial systems analyst with the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army in the financial oversight directorate at the Pentagon.

“Linda’s career has touched just about every facet of financial management, and we are confident her experience and expertise will serve the resource management directorate and this agency well,” said Lauren “Larry” P. Bands, DeCA’s chief financial executive. “She has extensive knowledge in legacy financial information systems while fully understanding the importance of enterprise resource planning, and she is an expert on guidance associated with financial management.”

As chief of accounting, Randall is responsible for recording and reporting DeCA’s expenses which encompass about 100 million financial transactions each year. She provides oversight for implementing and maintaining a system of internal controls, which ensure DeCA’s finances are safeguarded and its financial reporting is accurate and complies with all financial policies. She leads a staff of about 120 financial personnel working compliance and reporting, accounting policy, financial systems and services, resale and non-resale accounting, quality assurance, and research.

Randall has nearly 25 years of DOD service in the financial management field including areas of systems development, business process re-engineering, policy, and accounting and audit. Previous assignments include service with the Army, Defense Accounting Service and the Department of Defense Education Activity. Her career has taken her to multiple locations to include two tours in South Korea, a tour in Europe and the Pentagon.

“My career path has helped me experience being a commissary customer as well as prepared me to support the DeCA mission,” Randall said. “I’m excited to be here and be a part of delivering such an important benefit to service members and their families.”

Randall has both a master’s degree in business administration and an executive master’s in public administration from Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York; a bachelor’s degree in technical management from DeVry University; and an associate’s degree in applied science – accounting from State University of New York Broome Community College, Binghamton, New York.

Randall is a member of the American Society of Military Comptrollers.

About DeCA: The Defense Commissary Agency operates a worldwide chain of commissaries providing groceries to military personnel, retirees and their families in a safe and secure shopping environment. Authorized patrons purchase items at cost plus a 5-percent surcharge, which covers the costs of building new commissaries and modernizing existing ones. Shoppers save an average of more than 30 percent on their purchases compared to commercial prices – savings amounting to thousands of dollars annually. A core military family support element, and a valued part of military pay and benefits, commissaries contribute to family readiness, enhance the quality of life for America’s military and their families, and help recruit and retain the best and brightest men and women to serve their country.

Media Contact:
Kevin L. Robinson
(804) 734-8000, Ext. 4-8773
kevin.robinson@deca.mil

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Jack McGregor named Defense Commissary Agency’s 2015 Michael W. Blackwell Leadership Award recipient

  • Pacific logistics chief honored for keeping commissaries supplied

FORT LEE, Va., 2016-Mar-28 — /EPR Retail News/ — To say 2015 was a difficult year for supplying Pacific Area commissaries is an understatement. The area dealt with poultry embargoes from Japan and Korea, and West Coast port slowdowns among other issues. So it was no surprise when the Defense Commissary Agency selected the person in the middle of all those challenges, Jack McGregor, Pacific Area logistics chief, as the agency’s 2015 Michael W. Blackwell Leadership Award recipient.

McGregor received the award during a DeCA Headquarters ceremony Feb. 1.

McGregor said winning the award was “a very unexpected and humbling experience. The team here in Sacramento, the headquarters management folks at Fort Lee, the central distribution center (CDC) folks in the Pacific and our distributor partners all played a role in the successes achieved this past year.”

McGregor, a former Navy service member, began his commissary career as a warehouse worker at the Naval Base Pearl Harbor Commissary, Hawaii. In 1992, he accepted a position with DeCA’s Pacific region at Fort Lewis, Washington, where he was a contract specialist. McGregor was promoted to chief, Pacific Overseas Processing Point, in 2003.

Today he supports eight CDCs, 24 CDC-supported commissaries, three direct-support commissaries and a U.S. Army-operated grocery store located in the Pacific. He also oversees ordering, shipping, product payments and container booking for all shipments to the Pacific and order processing payments to the CDC and all five commissaries in Alaska.

McGregor’s experience was tested early. In January 2015, Japan and South Korea enacted poultry embargoes because of the presence of avian flu in some U.S. poultry products. The embargoes reduced product flow to commissaries in those countries. McGregor immediately worked with suppliers and distributors to find other sources to keep product arriving at the stores.

South Korea eventually relaxed some restrictions and McGregor worked to get more than 300 items, such as hotdogs and chicken tenders, back into the stores.

During the embargoes, McGregor realized that families stationed in these areas wouldn’t be able to purchase turkeys for their Thanksgiving dinners. Seeking a solution, he located an Australian supplier that was not under the embargo and worked with veterinarians, category managers and contractors to get the supplier inspected and approved to send turkeys to the region.

McGregor also stayed current on the status of oceanic shipping. Finding one of two remaining U.S.-flagged ocean carriers was leaving the Pacific market, he coordinated with the U.S. Transportation Command and the remaining carrier, switching them in a seamless transition.

Meanwhile, a labor slowdown in West Coast ports was causing shipping delays and spoilage issues. McGregor quickly changed certain staple items over to airlift to fill shelves in the Pacific. The airlift lasted for four months, and must-have items were monitored closely to ensure costs were mitigated.

After port operations normalized, McGregor reduced the amount of items airlifted and shifted them back to surface shipments, while balancing shipping time with availability and shelf-life. During the port slowdown McGregor managed more than 5 million pounds of airlifted product, carrying a price tag of $19 million, while keeping the 27 stores in the Pacific at a 98-percent fill rate.

“Each of these situations caused unique challenges in their own way. I take it step by step and try to come up with the best possible solution in each situation,” McGregor said about the issues he faced.

“This series of exceptional challenges required exceptional leadership and persistence to overcome,” said Joseph H. Jeu, DeCA Director and CEO. “Jack McGregor and his team did just that every time, in keeping with the Blackwell award’s central tenets: commitment to excellence, unswerving dedication and superior technical acumen.”

“It’s truly a team effort,” McGregor said. “I try to do my small part to make sure our customers know we care by bringing them a touch of home. There’s nothing like walking into a commissary in the Pacific and seeing a display of a good old USA item. That’s the feeling I want our customers get when they shop in our stores, and it makes everything we do behind the scenes worthwhile.”

The Blackwell award was created in honor of Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Michael W. Blackwell. He served with the Air Force Commissary Service before its consolidation into DeCA, and was the agency’s senior enlisted advisor from March 1994 to March 1995. Battling cancer, Blackwell retired from DeCA Feb. 9, 1995, after 22 years of service. He passed away April 5, 1995, at age 44.

Note: Photos related to this news release are on Flickr here, here and here.

About DeCA: The Defense Commissary Agency operates a worldwide chain of commissaries providing groceries to military personnel, retirees and their families in a safe and secure shopping environment. Authorized patrons purchase items at cost plus a 5-percent surcharge, which covers the costs of building new commissaries and modernizing existing ones. Shoppers save an average of more than 30 percent on their purchases compared to commercial prices – savings amounting to thousands of dollars annually. A core military family support element, and a valued part of military pay and benefits, commissaries contribute to family readiness, enhance the quality of life for America’s military and their families, and help recruit and retain the best and brightest men and women to serve their country.

Source: Commissary

Media Contact:
Kevin L. Robinson
(804) 734-8000, Ext. 4-8773
kevin.robinson@deca.mil

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Defense Commissary Agency becomes the first U.S. retailer to create an omnicommerce experience with NCR Retail ONE

New NCR commerce hub unites an open ecosystem of retail applications and data with an omnichannel software platform

NEW YORK, 2016-Jan-21 — /EPR Retail News/ — NCR Corporation (NYSE: NCR), the global leader in consumer transaction technologies, today announced that the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) will be the first U.S. retailer to create an omnicommerce experience with NCR Retail ONE. Later this year, NCR will begin implementation of its commerce hub at DeCA, creating an open ecosystem of retail applications and data in order to help create a frictionless patron experience for DeCA’s worldwide chain of commissaries.

With NCR Retail ONE, DeCA’s next generation store and sales channel software will run on the same platform as its back office software, such as master data management, inventory management and store replenishment. Through Retail ONE’s enterprise service bus, these NCR applications also will be able to work in concert with non-NCR applications, such as DeCA’s Commissary Rewards program provided by Inmar.

“NCR Retail ONE will help DeCA create amazing experiences for its patrons, while helping the agency streamline its operations and data,” said Stan Ratcliffe, President, NCR Government Systems, LLC. “Through a single commerce hub, DeCA will be able to redefine its shopping experience and will have the flexibility to adapt to new future technologies and to the Internet of Things in retailing.”

With the worldwide IoT market expected to grow 19 percent in 2015, according to IDC, the trend is clear. Sixty percent of retailers surveyed by IDC last year said they were actively pursuing IoT technology-based initiatives, and 10.5 percent of the average retail IT budget is currently being allocated to IoT initiatives.

The Defense Commissary Agency operates a worldwide chain of commissaries providing groceries to military personnel, retirees and their families in a safe and secure shopping environment. DeCA helps support military families and is a valued part of military pay and benefits – saving authorized military patrons an average of 30 percent over commercial prices at retail grocers.

NCR Retail ONE offers a cost-effective, gradual transition by integrating and leveraging existing hardware and software assets to increase the efficiency of retail operations. Retailers are able to choose applications from a portfolio that is customized to meet their unique business needs and provides the agility and adaptability that they demand. This approach to applications also reduces time to market as retailers deploy new services for their customers.

In 2015, NCR began the deployment of back-office applications to improve DeCA’s supply chain management, including:

About NCR Corporation
NCR Corporation (NYSE: NCR) is the global leader in consumer transaction technologies, turning everyday interactions with businesses into exceptional experiences. With its software, hardware, and portfolio of services, NCR enables nearly 550 million transactions daily across retail, financial, travel, hospitality, telecom and technology, and small business. NCR solutions run the everyday transactions that make your life easier.

NCR is headquartered in Duluth, Georgia with approximately 29,000 employees and does business in 180 countries. NCR is a trademark of NCR Corporation in the United States and other countries.

Web site: www.ncr.com
Twitter: @NCRCorporation
Facebook: NCR Corp.
LinkedIn: NCR Corporation
YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/ncrcorporation

News Media Contact

Jeff Dudash
NCR Corporation
770-212-5091
jeff.dudash@ncr.com

SOURCE: NCR

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Defense Commissary Agency store worker Alexander “Alex” Culbreth honored at the 35th annual Department of Defense Disability Awards at the Pentagon

FORT LEE, Va., 2015-11-17 — /EPR Retail News/ — Defense Commissary Agency store worker Alexander “Alex” Culbreth was honored at the 35th annual Department of Defense Disability Awards ceremony Oct. 29 at the Pentagon. Culbreth joined 18 other service members and civilian employees with disabilities who received Secretary of Defense awards for their outstanding achievements and contributions to advancing DOD’s mission.

Culbreth was invited to the ceremony after being named the DeCA Disabled Employee of the Year based upon his performance at the Vogelweh Commissary, Germany, as well as his support of the local Kaiserslautern community. He now works at the Nellis Air Force Base, Commissary, Nevada.

An active-duty Air Force family member, Culbreth makes significant contributions at work and in his community. Vogelweh’s store director Steven Young praised Culbreth’s attitude. “Despite his limitations, he is ready to learn new processes or to be cross-trained in other operational areas of the store. He makes it a habit to greet all patrons and co-workers with a smile and always has a committed, ‘can do’ attitude.”

Culbreth worked in Vogelweh’s grocery department, maintaining shelf stock levels of the bulk water and grab-n-go sections.

Brad Carson, acting undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, took the occasion to praise the honorees. “The range and types of achievements and contributions our recipients have made to the Department of Defense demonstrates, better than words could ever say, that each of us is truly made of many parts.”

Culbreth would seem to be a perfect example of Carson’s comments. In addition to his work at the store, he was also well-known in the community for his volunteer efforts, spending better than 50 hours a month volunteering for the Ramstein Enlisted Spouses Association (RESA) in the RESA thrift shop on base. He also volunteered at various community outreach events sponsored by RESA.

He was named volunteer of the month for RESA in September 2014, and was one of 256 delegates sent, all expenses paid, to the Americans Working Around the Globe conference in Garmisch, Germany, last April.

“Alex Culbreth’s success is just the latest in proving the value of DeCA’s commitment to hiring the disabled,” said Kevin Hennelly, DeCA’s director for equal employment opportunity. “We all win when Alex wins. He gains financial independence and a career he can be proud of, and we gain an employee who is fully committed to DeCA’s values in serving the most deserving.”

About DeCA: The Defense Commissary Agency operates a worldwide chain of commissaries providing groceries to military personnel, retirees and their families in a safe and secure shopping environment. Authorized patrons purchase items at cost plus a 5-percent surcharge, which covers the costs of building new commissaries and modernizing existing ones. Shoppers save an average of more than 30 percent on their purchases compared to commercial prices – savings amounting to thousands of dollars annually. A core military family support element, and a valued part of military pay and benefits, commissaries contribute to family readiness, enhance the quality of life for America’s military and their families, and help recruit and retain the best and brightest men and women to serve their country.

Media Contact:
Kevin L. Robinson
(804) 734-8000, Ext. 4-8773
kevin.robinson@deca.mil

SOURCE: the Defense Commissary Agency

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Defense Commissary Agency store worker Alexander "Alex" Culbreth honored at the 35th annual Department of Defense Disability Awards at the Pentagon

Defense Commissary Agency store worker Alexander “Alex” Culbreth honored at the 35th annual Department of Defense Disability Awards at the Pentagon

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Defense Commissary Agency turns 24 on Oct. 1

FORT LEE, Va., 2015-9-28 — /EPR Retail News/ — Twenty-four years ago on Oct. 1, the Defense Commissary Agency officially opened its doors for business around the world. Today, its employees are preparing to observe this anniversary the way they do every year: working hard to bring the commissary benefit to their customers with great savings on name-brand products at 240 stores in 13 countries.

And that’s a fine way to mark this anniversary, said Air Force Command Chief Master Sgt. Stuart M. Allison, senior enlisted advisor to the DeCA director. “Because what really matters are our customers, America’s military community – the people who bear the brunt of this nation’s defense today, and the people who performed that duty in the past, and those in their immediate families.”

In the last 24 years, the people of DeCA have improved the commissary benefit in multiple ways, Allison said. “You see it in the quality of the facilities we run, the stock assortments our stores carry, and the savings we provide our customers.”

While Oct. 1 marks DeCA’s 24th anniversary, the commissary benefit itself is almost 150 years old. In 1866, Congress authorized the Army to sell food items, at cost, to officers and enlisted men starting July 1, 1867. These sales were authorized at every Army post with a subsistence warehouse. Sales areas were simply a table or counter in the warehouse, and the official stock list was only 82 items – but this was the start of the modern commissary benefit.

Since the early years of the 20th century, commissaries have been similar to civilian grocery stores and supermarkets in terms of both layout and the number of items offered for sale. In the last 24 years, store facilities have been further upgraded, more people have become eligible to enjoy the benefit, and customer savings have increased.

In 1991, commissaries provided average customer savings of 20 percent when compared with local grocery chains. Today, average savings are more than 30 percent.

Thanks to customer surcharge dollars, which fund new stores or renovate existing ones, the agency strives to provide military families with a shopping experience comparable to civilian sector stores.

While the Congress-mandated surcharge has remained at 5 percent since 1983, the number of items stocked by commissaries has increased, from about 13,000 in the largest stores in 1991 to the 22,500 items available in DeCA’s larger commissaries in 2015. National Guard and Reserve personnel, always key components of the military, were granted full-time commissary benefits in 2004.

Through the years, conveniences such as self-checkouts, sushi bars, hot foods, deli-bakeries, credit and debit card acceptance, gift certificates and much more have been added to modern commissaries.

When natural disasters strike military installations, as happened 10 years ago when Hurricane Katrina hit Gulf Coast installations hard, commissaries provide crucial aid to military and civilian families in need of food and supplies. Even when commissaries were severely damaged, temporary stores brought some sense of normality to affected customers.

Commissaries provide a substantial savings, particularly in high-cost-of-living areas of the country, and overseas they bring a morale-building “taste of home” by providing familiar American food products.

“When our troops go downrange, the families left behind depend upon their local community services, including the commissaries, to see them through tough, lonely times,” Allison said. “I know firsthand because the commissary’s been there for my family when I’ve had to deploy.

“With 24 years of experience as a Defense agency, commissaries continue delivering this highly valued military benefit to our men and women in uniform and their families,” he added.

So, as the agency observes its 24th birthday, Allison said he’s celebrating with a movie from the exchange, and some drinks, popcorn and other snacks from his commissary.

“I appreciate my commissary benefit and the folks who have run it for nearly a quarter of a century,” he said. “And I salute them all for carrying on that tradition of service.”

Note: For photos related to this news release, please visit our Flickr page.

About DeCA: The Defense Commissary Agency operates a worldwide chain of commissaries providing groceries to military personnel, retirees and their families in a safe and secure shopping environment. Authorized patrons purchase items at cost plus a 5-percent surcharge, which covers the costs of building new commissaries and modernizing existing ones. Shoppers save an average of more than 30 percent on their purchases compared to commercial prices – savings amounting to thousands of dollars annually. A core military family support element, and a valued part of military pay and benefits, commissaries contribute to family readiness, enhance the quality of life for America’s military and their families, and help recruit and retain the best and brightest men and women to serve their country.

Media Contact:
Kevin L. Robinson
(804) 734-8000, Ext. 4-8773
kevin.robinson@deca.mil

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Food Safety Month: Defense Commissary Agency reminds its patrons to use the guidelines of “Be Food Safe” when they handle their groceries

FORT LEE, Va., 2015-9-16 — /EPR Retail News/ — Gambling with food safety is a bet you cannot afford to lose. According to Foodsafety.gov, one in six Americans will fall ill this year from food poisoning, with 100,000 going to the hospital and 3,000 people dying each year.

Commissaries have layers of food safety protection to help keep foodborne illnesses away from their customers. However, once patrons purchase their groceries and go home, who is on the clock for food safety?

With September being Food Safety Month, the Defense Commissary Agency is reminding its patrons to use the guidelines of “Be Food Safe” when they handle their groceries.

” ‘Be Food Safe’ is an effective and simple process for commissary patrons to help protect themselves from foodborne illnesses while they transport their groceries and once they bring their purchases home,” said Army Col. Michael A. Buley, director of the Defense Commissary Agency’s public health and safety directorate. “A momentary lapse in food safety vigilance can turn a delicious meal into a trip to the doctor’s office.”

“Effective food safety is a continuous, nonstop process that begins with farmers, continues with suppliers and retailers, and ends with the consumer,” said Chris Wicker, a public health advisor at DeCA headquarters.

The “Be Food Safe” message is simple: clean, separate, cook and chill. The Centers for Disease Control and the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Food Safety Inspection Service recommend the following safe handling techniques:

Clean

  • Wash hands with warm soapy water for 20 seconds before and after handling raw meat, poultry or seafood.
  • Wash utensils, cutting boards, dishes and countertops with hot soapy water after preparing each food item and before you go on to prepare the next item.
  • Food contact surfaces can be sanitized with a freshly made solution of 1 tablespoon of unscented, liquid chlorine bleach in 1 gallon of water.

Separate

  • Separate raw meat, poultry and seafood from other foods in your grocery shopping cart and in your refrigerator.
  • If possible, use one cutting board for fresh produce and a separate one for raw meat, poultry and seafood.
  • Never place cooked food on a plate that previously held raw meat, poultry or seafood.

Cook

  • Cook poultry to a safe minimum internal temperature of 165 F as measured with a food thermometer.

Chill

  • Chill food promptly and properly. Refrigerate or freeze perishables, prepared foods and leftovers within two hours (or one hour if temperatures are above 90 F).

Wicker said one often overlooked part of food safety is the manner in which commissary patrons move their groceries from the store checkout to their refrigerator.

“Germs in a dirty reusable shopping bag, leaving perishables without a cooler in a hot car for an extended period of time, and failing to separate foods that can cross contaminate – all of these factors and more can lead to a food safety disaster,” he said.

A few more tips for handling food safely can be found at www.homefoodsafety.org:

  • Use hand sanitizer to wipe hands and the handle of the shopping cart.
  • Clean hands before sampling food. Either bring moist towelettes or carry a bottle of hand sanitizer to use before you taste.
  • If you use reusable grocery bags, wash them often.
  • Check food packages for holes, tears or openings. Frozen foods should be solid with no signs of thawing.
  • Check for a loose lid on jars whose seals seem tampered with or damaged. Report a defective cap to the store manager.
  • Avoid buying cans that are deeply dented, bulging, rusting or have a dent on either the top or side seam.
  • Use plastic bags to separate raw meat, poultry and seafood before placing them in your cart to avoid contaminating ready-to-eat foods like bread or produce.
  • When shopping, select perishable foods last before checkout and group them together.
  • Take groceries home immediately and store them right away. If on an extended trip, bring a cooler with chill packs for perishable foods. Perishable foods must be refrigerated within two hours and only one hour if it is over 90 F outside.
  • Keep perishable foods out of the hot trunk in summer and place in the air-conditioned car instead.

For more food safety information, you can visit our Food Safety page. You can also look at our Health/Food Safety links on our Links page to see a list of websites on the latest health and safety reports and information from other agencies.

To find the latest food safety alerts and product recalls affecting military commissaries, visit our Food Recalls page.

For more food handling techniques, visit http://www.homefoodsafety.org/food-poisoning/food-safety-start-at-the-store..

Note: Please access the following link for a video related to this news release: https://youtu.be/ueKEdQb8PbU.

 

About DeCA: The Defense Commissary Agency operates a worldwide chain of commissaries providing groceries to military personnel, retirees and their families in a safe and secure shopping environment. Authorized patrons purchase items at cost plus a 5-percent surcharge, which covers the costs of building new commissaries and modernizing existing ones. Shoppers save an average of more than 30 percent on their purchases compared to commercial prices – savings amounting to thousands of dollars annually. A core military family support element, and a valued part of military pay and benefits, commissaries contribute to family readiness, enhance the quality of life for America’s military and their families, and help recruit and retain the best and brightest men and women to serve their country.

Media Contact:
Kevin L. Robinson
(804) 734-8000, Ext. 4-8773
kevin.robinson@deca.mil

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Hector Granado named new DeCA East Area director effective May 31

FORT LEE, Va., 2015-5-29 — /EPR Retail News/ — Hector Granado is the new DeCA East Area director, taking the reins of DeCA’s top area in terms of sales effective May 31.

“With his wealth of experience and personal accomplishments both in the field and at headquarters, Hector brings a level of expertise and leadership qualities that will ensure the continued success of the East Area,” said Keith Hagenbuch, executive director of DeCA’s Store Operations Group.

Granado fills the vacancy created when Herb Winchester took over as DeCA’s Zone 1 manager earlier this month. As East Area director, Granado has oversight of 49 commissaries divided into six zones in 14 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. The area’s annual sales exceed $1.4 billion.

Granado recently returned to DeCA Headquarters to be a category manager in the Sales and Policy Group’s sales division. He had spent two and a half years as DeCA’s Zone 6 manager, overseeing the operations and business processes of 10 commissaries in central Texas with combined annual sales exceeding $215 million.

Previous headquarters assignments include chief of DeCA store operations, chief of management and administration for DeCA store operations and chief of standardization and chief of workforce of the future. His career is highlighted by more than 18 years of store director experience at commissaries at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida; Vogelweh, Germany, and Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas.

An Air Force veteran, Granado had held assignments in the Air Force Commissary Service during his military service, and began his civilian career in 1987 as a management intern with the AFCOMS.

About DeCA: The Defense Commissary Agency operates a worldwide chain of commissaries providing groceries to military personnel, retirees and their families in a safe and secure shopping environment. Authorized patrons purchase items at cost plus a 5-percent surcharge, which covers the costs of building new commissaries and modernizing existing ones. Shoppers save an average of more than 30 percent on their purchases compared to commercial prices – savings amounting to thousands of dollars annually. A core military family support element, and a valued part of military pay and benefits, commissaries contribute to family readiness, enhance the quality of life for America’s military and their families, and help recruit and retain the best and brightest men and women to serve their country.

Media Contact:
Kevin L. Robinson
(804) 734-8000, Ext. 4-8773
kevin.robinson@deca.mil

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Defense Commissary Agency updates on its environmental goals

FORT LEE, Va., 2015-4-16 — /EPR Retail News/ — Green purchasing, food bank donations and recycling highlight a long list of things the Defense Commissary Agency is doing to reach “net zero waste” and other environmental goals.

The agency has long focused on the reduction of waste, recycling materials, conservation of resources and becoming more energy-efficient overall, said Randy Eller, deputy director of DeCA’s logistics directorate. Today, even more is being done to conserve resources. Commissary customers also have many ways to go green. Commissaries stock green products and offer reusable shopping bags for purchase. Customers can choose from different designs, and there are thermal bags as well. Stores also recycle plastic shopping bags for patrons.

The list of green products sold in commissaries include compact fluorescent lamps, green cleaning products and high-efficiency laundry cleaning products. Also available are waste-reduction products such as paper towels and bathroom tissue without cardboard tubes, so there is nothing to throw away after the last towel is used. The stores also carry organically grown fruits and vegetables.

“We want to give our patrons every opportunity to choose the products they want,” said Joseph H. Jeu, DeCA director and CEO. “If living green and reducing their carbon foot print is how they choose to live we have the products for them. Shopping in the commissary for these products can help them save while they buy green.”

As for the stores, 121 commissaries donate to 99 food banks around the country approved by the Department of Defense as eligible to receive commissary food donations, which helps reduce the amount of organic food waste the stores handle. They can donate all food that is edible but not sellable, according to Robin Armhold, DeCA’s environmental engineer.

“We would like each commissary to have two food banks that they can contribute to,” said Armhold, noting that it not only keeps large amounts of food waste out of area landfills, but it also allows the commissary to help the local community.

“Every day around the world, millions of tons of food waste are simply bagged up and dumped in trash bins destined for the landfill,” she said. “In the U.S. alone, over 40 percent of landfill content is food waste.”

One of DeCA’s goals is to achieve “net zero waste” across the agency. Net zero waste is a “whole systems approach” that changes the way materials flow through an organization, ideally resulting in no waste. DeCA is striving to reduce at least 90 percent of its waste, said Armhold.

“In fiscal 2014, DeCA received almost $4 million in proceeds from items that were recycled,” said Armhold. “The money went to the surcharge fund, which helps to renovate older stores and build new commissaries.”

Over 64,000 tons of cardboard, 1,537 tons of plastic, 837 tons of fats and bones, and 99 tons of kitchen grease have been recycled. Over 5,000 tons of organic waste has been composted, and the stores have donated over 870 tons of food through the food bank program, she said. Stores also recycle plastic that items are shrink-wrapped in.

“Our patrons can feel good about the fact that their commissary is helping others while saving taxpayer dollars,” Armhold said.

Food banks interested in receiving food from commissaries should contact their local store for information on how to apply.

Note: For photos related to this news release, please visit our Flickr page. For a video, please go to YouTube.

About DeCA: The Defense Commissary Agency operates a worldwide chain of commissaries providing groceries to military personnel, retirees and their families in a safe and secure shopping environment. Authorized patrons purchase items at cost plus a 5-percent surcharge, which covers the costs of building new commissaries and modernizing existing ones. Shoppers save an average of more than 30 percent on their purchases compared to commercial prices – savings amounting to thousands of dollars annually. A core military family support element, and a valued part of military pay and benefits, commissaries contribute to family readiness, enhance the quality of life for America’s military and their families, and help recruit and retain the best and brightest men and women to serve their country.

Media Contact:
Kevin L. Robinson
(804) 734-8000, Ext. 4-8773
kevin.robinson@deca.mil

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Defense Commissary Agency begins its scheduled roll out of Wi-Fi access to its stateside stores

FORT LEE, Va., 2015-4-6 — /EPR Retail News/ — Wi-Fi access for commissary patrons is coming to stateside stores as the Defense Commissary Agency begins its scheduled roll out of the online service.

Through the Commissary Patron Internet Mobile System, or CPIMS, the agency will gradually open customer Wi-Fi access initially at all stateside commissaries to include Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico.

So far, patron Wi-Fi has been deployed to these stores in Virginia: Naval Air Station Oceana, Fort Lee, Langley Air Force Base, Naval Station Norfolk and Norfolk Naval Shipyard Scott Center Annex in Portsmouth.

“Many of our patrons come to the commissary with their smart phones and tablets. Store Wi-Fi will help them maximize their commissary benefit,” said Duane Woodfin, an information technology specialist and wireless expert. “There’s a lot of valuable shopping information on commissaries.com. Customers can find digital coupons for the Commissary Rewards Card, our sales flyer, the savings aisle for access to promotional prices and much, much more.”

Here are some things to know about access to a commissary’s Wi-Fi connection:

  • Anyone can access the store’s Wi-Fi from the sales floor area
  • Users must accept the Defense Commissary Agency’s “terms of service” agreement
  • Some websites are blocked
  • Patrons with questions about access should contact the store’s customer service representative

DeCA is rolling out CPIMS in two phases. The first involves commissaries with existing network infrastructure to support patron wireless traffic. The second will coincide with the agency’s technical refresh of commissaries that don’t have the system requirements to support patron Wi-Fi. The Wi-Fi deployment schedule has not yet been finalized for these stores, but DeCA will announce it as soon as possible.

Woodfin said no decision has been made yet regarding DeCA’s expansion of CPIMS to overseas stores.

DeCA will announce the Wi-Fi deployment for stores needing a technical refresh when that schedule is finalized. Following is DeCA’s Wi-Fi deployment schedule for 105 stores with existing network infrastructure:

  • ALASKA
  • April 29 – Fort Wainwright
  • April 30 – Anchorage Area on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson
  • April 30 – Eielson Air Force Base, Fort Greely, U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak
  • ARIZONA
  • April 27 – Davis-Monthan Air Force Base
  • ARKANSAS
  • April 21 Little Rock Air Force Base
  • CALIFORNIA
  • May 4 – Fort Hunter Liggett, Naval Air Station Lemoore, Moffett Field
  • May 5 – Travis Air Force Base, McClellan, Beale Air Force Base
  • May 6 – Ord Community, Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center Bridgeport, Edwards Air Force Base
  • May 7 – Vandenberg Air Force Base, Port Hueneme Commissary at Naval Base Ventura County, Los Angeles Air Force Base
  • May 8 – March Air Reserve Base, Fort Irwin, Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake
  • May 11 – San Onofre, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Naval Air Station North Island
  • May 12 – Naval Outlying Landing Field Imperial Beach, Naval Base San Diego, Naval Air Facility El Centro
  • May 13 – Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms
  • COLORADO
  • April 23 – Fort Carson
  • April 24 – Buckley Air Force Base
  • CONNECTICUT
  • April 13 – Naval Submarine Base New London
  • DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
  • April 9 – Bolling Commissary at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling
  • FLORIDA
  • April 20 – Tyndall Air Force Base
  • April 21 – Naval Air Station Key West
  • GEORGIA
  • April 20 – Robins Air Force Base, Moody Air Force Base
  • May 20 – Hunter Army Air Field, Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay
  • May 21 – Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany
  • May 22 – Fort Stewart
  • IDAHO
  • April 27 – Mountain Home Air Force Base
  • ILLINOIS
  • April 22 – Naval Station Great Lakes
  • KANSAS
  • April 24 – Fort Leavenworth, Fort Riley
  • KENTUCKY
  • April 21 – Fort Campbell
  • LOUISIANA
  • April 22 – Gunter Air Force Base, Fort Polk
  • MAINE
  • April 13 – Bangor Army National Guard Base
  • MARYLAND
  • April 7 – Fort Detrick
  • April 8 – Aberdeen Proving Ground
  • April 9 – Naval Station Annapolis and Andrews Commissary at Joint Base Andrews-Naval Air Facility Washington
  • April 10 – Forest Glen (formerly Walter Reed), Fort Meade
  • MONTANA
  • April 27 – Malmstrom Air Force Base
  • NEVADA
  • May 8 – Naval Air Station Fallon
  • NEW JERSEY
  • April 14 – McGuire Commissary at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst
  • NEW YORK
  • April 14 – U.S. Military Academy at West Point
  • NORTH CAROLINA
  • April 15 – Fort Bragg North and South
  • April 16 – Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base
  • April 17 – Marine Corps Air Station New River
  • NORTH DAKOTA
  • April 24 – Minot Air Force Base, Grand Forks Air Force Base
  • PENNSYLVANIA
  • April 10 – Carlisle Barracks
  • April 14 – Pittsburgh Area
  • PUERTO RICO
  • April 6 – Fort Buchanan
  • RHODE ISLAND
  • April 13 – Naval Station Newport
  • SOUTH CAROLINA
  • April 15 – Fort Jackson
  • May 18 – Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, Charleston Air Force Base Commissary at Joint Base Charleston
  • May 19 – Naval Weapons Station Charleston Commissary at Joint Base Charleston, Shaw Air Force Base
  • TEXAS
  • April 27 – Fort Hood – Clear Creek
  • April 28 – Fort Hood – Warrior Way; Lackland, Randolph and Fort Sam Houston commissaries at Joint Base San Antonio; Naval Air Station Kingsville
  • April 29 – Naval Air Station Corpus Christi
  • VIRGINIA
  • Feb. 2 – (testing/roll out) Naval Air Station Oceana
  • March 30 – Fort Lee
  • March 31 – Langley Commissary at Joint Base Langley-Eustis
  • April 1 – Naval Station Norfolk
  • April 2 – Norfolk Naval Shipyard Scott Center Annex in Portsmouth
  • April 3 – Sugar Grove
  • April 6 – Fort Belvoir
  • April 7 – Fort Myer Commissary at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall
  • April 8 – Marine Corps Base Quantico and Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren
  • WASHINGTON
  • April 27 – Fairchild Air Force Base
  • April 29 – Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Smokey Point at Naval Station Everett, McChord Field Commissary at Joint Base Lewis-McChord
  • May 1 – Lewis Main Commissary at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Naval Submarine Base Bangor, Naval Base Kitsap-Bremerton
  • WYOMING
  • April 23 – F.E. Warren Air Force Base

About DeCA: The Defense Commissary Agency operates a worldwide chain of commissaries providing groceries to military personnel, retirees and their families in a safe and secure shopping environment. Authorized patrons purchase items at cost plus a 5-percent surcharge, which covers the costs of building new commissaries and modernizing existing ones. Shoppers save an average of more than 30 percent on their purchases compared to commercial prices – savings amounting to thousands of dollars annually. A core military family support element, and a valued part of military pay and benefits, commissaries contribute to family readiness, enhance the quality of life for America’s military and their families, and help recruit and retain the best and brightest men and women to serve their country.

Media Contact:
Kevin L. Robinson
(804) 734-8000, Ext. 4-8773
kevin.robinson@deca.mil

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Commissaries to celebrate the Month of the Military Child with giveaways and savings for the entire family this April

FORT LEE, Va., 2015-3-24 — /EPR Retail News/ — April is Month of the Military Child and commissaries are celebrating with giveaways and savings for the entire family. “Children in military households face unique challenges because of the demands of military life,” said Tracie Russ, DeCA’s sales director. “So, at the Defense Commissary Agency, we want to acknowledge them and do all we can to provide their families with great values for their commissary benefit.”

DeCA’s industry partners – vendors, suppliers and brokers – are collaborating with commissaries in April to offer discounts beyond everyday savings. Overseas stores may have substitute events for certain promotional programs. Customers are asked to check their local commissary for details on dates and times for the following promotions:

  • Commissaries worldwide will use Month of the Military Child to educate shoppers on the importance of encouraging their children toward healthier lifestyles. The “5-2-1-0” message remains the call to action: Eat five fruits and vegetables every day; limit recreational screen time to two hours or less daily; get one hour or more of physical activity every day and avoid all drinks with sugar. Your local commissary may have commissary tours highlighting the nutritional value of fresh fruits and vegetables along with recipes, food sampling and giveaways. Check with your local commissary to find out when your child’s event takes place.
  • Ten camps, 30-day dash, two ways to win! From March 19 through April 8, almost 100 commissaries worldwide will have a chance to win a ProCamp for their installation. Winning installations will host a free, two-day football camp for military children in kindergarten through eighth grade. At these camps, participants will learn from and play with some of their favorite NFL players like Andre Roberts (Washington Redskins), Cortez Allen (Pittsburgh Steelers), Larry Fitzgerald (Arizona Cardinals), Steve Smith (Baltimore Ravens) and Rob Gronkowski (New England Patriots) among others. Installation consideration to qualify for a camp is based on their commissary sales of select items such as Tide, Bounty, Charmin, Pantene, Crest and Gillette, and customers can vote for their installation at https://thefamilyunitpg.com.
  • Overseas Service Corporation and their partners present the “Fisher House Theme Event”, a stateside-only sale to heighten awareness and raise money for The Fisher House Organization. The Fisher House is a “home away from home” for families of patients receiving medical care at major military and Veterans Affairs medical centers. Look for store displays from participating manufacturers.
  • Keebler’s 16th Annual Hollow Tree promotion features savings on discounted Keebler products April 9 through May 6 at all stores. Customers will receive a coupon for free milk with the purchase of four packages of Keebler cookies. Free cookies and milk samples will be offered at most stores. Look for Ernie and the Keebler elves on Keebler snacks displays in your local commissary.
  • Small Planet Foods is sponsoring a stateside organic food event called “Live Green Together.” From April 9 to April 22, product sampling and great savings through coupons on Cascadian Farm, Muir Glen, Larabar and Food Should Taste Good items such as ready-to-eat cereal, granola bars, salsa, pasta sauce healthy snacks and frozen fruit will be available.

“As we honor our military children, don’t miss out on these opportunities to save even more,” Russ said. “For everyone in the family, the commissary is always worth the trip.”

Note: For photos related to ProCamps, please visit our Flickr page.

About DeCA: The Defense Commissary Agency operates a worldwide chain of commissaries providing groceries to military personnel, retirees and their families in a safe and secure shopping environment. Authorized patrons purchase items at cost plus a 5-percent surcharge, which covers the costs of building new commissaries and modernizing existing ones. Shoppers save an average of more than 30 percent on their purchases compared to commercial prices – savings amounting to thousands of dollars annually. A core military family support element, and a valued part of military pay and benefits, commissaries contribute to family readiness, enhance the quality of life for America’s military and their families, and help recruit and retain the best and brightest men and women to serve their country.

Media Contact:
Kevin L. Robinson
(804) 734-8000, Ext. 4-8773
kevin.robinson@deca.mil

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Defense Commissary Agency seeks new contractor for its deli and bakery services in 22 commissaries

FORT LEE, Va., 2015-3-23 — /EPR Retail News/ — Deli and bakery services in 22 commissaries in 12 states face temporary suspension today as the Defense Commissary Agency seeks a new contractor. Six of the 22 commissaries have sushi bars that will also be temporarily suspended.

Today’s announcement comes because the agency terminated two deli/bakery service contracts held by Nayyarsons Corporation, a food service company headquartered in New Hyde Park, N.Y. Last month, DeCA did not renew another deli/bakery services contract held by Nayyarsons, an action that impacted 22 other commissaries in nine Midwestern states.

Nayyarsons serves no other commissaries. DeCA currently has nine deli/bakery service contracts with various other vendors serving 112 commissaries.

DeCA’s decision to terminate its two remaining contracts with Nayyarsons for its Great Lakes and Gulf Coast areas was made for the convenience of the commissary customer, said Defense Commissary Agency Director and CEO Joseph H. Jeu.

“It was a decision made in the best interest of our customers,” Jeu said. “I want our customers to know that we’re working diligently to get services back to normal.”

Consistent with earlier actions, DeCA is looking at both long-term and interim solutions to offer the valued deli and bakery services for the affected commissaries. An expedited contracting process will be used, and the agency expects to have a new contract in place and operations fully restored by early June.

As an interim solution, to avoid disruption of services, the agency is pursuing the hiring of the outgoing contractor’s eligible workforce on a temporary basis to deliver limited services until a new contractor is brought on board. If a break in deli/bakery services occurs, customers can purchase cold cuts, potato and macaroni salad, fruit and vegetable trays, and similar items in their commissary grocery and produce aisles. Store management has increased product quantities and will bring in new items to help fill in any short-term void.

The 22 commissaries impacted are:

  • Alabama: Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base Annex, Maxwell Air Force Base, Redstone Arsenal, Fort Rucker
  • Arkansas: Little Rock Air Force Base
  • Illinois: Scott Air Force Base, Naval Station Great Lakes
  • Indiana: Harrison Village
  • Kentucky: Fort Campbell, Fort Knox
  • Louisiana: Barksdale Air Force Base, Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans, Fort Polk
  • Michigan: Selfridge Air National Guard Base
  • Mississippi: Columbus Air Force Base, Naval Construction Battalion Center Gulfport, Keesler Air Force Base
  • Missouri: Fort Leonard Wood, Whiteman Air Force Base
  • Ohio: Wright-Patterson Air Force Base
  • Pennsylvania: Pittsburgh Area
  • Tennessee: Naval Support Activity Mid-South (Memphis)

About DeCA: The Defense Commissary Agency operates a worldwide chain of commissaries providing groceries to military personnel, retirees and their families in a safe and secure shopping environment. Authorized patrons purchase items at cost plus a 5-percent surcharge, which covers the costs of building new commissaries and modernizing existing ones. Shoppers save an average of more than 30 percent on their purchases compared to commercial prices – savings amounting to thousands of dollars annually. A core military family support element, and a valued part of military pay and benefits, commissaries contribute to family readiness, enhance the quality of life for America’s military and their families, and help recruit and retain the best and brightest men and women to serve their country.

Media Contact:
Kevin L. Robinson
(804) 734-8000, Ext. 4-8773
kevin.robinson@deca.mil

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Defense Commissary Agency seeks new contractor for its deli and bakery services in 22 commissaries

Defense Commissary Agency seeks new contractor for its deli and bakery services in 22 commissaries

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Defense Commissary Agency: Military Saves Week, Feb. 23-28

FORT LEE, Va., 2015-2-13 — /EPR Retail News/ — Maybe there are times when you envy friends or colleagues for the buying power they apparently command. After all, how do they spring for that popular but expensive specialty coffee, that premier movie everyone wants to see or that e-book on the bestseller list?

Seems like your budget can’t handle such splurges, no matter how rare.

For military members and their families, the Military Saves organization at Military Saves provides the tools you need to set goals and make a plan for your savings.

Military Saves Week, Feb. 23-28, would be the perfect time to get started. The site even offers support via “Take the Pledge,” a tool to kick-start your efforts.

This year, the Defense Commissary Agency is once again helping to spread the word on responsible financial planning. With its overall savings of 30 percent or more, the commissary can help you make the most of every dollar and stick to a budget. Better yet, it can help you afford healthier eating, because fresh alternatives there are both plentiful and economical.

Commissaries also promote healthy cooking at home by hosting cooking demonstrations and promoting simple meal recipes even the busiest family can accommodate.

Here are some benefits of shopping at the commissary that can help preserve your budget:

  • Though savings average 30 percent or more, produce delivers savings of 44 percent, and meat, 32 percent.
  • Commissaries offer better-for-you food choices, including organics and a growing number of “specialty” items rapidly becoming mainstream, such as gluten-free alternatives, low sodium, sugar-free and reduced-calorie products.
  • Around 400 Commissary Value Brand items in 33 categories offer savings of about 25 percent when compared to the store brand and private label items found in commercial retail stores. In some instances, savings could be as much as 50 percent.
  • Commissaries strongly support use of coupons for additional savings, and the Commissary Rewards Card banks electronic coupons for automatic savings at checkout. Card users recently topped 350,000 and more than 5.3 million digital coupons have been redeemed, saving customers nearly $6 million on their groceries. For more information, visit the Rewards Card page.

So whether your budget allows for little indulgences or sticks to essentials only, let the commissary serve as your partner in savings, not only during Military Saves Week but year round. Commissaries worldwide support the campaign by providing information on personal financial awareness and preparing nutritious meals for less. Military Saves is part of the Department of Defense’s Financial Readiness Campaign to encourage military families to save money every month.

Customers can join Military Saves via Facebook, Twitter, Web page and monthly newsletter. Visit Military Saves for more information.

About DeCA: The Defense Commissary Agency operates a worldwide chain of commissaries providing groceries to military personnel, retirees and their families in a safe and secure shopping environment. Authorized patrons purchase items at cost plus a 5-percent surcharge, which covers the costs of building new commissaries and modernizing existing ones. Shoppers save an average of more than 30 percent on their purchases compared to commercial prices – savings amounting to thousands of dollars annually. A core military family support element, and a valued part of military pay and benefits, commissaries contribute to family readiness, enhance the quality of life for America’s military and their families, and help recruit and retain the best and brightest men and women to serve their country.

Media Contact:
Kevin L. Robinson
(804) 734-8000, Ext. 4-8773
kevin.robinson@deca.mil

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Defense Commissary Agency: Military Saves Week, Feb. 23-28

Defense Commissary Agency: Military Saves Week, Feb. 23-28

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Defense Commissary Agency to re-energizing Commissary Value Brand in response to growing patron demand for products comparable to the low-cost private label items

FORT LEE, Va., 2014-11-24 — /EPR Retail News/ — In response to growing patron demand for products comparable to the low-cost private label items sold in civilian stores, the Defense Commissary Agency is re-energizing an “old friend” known as Commissary Value Brand.

Starting in December, commissaries worldwide will highlight about 300 Value Brand products in 33 categories such as frozen vegetables, pizza and entrees; pet foods; health and beauty care; cereals; cleaning supplies; soft drinks; coffee; canned fruit, soup and fish; disposable lunch and storage bags; condiments and more.

The average savings for Commissary Value Brand items will be about 25 percent when compared to the store brand and private label items found in commercial retail stores, said DeCA Director and CEO Joseph H. Jeu. In some instances, savings will be as much as 50 percent.

“We are rolling out a renewed program that will offer consistent, quality, everyday low-cost pricing on name brand products equal to or better than private label items in commercial stores,” said DeCA Director and CEO Joseph H. Jeu. “In essence, we are a making a good deal of a commissary benefit even better.”

Now when customers venture into their commissary they will see select items on the shelf identified by an orange “Value” sign. They will also see posters, banners, buttons and danglers that point the way to these extra savings.

The resurgence of the Commissary Value Brand comes as more and more customers are asking their commissaries to have products at prices similar to the private label savings they see off post, said DeCA Sales Director Tracie L. Russ.

“We first began what was then known as the ‘Best Value Item’ program 14 years ago, and now the time is right for a comeback,” Russ said. “Over the years, what we called BVI took on many forms and eventually splintered into many individual savings venues. Today, we have once again gathered the best of the best under one ‘Commissary Value Brand’ sign.”

Russ said this program wouldn’t be possible without the agency’s industry partners – manufacturers, vendors and suppliers – whose representatives worked with her category managers to identify the brands from industry proposals that best met the Commissary Value Brand criteria. Every six months, patrons may see products added or subtracted to DeCA’s Value Brand inventory based on price, sales performance and market changes.

“Those products are subsequently guaranteed to be on our shelves at everyday prices for a minimum of six months that’s consistently equal to or lower than the store brand and private label products downtown,” Russ said.

Commissary patrons looking for Commissary Value Brand items will see new shelf signage and, in some instances, special displays. Shoppers who venture on DeCA’s website, commissaries.com, or stay tuned to the agency’s social media outlets, especially Facebook and Twitter, will also be able to get a heads up on value deals before they hit the store.

In addition to Commissary Value Brand items, shoppers will continue to see biweekly promotions and other special sales that offer targeted discounts.

However, when it comes to comparing prices with commercial store brand or private label products, the Commissary Value Brand will take savings to a consistent, everyday low price, Jeu said. “Some things never go out of style and our Commissary Value Brand program is one of them,” he said. “So we’re dusting it off, giving it a new look and bringing back even more savings for our service members and their families who’ve earned this benefit.”

NOTE: To see photos and graphics related to Commissary Value Brand, please visit our Flickr page. For a video of the program, go to YouTube. Commissary patrons can also access a list of Value Brand items and FAQs on the Value Brand page.

About DeCA: The Defense Commissary Agency operates a worldwide chain of commissaries providing groceries to military personnel, retirees and their families in a safe and secure shopping environment. Authorized patrons purchase items at cost plus a 5-percent surcharge, which covers the costs of building new commissaries and modernizing existing ones. Shoppers save an average of more than 30 percent on their purchases compared to commercial prices – savings amounting to thousands of dollars annually. A core military family support element, and a valued part of military pay and benefits, commissaries contribute to family readiness, enhance the quality of life for America’s military and their families, and help recruit and retain the best and brightest men and women to serve their country.

Media Contact:
Kevin L. Robinson
(804) 734-8000, Ext. 4-8773
kevin.robinson@deca.mil

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Ralph J. Tremaglio named the Defense Commissary Agency’s deputy general counsel for commercial law

FORT LEE, Va., 2014-11-6— /EPR Retail News/ — Ralph J. Tremaglio has been named the Defense Commissary Agency’s deputy general counsel for commercial law.

Tremaglio, who started work at DeCA Oct. 19, fills a position left vacant since June when Elliot Clark retired.

“Ralph brings a level of expertise to the commercial law section, which will benefit DeCA greatly as we face an ever increasing series of complex issues,” said William E. Sherman, DeCA’s general counsel.

The GC’s commercial law department specializes in government contract and fiscal law, ethics, administrative law, environmental law, installation law and real estate claims. Tremaglio oversees the work of three attorneys and provides legal advice and counsel, recommendations and support for the agency’s acquisitions; litigates disputes on DeCA’s behalf before the Government Accountability Office, the Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals and Courts, and manages the ethics program.

Tremaglio previously served as the military staff judge advocate for the Combined Arms Support Command Headquarters at Fort Lee, Va., from 2013 to 2014. He officially retires Jan. 1 from the Army as a colonel with more than 29 years of combined service in the active duty and reserve forces.

Tremaglio began his military career in 1985 as a field artillery officer. He later left active duty, joined the Army Reserve and applied to law school at Widener University. In 1993, he returned to active duty as a legal assistance officer at Fort Sill, Okla., and went on to serve in various JAG assignments stateside and overseas.

Some of his career highlights include serving as the senior acquisition attorney for the Army in Europe from 2008 to 2010; the senior acquisition attorney for Iraq and Afghanistan along with being the command judge advocate, Central Command Joint Theater Support Contracting Command, at Camp Victory, Iraq, and Camp As Sayliyah, Qatar, from 2010 to 2011; and staff judge advocate in Kaiserslautern, Germany, from 2011 to 2013.

He also served from 2005 to 2008 as a professor and chair (contract and fiscal law division) for the Army’s Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. And, from 1996 to 1997, he served as an operational law attorney with the 1st Infantry Division for both the Implementation Force II (IFOR) and the Sustainment Force I (SFOR) in Tuzla, Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Tremaglio has a bachelor’s degree in economics from the Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Va. (1985); a Juris Doctor degree from Widener University School of Law, Wilmington, Del. (1992); a master of laws degree in military law from the Judge Advocate General’s School, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Va. (1999); and the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kan., (2003).

He is an active member of the Maryland and Washington, D.C., bars and is allowed to practice law before the U.S. Supreme Court, the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, the U.S. Court of Appeals Western District of Oklahoma and the U.S. Army Court of Criminal Appeals.

Tremaglio’s awards include two Legions of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal (six awards), the Army Commendation Medal (two awards), the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and the NATO Medal for service in Bosnia-Herzegovina.

About DeCA: The Defense Commissary Agency operates a worldwide chain of commissaries providing groceries to military personnel, retirees and their families in a safe and secure shopping environment. Authorized patrons purchase items at cost plus a 5-percent surcharge, which covers the costs of building new commissaries and modernizing existing ones. Shoppers save an average of more than 30 percent on their purchases compared to commercial prices – savings amounting to thousands of dollars annually. A core military family support element, and a valued part of military pay and benefits, commissaries contribute to family readiness, enhance the quality of life for America’s military and their families, and help recruit and retain the best and brightest men and women to serve their country.

Media Contact:
Kevin L. Robinson
(804) 734-8000, Ext. 4-8773
kevin.robinson@deca.mil

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Defense Commissary Agency: Director of strategic planning Kristen D. Ogden retires after 36 years of federal service

FORT LEE, Va., 2014-9-10 — /EPR Retail News/ — Kristen D. Ogden, director of strategic planning for the Defense Commissary Agency, retired after nearly 36 years of federal service effective Sept. 3.

“Ms. Ogden has dedicated nearly 36 years of her life to federal service – the vast majority of those years to shaping the workforce, enabling DeCA to put in place employees who are the backbone of the commissary business,” said DeCA Deputy Director Michael J. Dowling during Ogden’s Aug. 26 retirement ceremony, where she received the DeCA Civilian Career Service Award. “You are sure to be proud of all that you have done – proud in knowing that you made a difference for so many.

“I cannot begin to imagine everything that you have touched and been involved with since your time here at DeCA, dating back to the transition team [in 1991] and even before,” Dowling added. “Your fingerprints rest on documents that were crafted before some of you present here today were even born. I think you get the picture – Kris has done it all, and well.”

In her role as director of DeCA’s strategic planning, Ogden was responsible for anticipating and planning for the challenges DeCA faces in operating its commissaries worldwide. In this position, she ensured that DeCA’s strategic vision, concepts and plans are linked to its operational reality and aligned with resource allocations. Ogden also led the agency’s governance process, providing data-driven performance reviews to enable transparency and accountability.

With Ogden’s retirement, strategic planning will restructure from a directorate to a division and realign under Chris Burns, chief performance officer, joining the corporate communications and executive services divisions.

Ogden’s government career began in 1976, on July 4 to be exact, as a personnel staffing specialist with the U.S. Civil Service Commission in Norfolk, Va. By 1983, she had become a personnel management specialist with the U.S. Army Troop Support Agency at Fort Lee, Va., where within six years she advanced to supervisor.

In 1991, Ogden was a member of the DeCA Transition Team that helped engineer the consolidation of the four military services’ commissary systems into DeCA. During her initial years with DeCA, she served as division chief in DeCA’s human resources directorate where she supervised staffing, career management, position classification, employee development and training functions.

In 2007, she became a member of DeCA’s planning staff, where she led the strategic planning team and managed the agency’s Balanced Scorecard and Quarterly Performance Reviews. From May 2008 through August 2011, Ogden also led the DeCA Working Group as it completed the DeCA Headquarters Addition and Rehabilitation Project.

Ogden is a self-proclaimed “military brat,” having been born on Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., and raised in a military family that lived in England, Georgia, Virginia, France and New Mexico. She graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in psychology (1975) from the College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, Va. Ogden is also a certified change management professional and a Lean Six Sigma green belt.

“After working a while in the commissary system, I came to notice that there was something different about people who worked around me,” Ogden said during her ceremony. “… I came to realize, to a much greater extent, that we were working to provide a benefit that makes a real and meaningful contribution to military families each and every day. The commissaries truly make a difference in the lives of military families, and I salute all of you who work every day to make it happen.”

As she moves into retirement, Ogden said she and her husband of nearly 42 years, Louis, will partner to be a voice for those who have to endure illnesses with chronic, severe pain. It’s a cause that’s personal for them as Louis himself suffers from a severe, chronic illness that requires medication to avoid constant pain.

“We hope to inform and influence the general public, legislators, policymakers and regulators,” she said, “in order to bring about better understanding and more effective care for people who suffer from constant, severe pain.”

About DeCA: The Defense Commissary Agency operates a worldwide chain of commissaries providing groceries to military personnel, retirees and their families in a safe and secure shopping environment. Authorized patrons purchase items at cost plus a 5-percent surcharge, which covers the costs of building new commissaries and modernizing existing ones. Shoppers save an average of more than 30 percent on their purchases compared to commercial prices – savings amounting to thousands of dollars annually. A core military family support element, and a valued part of military pay and benefits, commissaries contribute to family readiness, enhance the quality of life for America’s military and their families, and help recruit and retain the best and brightest men and women to serve their country.

Media Contact:
Kevin L. Robinson
(804) 734-8000, Ext. 4-8773
kevin.robinson@deca.mil