DAVIS MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. – — Army & Air Force Exchange Service Deputy Director Mike Immler is making it his mission to ensure the Exchange is doing all it can to serve Airmen at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base.
To better understand how the Exchange can best meet the needs of the community, Immler met with Davis-Monthan leadership, including 355th Mission Support Group Commander Col. Rodger Schuld and 355th Fighter Wing Commander Col. Stephen Renner during his visit Jan. 21. Immler also toured the main Exchange, Express and food court.
At Davis-Monthan, the Exchange is dedicated to providing healthy options at restaurants and the Express. In the food court, Subway, Popeyes and Charley’s all offer low-calorie, good-for-you choices. Construction is set to start in February on Freshens Fresh Food Studio–a new concept for the Exchange. Freshens is known for health-conscious offerings such as crepes, salads, rice bowls, flatbreads, smoothies and yogurt.
“It’s important for to be mission-ready in both body and spirit,” Immler said. “Offering fresh, healthy choices in a convenient location makes it easier to make the right nutritional decisions.”
The Express, which was renovated in October, is stocked with salads, fresh fruit and snacks so Airmen can make healthy choices on the go. Part of the upgrade to the Express included adding an island cooler, so healthy grab-and-go items are readily available.
“The Exchange is committed to helping make Davis-Monthan a great place to live and work,” Immler said. “We are dedicated to ensuring Airmen, retirees and their families have a place to shop and dine that they can be proud of.”
Every time Airmen shop the Exchange, grab a snack at the Express or dine at an Exchange restaurant, they are generating funds that help make life better at Davis-Monthan.
“For every dollar earned, historically 67 cents comes back to the military community through Air Forces Services dividends,” Immler said. “In 2014, sales at the Davis-Monthan Exchange generated more than $528,000 on behalf of Services programs. Every time shoppers go to an Exchange, they are improving their entire military community.”
Immler is the first civilian deputy director of the 120-year-old Exchange, which employs about 35,500 associates worldwide. In addition, 35 active-duty service members are assigned to the organization.