Two Exchange Associates Win Prestigious Awards from National Defense Transportation Association

DALLAS - Two Army & Air Force Exchange Service associates were recognized with prestigious awards from the National Defense Transportation Association (NDTA) on Jan. 21 at the Exchange headquarters building in Dallas, Texas.

Roger Neumann, vice president of contingency plans for the Exchange, received the NTDA Distinguished Service Award. Neumann, an Air Force veteran and Legion of Merit recipient, has been involved in NDTA for more than 20 years and currently serves as the organization's Texas state president.

During the Exchange's planning for Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq, Neumann coordinated the re-establishment of Exchange Imprest Fund (unit-run) stores at seven locations and two direct (Exchange associate-run) operations. He also led Exchange drawdowns in Afghanistan, reducing the number of facilities from 25 to 12 and repositioning four Mobile Field Exchange trailers to Kuwait for reuse.

"I am pleased to be recognized with NTDA's Distinguished Service Award," Neumann said. "NDTA is a high-quality organization, and one that I have dedicated a lot of time and energy to. It's always nice to be recognized for that kind of dedication."

Ian Womack, logistics analyst for the Exchange and vice president of communication for the Dallas-Fort Worth NDTA chapter, received the NDTA Young Executive Award. Womack developed and implemented a route review matrix for the Exchange fleet that helped reduce the cost per mile by 14 percent in 2014. He also volunteered at the Dan Daniel Distribution Center in Newport News, Virginia to ensure seasonal packages were delivered on time to customers around the world.

"The award means a great deal to me, especially coming from such a prestigious organization," Womack said. "Recognition for the time and effort toward a goal is a huge deal, but it's on the shoulders of a great team, both with the Exchange and the Dallas chapter of NDTA. Without the support enabling me to accomplish what I have, it wouldn't have been possible."

Neumann and Womack were selected from nominees representing NDTA chapters across the world. The awards were presented by Jim Veditz, senior vice president of operations for NDTA. Members of the Exchange's leadership team present included Director/CEO Tom Shull, Chief Operating Officer Michael Howard and Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Sean Applegate, Exchange senior enlisted advisor.

"These associates have not only excelled in their job duties here at the Exchange, but helped move the entire defense transportation industry forward through their work with NDTA," Applegate said. "These awards are proof positive of the sense of duty and commitment our associates possess, and we are thankful for their hard work and dedication to truly going above and beyond."

About NDTA: The National Defense Transportation Association (NDTA) works to benefit national security and defense through education and knowledge sharing in logistics, transportation and passenger travel. NDTA provides a trusted environment - that does not otherwise exist - for government, military and private sector experts in the Joint Logistics Enterprise to build working relationships and develop the next generation of professionals.

About the Exchange: The Army & Air Force Exchange Service goes where Soldiers, Airmen and their families go to improve the quality of their lives through goods and services provided. Exchange earnings provide dividends to support military morale, welfare and recreation programs. The Exchange is part of the Department of Defense and is directed by a Board of Directors, responsible to the Secretaries of the Army and Air Force through the Chiefs of Staff. To find out more about the Exchange history and mission or to view recent press releases please visit our Web site at http://www.aafes.com/about-exchange/public-affairs/press-releases.htm or follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ExchangePAO.