X Insider Magazine

ISSUE 1, 2012

SCOTT

?

who is HE

page 14

10 THINGS

you didn’t know ... page 18 page 16

HOTTEST

TRENDS

at your MCX.... page 12

Want to leave your feedback?

Take our survey: http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/WEB22EHCCHJUSF

WE’RE LOOKIN’ FOR YOU Would you like to contribute or be featured in Xinsider Magazine?

We are looking for associates to provide content on a wide variety of topics: Consumables Awards & Recognition Visual Merchandising Marketing

Social Media Food & Hospitality Careers ...and many more!

Trends Organization Technology

A peek at our seasonal graphics!

Did You Know?

“Lime” was the original scent of the bright green colored Magic Scents Crayons from Binney & Smith Inc., introduced in 1994 with mostly food scents. However, there were numerous reports that children were eating the food-scented crayons, so the food scents were retired and replaced with non-food scents. The scent for the color bright green became “eucalyptus.”

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X INSIDER 2012 - ISSUE 1

 Send your photos, articles and stories to: Xinsider@usmc-mccs.org

THE MCX

value

STORY

CLASSIC MCX exclusive clothing line for Men’s, Ladies & Juniors 1775 Classic offers moderately priced, traditional silhouettes of basic wardrobe pieces.

These basic wardrobe pieces are sized to fit the average physique

KIDS » MCX exclusive clothing line for kids & babies » Offers stylish key apparel items that are durable & affordable

SILVER » MCX exclusive contemporary clothing line for Men’s and Ladies » 1775 Silver offers garments with a modern, more form fitting silhouette

ANOTHER CORPS VALUE » Essential items for your home from the best in brand names at the lowest possible price….guaranteed! » Essentials items offered: dinnerware, towels, small electrics & electronics

EXCHANGE SELECT » A money saving alternative to brand names » Your choice for quality and value with the following products: baby care items, vitamins, cleaning products, & toiletries

XTREME VALUE » Brand name items offered as best and lowest cost based on competitive shopping analysis » In-store only program » Key items primarily on end caps in: consumables, tactical & athletic shoes

OUR COST IS YOUR COST » Basic staple items for a Marine families at our cost » Basic staple items include: milk, smoking cessation, baby formula, diapers & bread WWW.MYMCX.COM

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Our

Facelift

The MCX Strategic Plan is committed to providing its associates and customers with an enjoyable experience everytime they step foot inside their exchange.

CAMP LEJEUNE BEFORE CAMP LEJEUNE TODAY

MERCHANDISING BEFORE

MERCHANDISING TODAY

ORGANIZATIONAL MILESTONES

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PLAN Brilliance in Execution * Aligning mission & goals to the Marine Corps * Discipline in execution of “Best in Class� organization standards * Define standards and metrics, provide tools to deliver brilliance in execution * Continuous evaluation and improvement of standards

Resource Optimization * Reinvestment and sustainment of facilities * Special events to drive support opportunities and sponsorship of MWR programs * Focus on associate and customer centric culture * Provides the single version of the truth. One voice with consistent delivery.

Strategic Communication * Manage for optimization * Focus on consistency * Improved communication between all facets of MCX

Dedicated Leadership * Team Focused * Inspired enthusiasm for the vision and remain committed to the mission * Strategic in establishing MCCS as employer of choice * Forward thinking with the ability to elevate organization to new levels of excellence -Teresa Peck HQ Field Operations Director

WWW.MYMCX.COM

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DATES TO REME

“A life without love is like a year without summer.”

CHERIE RUSKIN, HQ Managment Analyst

“Do ya think Phil is ggoing to come out and see his shadow?”

RACHEL MELETIS, HQ RPOS Functional Analyst

FEBRUARY Black History Month

“Baltimore B i r Ravens: R Ball So Hard University!”

HEATHER TACKETT, HQ Human Resources Training Specialist

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National Freedom Day Ground Hog Day Super Bowl XLVI Valentine’s Day Fat Tuesday President’s Day Iwo Jima Flag Raising (1945)

1 2 5 14 21 21 23

EMBER

“Lois and Clark, k k, M&M’s and Popcorn!!

M orn!! n IS THERE A BETTER TER R COMBINATION THAN PB&J?!?!

B ! …I think not.”

“Save the Date!

One whole week of beauty events.

Plus, bath & body and men’s skincare & shaving!”

DANNY FARMER, HQ Graphic Designer & Web Developer

MARCH

APRIL

Woman’s History Month & National Frozen Food Month

Month of the Military Child

Peanut Butter Lover’s Day National Anthem Day Daylight Savings Change March Madness Begins St. Patrick’s Day

1 3 11 13 17

April Fool’s Day National PB & J Day Easter Sunday MCX Glamorama Income Taxes Due Earth Day Admin. Professionals Day

1 2 8 11-17 17 22 25

WWW.MYMCX.COM

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2012 MARKETING CALENDAR LEGEND A = MCX Albany B = MCX Beaufort C = MCX Cherry Point E = MCX Elmore

H = MCX Henderson Hall I = MCX Iwakuni K = MCX Kaneohe Bay L = MCX Camp Lejeune

FEBRUARY

Designer M Month th Brochure B h March Barstow Flyer March MCX/A March MCX/B Spring Outdoor Living Mass Cosmetics Ad Spring Easter Parade/A Spring Easter Parade/B

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X INSIDER N SID E ER 2012 - ISSUE 1

R = MCX Parris Island S = MCX San Diego W = MCX Barstow Y = MCX Yuma

S Sweetheart Gifts February Barstow Flyer F President’s Day Celebration/A P President’s Day Celebration/B P

2/1-2/14 2/1-2/29 2/15-2/21 2/15-2/21

HLMPQSCKTY ARI W Only HLMPQS KT CY AER I

M Winter Furniture Event Mid Spring S Home and Electronics/A Spring Home and Electronics/B

2/15-3/6 2/15-3/6 2/15-3/6

LMPQTK RI HLMPQST CK Y AERI

3/1-3/25 3/1-3/31 3/7-3/20 3/7-3/20 3/14-6/30 3/21-4/8 3/28-4/8 3/28-4/8

APRIL

M = MCX Miramar N = MCX New River P = MCX Camp Pendleton Q = MCX Quantico

HLMQS 2 W Only 1 HLMPQST CK 8 Y AERI 4 HLMPQSTCKR 12 LMPQ CKITY AIR HLMPSQSTC 16 K KY AERI 8

April Apr Barstow Flyer Surf and Skate (MCX Vibe) Summer Scentsations Sum (Fragrance Book) April MCX April Furniture Event

8 1 8 4 8 12 4

MARCH

4/1-4/30

W ONLY LY

4/1 4/4-4/30

1 LMPQST CK RI 12 HLMPQST CKY AERI 8

4/11-4/24 4/11-4/24

HLMPQST CKY RI LMPQT KRI

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The hottest young trends in the industry!

This year the MCX will add new feature promotional piece “Outdoor Living.” This 8 page catalog will showcase the latest affordable fashions for chic and simple outdoor living including lounge sets, dining and bistro sets, lighting options, grilling and outdoor cooking, yard games, umbrellas, patio décor and more.

The piece will be designed with a contemporary look focusing on affordable style.

March is Designer month at the MCX. Five Exchanges, Henderson Hall, Quantico, Camp Lejeune, Miramar and San Diego will pull out all the stops to present this designer-filled event to our style conscious patrons. In addition to outfitting our customers with the latest designer garments and accessories, the MCX Designer Month guide will highlight the very latest in home electronics and table top products.

Never Fear

For Earth Day 2012 the MCX will again give away their reusable green shopping bag to all customers who make a purchase on Earth Day, Sunday April 22nd . This Earth Day give away will be sponsored by our MCX vendor partner community.

What better way to let our core customer know about the latest and greatest brands and styles in young men’s and juniors surf, skate and casual wear, than in a 20 page, full-color glossy catalog just for them. This year’s MCX Vibe catalog expands to include timed point-of-sale discounts on the HOTTEST young trends in the industry… and all available at the MCX, as well as fantastic register-to-win merchandise and special events.

-Gary Miller HQ Retail Advertising and Marketing Coordinator

The Scheduler is Near!

We are excited to align the MCX with best in class business practices as we prepare to launch the Retail Workforce Scheduler in early 2012. The Scheduler is currently in pilot at the Quantico Marine Corps Exchange and Marine Marts. We have been working closely with MCX

Manager’s to refine the system to effectively meet the scheduling needs of the field. The initial commands to “Go Live” will be receiving notification for the Functional Systems and Implementation Team (FSDI) in the upcoming weeks.

The Scheduler will not only change the way we schedule but how we plan our business and will enable us to establish a standard and consistent way to optimize this process.

{

• • • • •

The Scheduler will benefit us in the following ways: Increase customer and associate satisfaction Ensure adequate shift coverage Track Sales and Forecast Budgets Reduce labor costs and payroll forecasting Decrease significantly the time it takes to create and publish schedules -David Raley HQ Management Analyst WWW.MYMCX.COM

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LOOK FOR THE LATEST

& HOTTEST

10 |

X INSIDER 2012

TRENDS

THIS SPRING

AT YOUR MCX

WWW.MYMCX.COM

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YOUR MCX SPRING BEAUTY BUYS All of her FAVORITES

!

TAYLOR SWIFT

Best Se l

ler

The flawless beauty of freesia, apple blossom and raspberry spark a swirl of vibrancy and feminine allure.

CLINIQUE

Lovestruck gift set with Eau de Toilette Spray, body lotion and a flirty cosmetic bag, just for you!

VERA WANG

Moisture-rich eye cream diminishes the look of undereye circles, shadows, fine lines-instantly and over time.

MICHAEL KORS

This lustrous, color-saturated lipstick will deliver brilliant moisturizing color, lasting comfort and shine.

GUESS

Fun for everyone.

Already low MCX Prices on entire selection of GUESS watches.

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HENDERSON HALL A few young ladies test out facial products

iHOME

Rechargeable Mini Speaker, for laptops, cell phones, handheld game systems and more!

BOYS WILL BE BOYS XBOX

Your ultimate gaming console, now available with 250GB at your MCX.

TOSHIBA

Thrive Tablet, 10.1” Touch Screen with Google.

Dual Cameras for Chat, ideo Confernce & Snap Still Pcitures!

It’s all about HIM

CANNON

24mm Ultra Wide-Angle Optical Zoom, 5X Optical Zoom, Optical Image Stabilizer and 1080P HD Video Digital Camera.

THULE

A sleek, low profile commuter bag that allows easy in-use access. Be ready for work or a weekend getaway!

SHARP

What could be better than watching your favortie games on an 80” 1080P LED HDTV?

MARINE PRIDE

Graphic Tees for the Marine in you.

All original artwork.

WWW.MYMCX.COM

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By Danny Farmer

Calling all Facebook Stalkers, Twitter Addicts, YouTube uploaders!

You may or may not use all of them everyday… But chances are you have visited at least one of them to see what all the fuss is about. Since the inception of the Internet the world has taken up an addiction to information. One only fueled by the onset of social media.

A revolution has sprang up and is taking everything and just about everyone by storm.

The hold companies had over their stores and products are slipping away and falling right into the hands of the customers. To some this might be a scary thought, a “what are we going to do!?!?!?!” kind of moment. These people are the ones who have paid for radio spots, television commercials, and telemarketing phone calls in the past. This type of communication was always directed AT you (the customer and super awesome employee).

Social media has flipped the model upside down, and everyone is scurrying to find out how to move forward. People are talking, communicating, and referring their friends like they have done since the beginning of time… the difference being: their circle of friends is loud, unafraid, and spanning the globe. Companies can no longer “control” or “harness” conversations about products, people, or their brand.

The power is with the people.

And that’s where we come in...

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The Exchange has jumped head first into this crazy world of the web and are working daily to improve. But where to start? How does the MCX brand make the leap from awesome store to awesome web-presence?

Double Rainbows and Bacon obviously… and kittens… lotz and lotz of kittens. Seriously though, we needed to have a plan, and a pretty awesome one at that.

Did any of that make you smile (PLZ OH PLZ)? It illustrates one of our main concepts: Always try to be something worth talking about.

The organization we support has a very rigid and defined set of rules, but Social Media isn’t anything like that. For some this is going to seem wrong, or possibly even irreverent.

But talking to the customer isn’t an option, it’s a requirement. We like to think about it like this; Imagine that your attention span is money - every minute of your day is a dollar that you spend doing whatever it is you want to. [ That’s $1,440 dollars to spend, and you usually spend $420 dollars or more on sleep!] Would you spend 5 dollars worth of your time on talking to some uncool - unforgiving - very regulated robot?

HECK-TO-THE-NO We would rather spend $5 dollars of our time watching something funny, playing a game, winning a prize, or just getting the information we are looking for. The reality is that this “attention currency” is being fought over by

WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/MYMCX WW W WW.Y WW W..Y W YO OU UT T TUBE.COM/ M/MY M/ MYM MYM MC CX

W WW WW W..TW TWIIT TT TE ER R..CO OM/MY YMC MCX WWW.TWITTER.COM/MYMCX

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/MYMCX WWW.FA ACE CEBO CEBO OOK OK.C .CO OM M/M /MYM MYMCX YM Y MCX X WW W WWW.MYMCX.COM WW W..M MY YM MC CX.CO C M

your friends, your work, movies, games, television, commercials, billboards - you name it. If we aren’t relevant and interesting, we could potentially lose a customer forever... It’s as easy as that. With that in mind, we set out to create an idea that would carry us forward online and into the future. That idea is this: have a point of view, know your audience, and always present a unified voice. As such, we hiked up our sleeves and got to building. So we present to you: www.mymcx.com. The site is still in phase one, but from there you can find our social accounts and see

what direction our audience has dictated we take. The new sites are directly aimed at being relevant to “Scott”, and transforming ourselves into a new and exciting brand. This is design phase one, but it helps us to address and to fully embody the main fundamentals of the Marine Corps experience as defined in our research.

Did we mention it looks pretty rad too?

If you have any ideas please give us a shout over at mccssocialmedia@usmcmccs.org.

You never know, we might just give it a go! (the crazier the better)

We developed a persona that represents the Marine Corps as a whole... His name is Scott. Scott is a mash up of everyone in our largest group, the 18-25 Single Marine.

So... Who is Scott?

- Scott is a Single, 22 year old Male.

- He is a high school Graduate, maybe some College.

- He aspires to get promoted, and maybe attend some college - He loves sports (major / extreme), MMA, ESPN, music, movies, and playing games (beer/card/video) - His biggest fear is letting down his friends.

HATES

LIKES

Brotherhood Earning the admiration of others Learning (and teaching what he has learned) Developing confidence

Happening right alongside the social media revolution is a mass adoption of smart phones and mobile internet access. Going mobile is a must, and we are going to be right there with it. If you have a smart phone right now (or can go grab one from a friend) scan in this QR code below to be one of the first people to see the mobile mock-ups we have created. They are only images right now, but hopefully soon you will be able to see everything from the comfort of your very own screen.

Poor living conditions Low pay Hierarchal

WWW.MYMCX.COM

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„

The “I Can Do That!” program has been launched successfully at 16 Marine Corps Commands. It has had a significant impact on the way we deliver World Class Customer Service at the Marine Corps Exchange.

The “I Can Do That!” Program was established to provide the training and tools necessary for MCX associates to feel confident when making the right decision for the customer standing in front of them.

„

The program emphasizes the importance of centering everything we do as an organization around our valued customer. The Marines, Sailors and their families. We want them to think of the MCX as the first place to shop and to have confidence in our products, our people and the services we provide. In 2012 we will be shifting gears to focus on sustainment and program evolution. We will rely closely on the customer’s voice to let us know how we are doing so that we are able to adapt and change accordingly to ensure a great experience every time.

-Heather Tackett HQ Human Resources Training Specialist

BY BRENDA BARNBY

I can do that, you can too It’s exciting, let’s keep it new I can do that is what I’ll say Every morning as I start my day I’m empowered to do my best To serve my patrons and their guests Hi, Hello, good day I say How can I assist you in your exchange today?

You wish to browse, I understand I will be right here if you need a hand 16|

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Yes, I said I’m here for you What exactly can I do?

You found it for less, elsewhere you say I will match that price for you today I can do that, you can too It’s exciting, let’s keep it new Hi, Hello, good day I say How can I assist you in your exchange today?

Oh my, you are upset, this I can see

Please explain what happened to me Your clerk was rude and didn’t smile Then put up her close sign after you waited a while Please come with me I’ll ring you out I will take care of the problem without a doubt Here is a small gift for you today I hope your next visit finds good things to say

CHERRY POINT, NORTH CAROLINA :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Since the launch of the I Can Do That Program in October 2011, The Marine Corps Exchange at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point has made many changes in how they view their working world. They take pride in bridging the gap and establishing repore with their customers. They recently stated, “Our associates are our voice and the front line warriors of customer service!”

I Can Do That! has inspired the creation of an “US” Program comprised of their very own MCX associates! This employee centric program allows for two-way communication where the employees are able to express their thoughts, ideas, concerns and successes and in turn receive feedback and execution from top level leadership.

Increased incentives and recognizing associates for a job well done has become a top priority at

Cherry Point. Recently, 59 minutes were given to all of the associates who worked the Wednesday before Black Friday. A sales associate from Cherry Point MCX stated, “Everyone worked really hard during Black Friday and it showed because our sales were off the chart!”

The MCX and Marine Marts at Cherry Point were the first to organize a “Flash Mob” on the sales floor. Associates dressed in Christmas attire and performed a choreographed dance to the Christmas song, “Rocking Around the Christmas Tree.” Associates were also able to wear ugly Christmas sweaters in the spirit of the holiday season. The MCX customers at Cherry Point responded positively as laughter and friendly conversation resounded from the sales floor.

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THINGS YOU

didn’t KNOW ABOUT

ROBERT MCLAUGHLIN ① I was born on a military base in Illinois Illinois, New York, ② I’ve lived in: New Jersey & Virginia ③ I am Married ④ I have: 39 children nephews & 5 nieces 1 brother & 3 sisters

family amily ⑤ I love spending time with myy fa Favorite Teams: (in no particular ppartticular order) ⑥ My tbaall there), Giants, Hoyas (I played football

⑦ ⑧

I play softball on a neighborhood team I have more than 4 pairs of Holiday pants for Christmas, Thanksgiving, and St. Patrick’s day (all with the accenting socks)

⑨ I have been on safari’s to Africa twice traveling ⑩ Myy Hobbies are: golfing tennis scuba diving reading

Yankees, Rangers & Knicks

THROUGHOUT THE YEARS EA ARS

+

I began my retail career at Hecht’s (now w Macy’s) in the training program. I worked in the stores torees as a Group Sales Manager then was promoted to Ass Asst st Buyer in Men’s furnishings. I was then promoted to Senior niorr Asst Buyer in Men’s Knits and sweaters.

From there I became the Boys 8-20 Act Active, tive, Knits Shirts, Woven Shirts and Sweater buyer. Next extt was the buyer for Men’s Underwear, Pajamas, Rob Robes bes and Hosiery.

I left Hecht’s to become the Regional al Sales Manager for Royce Hosiery selling ling g Dockers socks to department stores and d specialty stores.

I left Royce to become the VP National nal Sales Manager for Nautica Men’s Personal Furnishings. Next I was the Vice ce President, Regional Planning Manager for Macy’s in Soft Home for the Mid-Atlantic Region..

+ +

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Robert R Robe Ro ob beert ert rt M McLaughlin ccL Lau augh ghlliin Divisional Diivi D vissiion onaall Merchandise Mer ercch haan ndise diissee Manager d Man anaag geerr for for Consumables, fo Con Co Cons nsssum um u maab ble les, s, H HQ Q Quantico Qu Q u uan aan nttiico co

CONSUMABLES UPDATE! R

ockstar is launching two new energy drinks. Rockstar Coconut Water is designed for those who need a strong energy boost + recovery and hydration.

It contains B-vitamins, caffeine, and electrolytes. Rockstar Xdurance is about performance energy and is designed to provide an energy boost to maximize your mental and physical performance.

+

If you eat it, drink it or smoke it, the consumables team of talented and dedicated buyers Wayne Barrett, Rebecca Fries, Kelly Knuuti, Karen Macdonald, and Eric Moore get it to the stores.

We are constantly looking for new and exciting items, flavors n aand tastes to bring to our Marines.

February: Pepsi is launching a new line extension off Pepsi called Pepsi Next.

It contains 60 calories per serving which is half of a regular soda.

+

Once we find a product we negotiate a price, decide how much we can sell and get it to the m MCX stores. The most rewarding M part of our job is that when we are p ssuccessful, all the profits from our work goes right back to the o Marines and their families!

M

T

Mike and Ike is our #1 theater box candy!

his May will be a huge launch for the “Mike OR Ike” theater box candy campaign. Customers will get to read about the break up and vote for Mike or Ike. The campaign will be on Facebook, Twitter, magazines, and billboards. We will run the Mike or Ike theater box candy 5/$5.00 during the month of May…..be on the lookout for the delivery from McLane in April!

WWW.MYMCX.COM

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marine spotlight { JUSTIN R. SANDERS } GRADE: DUTY STATION: DEPLOYED TO: TIG/TIS:

BEGINNINGS

THE WES TEAM

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: SGT JUSTIN SANDERS GREW UP IN A SMALL Texas town of Odessa. He joined the Marine Corps in 2006 and attended Aviation Support Equipment Technicians School to become an aircraft electrical and refrigeration mechanic. Later in 2010, he decided to change the course of his career and turned his focus on retail. He became a Marine Corps Community Service (MCCS) Marine working out of Camp Pendleton California where he is stationed. He is currently on his first combat deployment with MCCS Detachment 11.2 serving out of Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan. He is assigned as a Warfighter Express Service (WES) Team Non-Commissioned Officer charged with providing health and comfort items to Marines and other service members in the most austere and isolated locations.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: THE WES TEAM MISSION CAN LAST ANYWHERE from 4 to 14 days and is consistently manned by two MCCS Marines for ground missions and one for air missions.

The WES Team missions lead by Sergeant Sanders directly improved the morale and welfare of more than 10, 000 service members, while producing sales in excess of $373,000 in 11 missions, thus far. His personal contributions in the planning and organization of the WES Team missions have allowed this caliber of performance. Sergeant Sanders’ dedication and total commitment to the MCCS mission has rendered enduring results in the quality of life for the frontline service members.

Mobile Exchange Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan

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SGT/USMC CAMP PENDLETON, CALIFORNIA AFGHANISTAN 14 MONTHS/66 MONTHS

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GOING ABOVE AND BEYOND ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: THE SHEER AMOUNT OF MISSIONS COMPLETED, customers served and revenue generated have increased the standard by which others are measured by. Beyond the performance indicators,

his personal dedication has carried him through a tremendous amount of adversity and potentially dangerous situations which may or may not have successfully worked out for other people.

Sgt Sanders is different; he is courageous and embodies those characteristics of men seldom seen outside our Marine Corps. His esprit de corps and respect for the Warfighter is seen on every mission.

Sergeant Sander’s initiative improved the methods of resupply while off mission. Prior to each mission Sergeant Sanders, used his notes from previous locations serviced to purchase

merchandise from the Camp Leatherneck Exchange. This personal touch enabled him to maximize space, reduce redundant merchandise and increase the overall performance of his mission. In addition to directing the function of the Mobile Exchange, he set up the Morale Satellite system. This system was vital for Marines in austere locations with no other means of communication with loved ones. He ensured all Morale Satellite program initiatives were operational by trouble shooting its capabilities after store hours. His personal contributions created a good rapport with Marine unit leadership.

He uses his experiences, along with communication with unit leadership to make sound and timely decisions pertaining to scheduled stops and battle space movement which have enabled complete servicing of isolated units.

Despite his rank, he is able to intelligently discuss issues pertaining to mission execution with Marines much senior to him. His efforts while providing service to the Warfighter exceed the expectations of Marine units and our coalition partners.

OVERCOMING ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: ON ONE PARTICULAR MISSIONTO SUPPORT Marine units, Sergeant Sanders convoyed to a Patrol Base. Once there, geographical restrictions prevented entry to the Patrol Base and safe employment of the Mobile Exchange Truck. To the left of his position was a cliff and to the right was an impassable ditch with a foot bridge leading

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into the Patrol Base. The security team had not planned to stop at the Patrol Base until provisions could be made for vehicle entry into the compound.

This would mean that the Marines of the Patrol Base would not see the Exchange truck again until at least 25 days later. Altogether, those Marines would not have had an opportunity to purchase health and comfort items, tobacco or food for more than 2 months. As a solution, Sergeant Sanders volunteered to open his truck in the middle of the roadway. The Marines of the Patrol Base offered to provide security for the Mobile Exchange. While on this roadway Marines swapped in and out of security positions around him to provide for the safe operations and ensuring all Marines were afforded an opportunity to shop. All of this was accomplished as curious locals gathered around the roadway. Despite the inherent danger of this open position, Sergeant Sanders serviced these

Marines, collecting his revenue on his body while on the roadway. He understood that these Marines would not be serviced again for some time to come. His efforts allowed for the servicing of the Patrol Base and the overall success of the mission. This mission resulted in record sales and customers served with zero cash discrepancies.

Sgt Sanders professionalism, technical and tactical proficiency, leadership and ability to perform under conditions of extreme adversity have been critical factors in the success of the Marine Corps Community Services Detachment.

His people skills, attention to detail and managerial abilities allowed him to understand the mission and to direct mission resources to best support Marine units. All service members have been positively impacted by the results of Sergeant Sanders’ strong work ethic and dedication to the MCCS mission Sgt Sanders is married to Jamie Sanders and they have one daughter named Aalina. His future plans include Drill Instructor Duty and the completion of his Bachelors’ degree in Criminal Justice. Recently, he was selected to represent Headquarters and Service Company at the 2d Marine Logistics Group Meritorious Promotion board. He far outshines his competitors gaining the appreciation of his leadership and the admiration of his peers.

-MSgt John Ramos, MCCS SNCOIC

Helmand Province, Afghanistan www.usmc-mccs.org

Marine Corps Operational Camp Southern Afghanistan

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We double dog dare you.

We’ll Match That!

Keeping prices low.

For over a century, we’ve known that our customers are people who serve their country proudly…

And we strive to do the same. Everyday we give our level best to get you the products you want at the prices you deserve.Think of this as our way of saying we’re proud to support the best there is: The Few, The Proud, The Marines.

Find a lower price?

The only thing we love more than serving Marines is saving them money. Sound good?

I found a better price than the MCX… • Let us know where & how much, and we’ll take care of the rest!

• Items need to be identical in size, brand, model number... you get the idea! (Color can vary)

I saw something in the All-Services Catalog that was cheaper…

• Good find! If it wasn’t a custom order from overseas (it should be marked in the catalog if it was) We will match it!

The dang thing went on sale right after I bought it…

• Don’t you hate that? We do too.

How about we refund the difference?

• Take your time! You have 14 Days from when you buy it for us to match it, so don’t worry.

The ad I found said I could buy a certain quantity…

• If you find an ad that we match that mentions a specific quantity, we will do the same (dare we say MATCH) Percent and Dollar-off Ads too?

• We can’t match exact percentage or dollar off promotions, but we will match the out the door price - excluding tax!

Limitations And like all programs, there are some limitations...

We can’t match: • Double and triple coupons • Clearance items or closeout prices • Going out of business sales • Membership clubs • Items that require purchase to get a competitor’s gift card • Competitor’s private label price promotions • Internet prices • Gasoline • Special orders • Tobacco • Firearms • Store and vendor rebates • Commissary prices WWW.MYMCX.COM

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Good Eats: Southern Style Ingredients & Materials

Red Velvet Cake

I

3 cake pans Mixing bowl Stand mixer/whisk Vegetable oil for the pans 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 1/2 cups sugar 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon fine salt 1 teaspoon cocoa powder 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil 1 cup buttermilk 2 large eggs 2 tablespoons red food coloring 1 teaspoon white distilled vinegar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Cream Cheese Frosting

Directions

Preheat oven to 350o F. Lightly oil and flour 3 (9 by 1 1/2-inch round) cake pans.

2

In a large bowl, sift together flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.

Whisk together oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla.

3

Using a stand mixer, mix dry ingredients with wet ingredients until just combined and a smooth batter is formed.

h yesterday, kes today.� s a i c r p e u h c Dream tomorrow, Eat “C 24 |

X INSIDER 2012 - ISSUE 1

Did you know that your very own exchange has the equipment you need to make this desert come to life?

We carry all of your favorite brands: Martha Stewart, Cuisinart, Kitchenaid, Calphalon & Presto!

Let’s Get Cookin’!

4

Divide cake batter evenly among cake pans. Place pans in oven evenly spaced apart. Bake, rotate pans halfway through cooking, until the cake pulls away from the side of the pans, and a toothpick inserted in the center of the cakes comes out clean, about 30 minutes.

5

Remove cakes from the oven and run a knife around edges to loosen them from the sides of the pans. One at a time, invert the cakes onto a plate and then re-invert them onto a cooling rack, rounded-sides up.

Let cool completely.

6

Frost the cake. Place 1 layer, rounded-side down, in the middle of a rotating cake stand. Using a palette knife or offset spatula spread cream cheese frosting over the top.

Carefully set another layer on top, rounded-side down, and repeat. Top with the remaining layer and cover entire cake with remaining frosting. Sprinkle top with pecans.

-The Food Network WWW.MYMCX.COM

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We’ll Deliver it for You! Get the expert, professional service you expect from the Sears Blue Service Crew.

We are proud to announce that the MCX now offers Sears Home Delivery Service!

Ask a Sales Associate for Details.

Sears is the nation’s largest home service provider that now offers home delievery for MCX customers. The Sears Blue Crew now provides installation, hook up and haul away for all participating Marine Corps Exchanges.

They will deliver and haul away any product purchased from the MCX from any department. They also have a professional instillation crew who will mount televisions, install surround sound systems, assemble furniture and connect appliances worry free.

The Customer Care Representative will contact the customer on the night prior to delivery, in order to schedule a two hour delivery window. With this service, customers can now alleviate the stress of trying to transport and install these items. We are very excited about this program and are certain that it will increase sales for all Exchanges participating.

-MSgt. Jonathan S. Lindquist HQ MRX Operations