New AAFES general reporting for duty

DALLAS —The Army and Air Force Exchange Service has a new commander overseeing its nearly $9 billion operation following the recent appointment of Brigadier General Keith Thurgood to the position.

At AAFES, where the title of commander is the equivalent to that of ceo at other retailers, federal law dictates that only military personnel can hold the position and can only occupy the position for two years.

The appointment of Thurgood comes as AAFES faces many new challenges and sweeping efforts to bring standardization to its network of retail stores while bringing a higher degree of fact-based decision-making to its merchandising organization with the help of a new Oracle system. In addition, the organization is dealing with issues related to base realignment and the draw down of troops serving in Iraq where AAFES operates more than 60 retail units.

“Keith’s military and business experience are well suited for AAFES,” said Lt. General Roger Brady. “The knowledge he has gained during his civilian business and military service careers are the perfect combination needed to continue strengthening the exchange benefit.”

Thurgood, who replaces Major General Bill Essex, is a graduate of the transportation officer basic and advance courses, the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College and the U.S. Army War College. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Brigham Young University, a Masters of Science in business administration from Boston University, a Masters in Strategic Studies from the Army War College and a Ph.D. in Candidate Organizational Management and Leadership from Capella University.