NEX Memphis Helps Military Families in Aftermath of Flood

By Kristine Sturkie, Navy Exchange Service Command

May 7, 2010 - VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- Naval Support Activity (NSA) Memphis evacuated after the state of Tennessee was hit by unprecedented rain the first week of May. Navy Exchange (NEX) locations on base, including the gas station/mini mart, NEX main store, the furniture store and the Navy Inn were all affected by the rising water.

"The Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM) has a Crisis Action Team that supports and coordinates communication, emergency supplies, and relief efforts for NEXs and Navy Lodges throughout a major crisis," said Gerald Outar, NEXCOM director of Store Operations, Merchandising and Field Support. "When NEXCOM was informed of the flooding in Millington, our Mid-South District vice president quickly convened a response team from other NEXs in the South to aid in the recovery efforts."

The NSA commanding officer requested the NEX provide emergency supplies, including diapers, dog food and diesel gasoline for emergency boats, to families initially evacuated to the Navy Inn. The NEX also brought in additional emergency supplies that were made available to emergency recovery personnel on May 4. These items included 10 generators, 108 quarts motor oil, 52 large gas cans, 76 large squeegees, 2,000 bottles of hand sanitizer, 20 heavy duty brooms and 102 cans of fix-a-flat.

As the base was slowly being reopened to military families, the NEX was able to reopen the main store and one of its mini-marts so customers could purchase items needed to clean up as well as purchase food and beverage items. The NEX Subway, located at the main NEX, was also up and running when families were allowed back on base.

In addition, a Mobile Retail Facility (MRF) vehicle, a trailer on wheels, was on site at the North 82 Gym on May 4, to support evacuated housing residents. The MRF sold snacks, beverages, and other convenience items to displaced customers.

"We know this is a stressful time for everyone stationed down in Millington," said Outar. "NEX facilities were damaged right alongside everyone else's. We know what everyone is going through. We want our customers to know that we will do everything we can to get our locations opened to assist them in their recovery efforts."

For customers living in Millington, a special MILITARY STAR® Card zero percent financing program has been established. From May 8–31, customers who purchase a mattress, furniture or major appliances priced $199 or more and pay with a MILITARY STAR® Card can take advantage of no interest, no down payment with no payments for six months.

"This special program allows our customers the opportunity to work with their insurance companies for up to six months without having to make a payment on the merchandise," said Jim Winn, NEXCOM's customer service manager. "Our hearts go out to our customers in Millington. We know this is an extremely stressful time and we want to do all we came to help alleviate some of that stress for them. Hopefully, this special arrangement will do that."