MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. -- Although she won’t be transported by reindeer or climbing down chimneys this Christmas, Tasha Spencer, Marine Corps Community Services retail director, models many aspects of the Christmas spirit.
Spencer leads a team of 263 employees, though not tiny toymakers with pointy ears, who make the main exchange and 15 outlets/ services operate daily.
“She is a true secret Santa Claus,” said Nancy Holmes, business operations manager. “She takes care of us all.”
Like the mystical Saint Nick, Spencer has a history in providing happiness for others. During her 20 years of service as a Marine, she spent almost half of her time working in retail with MCCS, finishing her Marine Corps career last year as a chief warrant officer.
“[One of the most rewarding parts of my job is] pleasing Marines and knowing we have what they needed in stock,” said Spencer. “[It is great to think] this was the first place they thought of buying it, and they are happy when they go home.”
Even though she doesn’t have a naughty and nice list, Spencer does check her list to offer the best products to her customers.
“The most challenging part of the job is that we can’t always meet the needs of every customer because we are so limited on the space in the store,” said Spencer. “We try to be the best at what we do have.”
Although Spencer plays a huge role in making basewide exchange and services possible like cooking demos, book signings, art pieces, jelly belly bus, different promotions, Toys for Tots and welcome aboard events, she points the accolades to her team, who also have a high opinion of her.
“[She’s an] awesome leader,” said Holmes. “A lot of us have gone through furloughs and cutbacks this year and she has realized that and reaches out to all of us.”
Others agree.
“She is supportive behind the scenes, just like Santa builds toys behind the scenes.” said Cedric Overton, general manager of the MCX.
Maybe one of the greatest aspect of Spencer’s character is the motive behind her dedication.
“Ultimately, the profits that we generate go back to the Marines [and fund things like] command events and holiday parties,” said Spencer. “We want families to know that we are always here to support them and I think we go above and beyond the call. Every decision we make is from the heart.”
Maybe this Christmas Eve, Spencer will find a glass of milk and plate of her favorite White Macadamia Nut cookies on her desk from the grateful Marine Corps Exchange customers.
Correspondent: samuel.l.ellis@usmc.mil