March 19, 2012 - The Navy Lodge Program named Leonides (Nini) Thomas as its Associate of the 4th Quarter 2011.  Thomas is a Room Attendant at Navy Lodge Corpus Christi, Texas.

“Nini gives 100 percent to her job every day,” said Mike Bockelman, Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM) Vice President and Director of the Navy Lodge Program. “She comes up with ideas to promote teamwork and to improve communication and organization.  She sets the standard for her fellow associates and is well respected.”

Thomas was chosen as the Associate of the Quarter based on a number of criteria, including showing special effort to provide outstanding guest service and exceeding guest expectations; improving work methods; exemplary work performance; positive attitude and contributing to the success of the Navy Lodge Program.

Navy Lodge Corpus Christi manager, Mary Mecsics, had only words of praise for Thomas.  “Nini is very dependable,” said Mecsics.  “She volunteers to work holidays and weekends and is always willing to help out her fellow associates.  More importantly, she genuinely cares about the comfort of our guests."

Thomas is currently participating in the American Hotel and Lodging Association Educational Institute (AHLA EI)’s advanced training.  She is working towards certifications for Guest Room and Room Attendant.

Thomas has worked for the NEXCOM Enterprise for over 10 years, with the past five years working for Navy Lodge Corpus Christi.

About NEXCOM
The Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM) is headquarters for the worldwide Navy Exchange System that oversees 103 Navy Exchange facilities and its 300 stores worldwide; 42 Navy Lodges; Ship’s Stores; Uniform Program Management Office and Navy Family Support Programs.  NEXCOM’s mission is to provide authorized customer’s quality goods and services at a savings and to support quality of life programs for active duty military, retirees, reservists and their families.  The Navy Exchange enterprise operates primarily as a non-appropriated fund (NAF) business instrumentality.  Revenues generated are used to support Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) programs.  In FY08, $2.5 billion in sales were generated with over $45 million in profits provided to Navy MWR programs.