Envision Xpress Plays Role in Military Readiness for 509th Security Forces K9 Unit | Envision Blog

Envision Xpress Plays Role in Military Readiness for 509th Security Forces K9 Unit

By Beth Walker • May 29, 2024
Tyler outside Whiteman with a K9.

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Envision Xpress prides itself on delivering exemplary customer service to foster genuine relationships with its military customers. Operating 16 retail stores on U.S. military bases across 10 states, Envision Xpress provides a variety of products, including office supplies, janitorial supplies, clothing, and more. Many of these items are manufactured by Envision employees who are blind or visually impaired. 

An Envision Xpress employee, Tyler Jackson, was recently given the opportunity to support the 509th Security Forces Squadron K9 Unit by participating in a K9 drug detecting training activity at Envision Xpress Whiteman Base Supply Center (BSC). Shawn Allen, Regional Manager for the Envision Xpress Whiteman BSC, says this opportunity was built from the positive relationship that his team has with the 509th Security Forces Squadron. 

“The 509th Security Forces Squadron constantly trains their K9s to be laser focused and mission ready for drugs detected through attack,” said Allen. “My support of the K9 unit dates back to my active-duty days as a Master Sergeant for the United States Air Force. When I retired from active duty in 2010 and began working at Envision Xpress, I continued my support of the unit through the role our store plays in supporting the U.S. Military.” 

Allen, Jackson’s manager, has stressed the importance of building relationships such as these at the Whiteman BSC. The 509th Security Forces Squadron utilizes the Whiteman BSC often to plant drugs throughout the store, bringing K9’s in to teach them how to find the planted drugs and keep them sharply trained. As an employee who has befriended the K9 unit personnel and has helped Allen support them, Jackson was able to participate in a staged drug attack, held inside the Whiteman AFB, with one of the trained K9’s. 

“The experience was AWESOME,” said Jackson. “It was truly a once in a lifetime experience. To see the K9 go from training mode to real world mode was incredible, and it was an honor to support our military in this way. I am proud to play a part in further strengthening Envision Xpress and its partnership with the 509th Security Forces Squadron K9 Unit.”