Bianchi received this award in recognition of his steadfast support of improved quality of life for active duty and retired military and their families. Bianchi spent over 29 years in uniform as a Navy Supply Corps Officer. Upon his retirement, he was named CEO of NEXCOM. He also served as Special Assistant to ASD (M&RA) for Commissary Operations at the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA).

“It is truly such a privilege to receive this time-honored recognition,” said Bianchi. “I humbly accept this award on behalf of NEXCOM’s worldwide workforce of over 16,000 strong who are committed to serving day in and day out for our Navy Warfighters and military families, particularly amid a worldwide pandemic over the past 18 months.”

Each year, ALA presents the award to mark distinguished service in the field of military resale, MWR/Services and troop subsistence. Steve Rossetti, President of ALA, presented Bianchi with this honor during the group’s annual conference. This year’s conference was held virtually with participants around the world and a small in-person gathering in Chesapeake, Virginia. ALA is a nonprofit trade association that promotes, protects and enhances quality-of-life benefits for service members, military retirees and military families.

During the ceremony Rossetti stated, “[Bianchi’s] dedication to duty allowed him to step up to the dual tasks of leading two of the largest entities in the federal government. [His work is] appreciated every time a Sailor’s spouse reaches for that bottle of baby formula in the dead of night while their spouse is at sea… that Sailor at sea who relives his homesickness with a call from home or the Navy spouse who has a job with skills he or she can use from base to base, providing that much needed source of income.”

“NEXCOM’s seven business lines all have distinctive roles providing the necessary support for our Navy to remain ready and resilient with vital quality-of-life benefits,” said Bianchi. “Our command’s mission is critical and the support each associate provides is unmatched.”