FORT DRUM – Life for Soldiers and families at Fort Drum got more convenient with the Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s grand opening of a new Express store on July 8.
The Ontario Express, at the intersection of Ontario Avenue and Tigress River Valley Road, also houses a four-chair barbershop and an Arby’s with a drive-thru. Shoppers at the Express can grab healthy, better-for-you snacks like sushi, fresh fruit, salads, protein bars, bottled water and more. Drivers can also refuel at one of the eight gas pumps. It replaces the old, undersized Nash Express that was built in 1960 with a larger, more centrally located store.
“The Exchange’s mission is to make life better for our Soldiers and their families,” said General Manager Pat Hastings. “The Ontario Express adds convenience to the Fort Drum community – a new place for shoppers to fuel up their vehicles, grab a meal or a healthy snack and even get a haircut.”
The construction of the 12,000-square-foot facility took about 18 months to complete and cost $7.23 million. The project was funded entirely by the Exchange, which reinvests 100% of its earnings in the military community through support for on-installation Quality-of-Life programs, as well as capital improvements like the Ontario Express. Last year, shopping Fort Drum Exchange facilities generated more than $1.4 million for Quality-of-Life programs at the post, such as the Child Development Centers and fitness centers.
The Express is at Bldg. 1485 Tigress River Valley Road and is open Monday through Saturday 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Facebook-friendly version: Fort Drum Soldiers and families have a convenient new Express where they can fill up on gas, stock up on healthy snacks like fresh fruit and protein bars, get a haircut at the new barbershop or grab a meal at the Arby’s! The Army & Air Force Exchange Service cut the ribbon on the new, 12,000-square-foot facility, located at Bldg. 1485 Tigress River Valley Rd, on July 8. Read more: https://wp.me/p9Q7PG-12h
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Since 1895, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service (Exchange) has gone where Soldiers, Airmen and their families go to improve the quality of their lives by providing valued goods and services at exclusive military pricing. The Exchange is the 62nd-largest retailer in the United States. Its earnings provided $2.3 billion in dividends to support military morale, welfare and recreation programs over the last 10 years. The Exchange is a non-appropriated fund entity of the Department of Defense and is directed by a Board of Directors. The Exchange is a 50th Anniversary Vietnam War Commemorative Partner, planning and conducting events and activities that recognize the service, valor and sacrifice of Vietnam Veterans and their families in conjunction with the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration. To find out more about the Exchange history and mission or to view recent press releases please visit our website at http://www.ShopMyExchange.com or follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ExchangePAO.
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Media Notes:
For more information or to schedule an interview with an Exchange representative please contact Marisa Wolfe at 214-312-5111 or [email protected].
Follow the Exchange:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/shopmyexchange
Twitter: https://twitter.com/shopmyexchange
Instagram: @shopmyexchange