U.S. ARMY GARRISION HUMPHREYS – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service cut the ribbon on its troop store and mini mall at U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys, making it the Exchange’s first new facility to open on the installation as the military community’s population prepares to more than triple during the next several years.

The much-anticipated $6.2 million project, which was 42 months in the making, was made possible by the Exchange’s partnership with U.S./Republic of Korea Alliance, Camp Humphreys command and directorates, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Dosan Construction Co.

“This five-way partnership set the path and joined forces over the past years to ensure that the military patrons of this community had an outstanding variety of services and selection, further enhancing the shopping experience,” Maj. Gen. James Walton, U.S. Forces Korea’s director of Transformation and Restationing, said during the Nov. 8 ribbon-cutting. “This complex is the first Exchange facility opening in support of the units transitioning to Camp Humphreys.”

The 24,000-square-foot store includes an Express that features healthy grab-and-go fare and an expanded selection of household goods to support Soldiers living in the nearby dorms. The building also houses a food court, with Starbucks, Taco Bell, Subway and seating for about 120 diners. A dry cleaners, barber shop and Military Auto Source round out the offerings. The facility, with dining and services in one convenient stop, delivers a lifeline to America and a taste of home for troops serving so far from home.

“I’m very impressed with the mini mall,” said Capt. Edwin Hojin Jang, Commander, 643rd Engineer Support Company. “It’s a lot bigger than I imagined. I think it’s great it’s located out here in the ‘new land.’ Having this available to our Soldiers is a great addition and will help boost morale.”

At the ribbon-cutting, Exchange Overseas Region Senior Vice President Karin Duncan celebrated the Soldiers and families.

“I’d like to thank our customers,” Duncan said. “Their continued patronage helps us bring new and improved facilities and services worldwide.”

Every time Soldiers and families shop at new Express, grab dinner at the food court or use the dry cleaners or other services, they are working to make life better at Humphreys. Roughly two-thirds of Exchange earnings support military Quality-of-Life programs.

“The Exchange contributed nearly $800,000 to Humphreys Quality-of-Life programs last year,” Duncan said. “As we open the doors today, these facilities will contribute additional dividends to this installation to further improve the quality of life for all service members.”

During the next several years as troops are relocated from USAG Yongsan and Camp Casey, the military community population will more than triple at Humphreys from about 10,000 to roughly 36,000 Soldiers, civilians and family members. A new 301,000-square-foot Exchange shopping center is also being constructed to support the growing military population.

— 30 —

The Army & Air Force Exchange Service goes where Soldiers, Airmen and their families go to improve the quality of their lives through goods and services provided. Exchange earnings provide dividends to support military morale, welfare and recreation programs. The Exchange is part of the Department of Defense and is directed by a Board of Directors, responsible to the Secretaries of the Army and Air Force through the Chiefs of Staff.  To find out more about the Exchange history and mission or to view recent press releases please visit our Web site at http://www.aafes.com/about-exchange/public-affairs/press-releases.htm or follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ExchangePAO.

###

Media Notes:

For more information or to schedule an interview with an Exchange representative please contact Sgt. 1^st Class Luke Graziani, DSN 315-645-7703 or [email protected].

Follow the Exchange:

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/shopmyexchange

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/shopmyexchange

Instagram: @shopmyexchange

 

This entry was posted on Thursday, November 17th, 2016 at 10:11 and is filed under Press Release. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.