Resilient, efficient and affordable: USAG Daegu goes electric with delivery vehicles

By Mathew GleesonOctober 25, 2022

CAMP WALKER, Republic of Korea — U.S. Army Garrison Daegu’s Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (FMWR) staff is preparing for a busy November — management is rolling out new technology to meet the needs of its team, its customers and the environment.

“We will be starting the new IMENU360 program in November. This site will have online and app ordering capabilities. Once it begins, you will be able to order and pay for your takeout, delivery or dine-in food,” said Robert Tillman, the chief of USAG Daegu’s non-appropriated funds business operations division.

A tablet running U.S. Army Garrison Daegu’s Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (FMWR) IMENU360 app receives online orders during a test run at Camp Walker, Republic of Korea, October 20, 2022. FMWR plans to introduce online delivery and utilize electric delivery vehicles at Camp Walker in November 2022.
A tablet running U.S. Army Garrison Daegu’s Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (FMWR) IMENU360 app receives online orders during a test run at Camp Walker, Republic of Korea, October 20, 2022. FMWR plans to introduce online delivery and utilize electric delivery vehicles at Camp Walker in November 2022. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Mathew Gleeson) VIEW ORIGINAL

Online ordering should be a convenient option for customers, providing community members with an easy way to place orders from home. Tillman expects the app to be a hit with his team as well.

"Our frontline staff are Korean. With English as a second language it can sometimes be challenging communicating orders. Online ordering will help speed up the ordering process and help prevent miscommunication."

The FMWR team has already given the app a figurative test drive. They’ve also literally test driven two new CEVO-C electric vehicles.

Robert Tillman, the chief of U.S. Army Garrison Daegu’s non-appropriated funds business operations division pauses to smile during a pizza delivery at Camp Walker, Republic of Korea, October 20, 2022. USAG Daegu Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation plans to introduce online delivery and utilize electric delivery vehicles at Camp Walker in November 2022.
Robert Tillman, the chief of U.S. Army Garrison Daegu’s non-appropriated funds business operations division pauses to smile during a pizza delivery at Camp Walker, Republic of Korea, October 20, 2022. USAG Daegu Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation plans to introduce online delivery and utilize electric delivery vehicles at Camp Walker in November 2022. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Mathew Gleeson) VIEW ORIGINAL

“We were fortunate enough to be able to purchase two vehicles for our delivery program to keep orders speedy and fresh. We will begin our first install at the Windy City Grill and then move on to add additional operations,” said Tillman.

The cars are small, with just enough space for the driver and a heated delivery bag. Tillman said they are efficient, too, capable of traveling approximately 150 miles without needing a charge. Charging the vehicles is a relatively simple affair requiring only a 220V house electrical outlet.

A member of U.S. Army Garrison Daegu’s Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (FMWR) team plugs in an electric delivery behicle at Camp Walker, Republic of Korea, October 20, 2022. FMWR plans to introduce online delivery and utilize electric delivery vehicles at Camp Walker in November 2022.
A member of U.S. Army Garrison Daegu’s Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (FMWR) team plugs in an electric delivery behicle at Camp Walker, Republic of Korea, October 20, 2022. FMWR plans to introduce online delivery and utilize electric delivery vehicles at Camp Walker in November 2022. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Mathew Gleeson) VIEW ORIGINAL

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency:

  • Electric vehicles typically have a smaller carbon footprint than gasoline cars, even when accounting for the electricity used for charging.
  • The greenhouse gas emissions associated with an electric vehicle over its lifetime are typically lower than those from an average gasoline-powered vehicle, even when accounting for manufacturing.

In addition to the environmental benefits, Tillman noted the cars are cost effective and expects the electric vehicles will save the U.S. Army thousands of dollars over time.