Chievres opens doors to new commissary

By Carol E. Davis (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Europe District)January 21, 2010

Chievres Commissary ribbon cuttin
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

CHIEVRES AIR BASE, Belgium - After years of grocery shopping in an aircraft hangar, a tent or some other temporary building, shoppers in the Chievres community can finally shop in a real grocery store.

In ceremonial fashion, the ribbon was cut and the automatic doors opened January 20 on this $16 million Defense Commissary Agency facility here. After waiting in line for over an hour in frosty temperatures just to be among the first to shop, eager customers stormed the aisles of the new commissary.

"Commissary customers and employees alike have been great sports over the years," said Lt. Col. Anela Arcari, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Europe District deputy commander. "Starting today they will have a modern facility with wider aisles, larger display areas and more floor space to allow for a more extensive selection of goods."

Col. James Drago, U.S. Army Garrison BENELUX Commander, said the project was a step in the right direction.

"The new commissary was the next logical step in our commitment to take care of our service members and their families," he said.

The 48,000-square-foot facility is nearly 13,000 square feet larger than the old facility and includes a deli with sandwiches made to order, a chicken rotisserie, self-serve bakery, salad bar, and doughnuts and coffee.

The store is within walking distance of the new Chievres Army Lodge, another Europe District project that opened in June 2009.

"This new commissary is a huge quality-of-life boost to all of the Soldiers living in this community," said Sgt. Maj. Linda Ricker, DeCA senior enlisted advisor. "It's especially nice for Soldiers and their families living in the lodge. They can walk here, shop and then use the kitchenettes in the lodge, so families can save money as they are transitioning."

The 94-room lodge accommodates 30 standard rooms, 60 family suites with kitchenettes, and two extended-stay rooms. It also offers other modern Army lodge amenities such as high-speed internet access. Both the commissary and the lodge are a part of the transformation of Chievres Air Base.

Related Links:

Chievres Transformation Projects

USACE NEWS

Defense Commissary Agency

Europe District Photos

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Europe District

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers