WIESBADEN, Germany - Who hasn't spent a moment thinking about what they might grab during a timed race through a supermarket?
Christine Thomas has been pondering that question for weeks after being randomly chosen during the annual Volunteer Recognition luncheon for the Supermarket Sweep Event at the Wiesbaden Commissary June 28.
However, for this Army wife, traditional sweep strategies like grabbing big ticket items, non-perishables, meats, razors, and spices, were cast aside when PCS orders arrived for her husband, Sgt. Earl Thomas, 525th Military Working Dog Detachment.
"My strategy is to push it forward and help families here," said Thomas whose household goods were shipping to Fort Stewart, Ga. the very next day, limiting what items she can take. "I'm excited because of the opportunity to see how many babies I can diaper, or how many dogs can maybe get an extra bag of food."
According to the rules of engagement, contestants have three minutes to race through the commissary without assistance, using five pre-positioned carts. No more than two of each product can be taken, and no rationed items like coffee or tobacco are allowed.
Thomas, who has worked as a Zumba instructor in the community for the last three years, was physically ready for the challenge.
"Everybody keeps telling me [I'm ready], but this is a sprint, it's different," Thomas said. "I'm hoping to not pull a 'hammy.' "
Leo Dobash Wiesbaden Commissary store director, gave Thomas one last opportunity to peruse the aisles before the start.
"I left here last night thinking about these families I am helping," she said, confirming the location of a few meat products and mentally visualizing her moves.
"Are you ready?" asked Dobash.
"I'll say 'yes', but really it's 'no'," Thomas replied.
Moments later she was flying through the aisles grabbing food and merchandise, according to plan, along with a few spontaneous "purchases." She finished with two carts totaling $1,277.59 in merchandise, with quality beef, diapers, Italian oils and toiletries topping the list of items swept from the commissary shelves.
Thomas and her family may leave behind much of the merchandise in Wiesbaden, but will probably collect a few more friends before they depart.
This is the seventh annual shopping spree event hosted by the Wiesbaden Commissary and sponsored by S&K Sales and Acosta.
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