Employees, Fort Benning officials cut ribbon on new Express

FORT BENNING, Ga., (Sept. 7, 2016) -- of the Fort Benning community gathered Aug. 31 to celebrate the grand opening of the Benning Airborne Express and Arby's.

"The Exchange is proud to offer a new, modern facility. We're excited to support the Airborne school and the Soldiers that are passing through. It gives them an option for this side of the base. We're glad to offer another food option in Arby's as well," said Don Sydlik, the general manager.

Reebe Jarrett, the store manager, has been working on Fort Benning for the last 16 years. She was excited for the ribbon cutting as well.

It's been a work in progress for so long, Jarrett said.

"There's a lot of young men who come through that have just gotten out of basic training and are without transportation. Our old building was much smaller and couldn't accommodate their needs unlike this new store," she added.

It's an honor to serve those who are serving our country, said Michaela Holmes, one of the store's associates.

One of the best parts of the job is getting the chance to meet new people from all different parts of the world, added Holmes.

Col. Alan Streeter, 199th Infantry Brigade commander, assisted with the ribbon cutting.

The facility looks great and the location is in a great spot, Streeter said.

According to Streeter, he's gotten a lot of reports of Soldiers going over after hours to visit the new Express.

Annette Wright, a supply technician with the Central Issue Facility, often visits the new Benning Airborne Express on her breaks.

"I'm so glad that it's finally here. The location is great and I love the cleanliness. There's a lot of variety," Wright said.

Carl Holland, a warehouse specialist with the CIF, also frequents the different Army and Air Force Exchange locations.

"It's great to have a store so close where we work. I typically stop by around lunch time or after work," said Holland.

The Benning Airborne Express is open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, and from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday.