FORT KNOX, Ky. — The Fort Knox Garrison Command Sergeant Major and Army and Air Force Exchange Services staff conducted a ribbon cutting ceremony for the installation’s sixth Unattended Retail Unit (URU), or mini market on March 20.
The new market is located in the 1st Theater Sustainment Command barracks and features a coffee station, drink machine, snacks stand and a small selection of over-the-counter medicinal products. The markets can be customized depending on the size of the location and available utilities and allows Soldiers to quickly access the everyday products they require without the need to travel to a store.
Additional mini market locations include the Recruiting and Retention College, which is the largest one to date; 1st Theater Sustainment Command Headquarters; the V Corps gym; barracks building 1480 and the 19th Engineer Battalion barracks.
According to Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Alex Licea, the installation of this unit was a direct result of Soldier feedback.
“This is what happens when Soldiers voice opinions,” said Licea. “We want to make sure that everyone has access to not only healthy options, but a variety of options and this allows for 24/7 access to that, [because the Soldiers asked for it].”
Sergeant Dakota Couch, a 1st TSC barracks manager, said that the Soldiers in these barracks have been anxiously awaiting the arrival of the mini market.
“All the Soldiers are really excited to have some healthy food options, especially all our shift-work Soldiers that come in later,” said Couch. “It's nice to have a healthy snack so Soldiers don't have to run to the store or [get fast food late at night], because that's the only option that's available.
“We're really grateful.”
Maecelle Cummings, AAFES Service Business Manager, said that this concept offers user-friendly, self-checkout kiosks and a wide range of products to choose from.
“These markets are the ideal solution for offering a variety of snack and beverage options to individuals on the installation,” said Cummings.
Licea added that these types of initiatives are yet another way the installation is getting after readiness and supporting the warfighter.
“I think this is a fantastic thing to have in our barracks and it just shows once again why Fort Knox is, in my opinion, the destination of choice to be stationed at.”
Editor’s note: To inquire about obtaining an Unattended Retail Unit for a building on post contact the Fort Knox AAFES Service Business Manager at, 502-942-4300 ext. 308.
Visit Fort Knox News at www.army.mil/knox for all of Central Kentucky's latest military news and information.
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