JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. - The Army and Air Force Exchange Service is gearing up for one of the largest influx of troops in Joint Base Lewis-McChord history.
From short-term plans like increasing business hours to more long term, including the construction of new buildings, AAFES is continuously seeking ways to improve its services.
AAFES general manager, Patrick McGhee, said it's the least he can do for thousands of troops and families who sacrifice so much.
"The word is out and everybody at AAFES is prepping for the troops' return," McGhee said.
Shelves are stocked, additional employees were hired and extra merchandise is being ordered on a regular basis.
"As the troops come back, we're not going to sit there and say, 'It's on order,'" he added.
The Post Exchange extended its hours from 9 to 10 p.m. through the Christmas season, and McGhee is adding more businesses to meet the demands of troops. Some of the more immediate changes will occur on JBLM Lewis North, beginning with the Shopette.
"This place is outgrowing itself, so we're going to expand it," McGhee said.
A former car wash next to the Shopette will be transformed into a General Nutrition Center, and a seating plaza will be built outside courtesy of America's Credit Union. Restaurant patrons will notice a change of dining options at the Shopette, as plans are under way to replace Blimpie's with Charlie's Steakery and Pizza Hut with another national brand fast food (NBFF) restaurant.
Several blocks away from the Shopette, McGhee confirmed the future site of a Troop Store, Subway and two NBFF restaurants conveniently located within close proximity to barracks.
"People won't have to hike all the way to the other side of (JBLM Lewis North)," McGhee said.
If everything goes as planned, the businesses will be open no later than spring 2012.
Residents on JBLM Lewis Main will also see a significant number of additions, beginning with Soldiers working and living near 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division.
"Once Public Works approves our plans, we'll be putting a Subway near 3rd Brigade, another sushi place and another NBFF," McGhee said.
The brigade's Shopette will receive upgrades such as walk-in freezers and a 20 percent increase in size.
A groundbreaking ceremony in August will indicate the start of construction on a new Shopette featuring Einstein Bros Bagels and an alternative fuel station on the corner of 2nd Division Drive and Pendleton Avenue. Further down the road, next to Nelson Recreation Center, a full-size Burger King restaurant will replace the BK trailer, which will be moved to another location yet to be determined.
The greatest amount of construction will occur near the PX, where a Lifestyle Center will open sometime in the next few years. The project has yet to be approved by Congress. McGhee expects it will be by fall.
The Lifestyle Center will include open-air shopping with name-brand retailers and popular chain restaurants, encompassing about 475,000 square feet and opening about 900 new jobs. It will also include expansion of the PX.
"We already have 110-plus operations here, and we're growing," McGhee said. "Most cities don't have that many businesses."
Despite ongoing construction, McGhee assures patrons that the money being used for all of the upgrades is not going to affect their paychecks. It's all coming from MWR funds, to which AAFES contributed $4.6 million.
"This isn't taxpayer money or anything like that," he said. "This is from customers shopping at the PX and Shopettes."
McGhee said businesses will remain open during construction.
"We're going to make more sales, which means MWR is going to get more money, which means we're going to build more facilities for the troops and families."
Laura M. Levering is a reporter with Joint Base Lewis-McChord's weekly newspaper, the Northwest Guardian.
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