FORT RUCKER, Ala. (March 7, 2013) -- Fort Rucker is continually partnering with new programs and businesses to make life on post enjoyable, and two such businesses, Subway and the Fort Rucker Optical Center, held their grand openings with ribbon cutting ceremonies March 1 at the main post exchange.
The garrison, and Army and Air Force Exchange Service work together to ensure that there are useful and beneficial services for post exchange patrons, according to Col. Stuart J. McRae, Fort Rucker garrison commander.
"[It is all about] accountability and accessibility. By being an AAFES vendor, the vendors have a greater level of accountability with us. AAFES pursues businesses that are in the best interests of Fort Rucker patrons," said McRae.
Subway gave out sample breakfasts and coffee at the ceremony to customers, and celebratory cake was also provided by AAFES to attendees.
"Business has been excellent and both our soft opening and grand opening have been very successful," said Melissa Roberts, lead Subway foreman.
Subway is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays.
Eye care was a service that was not being offered on post and officials saw an opportunity for Soldiers to get prescription glasses on the installation with greater convenience. The center also had giveaways, and gave out gift cards, eye cleaner and cloths during the day in celebration of its opening.
"It is more economical to have a service like this offered, plus it is more convenient for Soldiers and their Families because walk-ins are more than welcome. They just need to bring with them a prescription for either contacts or glasses," said Fannie Shepherd, optical center manager, adding there are several military and children's specials offered year round at the center.
"Once everyone gets their prescriptions, business will shoot up," said Laura Hicks, AAFES service business technician. "Having an optical center on post is a stress reliever for Soldiers because they know their insurance is accepted by us."
The optical center is open Mondays-Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is closed on Sundays.
The new partnerships between the exchange, Subway and the optical center reflect the commitment of the organizations to lead and promote culture of excellence standards -- by eating healthy and living healthy.
"A strong mind and body are important to military members and their Families, and the exchange is active in promoting the health and wellbeing of the Fort Rucker community with its 'Operation Be Fit' programs and sustainability," said Susie Antonello, visual merchandiser at Fort Rucker AAFES.
One of the first Soldiers to eat at Subway during the soft opening, 2nd Lt. Keegan Wisehart, D Company, 1st Battalion, 145th Aviation Regiment, was more than satisfied that Subway had opened.
"I am so happy that there is now a Subway on post. It is hard to eat healthy when you are busy, so it is really nice to have this option at a convenient location," he said. "Between classes, I know Soldiers will be up here eating."
There is an added benefit for using the post food facilities and the optical center by way of the exchange -- giving back to Soldiers and their Families.
"It's important to understand that AAFES returns a portion of their dividends back to this local community for Soldier and Directorate of Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation programs. Last year, [AAFES] gave [more than] $1.3 million back to Fort Rucker programs," said McRae.
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