COMMENTARY>>Groundbreaking for new BX

By Senior Airman Nathan Allen
19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

Little Rock Air Force Base broke ground on a new Base Exchange complex funded by the Army and Air Force Exchange Service Dec. 11.

The $22.3 million facility features 122,000 square feet and features an assortment of new dining choices and a larger merchandise selection due to the expanded floor space, according to Pam Honor, Little Rock AFB Exchange general manager.

This is approximately 80 percent larger than the combined space of the BX, BXtra and clothing sales stores. Along with retaining the base’s barber shop and beauty shop, new concessions options are expected to include Subway, Taco Bell, Charley’s Steakery, and Starbucks. The new facility is expected to open in 2010.

The new exchange will be a significant quality of life improvement for the Airmen stationed at Little Rock AFB. Due to the age of the building and the inconvenience of being housed in three separate locations, this has been a top priority for base leadership to better serve Airmen and their families, as well as the retiree population.

According to Ms. Honor, the majority of the cost of the new BX will be absorbed by AAFES, and the rest will be funded by the Air Force. Additionally, the AAFES personnel required to adequately staff the new facility is expected to increase 25 to 30 percent.

Baggette Construction Inc. is heading up the construction portion of the project. Alan Thurston, Baggette Construction project manager said they plan to utilize local companies as much as possible for subcontracting.

“We’re pleased with the project and looking forward to working with the base, community and AAFES,” added Thurston.