• CAMP WALKER, South Korea
After more than two years of work, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) unveiled a new and improved main Exchange store to the military community here via an $8.2-million image upgrade.
UPGRADES
The Camp Walker Main Store was first built in 1986. As part of the renovation, its first since 1999, the Main Store was fully remodeled with new LED light fixtures, polished concrete floors and new ceilings.
A skylight was added to the store entry area for more natural light.
The outside of the store also received a facelift with a replacement roof and repainted store exterior along with a new HVAC system.
The food court was rebuilt and expanded by 300 square feet, nearly doubling the seating capacity and making room for a Pizza Hut.
The mall boasts a new barbershop, beauty salon and vendor kiosk stands, along with new murals showing off the military’s history at Camp Walker and throughout Korea.
The Exchange funded the majority of the $8.2-million project with approximately $2 million in appropriated funds included for the HVAC, plumbing and store exterior repairs.
“MAKE LIFE BETTER”
“Area IV at Camp Walker is the central hub for support services that make life better for our Soldiers, families, retirees and our host nation allies,” said Air Force Col. Jason Beck, Exchange Pacific Region commander.
“This much-needed upgrade enhances the shopping experience from top to bottom, making sure everyone in this community has access to the best tastes of home in the best surroundings,” he added.
This sentiment was echoed by Army Col. David F. Henning, garrison commander.
“Looking around at the beautifully reimagined food court, mall and Main Store, I think everyone will agree that this was worth the wait,” he said. “The Exchange is now ready to serve our current community and future generations of Soldiers, civilians, retirees and family members in a clean and up-to-date facility.
“Another piece of the puzzle is in place as we strive to make this your Army home in Korea.”
“QUALITY-OF-LIFE IMPROVEMENT”
“The Exchange owes a huge thank-you to garrison command, the Directorate of Public Works and everyone involved for their coordination in bringing this significant quality-of-life improvement to fruition,” said Korea Southern Exchange General Manager (GM) Boris Nasci.
“The Camp Walker team is truly honored to serve those who serve with these new upgrades, services and great tastes of home,” he added.
During the grand reopening, shoppers enjoyed chances to win door prizes including an overnight stay at Dragon Hill Lodge in Seoul; Unilever product gift baskets; Exchange gift cards; food coupons and other prizes.
Source: AAFES
Edited by Larry Lapka
