Gas station, eatery now open in Area B

  • Published
  • By Amy Rollins
  • Skywrighter Staff
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Oh. --  Life just got a little bit easier for employees and visitors to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base's Area B -- that is, if your vehicle needs gas or you need a beverage, meal or convenience item.

The grand opening and ribbon-cutting for the new combination Express gas station, Shopette and Burger King at 2330 Eighth St. was conducted Sept. 9. Architectural firm H. Michael Bohnsack of Carbondale, Ill., designed the building, while Pro Construction of Jacksonville, N.C., was the general contractor.

Col. Emi Izawa, 88th Mission Support Group commander, represented the base during the ceremony.

"This is a great example of the relationship between Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and the Exchange to provide what Airmen and all who serve in Area B need to increase their quality of life," Izawa said.

The $5 million-plus project is seeking LEEDS (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver certified status. The Burger King is distinctive for its "20/20" design and other features, she said. The contemporary interior theme is balanced by various elements, evoking an industrial look. Details include stonelike walls, hardwoodlike floors, modern hanging lamps and earthy colors, such as deep red and taupe. There is also a drive-through -- another first for the base.

All sales at the new 7,460-square-foot building and gas pumps will directly benefit Airmen, the colonel said.

"As you know, part of AAFES' (Air Force Base Army and Air Force Exchange Service) proceeds comes back to Airmen every year," Izawa said. "Last year, Wright-Patt Airmen benefited from more than $500,000 (for the morale, welfare and recreation fund); we look to have more proceeds this year."

The groundbreaking for the project took place in May 2013, but construction was delayed by weather and inclement conditions.

"We're so happy to have this available to all of our customers now," she said.
The colonel thanked Robin Ayling, Exchange general manager, for her leadership in the project.

"It's exciting to have this open," said Ayling, touting the sales of gas and convenience items like motor oil, diapers, cat food, fresh fruit, frozen meals, pick-up-and-go sandwiches and hot dogs. Drinks are available at a coffee bar and soda stand. Class Six items are for sale to military members and beer is available in the "Beer Bunker."

Store hours are 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays; gasoline pumps are open 24/7 via payment by the Military Star private label credit card or other credit/debit cards.

The Shopette has its own distinctive design, reflecting how such Exchange buildings will look in the future, Ayling said.

The new location employs 20 people at above-minimum wage but seven more positions may be added, she noted. Prospective applicants are encouraged to go online to ShopMyExchange.com and search under Exchange careers.

"We work with active-duty, dependent and student schedules to the best of our ability," Ayling said.

Abby Perraut, an employee in the Rotary branch of the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, and husband Matt were among the first gasoline customers.

"I am here every day and my children have after-school activities," Perraut said. "When I need gas, it's nice to be able to do it on my way home or at lunch verses stopping in the middle of rush-hour traffic to get gas and try to get home on time. This is so much easier than going to Area A."

Perraut's husband said the couple's two vehicles require premium-grade gas and fuel prices on base are more consistent than off-base.

"It makes a difference to our family budget to be able to fuel up here," he said.

Store manager Neal Purtee said he is thrilled the location is open.

"To be open to serve the Area B community and to give back is great. The only job better in AAFES is deploying with AAFES," which Purtee said he did for a year in Afghanistan. "You can't beat serving airmen.

"We're up and open. Come and see us," he added.