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AAFES celebrates BX parking lot expansion

  • Published
  • By Army Sgt. 1st Class Jon Cupp
  • AAFES Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  Army and Air Force Exchange Service associates here treated military service members, their families and Department of Defense civilians to grilled hot dogs, dance performances, dog shows and special deals on merchandise July 31 at the Kadena Base Exchange in celebration of the opening of the BX's new parking lot.

To make the new parking lot possible, workers spent several months clearing away the remnants of the old BX, laying asphalt, putting in new light poles, curbs and sidewalks among many other tasks to add more than 300 new spaces to the nearly 400 previously existing ones.

After nearly 45 days of rain delays over the course of the parking lot's construction, AAFES associates were glad to finally be able to say it was officially completed, giving Kadena shoppers a reason to celebrate, said Robert Rice, Kadena Main Exchange store manager.

"It's exciting and invigorating," said Rice. "It's a great thing for our customers and it was a long time coming. Prior to this a lot of people didn't want to visit the store and were holding out, because parking was a challenge. But now it's convenient because they don't have to search for a parking space."

As part of the celebration, military working dog handlers from the 18th Security Forces Squadron held working dog demonstrations for crowds of on-lookers in front of the BX.

Following the working dog demonstrations, military service members and their families could sign up for a dog show. Dogs entered into the show were judged on three categories--show, obedience and talent with prizes including a $25 gift card and gift basket for first place, a $15 gift card for second and a $10 gift card for third.

In addition to this, Burger King and food court associates set up a bouncy house for children and a dance team made up of Okinawan traditional dancers entertained crowds inside the BX.

Along with 15-minute sale specials, there were also large giveaways including one for a flat-screen TV.

Customers who attended the celebration said it was worthwhile and that having more parking makes a big difference to them.

"This is really convenient. I remember what a hassle it used to be to try and even find parking," said Midland, Texas native, Marine Cpl. Eugene Cantu, a quality control specialist with the Special Operations Training Group. "It's nice to be able to come up here from Camp Hansen and see how much the parking has improved, compared to the way things used to be when the old BX was here."

"I'm really glad to see more parking and I'm always happy to get free food," said a smiling Shatika Gray, a military spouse who lives at Kadena, while adding that she enjoys the BX celebrations.

In addition to the parking lot celebration, AAFES associates at Kadena are currently planning another huge celebration, which will run Oct. 1-3, just in time for the Kadena Base Exchange's one-year anniversary.