Fort Knox Garrison, Exchange Unveil Installation’s Sixth Unattended Retail Unit
The Fort Knox Garrison Command Sergeant Major and the Exchange staff conducted a ribbon cutting ceremony for the installation’s sixth unattended retail unit (URU) in late March
The new market is in the 1st Theater Sustainment Command barracks and features a coffee station, drink machine, snacks stand and a small selection of over-the-counter medicinal products. The markets can be customized depending on the size of the location and available utilities. URUs allow Soldiers to quickly access the everyday products they require without the need to travel to a store.
Additional Fort Knox URU locations include the Recruiting and Retention College, which is the largest one to date; 1st Theater Sustainment Command Headquarters; the V Corps gym; barracks building 1480 and the 19th Engineer Battalion barracks.
According to Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Alex Licea, the installation of this unit was a direct result of Soldier feedback.
“This is what happens when Soldiers voice opinions,” Licea said. “We want to make sure that everyone has access to not only healthy options, but a variety of options and this allows for 24/7 access to that, [because the Soldiers asked for it].”
A 1st Theater Sustainment Command Specialist makes the first purchase at the new 1st TSC barracks unattended retail unit at Fort Knox (Photo by Savannah Baird, Fort Knox News)
Sergeant Dakota Couch, a 1st TSC barracks manager, said that the Soldiers in these barracks have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the mini market.
“All the Soldiers are really excited to have some healthy food options, especially all our shift-work Soldiers that come in later,” said Couch. “It’s nice to have a healthy snack so Soldiers don’t have to run to the store or [get fast food late at night], because that’s the only option that’s available.
“We’re really grateful.”
Maecelle Cummings, Exchange services business manager, said that this concept offers user-friendly, self-checkout kiosks and a wide range of products to choose from.
“These markets are the ideal solution for offering a variety of snack and beverage options to individuals on the installation,” said Cummings.
Licea added that these types of initiatives are yet another way the installation is getting after readiness and supporting the warfighter.
“I think this is a fantastic thing to have in our barracks and it just shows once again why Fort Knox is, in my opinion, the destination of choice to be stationed at.”
