Fort Detrick PX Installs First 24/7 Self-Service Market
Service members living in the barracks on Fort Detrick, Maryland, now have a new option for a quick meal or drink—and it’s right down the hall.
The Fort Detrick Exchange opened the installation’s first 24/7 self-service market inside the barracks, offering round-the-clock access to food and drinks.
“The store makes life a little easier for Soldiers,” said Fort Detrick Exchange General Manager Jerry Shugart. “By putting a 24/7 self-service market right where they live, we’re giving them access to fresh, healthy choices close at hand.”
Command Sgt. Maj. Erick Detrich joined Shugart and Exchange Service Business Manager Scott Brintnall in a ribbon-cutting Aug. 14.
“Fort Detrick is a relatively small installation with a small housing and barracks population compared to larger installations,” Detrich said. “It lacks the usual 24-hour services while our service members’ mission supports our nation 24/7. This is a big step in the right direction toward improving the quality of life for our Fort Detrick community.”
The markets are an important Quality-of-Life improvement for Fort Detrick, especially for service members who can’t make traditional dining hours.
“It is really before and after their duty hours that they’ll be using the market,” Brintnall said.
To ensure Soldiers’ needs can be met, Brintnall said the team is exploring potential changes to the assortment.
“We’ve already talked about changing the assortment up to have more breakfast and late-night food options,” Brintnall said. “We want to make sure we can cater to the Soldiers.”
The market features a wide assortment of better-for-you options, including sandwiches, protein bars and shakes, as well as other snacks and beverages such as coffee and juices.
Brintnall said the market will lead to Quality-of-Life improvements in the barracks.
“Now they’ll have an area to come in and grab a late-night snack or something on the way back to their barracks,” Brintnall said.
Brintnall said former Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Dills was a key player in getting the market plans started.
“Command Sgt. Maj. Dills was very instrumental in getting this moved along,” Brintnall said. “It has been one that has taken a bit to get into place.”
Command Sgt. Maj. Detrich said he and Garrison Commander Col. Christopher Chung will continue pushing for improvements.
“I am glad that I could continue the work that former Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Dills started and collaborate with our [Exchange] partners to push this to the finish line,” Detrich said. “The garrison commander and I plan to keep pushing forward on Quality-of-Life initiatives.”
The Fort Detrick Exchange is already planning another 24/7 self-service market, which is expected to open in the next few weeks.
From left: USConnect VP National Account Sales NE Region Laurie Appugliese, Fort Detrick Command Sgt. Maj. Erick Detrich and
Exchange Services Business Manager Scott Brintnall celebrate the opening of a 24/7 self-service market at Fort Detrick.
