Eagle BELVOIR
Belvoir CDC students take fitness challenge, Page B1
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April 6, 2017
New commissary opens on Belvoir
Larger store meets LEED Silver standards By Adrienne Anderson Staff writer Excited shoppers stood in line on a cool morning last week to be the first to shop at the new Fort Belvoir Commissary, which had its grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony, March 30. The new commissary is next to the Exchange on Belvoir, not far from the now-closed old Belvoir Commissary. “Today and every day, it is our goal to make your shopping experience something you look forward to,” said Joseph H. Jeu, director and CEO of the Defense Commissary Agency. “It’s not enough to just have a new facility and low prices, it is our goal to provide you with great customer service.” The military grocery store, which meets LEED Silver standards, features 82,000 square feet of space, 30,000 more than the one it replaces, which was built in 1981. The store has 33 checkouts, including eight self-checkouts. The $30.8 million project also has a Living Well Corner, for more health-conscious shoppers, with more than 1,500 glutenfree, non-GMO (genetically modified organism) and organic foods. According to the DeCA, the store annually ranks tops in sales among all stores. Last year, sales exceeded
$87 million. The construction project was paid with surcharge funds on commissary shoppers’ grocery bill, and not tax dollars. The commissary serves a customer base of more than 250,000 within 20 miles of Belvoir. Donna Hill was one of many shoppers waiting to get into to shop. “It’s going to be more convenient,” she said. “I would rather come here than to go somewhere like a Whole Foods or Fresh Market if they’re in that same realm.” Although she shops at the commissary, she also visits off post grocery stores to see what they have. But, with the changes to the commissary to compete with other stores, she said she’d continue shopping on post. Another shopper, Madeleine Bogdanowicz, wanted to be there for the store’s grand opening and wasn’t disappointed. She said she was amazed by the commissary’s new look. “It’s so much bigger and better than the old one,” she said. Col. Angie Holbrook, U.S. Army Garrison Fort Belvoir commander, said Belvoir’s commissary is the topselling commissary and the largest in the country. Holbrook joked about the large, three-cart aisles that allow quick shoppers to get in and out, while not bothering shoppers who like to take
Photo by Paul Lara
Col. Angie Holbrook, Fort Belvoir Garrison commander; Meralie Ervin, Belvoir Commissary store administrator; and Joseph Jeu, Director and CEO, Defense Commissary Agency cut the ribbon to Belvoir’s new 82,000-square foot Commissary March 30. their time looking at items. “This is an amazing, state-ofthe-art facility and it’s just another reason to choose Belvoir,” Holbrook said. “This is how we make every day better.”
Officials sign SHARP proclamation By Adrienne Anderson Staff writer
Photo by Paul Lara
Ed Fair
The Soldier and Family Assistance Center hosts its Spring Education Fair Wed., 11 a.m., with the theme, “The True Purpose of Education is to make Minds, not Careers,” based on William Deresie. At least seven local college representatives and external education partners and support organizations are expected. Info is available by calling 571231-7018, or via e-mail to jd.j.carr. civ@mail.mil.
Play-Doh
Stand up to sexual harassment
Lt. Gen. Gwen Bingham, Assistant Chief of Staff for Installation Management, speaks at the SHARP Proclamation signing. Bingham said that sexual assault leaves invisible wounds that last a lifetime.
Up Front
Sexual assault and harassment victims suffer from invisible wounds that last a lifetime, said Lt. Gen. Gwen Bingham, assistant chief of staff for Installation Management, during the Sexual Assault and Harassment Prevention and Awareness Month proclamation signing. The event was hosted by Fort Belvoir’s Sexual Harassment/Assault Response Program. “We are here to defeat and eradicate sexual assault and sexual harassment, when and where it exists,” she said, adding that sexual assault and harassment pose asymmetrical threats to the military and harm readiness and trust. Bingham challenged the audience to stand up to sexual harassment and assault and not be an idle bystander, because it’s everyone’s responsibility. Over the past couple of years, the military has made many strides to reduce cases, including an increase of incidents reported and an overall decline of cases since 2010. Although most of the victims are women, Bingham noted that men are also victims. Continued on Page A12.
The Belvoir Exchange invites children ages 2 and older to a Play-Doh Kitchen Creations event at the Exchange, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Participants will get materials and instructions for them to craft their own unique Play-Doh Kitchen Creations in the Toyland area. For info, contact the Exchange, 703-806-5416.
Legal closings
Legal Assistance Office is closed April 13, from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The Legal Assistance and Tax offices are closed April 14 and resumes normal business hours at 8 a.m. April 17.
Easter Brunch
The historic Fort Belvoir O’ Club hosts an Easter Sunday Brunch Buffet, April 16 with two seating times available, 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. The brunch includes an allyou-can-eat buffet with champagne and mimosas. Reservations are required and can be made by visiting the O’ Club, 5500 Schulz Circle, or by calling 703-780-0930. The event costs $36.95 for members; $39.95 for non-members; $15.95 for children 6-12 years, and children 5 and younger are free.
Small, spiritual group forming
The Belvoir religious community is forming a Healing Care small group, to facilitate people’s journey to spiritual and emotional wellness and fulfillment. Interested people are asked to contact Chuck Harry, 703-9438188, charry6042@verizon.net.