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New Exchange opens

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Daryl Knee
  • 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany --  

 Spangdahlem's new Exchange officially opened Nov. 2 after a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Construction began in October 2010 for the $30 million, 112,000 square foot facility, which replaces the previous 15,446 square foot Exchange.

It is a fabulous day to be an Airman shopper in the Eifel as another world-class facility opens, said U.S. Air Force Col. David Julazadeh, 52nd Fighter Wing commander. The new facility aims to enhance the quality of life of the Spangdahlem community for years to come.

The Exchange now offers a consolidated shopping experience that includes the main retail store, a flower shop, military clothing sales, alterations and dry cleaning services, a barber shop, a food court and various concessionaires.

"The convenience of having everything here in one area really brings back a feeling of home," said U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Jeffrey Russell, 52nd Comptroller Squadron and native of West Palm Beach, Fla. "The new Exchange gives you the sense that you have a piece of America here with you, even in this overseas location."

Base leadership expects the Exchange to generate $2.4 million in revenue per month, roughly $29 million a year, with some of the proceeds going back into the Spangdahlem community. Additionally, the Exchange combines five separate facilities into one building, reducing the energy cost required to run those five separate buildings and advancing the 52nd FW's goal of becoming the most environmentally friendly wing in U.S. Air Forces in Europe.

Julazadeh also said that both base and Exchange leaders have a laser focus on the quality of life in the Eifel region, and the holiday season is the perfect time for a grand opening.

"It's really nice -- even just the selection of office supplies," said Heather Klabunde, 52nd Force Support Squadron and native of Grand Forks, N.D. "[The updated Exchange] was a long time coming as the old one couldn't quite keep up with demand. I'm really glad it's finally here."

As the ribbon-cutting ceremony ended, shoppers could walk through the store, taste food samples and submit their names for prize drawings.

"Please enjoy your world-class Exchange," Julazadeh said. "Let's shop."
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