Changes for Spangdahlem Commissary Published Aug. 18, 2008 By Senior Airman Lana Mills 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- The Defense Commissary Agency is right on point with their new slogan, "it's worth the trip" and the commissary at Spangdahlem Air Base is proving this. Over the past few months there have been a few changes to better cater to the military community's needs. The commissary is now open from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Friday. "I think where it's really going to pay off is once school starts," Jeff Rose, Spangdahlem Commissary Director, said. "Moms and dads dropping kids off at school or daycare can get in here and do some shopping a little bit earlier than they used to. Base workers getting off early in the morning don't have to wait till ten o'clock. They can come when their shift ends and get their shopping done." Mr. Rose said the commissary also added about 300 new items to stock selection and are looking for popular items to meet the community demands at Spangdahlem. This prevents the drive that many airmen were taking to Bitburg for specific commissary items. Mr. Rose also gave us a glimpse of some future plans that are in the works. "We've got a lot of great things happening," he said. "One problem that we do have that I think the community is aware of, is space. We are looking at expanding and that's our big goal. We're scheduled for a new commissary to start being built in about two years." The commissary will also be adding a new salad bar, translations for German items and a customer information center, complete with coupons and information on sales and events. These are just some examples of how DeCA is always looking for better ways to serve the military community. "The best job that we can do -- product selection, quality product, fresh produce, great selection of meats ... all of these things let the military community know that we're here to support them and provide outstanding products, great customer service and build that loyal customer base," Mr. Rose said. "They really are the most deserving customers out there. So, we're proud of that effort."