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Thursday, September 1, 2005
Soldiers thrilled at new PX
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Camp Striker, Iraq — It might have been the biggest thing here sincethe invention of the Humvee.
A new PX opened here this week to the joy of soldiers of the Georgia Army National Guard’s 48th Brigade Combat Team, a majority of whom are stationed at Camp Striker.
In what was formerly a tent that housed the brigade’s tactical operations center, the new PX was a popular place to visit this week.
The old post exchange was housed in a small and hot tent. Beyond your standard beef jerkies, wet wipes and pretty basic Army gear, it didn’t offer the kinds of goods soldiers wanted. Instead, most of them went onshopping sprees to nearby Camp Liberty, which boasts a huge shopping plaza.
Compared to the convenience-store feel of the old PX, the new one is more like a mini Wal-Mart. It offers a wider variety of toiletries, clothing, housewares and all-important snacks from Pringles to imported Scottish shortbread cookies. There’s also a hot dog and slushy stand.
Two small private stalls near operated by Indians sell 22-karat gold jewelry and other souvenirs for those soldiers in search of gifts for family and friends � or themselves.
The new PX was supposed to have set up for business almost a month ago and Georgia soldiers had been waiting eagerly for the grand opening.
“This is great,” said Staff Sgt. Jason Howland of Temple. “It’s much better than the old one.”
Howland went shopping with friend Capt. Thomas Meeks after lunch on Wednesday. Both are full-time Guard employees in Atlanta.
Meeks was checking out a backpack to take home with him.
“This saves me a trip to Liberty,” he said.
