LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The Defense Commissary Agency began its 150th year anniversary July 1.
To observe this birthday, Laughlin’s commissary staff handed out free cake and reduced its store prices on food and household goods. Ruben Gomez, the commissary officer, managed this celebration.
“We want to show our appreciation, but the proper words don’t come out,” said Gomez. “We show our gratitude better through our actions and savings.”
This celebration does not end with Saturday’s festivities, but will continue throughout the year.
“It’s about showing our appreciation for what Laughlin does for us and our country,” said Gomez. “It’s about the Airmen being here [to help] us celebrate 150 years.”
Showing gratitude for both active duty, retired service members and their families is one thing that Laughlin’s management reiterates to its employees.
Employees like Roberto Rodriguez, Commissary cashier and Army veteran, take pride in the opportunity to give back to their military community through an agency that had a direct impact on their personal matriculation as a member of the armed forces.
“Cost effectiveness for our Airmen is really what it comes down to,” said Rodriguez. “I remember being an E-1 and an E-2 in the Army and not having any money and [shopping here] is more convenient than driving to Del Rio, which is not a long drive, but it certainly adds up.”
The Laughlin commissary, built in 1953, provides a convenient location for the base community to buy groceries, as well as, creates jobs for veterans and community members in Del Rio.