An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Article Display

JB MDL improves the Quality of Life

  • Published
  • By Pascual Flores
  • Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  With new times, come new wants, changes and improvements. Such is the case for community members here at the joint base.

Undertaking the monumental task of providing quality of life and customer service for military members, civilians and their families, the Army and Air Force Exchange continues to support the base community with improvements from upscale merchandise to the quality of food served on the installation.

Approximately two-thirds of all Exchange earnings are paid to Army Morale, Welfare and Recreation and Air Force Service programs, distributing more than $2.4 billion for MWR quality-of-life improvements in the past 10 years. The 2014 local dividends distributed to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst was $514,707.

"We are currently undergoing a brand intensification program where we've been expanding the name brand offerings in our stores," said Mark Sheppard, Main Exchange manager. "We've added new name brands from the most popular designers, while expanding the presence of other nationally recognized brands to our toy area and Power Zone."

Other future significant improvements to the Exchange include a fitness-oriented section that combines fitness apparels, shoes and sporting goods in one area. Relocating the Military Clothing Store into the main Exchange complex is also under consideration.

Exchange projects and improvements are determined on different levels, some resulting from local Exchange leadership actions, while larger projects are typically planned at the Exchange headquarters level in coordination with vendors and local level input. 

"Each project or improvement is evaluated on its' impact and its potential to generate a return on the investment," said Sheppard. "Depending on the scope of a project, it may need to go before the Exchange Board of Directors for approval and then congressional approval."

In addition to the changes of venue in the Exchange, other quality-of-life improvements currently occurring are an upgrade of the Food Court, replacing underperforming brands with new concepts.

"The Exchange has made significant investments in improving the dining options on the joint base with upgrades in the Food Court," said Sheppard. "Two new concepts have recently opened and a third will open in January, we have also opened a new eatery at the McGuire Express."

"The new dining establishments bring to the base community a variety of healthier food alternatives providing well-balanced meals suitable for the entire family," added Sheppard.

In June 2015, the Navy Exchange, located on the Navy Support Activity-Lakehurst, at the cost of approximately $1 million, celebrated its' grand reopening after completing extensive renovation - the first since it opened in 1979. Scheduled for the end of January is the Rickenbacker's III grand opening, a new bistro-type concession.

"We are determined to build an unrivaled customer service across all aspects of the base for our service members and their families," said Lt. Col. Matthew Wadd, 87th Mission Support Group, deputy commander.