Keesler AFB Exchange Opens New Retail Space for Troops

The Keesler Air Force Base Exchange moved its Gulfport Air National Guard troop store into a renovated space, giving Airmen and trainees transitioning through the Gulfport Combat Readiness Training Center a new and upgraded shopping experience.

Combat Readiness Training Center Commander Col. Jeff Kirby joined Exchange leaders to cut the ribbon on the repurposed building in March. More than 100 shoppers visited the new store, which offers food, health and beauty products, sports nutrition and more.

“We requested this space years ago since our previous troop store could only function with one register due to the limits on electricity,” said Keesler AFB Exchange General Manager Madeline Salazar. “With the fluctuation of different training groups, we’d have a line wrapped around the other building because we couldn’t accommodate the volume of troops and their shopping needs.”

Exchange leaders and the Gulfport Air National Guard Commander cut the ribbon on a renovated space that gives Airmen and trainees transitioning through the Gulfport Combat Readiness Training Center an upgraded shopping experience. From left: Keesler Air Force Base Exchange General Manager Madeline Salazar, Facility Manager Edward Jester, Gulfport Air National Guard Commander Col. Robert Kirby and Gulfport ANG Supervisor Kathleen Smith.

Combat Readiness Training Center Command leadership oversaw the renovation of the space, which is more than 2,000 square feet and 23% larger than the previous location. The Gulfport ANG and CRTC community can shop an assortment of necessities with one associate-manned cash register. Command worked with Salazar’s team to design the new layout to fit the needs of the community.

“We told them how we wanted the floor and walls to look, and they made it happen,” Salazar said. “It’s bigger, better and branded with a larger assortment for all of the service members.”

This store will elevate into a modern shopping experience with a new self-checkout station in May 2023.

“The troops have been so happy since we opened the new store,” Salazar said. “We’re always looking to give our customers the best, and now we can do so.”