Camp Bondsteel Exchange Celebrates 25th Anniversary Amid NATO Mission’s Milestone
Camp Bondsteel marked a significant milestone this summer as it commemorated 25 years since its establishment in Kosovo. Nestled amid the serene landscapes of the Balkans, Camp Bondsteel has stood as a symbol of resilience and commitment, providing crucial support to the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR) mission.
The installation hosted a celebration that included a visit from the President of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani-Sadriu, and ended with a fireworks display.
The Exchange, which has been an integral part of Camp Bondsteel since its inception, brought in more than 20 vendors for the event, featuring Thai food, local chocolates, traditional pastries and breads, fresh fruits, handmade pottery, traditional Albanian clothing, woodcarvings, baskets, tablecloths and more. The concessionaire fair proved to be a highlight not only for the attendees but the vendors as well, many of whom had never been on the installation before.
In this 1999 photo, customers line up at the then-new retail store at Camp Bondsteel.
Osmani-Sadriu toured the PX, food court and concession booths, along with Area Support Group-Balkans Commander Col. Terry Saul and Regional Command-East Commander Col. Jason Baker.
“The PX here used to be a in a trailer that could barely keep up with the demand, but we were there for the troops,” said George Ricker, Exchange Balkans general manager. “Twenty-five years later, we’re still here and have just about everything service members need or want to feel at home.”
In addition to its retail store, the Camp Bondsteel Exchange operates a Subway, Burger King and Taco Bell, as well as pizza, kebab and coffee vendors. A barber shop; salon, dry cleaners and alterations; telecom services; massage service; antiques shop; musical instrument shop; and more are offered too.
A view of the Camp Bondsteel Exchange in 2024.
“It is a pleasure and an honor to serve for 25 years to the Soldiers and all Americans who serve here in Kosovo,” said Teuta Demaj, a cashier at the Bondsteel Exchange. “I thank everyone for their contribution and [and for working] tirelessly for peace and security for a better Kosovo for all of us who live here.”
Many of the associates have been with the Exchange since the beginning.
“During these 25 years that I have been working for the Exchange, I have been very pleased to serve the troops of the United States Army to whom we are thankful and always grateful for the treatment they have shown us,” said Logistics Assistant Xhevat Tahiri. “I hope to still serve them as long as my health allows.”
Bondsteel Exchange associates share Demaj and Tahiri’s loyalty and enthusiasm for the work they do. In 2020, command restricted access to the installation during the COVID-19 pandemic, which nearly shut down all Exchange services, as they are staffed entirely by other-country nationals (OCNs). But 14 OCNs stepped up and offered to live full-time on the installation to keep service to the troops running.
“That really captures the heart our associates have for the military here,” Ricker said. “The Soldiers see that and are truly grateful for the way the Exchange is here for them.”
An exterior shot of the modern-day Camp Bondsteel food court. Along with Burger King and Taco Bell, the food court also includes a Subway s well as pizza, kebab and coffee vendors.
The 25th anniversary ceremony also recognized the enduring partnership between the Exchange and KFOR, showcasing how their collaboration has contributed to the mission’s success over the years. Despite the challenges posed over 2 1/2 decades, the Exchange continued to operate, adapting to new norms while ensuring the safety and well-being of service members.
As Camp Bondsteel celebrates its 25th anniversary alongside KFOR’s quarter-century commitment to Kosovo, the occasion serves as a reminder of NATO’s enduring presence in the Western Balkans. Looking ahead, both Camp Bondsteel and the Exchange remain steadfast in their support of KFOR’s mission, reaffirming their dedication to peace, security and stability in the region.
Camp Bondsteel Exchange associate Betim Hasani (back to camera) is greeted by Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani-Sadriu, who attended the Camp Bondsteel Exchange’s 25th anniversary celebration. Osmani-Sadriu toured the PX, food court and concession booths, along with Area Support Group-Balkans Commander Col. Terry Saul and Regional Command-East Commander Col. Jason Baker.
Great news! I was honored 25 years ago to be the first food guy and with the help of Europe Region Brenda Morgan we opened the Burger King bus hiring 25 local nationals and training them. A testament to AAFES we go where you go, especially that the entire military community from Bamberg Germany deployed where I was BK manager
I just loved the local vendors being brought in with all the food, clothing and other diverse items!