Guard members flock to 190th case-lot sale

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Angela Brees
  • 190th ARW Public Affairs
Parking was a commodity at the Joint Forces Headquarters' Nickell Memorial Amory Aug. 6-7 as Kansas Army and Air National Guard members and their families strolled into the building's gym for an Army and Air Force Exchange Service and Defense Commissary Agency case-lot sale.

The 90-degree weather outside and mid-80s temperature inside didn't appear to bother the shoppers, who were walking leisurely through the make-shift aisles. Items up for sale included fitness and athletic gear, vacuum cleaners, kitchen wares, gaming systems, food items and even flat screen televisions.

Sponsored by the 190th Air Refueling Wing out of Forbes Field in Topeka, AAFES and DeCA sold $48,000 worth of commissary and military exchange items.

"I think it's a great benefit for Guard families to have this here," said Army Lt. Col. Anthony Randall, Kansas Medical Detachment, who was shopping with his wife on Saturday. "It can be difficult to get to McConnell Air Force Base or out to Fort Riley, so it's great having this so close."

"Another benefit - no sales tax," he added with a laugh.

Army Master Sgt. Paul Swanson from Joint Force Headquarters and his wife Jodi also popped in on Saturday to check out the deals.

"We can't go home empty handed," Jodi said with smile.

The 190th Family Readiness Group organized the event this year. Captain Joe Blubaugh, 190th Public Affairs, and Master Sgt. Tammy Wellsswitzer, Joint Forces Headquarters, took the lead on this year's event.

This is the second case-lot sale organized by the 190th. The first case-lot sale was at Forbes in October 2010 and brought in $18,145 in sales for AAFES. This year, AFFES from Fort Riley and DeCA from Fort Leavenworth traveled to the Armory to set up shop.

"One of the many benefits of being in the military is the tax-free savings through the commissary and exchange. Unfortunately, those services aren't available in the Topeka area," said Adrienne Dickey, who was recently appointed as the 190th Airman and Family Readiness manager.

"But this is a great program that allows us to bring these savings to the members and their families at least once per year," she continued.