New Base Supply Center offers one stop shopping Published Feb. 5, 2009 By Airman 1st Class David Dobrydney 45th SW Public Affairs PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The next time someone in your office needs Post-It notes or pushpins, you won't have to go off base to any local merchant. Located in Building 1392 near the Manatee Cove Golf Course, the newly opened Base Supply Center/Individual Equipment Element (BSC/IEE) provides items for both the office worker and deployer. Instrumental in bringing the center to Patrick were Chuck Hobbs from the 45th Contracting Squadron and Donna Wenzel from the 45th Logistics Readiness Flight, said Manager Jeff Young. The center is run by LC Industries, a company that has opened 29 such facilities. "I believe the primary benefit to the customer is the convenience of being able to get most anything they would need at one location," said Manager Jeff Young, "No longer does the customer have to shop at numerous locations or have to deal with extensive wait periods for online orders." At 8,000 square feet, the BSC maintains an inventory of 2,700 items in the store, with access to 650,000 more, including custom items such as coins. The store also maintains tactical items for deploying troops such as ABUs. Having opened in November, the number of customers at the BSC/IEE is steadily growing. "I would definitely encourage [base personnel] to stop by and see the store," said Mr. Young, "We are doing everything we can to provide our customers with a one-stop-shop facility." Indeed, the BSC already has many satisfied customers. "Not only are we supporting a great cause by shopping there, they have a nice inventory, it's convenient and the people working there go all out to be sure you are satisfied before you ever leave," said Greg Firkel, chief of Unit Readiness for the 45th Force Support Squadron. "The agreement to bring the LCI BSC/IEE store provides a win, win, win situation," said Gregory Harris, contract specialist for the 45th CONS. "This agreement provides the benefit of a customizable on-site inventory with available delivery, tailored to PAFB and CCAFS customers while employing legally blind citizens, and utilizing products from our federally required sources." 45th CONS Commander Col. John Gilmour agrees. "The partnership between Patrick AFB and the new [BSC] is an incredible success story... it gives the wing and mission partners a robust supply source for common and specialized items, and a phenomenal reach-back capability--in other words, it improves our supply chain management. And, since [the BSC] employs legally blind citizens, it fosters Patrick's socioeconomic commitments to the local community," said Colonel Gilmour.