CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Members of the 27th Special Operations Wing, Army and Air Force Exchange Services representatives and Starbucks officials gathered for the ribbon cutting ceremony at the grand opening of Starbucks, here Nov. 20.
Team Cannon had the privilege of hosting Starbucks representatives, who spoke of the honor and appreciation they felt bringing their company to the installation.
“This is our community now and we are so happy to be a part of it,” said Derrick Pratt, Starbucks regional vice president. “When I think about our Starbucks mission, it represents so much more than coffee; it is about inspiring and nurturing the human spirit - one person, one cup, one neighborhood at a time.”
Starbucks, a company known for its partnership with active duty members and veterans, was a project that the Quality of Life Council undertook and pushed to deliver as quickly as possible for Cannon’s Air Commandos and their families.
“The Cannon Starbucks is the 57th in the AAFES inventory, and has added 19 jobs to this community that includes 2 veterans, 13 military family members and 4 civilians,” said Ken Brunington, senior vice president exchange western region. “We are humbled to continue serving those who preserve our freedom on a day-to-day basis and give their lives to help us enjoy what we do here in America.”
While the primary initiative of Cannon and Air Force Special Operations Command is carrying out the mission, creating an ever enhancing quality of life is of the upmost importance to wing leadership.
“We are extremely proud of this,” said Col. Tony Bauernfeind, 27th Special Operations Wing commander. “As we continue to push this installation daily to make it better for our Air Commandos and their families, it is things like opening a Starbucks that truly improve our quality of life.”
The opening of Starbucks has been patiently awaited by members of Team Cannon, and it is a huge testament to those who work tirelessly to create an environment in which Air Commandos and their families can thrive.
“At the end of the day, it is about the mission, but if we have great quality of life for our folks perpetuating that mission, it makes what we are capable of accomplishing that much greater” said Bauernfeind. “I see this as a huge victory for everyone in our Cannon community. Thank you to our senior leaders, our AAFES teammates and our new Starbucks partners who helped us win this victory.”
Editors’ Note: Visit the 27th Special Operations Wing Facebook page for additional photos from this event.