31 Flavors of Home Come to Troops in Iraq DALLAS – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) opened its first Baskin-Robbins in Operation Iraqi Freedom, May 18, 2005 (photos available upon request). The ice cream specialty store at LSA Anaconda, located in AAFES’ only 35 mm movie theater in Iraq, is a welcome treat to service members and makes going to the movies in a war zone feel just a little more like home. The first customer through the line was Lance Cpl. Joseph Bullen who said, “It reminds me of being back home to just hang out and have an ice cream.” While eating ice cream in 100-degree temperatures is a great break for service members, getting it to Iraq is not that easy. The ice cream served at the “Sustainer” Reel Time theater is made at AAFES’ Gruenstadt Ice Cream Plant in Germany and shipped to Iraq in refrigerated trucks via Turkey. “The Baskin-Robbins outlet, like the Reel Time theater refreshment stand, is supported out of our AAFES warehouses in Germany,” said Terry McCoy, food and theater program specialist for Operation Iraqi Freedom. The most popular orders at the Iraq Baskin-Robbins are for two-scoop sundaes and milkshakes. “It’s hard to believe you’re getting ice cream in Iraq,” commented Spc. Jason Albrecht. “It’s definitely a taste of home.” The first AAFES-operated Baskin-Robbins opened at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. in 1975. AAFES currently operates 65 Baskin-Robbins and has 41 additional co-branded locations featuring a limited Baskin-Robbins menu. The Baskin-Robbins at LSA Anaconda is AAFES’ 35th name brand fast food facility in Operation Iraqi Freedom. “AAFES plans to open another 17 name brand fast food restaurants in Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom, such as Popeyes, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut, by the end of July 2005,” said Butch Freed, director of Food Programs for AAFES’ Food and Theater Operations. “If this Baskin-Robbins is any indication, they will be welcome.” -- 30 -- Home
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