At approximately 1:30 p.m., on March 24, 2020, Col. Devin Pepper, 460th Space Wing commander, authorized use of the Base Exchange and Commissary to mission essential Department of Defense civilians and contractor employees assigned to the installation. The Assistant Secretary of Defense for Manpower and Reserve Affairs granted this temporary authority to installation commanders in response to COVID-19.
The authorization is effective immediately and will last until the declaration of the Public Health Emergency is lifted. This authorization is intended to provide mission essential personnel another option to get necessary grocery items when it’s impractical to do so from civilian sources. The purchase of uniform items, state tax-free tobacco and alcoholic beverage products is prohibited for the above-referenced patrons. Additionally, the Base Exchange and Commissary will reserve their first hour of operations exclusively for mission essential Active Duty, Guard, Reserve, their dependents, and mission essential DoD Civilians and contractors.
“I am pleased to authorize these essential services to our DoD civilians and contractors,” said Pepper. “These individuals work alongside us performing a critical mission every day and play a vital role in protecting our national security.”
Buckley AFB is taking all necessary precautions to avoid the spread of COVID-19 on the installation. Pepper declared a public health emergency on March 17 for Buckley AFB, limiting duty to mission and service essential personnel. The base remains in Health Protection Condition (HPCON) Bravo to reflect the moderate disease threat posed by COVID-19 and limit the risk of exposure to personnel.
Team Buckley members who are feeling ill during duty hours are encouraged to contact the Buckley AFB clinic at 720-847-9355 for specific guidance on how to proceed. If members are feeling ill after duty hours, they can contact the nurse advice line at 800-874-2273 for further direction. Tricare beneficiaries can also visit https://www.tricare.mil/coronavirus for more information.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Colorado Department of Public Health and Team Buckley are continuing to track the ongoing COVID-19 situation.
For the latest information on COVID-19, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Department of Defense Coronavirus websites at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus and https://www.defense.gov/Explore/Spotlight/Coronavirus/. For updates and information specific to Buckley AFB please visit the base Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BuckleyAirForceBase and the base website at www.buckley.af.mil/COVID-19/.