March Air Reserve Bases exchange closing its doors permanently NBC Los Angeles [Video]

The March Air Reserve Base in Riverside will soon lose its only military exchange, a vital cost-saving solution for thousands of veterans in the Inland Empire. 

The exchange, which has been operating for over 50 years, is scheduled to close its doors on Aug. 31.

Known as the BX (Base Exchange) to many, this 86,000-square-foot facility was seen by some veterans as “a hidden gem,” offering tax-free shopping and military-exclusive pricing on a wide range of goods. 

The closure will impact an estimated 100,000 veterans who rely on the exchange for discounted groceries and supplies.

“I feel like this is a tragedy for many of us,” Army veteran Damien Harris said. “This is the closest one in Riverside County.” 

Harris mentioned that “the other one is in Oceanside or 29 Palms or Pendleton,” significantly farther for many Inland Empire veterans. “It will be very difficult.”

Veteran Robert Wengen, who says …