New Base Supply Center Open for Business

By Kyle Gregg, Executive Director, Alabama Industries for the Blind

Charissa Archield, Manager, Base Supply Center, Anniston Army Depot at the newly opened store.

Alabama Industries for the Blind (AIB) is proud to announce its fifth Base Supply Center, which opened at the Anniston Army Depot. AIB, a division of Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind (AIDB) opened the new center in April. With this Base Supply Center, AIB is supporting a community designated as a Center of Industrial and Technical Excellence for combat vehicles, assault bridging, artillery, small caliber weapons and locomotives, rail equipment and non-tactical generators.

“The Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind is pleased to become partners with the Anniston Army Depot through our AbilityOne Base Supply Store,” said John Mascia, Au.D., President, AIDB. “Last year, we employed 172 adults who are blind or visually impaired through the Alabama Industries for the Blind – individuals who proudly tell anyone who will listen that they are supporting the U.S. military every day when they come to work.”

AIB is one of nearly 500 agencies nationwide that participates in the AbilityOne Program. AbilityOne provides employment opportunities to over 40,000 people who are blind or have significant disabilities. It operates over 150 Base Supply Centers on many military installations and some additional supply stores in federal buildings. These convenient locations provide shopping and delivery options in-store, over the phone, and online. A wide range of products are offered to support the needs of the local community.

“As someone who became visually impaired as an adult, I am thankful for the opportunities available through Alabama Industries for the Blind,” said Charissa Archield, Manager, Base Supply Center, Anniston Army Depot. “I am very grateful that my journey with AIB has led me to become the store manager in Anniston.”

AIB is proud to continue the tradition of serving our nation’s soldiers while demonstrating the limitless ability of our team members who are blind or visually impaired. “AIDB believes in the limitless potential of our students and consumers,” Mascia said. “We look forward to a future of limitless opportunities and service with the Anniston Army Depot through our AbilityOne Base Supply Store.”