Peterson, Misawa have top large commissaries Published June 13, 2006 FORT LEE, Va (AFPN) -- The commissary at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., has been selected by the Defense Commissary Agency as the top large commissary in the U.S. The commissary at Misawa Air Base, Japan, was selected as the top large store overseas. There were a total of 48 stores that received awards in this year's competition. Other categories of winners included Runner Up, Honorable Mention, and Noteworthy Performer. The complete list is available on the DeCA Web site. “These stores are star performers around the clock, day in and day out, delivering the benefit with benchmark style,” said Patrick Nixon, DeCA chief executive officer and acting director. “They met accountability in all departments; they held down unit cost while increasing sales and achieving high scores on customer surveys. Only 48 stores out of 268 worldwide excelled in these difficult performance criteria, so they all deserve our congratulations.” DeCA recently announced this year’s winners for its Best Commissary awards in five categories: Bill Nichols Award for best large commissary in the U.S.: Peterson Air Force Base, Colo. Richard M. Paget Award for best small commissary in the U.S.: The Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center, Picatinny Arsenal, N.J. Dan Daniel Award for the best large commissary overseas: Misawa Air Base, Japan L. Mendel Rivers Award for the best small commissary overseas: Garmisch, Germany Director’s Award, best superstore: Fort Lewis, Wash. The Defense Commissary Agency operates a worldwide chain of commissaries providing groceries to military personnel, retirees and their families in a safe and secure shopping environment. Authorized patrons purchase items at cost plus a 5-percent surcharge, which covers the costs of building new commissaries and modernizing existing ones. Shoppers save an average of 30 percent or more on their purchases compared to commercial prices – savings worth about $2,700 annually for a family of four. A core military family support element, and a valued part of military pay and benefits, commissaries contribute to family readiness, enhance the quality of life for America’s military and their families, and help recruit and retain the best and brightest men and women to serve their country.