Quarter of a century sacking groceries

  • Published
  • By Mr. Sonic Johnson
  • 14th Flying Training Wing
COLUMBUS AFB, Miss. --  
Columbus' head bagger is marking her 25th year loading groceries for Columbus Air Force Base commissary patrons. Bea Desmidt started bagging groceries for customers in 1984 when the current Commissary facility just opened.
Desmidt attributes having a steady, yet flexible job hours is why she has remained so long. She also adds that she has enjoys meeting the interesting people that come through the commissary. You get to know some of them real well and you look forward to seeing them.
In addition to sacking groceries, she also hires, disciplines and terminates the team of baggers. "Most folks do not realize we do not work for the commissary," mentions Desmidt. "We are a no-cost independent contractor that only receives revenue through tips from customers." With the help of four assistant head baggers, Desmidt also blends the schedules of the 42 baggers currently on the roles.
One of her assistant baggers, Zack Bailey, has been helping make the paper or plastic decision for nearly three years. "As a full time student at East Mississippi Community College, this job allows me to carry a full, flexible class load and still earn money for my college expenses," adds Bailey. "Along with the flexible schedule, I really enjoy meeting the interesting and loyal commissary customers." Desmidt adds that all but a few of the baggers are in college and are working to cover their college expenses.
Desmidt tries to keep her finger on the pulse of that important customer service end of the facility. "Although they are not employees of the Commissary, they perform a vital part of our operation," remarks La Vida Nethercutt, Assistant Store Director of the Columbus AFB facility. "They are the last people to speak to our patrons before they leave the store." She also added that many patrons are under the misconception the surcharge pays for the baggers. "The commissary surcharge pay for bags, supplies such as the meat trays in the butcher shop and fund facility renovations and upgrades," added Nethercutt. She also encourages patrons to either bring in their own bags or choose paper bags as the costs of plastic bags are significantly higher than paper.
So that begs the questions, what should one tip a bagger? Most baggers report that the average tip ranges from $2 - $5 a trip. Some schools of thought use .25 cents per bag. But both Desmidt and Commissary official point out, tipping is a patron option and remains a reward for service. This should also include the large purchases for organization picnics and snack areas.
Desmidt has seen quite a few changes in her 2 ½ decades in the bagger lanes. There are less active duty patrons as the BLAZE teams converted many uniformed functions to civilian or civilian contract positions. The infusion of technology, like the self-service registers is another change she has seen recently. "We went from nine cashiers to five with the new self-service, self-checkout lanes," adds Desmidt.
The head bagger is also a good source of best times to shop. While the times vary, especially during holiday periods, Desmidt notes the slowest times currently are Wednesdays after 3:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturdays from 9-11 a.m.
Most baggers are motivated and serious about the service they provide to customers, but sometimes problems do arise. Desmidt points out the head bagger or one of her four assistants, Ryan Putnam, Zack Bailey, Dennis Oliver and Amanda Putnam will usually be in the first Express lane. "If a customer has a complaint, see one of us and we will investigate the complaint, and if required, the appropriate disciplinary action," edifies Desmidt. "They may also speak with the Commissary Front End manager, Mr. Larry Dean. Every bagger wears a button with their identifying number on it. The bagger number is also on your cash register receipt.
To become a bagger, an applicant must be at least 16 years of age, have a military I.D. card and contact Desmidt to apply. In addition, priority is given to hiring active duty military personnel.
"Dealing with cold, rainy inclement weather is a down side of the job," remarks Assistant Bagger Zack Bailey. "But just like the mailman, we are always there!"