Talent part of the job for AAFES' general manager

Rick Mora is no stranger to the Army, or to an audience that appreciates good music. That's why he's more than happy to lend his voice and guitar to servicemembers wherever he goes.

A member of AAFES for 30 years, Mora has been general manager of Fort Belvoir's AAFES PX since early last year.

A self-taught musician, he's been playing guitar for nearly three decades and has performed at military ceremonies at almost every one of his stops during his career, which
includes a six-month tour at Camp Victory in Baghdad, Iraq.

Last year, Mora was asked to perform at both farewell ceremonies for outgoing installation commander, Col. Brian Lauritzen, and Command Sgt. Maj. Tracey Anbiya.
According to him, it's a privilege serving the military and, if a song or two is all a Soldier wants, then he's honored to oblige.

"I was born outside Fort Lee and grew up around the military. My father was a retired command sergeant major, so I'm aware of the sacrifices these men and women make during their lives,"Mora said. "I'm flattered when asked to play. I just hope to put on a good show and create a nice memory for that individual. Soldiers do so much for people like me. It's the least I can do for them."

Though he's dabbled in bands over the years, Mora is for the most part a solo artist. When performing for the military, he said he will do songs tailored to the individual he's honoring at the time. At Lauritzen's request, Mora performed "As good as I once was"by Toby Keith. For Anbiya, it was "Ain't no Sunshine"by Bill Withers.

"What I try to do is tweak the original lyrics with my own words. That way it will fit for whomever I'm dedicating the song to,"Mora said. "It's a lot of fun and the response has been positive from those who have seen me play. That means a lot to me."

Mora has written material and has considered recording a CD of his own down the road. However, he admits that takes a backseat to his responsibilities at AAFES. As one of the leading exchanges in the eastern region, Mora is expecting many more highlights in 2009. This spring, he said the installation will break ground on a new shopette at the
corner of Gunston Road and 12th Street.

Along with a new Burger King, he said the facility will include a gas station equipped with the latest gasoline dispensing technology. He added that Belvoir's North Post PX will also see interior upgrades, such as new carpeting, flooring and an expanded shoe department.

"It's been a process, but with the help of our Directorate of Public Works and master planning, we should be ready to go with our new shopette mid-2009.

"We're also working on plans for a new complex that would consolidate the Home and Garden Center with our Military Clothing Sales Store. That's scheduled for 2010,"Mora
said. "Our focus at AAFES has and will always be about bringing the best services to our community. With everything going on around the installation, there's never a dull moment at Belvoir. That's for sure."

A resident of Manassas, Mora noted he's "incredibly blessed"to be working alongside such a dedicated staff, which he estimates at around 360 people. With such an excellent network of support around him, Mora said it's professionally and personally rewarding to continue serving his country the best way he knows how.

With that in mind, as his favorite band The Eagles once sang, it's "Business as Usual"for this talented general manager.