Items made in the U.S.A. important to new store owners

Even though the doors are open, Saturday’s high winds kept General Issue USA from having its sign installed at Pahrump Junction shopping center. The actual address is 150 S. Highway 160, C 4 A, between the smoke shop and the jewelry store. General Issue USA will hold a Grand Opening May 1, with or without the sign.

Owners Cindi and George Vroenen have lived in Pahrump since 2000, but have been traveling two-and-a-half hours to their original store in Barstow, Calif. every day. Cindi said the store, which specializes in everything military, has so many customers from Pahrump already getting special orders from the Barstow store, the couple finally decided to open a second location here. The original Barstow location has been open for 13 years and still is.

“We’ve had friends here for years and have always loved it here.

George is an engineer, now an “artistic engineer,” as Cindi puts it. She has been in the retail business since 1974. General Issue prides itself on the inventory of Made in America items. Cindi said, “Who wants to purchase a piece of American memorabilia from an American conflict and have it say ‘made in China?’”

The store stocks a vast array of items such as lapel and hat pins for every branch of the service, unusual caps, flags, belt buckles, jewelry, magnetic emblems for cars, and all kinds of items which are 2nd Amendment friendly — lighters, badges, knives — the list goes on.

The store is unique and Cindi said, “It’s a lot of work finding those items or finding an American source to make what we want. Some things wouldn’t be available at all if we didn’t.”

Part of the solution has been in-store customizing. “We etch glass, engrave, custom make anything in vinyl and magnetic signs for vehicles. We can customize anything. Just ask.” She said even with no sign, General Issue has already been taking custom orders for group badges and other items.

You can have your glass, metal and vinyl items customized in other places but we can do it while you wait for single items and have a fast turnaround on bulk items. The store will customize unusual gifts such as wedding photos and birth announcements.

The store carries unusual hair ornaments for the ladies and leather wallets and chains. There are some Native American items as well and genuine stones are used in some of the jewelry and the rosaries.

The hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday and the Vroenens will celebrate the month of May with drawings and giveaways.