A soldier wearing an Army sweatshirt recently walked into Gilchrist Auto Center.

Within moments he met Jack Knapp, a sales consultant.

"He thanked me for my service," said the soldier, who did not wish to be identified. "I didn't expect that; I expected him to try and sell me a truck.  He didn't.  He just thanked me and walked back into his office."

When asked about this, Knapp smiled and said that he respects the service of the area's soldiers and airmen.

"On par, military members are good people. I respect that," he said.

Located at 6014 South Tacoma Way, Gilchrist Auto Center has been in business since 1927.  It offers its customers the finest in Buick, GMC and Chevrolet automobiles, products and service.

In marketing its products to area service members, Gilchrist Auto Center offers soldiers and airmen discounts.

"Depending on what GMC is doing, we do what we can to offer discounts on the new vehicles we're getting in," explained Jim Kemp, commercial manager.

Like Knapp, Kemp is an outgoing person who respects the military and its mission.  He is sincere in wanting to help young service members.

"We are creative in helping soldiers into a new car."

In order to do that, the dealership's well trained and highly experienced sales staff works well together.

"Most everyone here has over 20 years of experience," said Kemp. "And a lot of these guys here served in the military. They know what it is like to be young and looking to become established."

The soldier who had walked in earlier appeared to be satisfied with the answers he received from Knapp.

"This is a good place to come if you're in the market for a car," he said. "I would recommend this dealership to anyone."

For more information about Gilchrist Auto Center, visit www.gilchristchevrolet.com or call (253) 474-0645 (Buick) or (253) 472-3311 (Chevrolet).