Service with a smile Published Dec. 7, 2006 By Kelly Twedell Staff writer POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- Need a lift in the morning? Stop into The Coffee Factory, located inside the 43rd Mission Support Group building. The aroma of coffee beans and the whistling sound of milk being steamed will awaken your senses. Base employee Valeria Royster has been running The Coffee Factory for nearly a year. "Interacting and dealing with people is my favorite part of this job," said Ms. Royster. The coffee shop is open daily from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. and serves much more than your average cup of Joe. Ms. Royster said that the most popular drinks right now are mocha lattes, Italian sodas and smoothies. In the spirit of Fall and to welcome the brisk weather, I ordered a hot chocolate made with steamed milk, topped off with whipped cream. It was delicious and not too sweet - perfect to get me through the end of the day. Beginning this week, soups, salads and sandwiches will be featured on the menu. Ms. Royster's career background as a cook will aid in the shop's new venture to serve a daily lunch. This best kept secret will not be such for long once the word gets out. Mondays are a "double stamp day," so visitors will get credit for ordering two beverages when ordering one. Once customers get 13 stamps, they get a free house beverage. Also, visitors can enter into a weekly drawing for coffee. Ms. Royster enjoys listening to her favorite music in her cheerful work environment. In the evenings she challenges herself and continues her education by learning sign language.