OCTOBER 2, 2024 – The Department of Defense’s largest military exchange, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service, is moving out to support troops and families at Fort Eisenhower after Hurricane Helene.
A mobile field exchange (MFE), a retail store in a 53-foot trailer with snacks, drinks, toiletries and more, opened its doors at Fort Eisenhower within 48 hours after the Exchange received a request for support. Fort Eisenhower is currently limited to essential personnel only.
Fort Eisenhower’s Garrison Commander, Col. Anthony Kozar, contacted the Exchange on Sept. 29 to expedite delivery of an MFE as nearly 5,000 Advanced Individual Training (AIT) students and more than 7,000 family members are living on post without power or water.
“With most stores and restaurants in the area closed, the MFE is delivering essential services to make life a little more comfortable for those on the installation as well as the personnel who are working tirelessly to bring things back to normal,” said Fort Eisenhower Exchange General Manager LaToya Harris.
The Exchange MFE departed the Waco Distribution Center on Sept. 29 and arrived at Fort Eisenhower on Oct. 1. Harris and other Exchange associates quickly stocked the shelves, and the MFE was serving the community by 11 a.m.
“I’m so grateful for the Exchange for having this here to support us,” said National Guard 2nd Lt. Franky Barba, who is at Fort Eisenhower for training. “I’m now able to get the essentials needed to make it through while I am displaced.”
The Exchange has 11 MFEs and two mobile barber shops based in Waco, Texas, that can be deployed within 48-72 hours in CONUS. In the past, MFEs have supported hurricane and wildfire relief efforts in the United States and major military exercises both at home and abroad.
Since 1895, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service (Exchange) has gone where Soldiers, Airmen, Guardians and their families go to improve the quality of their lives by providing valued goods and services at exclusive military pricing. The Exchange is the 54th-largest retailer in the United States. 100% of Exchange earnings support military communities. In the last 10 years, your Exchange benefit has provided $3.7 billion in earnings that support the military community, including through contributions to critical military Quality-of-Life programs. The Exchange is a non-appropriated fund entity of the Department of Defense and is directed by a Board of Directors. The Exchange is a 50th Anniversary Vietnam War Commemorative Partner, planning and conducting events and activities that recognize the service, valor and sacrifice of Vietnam Veterans and their families in conjunction with the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration. To find out more about the Exchange history and mission or to view recent press releases please visit our website at http://www.shopmyexchange.com or follow us on X at https://x.com/ExchangePAO.
Story by Chris Ward
Army & Air Force Exchange Service HQ