Exchange Brings Taste of Home to National Guard Soldiers, Reservists in Guatemala
DALLAS – More than 500 National Guard Soldiers and Reservists deployed to an isolated, austere part of Guatemala received a big morale boost as the Army & Air Force Exchange Service opened a mobile field exchange (MFE) there earlier this month.
Two Exchange associates from Soto Cano, two from the organization’s headquarters in Dallas and another from Charleston AFB arrived in Huehuetenango, Guatemala, on May 5. Just two days later, the MFE opened and was packed throughout the day.
“We’ve been planning for more than a year to provide support for this exercise,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Luis Reyes, the Exchange’s senior enlisted advisor. “This is yet another example of the Exchange living its ‘we go where you go’ motto and underscores our dedication to supporting National Guard Soldiers and Reservists.”
American service members are in Guatemala for Beyond the Horizon, a training exercise to build schools, renovate buildings and conduct medical readiness training. Before the MFEs arrival, food choices were mainly limited to meals ready to eat. The opening of the 53-foot trailer stocked with toiletries, snacks and drinks was a welcomed taste of home. The Exchange MFE will remain in Guatemala until the completion of the exercise on July 27.
“When the MFE shows up wherever Soldiers go around the world, it means we can get necessities and small comfort items with little hassle,” said Maj. Christopher Lauff, Executive Officer, TF Rise – Beyond the Horizon 19. “A cold drink, small snack or toothpaste are just steps away and it is appreciated.”
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More than 500 National Guard Soldiers and Reservists deployed to an isolated, austere part of Guatemala received a big morale boost as the Army & Air Force Exchange Service opened a mobile field exchange (MFE) there earlier this month. Read more: https://wp.me/p9Q7PG-Zi
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Since 1895, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service (Exchange) has gone where Soldiers, Airmen 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 61st-largest retailer in the United States. Its earnings provided $2.4 billion in dividends to support military morale, welfare and recreation programs over the last 10 years. 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 Twitter at https://twitter.com/ExchangePAO.
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