JBSA-Lackland Kids Get a Taste of Deployment—and Exchange Support
About 150 military children between the ages of 9 and 12 at Joint Base San Antonio–Lackland experienced firsthand what it’s like to deploy as well as the role the Exchange plays in serving troops.
Lackland Exchange Main Store Manager Patricia Murauskas teaches children about Exchange history during a visit to the Mobile Field Exchange.
Operation Junior Expeditionary Team (OPJET) is an annual event hosted by the 502nd Family and Readiness Center at JBSA-Lackland.
The military children toured a mobile field Exchange (MFE) and learned the Exchange mission of serving those who serve, even in war zones.
“Many of these children have parents who have deployed or may do so in the future,” said JBSA-Lackland Exchange General Manager Christine Harlan. “OPJET gives them a better understanding of what that part of the job is like and how the Exchange is there to support their parents.”
The MFE, provided by the Waco Distribution Center, was outfitted with illustrative panels with historical information and descriptions of how their deployed family members might shop for basics like snacks and toiletries in a trailer that is converted to an Exchange store on wheels.
Additional OPJET activities included an obstacle course, water gun target shooting, dog demonstrations and more.
