Mobile Field Exchange Supports Military Exercise in Korea

For the first time in nearly 10 years, the Exchange deployed a mobile field Exchange (MFE) in support of a military exercise in Korea.

An MFE is an Exchange on wheels—a 53-foot trailer stocked with emergency supplies, toiletries, snacks and drinks, typically used to support first responders after natural disasters or during military training exercises.

Approximately 500 visiting service members are participating in the annual Freedom Shield exercise, which runs through March 21.

Because troops participating in the exercise have limited movement, the MFE provides basic necessities during the exercise.

“MFEs underscore the Exchange’s relevancy and reinforce its motto of ‘we go where you go,’” said Osan AB Exchange General Manager George McNamara, whose team is manning the MFE. “The MFE brings a piece of home to service members no matter where they are called to serve.”

Ten Exchange associates volunteered to stock and run the MFE, which was requested by Osan AB installation command.

“One of our responsibilities is to ensure that the necessities of our Airmen, Soldiers and Marines supporting this exercise are met,” Air Force Col. Jeff Elliot, commander of Osan’s 51st Mission Support Group, told Stars and Stripes. “And with that, we partnered with AAFES to make sure that we could get that quality of life.”

Mr. So, Song-hyon, Osan Main Exchange Supervisor, with service members participating in the annual Freedom Shield exercise. Ten Exchange associates volunteered to stock and run the mobile field Exchange, which was requested by Osan AB installation command to support the exercise.