Thirty-five years ago, Operation Desert Storm ended, bringing the Persian Gulf War to a close. While the Exchange has maintained a presence in Southwest Asia ever since, including establishing a PX in Kuwait less than two weeks after the war ended, it was also active in welcoming home troops returning Stateside.
Here are a few photos from the 1991 Exchange Post.
Hawaii Sales District associates wave from an Air Force bus they decorated in preparation for troops returning from Saudi Arabia. The Exchange donated flags, free dinners at Anthony’s Pizza and meal-deal coupons from Burger King. At Schofield Barracks, local vendors donated American flags, sodas, snacks and merchandise. An unnamed concessionaire donated 150 yellow roses.Young flag wavers greet returning troops at Little Rock AFB. The Exchange supplied many of the flags used by people showing their support.Exchange associates had their share of loved ones and friends who served in Saudi Arabia. Pictured: Fort Stewart associate Brenda Thomas reunites with her husband, Sgt. 1st Class Willie Thomas. Brenda Thomas worked for the Exchange for more than 25 years.As the first squadron of F-16s bound for Shaw AFB arrived in Zaragoza, Spain—which hosted the redeployment of fighter units going home from the Gulf—a group of Exchange associates joined the community to greet the troops. Exchange activity ended in Zaragoza when the air base closed in 1992.Troops newly arrived from Saudi Arabia stop by the Upper Heyford Military Clothing store in England to thank associates for their support during welcome-home activities. The RAF Upper Heyford Exchange shut down when the base closed in 1994.
Source: Exchange Post archives. For more Operation Desert Shield/Storm-era photos, visit the Exchange History album on Flickr.
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