Military shoppers are enjoying a new era of support from the Exchange with the unveiling of the Duke Field Express.
Home to the 919th Special Operations Wing, Duke Field is in the Florida Panhandle about 15 miles north of Eglin Air Force Base. The store brings a new level of convenience with new food options, everyday services and 24/7 fuel to 1,600 Air Force Reservists.
About 40 members of the Duke Field community attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony, where Col. Christopher Mazzey, 919th Special Operations Wing Mission Support Group commander; Lt. Col. James Wilson, 919th Special Operations Wing chief of public affairs; and Eglin Base Exchange General Manager Dale Killip unveiled the 3,125-square-foot facility.
“The grand opening of the new Duke Field Express represents a significant investment in our warriors and their families,” Mazzey said. “Having a modern, consolidated facility on the installation is a major boost to our Quality of Life. It provides our workforce with immediate, convenient access to a variety of food and beverage options as well as 24/7 fuel—services that are essential when you are balancing high-tempo mission demands.”
The celebration kicked off around 10 a.m. on Aug. 24, when guests were treated to free hot dogs, giveaways and tastings from vendor partners, such as Coca-Cola and Pepsi. Guests could also draw to win LED signs and Dr Pepper-themed wagons.
A drawing was also held to give away a $131 Exchange gift card, which was won by a senior Airman. “She was really excited about that,” Killip said.
The celebration also gave the Exchange an opportunity to connect with members of the Duke Field community who may have not realized they are eligible to shop with the Exchange.
“We had people who were not aware they could shop at the BX or the Express,” Killip said. “So, we were able to highlight the shopping benefit and the value it brings to the community.”
The new Duke Field Express replaces a much smaller facility, approximately the size of a trailer, that had served the community since 1942. An off-site fuel kiosk, installed in 1952, was located about 1,000 feet—or two blocks—away from the former site. With fuel service located at the store, Reservists can refuel, pick up essentials and take care of other errands in a single stop.
The Duke Field Express comes equipped with an on-site barbershop, upgraded Snack Avenue and Hunt Brothers Pizza, expanding food and service options. The modernized store provides the benefit of saving time, allowing Reservists to focus on their mission.
“This new Express provides the community a new level of service,” Killip said. “Having fuel, food and everyday essentials in one place helps Reservists make the most of their time and stay focused on their mission.”
Construction of the new Duke Field Express began in October 2024 and finished in June. The project was primarily funded by the Exchange, while the Air Force contributed funding towards the demolition of the former Express, addition of the fuel canopy, as well as site development at the new store.
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