Mobile Field Exchange at Fort Sam Houston Keeps Soldiers Mission-Ready

In the center picture, Jesusa Reyes, left, Julie McNeill and Cindy Samaniego set up the MFE. At right, Reyes waits on a customer.

The Exchange is operating a mobile field exchange (MFE) at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston to support about 400 Soldiers who are part of U.S. Army North’s operations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The MFE, staffed by five volunteers from the Fort Sam Houston Exchange, was requested by the military on April 2 and opened just four days later.

U.S. Army North has deployed Soldiers to multiple locations across the country to help in areas that have been hit hard during the pandemic. Soldiers at Joint Base San Antonio are providing medical, planning, communication, logistical and transportation support.

The MFE is serving military and civilians participating in U.S. Army North’s operations.

The MFE was requested by the military on April 2 and opened just four days later.

“The MFE keeps these Soldiers mission-ready,” said Tammar Tracey, store manager at the Fort Sam Houston Exchange who is helping run the MFE.  “We are providing a safe shopping environment and a morale boost and, as always, it’s an honor to serve those who serve.”

The MFE was welcomed by those working the front lines to fight the pandemic.

“We appreciate the Exchange being here supporting U.S. Army North staff during the COVID-19 operations,” said Army South IT Division Chief Maj. Kysea Chestnut. “With them being so closely located, we are able to get the supplies we need without being taken away from the fight for an extended period of time.”