Fort McCoy Garrison Command Honors Exchange’s Work During Pandemic

Even during a normal year, the Fort McCoy Exchange has to be flexible. Fort McCoy is a Total Force Training Center, which means it hosts more than 150,000 outside military personnel for training every year.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the store had to be more resilient than usual to serve troops in training, who come from all branches of service and from different parts of the world.

Many units have to be quarantined for 14 days when they arrive. After the normal close of business, the Fort McCoy PX ensures that COVID protocols are in place, then reopens to serve the quarantined troops. The store also provides items that are needed in the field, and it has two forward operating bases to serve troops in training areas of the 60,000-acre complex.

From left: Col. Michael Poss, Fort McCoy Garrison commander; Donald Basil, PX general manager; Command Sgt. Maj. Paul Mantha; and Lt. Col. Alex Carter, Deputy Garrison commander.

The PX’s efforts during the pandemic earned the store a visit from Garrison Commander Col. Michael Poss, Command Sgt. Maj. Paul Mantha and Deputy Garrison Commander Alex Carter, who recently presented General Manager Donald Basil and the Fort McCoy PX team with a plaque for their service to the community.

“The Exchange at Fort McCoy does an amazing job every day supporting our workforce,” Poss said. “Over the past year, during the pandemic, their efforts have been especially notable. Because of specific pandemic precautions, we’ve been able to continue training here at Fort McCoy in a safe and effective manner.”

In addition to pandemic measures such as offering curbside pickup and increasing delivery options, the Fort McCoy PX brings in food trucks to help feed troops and extends its hours at command request.

“The employees at our Exchange are dedicated to taking care of Soldiers, civilians, retirees and families,” Mantha said. “They’re working hard to ensure that everyone who comes to Fort McCoy is provided high quality service in a safe and healthy environment.”

Basil is confident in his team’s ability to serve through challenges.

“We’re a small location, but we’re mighty,” Basil said. “We’re proud to serve those who serve.”