Exchange Supports Troops in Poland and Macedonia as Military Training Exercises Begin
Associates at the tip of the spear worked to open two mobile field Exchanges (MFEs) in Poland and launched a rodeo in the Krivolak Training Area, Republic of Macedonia, supporting U.S. troops engaging in military exercises.
The MFEs strengthen the readiness and resiliency of the U.S. troops as they conduct bilateral, joint and multinational training exercises for U.S. Army Europe Operation Atlantic Resolve and DEFENDER–Europe 21 in support of NATO.
U.S. troops in support of DEFENDER—Europe 21 head to the rodeo set up by associates with the Balkans Exchange team in Krivolak Training Area, Republic of Macedonia.
“I am in awe of our Exchange teams who always have the mission well in hand,” said Col. Scott McFarland, Exchange Europe/Southwest Asia Region commander. “They are right at the tip of the spear, giving our troops the necessities to keep them ready and resilient during training exercises.”
From start to finish the rapid response teams had the MFEs set up and ready to open within four days. The MFEs support approximately 500 troops at Torun and Konotop and will operate through August.
Waldemar Lenweber, Michael Obst and Manuel Eckel, Exchange long distance drivers, help set up the mobile field Exchange in support of troops at Konotop, Poland.
“There’s a lot of coordination that has to happen,” said Christine Ware, Exchange business manager, Poland. “It’s a team effort and we are happy we can support our troops and fulfill our ‘We Go Where You Go’ promise.”
In addition to the MFEs, associates launched a rodeo— an Exchange box truck fitted with shelving and merchandise— to travel to troops in Krivolak Training Area, Republic of Macedonia. The rodeo brought a taste of home to more than 150 U.S. troops supporting DEFENDER-Europe 21.
“Our teams go above and beyond to support our troops at these remote locations,” McFarland said. “Bringing a little taste of home can brighten a Soldier’s day, so anything we can do to improve their quality of life is a win in our book.”
The Exchange supports training exercises year-round in Poland. In February, the Exchange opened its first PX in the Baltic states, which allows the associates to launch rodeos in support of troops in other remote locations.
