Feeling Like Home: Exchange Focuses on Quality-of-Life Improvements at ‘Big Four’ Army Posts

The Exchange is all in to support the Army’s initiative to improve quality of life for Soldiers and families at Forts Polk, Irwin, Wainwright and Hood. Nicknamed “the Big Four,” these installations are either remote, austere or facing quality-of-life challenges.

U.S. Army Installation Management Command is the lead agent for implementing the myriad aspects of the initiative at the “Big Four” installations. The Exchange and IMCOM work in lockstep on multiple aspects involving installation quality of life. Supporting the Big Four is part of the Exchange’s commitment to delivering Service-specific support tailored to the communities the Exchange is privileged to serve.

“The Exchange is critical to quality of life on posts,” said Director/CEO Tom Shull. “Making life better for the military community is what drives the Exchange at all our locations, and we’re all in to support the Army’s program at these four posts.”

Upgrades at these key locations are well underway with renovated stores and new restaurants and services, and shoppers will continue to see improvements throughout the year.

Fort Polk

Fort Polk Garrison Commander Col. Ryan Roseberry presents Express manager Ruth Shepherd with a commander’s coin during the unveiling of the Express’ recent renovation.

In Louisiana, the Exchange has already invested in some significant upgrades at Fort Polk recently, such as:

• A $600,000 upgrade to the Express 3, which includes new flooring, fixtures, walk-in cooler and freezer and a redesigned layout.
• New baby concept in the main store.
• New carpeting and murals in the main store and mall.
• Improved cable and internet service.

The Exchange has also prioritized hiring opportunities for Fort Polk military spouses, with an in-store job fair and participation in a Department of Defense virtual Career Empowerment Expo.

More improvements are slated for 2021, including:

• Introducing TOP TIER Valero fuel at Expresses.
• Opening a dual-concept Dunkin’ Donuts—with a drive-thru—and Baskin-Robbins.
• Adding a Slim Chickens restaurant in the food court.
• Renovating and expanding the mini mall, including the addition of a Chopz restaurant, scheduled for completion in 2022.

The Fort Polk Exchange team is also in discussions to add wellness services—such as a durable medical equipment store and dental office—to the PX mall.

“The Fort Polk Exchange is working hard to bring new and better options to the Fort Polk family,” said General Manager Ronald McDuffie. “We have great things ahead of us—stay tuned.”

Fort Irwin

Fort Irwin PX General Manager Holly Elliott (left) and Theater Manager Mercedes Garcia (right), along with Garrison Commander Col. Jeanette Martin, cut the ribbon on the newly renovated Reel Time Theater, which reopened in March.

California’s Fort Irwin Exchange is expanding services and upgrading facilities. This year, the Exchange has:

• Partnered with the installation to update the Reel Time Theater, including the snack bar.
• Opened Soleil Nails and Spa, replacing a spa that closed three years earlier.

While many of the Fort Irwin Exchange’s coming attractions are in the early phases, some planned projects include:

• Starbucks upgrade with the addition of a drive-thru.
• Groundbreaking for a new 24-hour Express and Class Six.
• Expansion of the Burger King drive-thru.

Other projects, such as a floor-to-ceiling upgrade of the shopping center, a tattoo shop and more healthy dining options, are in discussions.

“We’re exploring many options to make Fort Irwin an even better place to work, live and play,” said Holly Elliott, Fort Irwin Exchange general manager. “There are going to be a lot of great changes here over the next few years.”

Fort Wainwright

At the Fort Wainwright Exchange near Fairbanks, Alaska, efforts to expand options for Soldiers and families are underway. Some highlights from the past year include:

• Updating Subway.
• Expanding the assortment of insignia and gear at the Last Frontier Express and the Military Clothing section at the main PX.
• Participating in job fairs to highlight Exchange career opportunities.

A $5 million main store upgrade is scheduled to be completed in 2022. Other planned projects include opening:

• Hunt Brothers Pizza at Expresses on both Fort Wainwright and nearby Fort Greely.
• Mojo Café coffee shop at the Bassett Army Community Hospital.
• Señor Moose Mexican restaurant.

“Even though we may be in a remote location, the Exchange wants to make Fort Wainwright feel like home to all who live and work here,” said Gloria Sylvia, the Fort Wainwright Exchange general manager. “Little improvements add up to make life better for our Soldiers and families.”

Fort Hood

A Slim Chickens restaurant is part of the renovation of the Kouma Express at Fort Hood.

The Exchange at “the Great Place” has recently expanded options for the military community, including:

• Launching Door Dash service for on-installation delivery from Exchange restaurants.
• Renovating the Kouma Express, including adding a Slim Chickens restaurant.
• Opening a new hair salon, Hair Studio.
• Rebranding and expanding the main store PowerZone, with a focus on smart home offerings.
• Opening a new micro market in the 1^st Cavalry Division headquarters building.

The Fort Hood Exchange has more openings planned, including:

• Two new quick-serve restaurants in the III Corps Express: Chopz, which offers fresh salads and subs, and Eddie Peppers, serving Mexican cuisine.
• Introducing TOP TIER Valero fuel at Expresses.
• Freshens Fresh Food Studio in the TJ Mills food court.
• Patriotic apparel concessionaire Grunt Style in the PX mall.
• Bath & Body Works in the PX mall.

“The Fort Hood Exchange team is excited about all the recent and upcoming projects that are making life more convenient for our troops and their families,” said Fort Hood Exchange General Manager Chris Haefner. “We’re fully committed to continuously finding ways to improve our service to the best customers in the world.”