#FlashbackFriday: ‘We go where you go’ took the Exchange to two Olympics
The PX at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta. Associates opened a PX, barber shop, laundry and food outlets for 10,000 National Guard members providing security for the games.
The Exchange’s “We go where you go” mission went for the gold in supporting troops at two Olympic Games in the U.S.
During the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, nearly 10,000 troops were deployed to Joint Task Force – Olympics to provide security for the Games.
The Exchange was there as well. Operating under the Fort McPherson Exchange, associates opened a PX, barber shop, laundry and food outlets for the troops providing security for the games. Video games and free movies were also provided for the active-duty, reserve and National Guard troops who supported the Games.
Retail sales topped $1,1 million, and services/vending sales exceeded $130,000. The hottest sellers were official Joint Task Force Olympics Pins – more than 13,000 were sold.
A mobile field exchange at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. The structure also served as a Military Clothing Sales Store.
In 2002, dozens of Exchange associates deployed to Utah to serve troops who were providing security for the Winter Games at Salt Lake City. More than 7,000 key personnel, including 5,000 National Guard members from 18 states, received Exchange support.
This year, the Exchange and Comcast NBCUniversal have teamed up to provide live streaming access to the Tokyo Games. The Games run through Aug. 8. Associates and shoppers can stream the Paralympic Games from Aug. 24 through Sept. 5. This marks the third time Exchange has worked with NBCUniversal on this effort, in partnership with local cable, satellite, dMVPD and telco providers.
Have an Exchange-related Olympics memory? Tell us about it in the comments.
Source: Exchange Post archives
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Related posts:
Flashback Friday: For National Pizza Day, a Pictorial Serving of Exchange Pizza History
#FlashbackFriday: February 2003—After a Fire in Afghanistan, an Exchange Quickly Rises From the Ashes
#FlashbackFriday: 79 Years Ago: After the Battle of Manila Ends, an Exchange Quickly Opens in the Philippines
#FlashbackFriday: In 1960, the Exchange Started an Airline Catering Service. Meet Its Founder.
Thank you for providing great content via this platform. Please, never underestimate your hard work and dedication to this page and virtual magazine. What you do motivates and edifies our AAFES associates; keep doing what you are doing.
You all are doing an awesome job!
-Walt
Thanks for your comment and your kind words, Walt.
Robert Philpot
The Exchange Post
Those of us here at the Utah Exchange were happy to help out. After 9/11 we weren’t even sure the Olympics would take place. It was important for us who went out, to make sure we supplied our temporary satellite locations in support of our troops. I was happy to be their to serve our service members after a difficult year.
Thanks for that great memory and for serving those who serve, Athena.
Robert Philpot
The Exchange Post
I so enjoyed the stories and pictures of the Vietnam area..I had just started with Aafes when this war started and was Keesler AFB..seen lots of visiting pilots coming through the store…please keep us informed of things new and old.