Grafenwoehr Exchange Finds Creative Solution to Support Ukrainian Troops

When several hundred Ukrainian troops arrived at USAG Bavaria’s Camp Kasserine and Camp 117 for training missions in November, they had little to no immediate shopping options. While the U.S. troops supporting the Ukrainian mission had unlimited access to shopping privileges, the Ukrainian forces did not.

Strict regulations and German customs laws made traditional Exchange support unavailable for the incoming Ukrainian forces. The Grafenwoehr Exchange team, however, stepped up to find creative solutions to make sure the Ukrainian soldiers have what they needed.

Grafenwoehr General Manager Brian Smith and his team collaborated with command and the German Customs Office to reach an agreement to provide support to the Ukrainian troops with vending operations while staying compliant with German laws.

Ten vending machines, stocked with hygiene items, detergents, food, drinks, blankets and towels, have been installed throughout the camps.

The Exchange and command also worked together with the German government to produce an exception agreement that allows the Ukrainian troops to shop at the Camp Algiers Express in Grafenwoehr, with a limit of $25 per item. Additionally, the Ukrainian troops have been given access to a barber and a USO tent on site that plays movies throughout the day.

The Exchange also offers a SIM card registration program for the Ukrainian soldiers that provides 300 minutes of phone time and 10 GB of data per month per user, enabling the soldiers to stay in contact with their loved ones.

The Grafenwoehr Exchange’s support for these non-traditional shoppers has highlighted the Exchange’s versatility and ability to collaborate with host nations while navigating complex laws and regulations.

“This effort shows just how critical Exchange operations are in complex military environments,” Smith said. “Without the Exchange, these troops wouldn’t have any other options.”