#FlashbackFriday: August 1992—The Exchange Responds After Hurricane Andrew Devastates Homestead AFB

In August 1992, 31 years ago this week, Hurricane Andrew struck, leaving 250,000 homeless across Florida, Louisiana and the Bahamas, caused more than $30 billion in damage and took more than 30 lives. At the time, it was the strongest hurricane to hit Florida in 60 years.

One of the places it hit hardest was Homestead Air Force Base, where it destroyed or damaged every building on the base. On Aug. 24, it leveled the Big Branch Exchange. According to a September 1992 Exchange Post story, the only thing left standing at a Four Seasons/Toyland facility was a Pepsi machine.

The Exchange quickly responded to support 20,000 Army troops sent to Homestead, as well as Homestead residents who were allowed back on base to salvage what they could from their homes.

This 1992 Exchange Post photo shows how Hurricane Andrew leveled the Big Branch Exchange at Homestead AFB.

On Aug. 28, a mobile field Exchange went into operation at Homestead. The Atlanta Distribution Center sent two trailer loads of merchandise to back up the MFE’s inventory. Two mobile food units were immediately deployed to Homestead, supported by a refrigerated trailer that also held food supplies.

Eventually, 15 mobile retail and food trailers were sent to the base. Because it was the only source for ice during the first few days after the storm, the Exchange gave away nearly 280,000 pounds of ice, as well as 950 gallons of water.

Because many military personnel at Homestead were short on funds, the Exchange provided merchandise to customers on a “pay later” basis. Associates from other Exchanges were brought in to support the Homestead BX, where 80% of the team had damage at their homes.

A 20,000-square foot tent was set up in the Exchange parking lot. Water-damaged merchandise deemed unsalable was move to the tent, where it was allowed to dry and then donated to customers who had lost belongings to the storm. A makeshift barbershop was set up inside the tent. Laundry facilities were also set up.

The Exchange set up a makeshift barbershop in a tent in the  Homestead AFB main store parking lot after Hurricane Andrew devastated the base.

The Exchange service station, which received only minimal damage, reopened Aug. 28 to sell gasoline, and offered to fix flat tires for free. More than 900 tires were repaired; more than 200 of those were on light military vehicles.

Army Chief of Staff Gen. Gordon Sullivan praised the Exchange’s response, especially at the organization’s ability to ship nearly 16,000 portable radios, as well as 42,600 packages of batteries, to Miami to help keep the Homestead community informed.

Maj. Gen. Albin Wheeler, the Exchange commander at the time, said: “Countless people in Florida were left homeless or stranded by Hurricane Andrew, without electricity or communication from others. Most were uniformed of local relief efforts and were not aware of available food, shelter and medical aid. In response to a request from the Army, AAFES’ people moved to help correct the problem.”

Two truckloads of battery-powered radios had been sent from the Dan Daniel and Waco distribution centers. They were delivered to military personnel who distributed them to residents. When more radios were needed, Exchange buyers contacted suppliers from General Electric and Memtec, both of which supplied thousands of radios.

Another example of the Homestead AFB Exchange’s resourceful support after Hurricane Andrew in 1992.

Another call was for 10,000 can openers that needed to be strong enough to open the thick food cans used by the military. Before filling he order, assistant buyer Terrie Godfrey tested can openers to see which ones would work best.

Many Exchange associates were honored for their support of the troops and their Homestead teammates. A relief fund was set up for Homestead associates affected by the storm. A year after the storm, nearly $68,000 had been donated to the relief fund, which benefited 275 associates and their families. Associates worldwide also donated food and clothing to their Homestead teammates.

Source: Exchange Post archives

Update: The name of the installation affected by Hurricane Andrew was incorrect in the first version of this story. This version corrects the error.