Making Sure Troops Have Comforts of Home—No Matter How Far From Home They Are

One in a series highlighting service members assigned to the Exchange.

Who he is: U.S. Army Maj. Mitchell Brooks, Chief of Plans for Contingency and Operations, Europe/SWA/Africa

His role at the Exchange: In his position, Brooks oversees the Exchange’s mission to support service members across all branches of the military. His team’s work extends to troops stationed in places like Africa, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, and other far-flung outposts. The goal, he said, is to ensure these men and women troops have access to the comforts of home—no matter how far from home they might be.

Why he joined the Army: Brooks is approaching 21 years of service in March. His journey began on March 24, 2004, when he decided to join the Army, driven by a desire for education, adventure and personal growth. Brooks recalls his strategic approach to choosing the right branch of the military.

“I knew from a young age that I wanted to serve in the military,” he said.

In high school, he took what he describes as a methodical approach, inviting recruiters from various branches to meet with his family, especially his mother. “It was like conducting a series of interviews,” he said, evaluating each branch to see which best aligned with his goals and dreams.

Initially, Brooks considered the Marine Corps, but when he discovered it didn’t offer the educational benefits he sought, he turned his attention to the Army.

“Education was a priority for me,” he said. “I knew I wanted to go to college.”

His meeting with an Army Reserve recruiter proved to be pivotal. The recruiter outlined the Army’s commitment to education, detailing how the Army would cover 100% of his college tuition, provide book stipends and offer access to the GI Bill and the GI Bill kicker (an additional payment that increases the monthly GI benefit).

“The promise of a fully funded education, combined with the opportunity to serve my country, sealed the deal,” Brooks said.

However, joining the Army wasn’t only about education for Brooks. He also sought the opportunity to broaden his horizons.

“I wanted to see the world and break free from the familiarity of my hometown, Memphis, Tennessee,” he said.

The Army offered him a chance to experience new places, meet different people and challenge himself in ways he hadn’t imagined.

Looking back, Brooks sees his decision to join the Army as a leap of faith that opened doors to countless opportunities.

“It was driven by a desire for education, adventure and growth,” he said. “Sometimes the best decisions are the ones rooted in dreams and guided by determination.”

What he does in the Army: As a 90A Logistics officer, Brooks plays a crucial role in ensuring mission success through effective management and coordination of movement, supply and maintenance operations. His responsibilities include planning and overseeing the distribution of essential resources—such as equipment, fuel, food and supplies—to keep military units operational and ready.

Brooks emphasizes the importance of problem-solving and efficiency, noting that his primary focus is on ensuring Soldiers have everything they need, when and where they need it.

“Whether it’s supporting deployment operations or sustaining daily missions, my job is to ensure the Army’s logistical backbone stays strong and effective,” he said.

Memories of Exchange support: One of Brooks’ most memorable experiences involving the Exchange dates to his deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan in 2012 and 2013. At the time, he was stationed at one of the more remote combat outposts (COPs), where the amenities were few and every small comfort was deeply valued.

During his deployment, Brooks and his team had the rare opportunity to make a brief stop at Kandahar Air Base, a larger forward operating base (FOB) with more resources.

“It was a rare treat for those of us operating from the smaller COPs,” Brooks recalled. With only a few minutes to spare, they visited the Exchange on base, a stop that would provide more than just supplies.

What struck Brooks the most was the immediate relief provided by something as simple as air-conditioning.

“It was a small but impactful reprieve from the harsh conditions outside,” he said.

But perhaps the most significant moment came when one of his lieutenants, who had been craving a Diet Coke for weeks, finally found one.

“Watching him crack open that cold can and savor it was a moment of pure joy,” Brooks said.

It wasn’t just the soda itself, but the larger significance of a small comfort from home that brought a sense of normalcy amid the difficulties of deployment.

For Brooks and his team, that brief visit to the Exchange was a highlight of the day.

“We stocked up on essentials and indulged in a few extras we called ‘lickies and chewies’—the snacks and treats that make life in a deployed environment a little sweeter,” he said.

The experience provided more than just material goods; it gave the Soldiers a much-needed morale boost, reminding them of the comforts of home.

Brooks said the visit had a lasting effect.

“It wasn’t just about the products we bought,” he said. “It was about the morale boost and the reminder that small comforts can have a big impact, even in the most challenging environments.”

For Brooks, that moment reinforced the importance of Exchange’s mission to support service members, providing not just convenience, but also a renewed sense of connection and camaraderie

His favorite experiences while working with the Exchange: Brooks has found one of the most rewarding aspects of his career to be the opportunity to serve deployed Soldiers in Europe and Southwest Asia. From Latvia to Kuwait, his role allows him to bring a small but meaningful piece of home to military personnel stationed in remote locations.

“It’s the little things that make a big difference,” Brooks said, noting that Soldiers often don’t realize how much they miss everyday comforts until they’re deployed. A hot meal, a favorite snack or the opportunity to shop at an Exchange can offer a vital sense of normalcy and ease in challenging environments.

For Brooks, this work goes beyond mere responsibility.

“It’s not just a job—it’s a mission,” he said. “Being able to serve those who serve and offer them a connection to home while they’re thousands of miles away, is truly my favorite part of working with the Exchange.”

He considers it an honor to play a role in supporting the well-being and morale of service members during their deployments.

The future: Although Brooks has only been with the Exchange for six months, he’s already looking ahead with enthusiasm. He’s excited by the potential to create meaningful.

He looks forward to building connections and making a real difference in the lives of those who serve.

“The journey ahead will be filled with impactful and meaningful moments,” he says. “I’m ready to make the most of them.”

What “Family Serving Family” means to him:  “It’s about going the extra mile because we know how much the little things matter,” he said. “This could be anything from providing a hot meal or a familiar snack to simply offering reassurance that someone has your back. It’s these small acts of care and support that strengthen the bonds within the military community.”