• FORT MAGSAYSAY, Philippine
The Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) and military teams stood up a Tactical Field Exchange (TFE) this spring to support the 25th Infantry Division training in Operation Pathways and the annual large-scale Exercise Balikatan held here.
Operation Pathways is a theater-wide campaign that includes a continuous cycle of combined training with partners across the Indo-Pacific.
Balikatan is a long-standing annual exercise involving the Armed Forces of the U.S. and Philippines to strengthen the countries’ alliance, improve the capable combined force and demonstrate a commitment to regional security and stability.
THE EXPRESS
The new Magsaysay Express is next to the camp’s dining facility and provides Soldiers with access to hygiene items, uniform items, snacks and beverages — all vital tastes of home. Getting the Exchange to the Philippines involved a more than year-long collaboration with the 25th Infantry Division at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. “The communication that we have with the AAFES associates from the beginning was essential for the planning process of bringing them in theater,” said Sgt. Maj. Jeffrey Gomez, 25th ID G4 sergeant major. The TFE is the first Exchange presence in the Philippines in more than 30 years. After the eruption of Mount Pinatubo in 1991 led to the closure of
Clark AB, Exchange activities in the Philippines ended in January 1992. “Being a part of this Exchange brings me joy because we get to learn what we should do better,” said Bertran Palacios, Magsaysay Express manager.
“We get to learn the ropes of how the operation here runs, and we get to share that with the next group,” Palacios said. “Being the first group here, it’s going to be good for the Exchange in the long run.” The exercise in the Philippines challenges Soldiers and leaders to operate in arduous terrain and extreme conditions, building resilience and enhancing their ability to lead in dynamic environments. “It doesn’t matter what duty station you go to, there’s always an AAFES store,” Gomez said. “Having AAFES here brings that little piece from home into the training exercise.” For Palacios, watching the Soldiers’ excitement makes his mission worthwhile. “The store brings joy and smiles to their faces,” he said. “They come in here, they’re so excited. They’re like, ‘Thank God this is here.’ They feel better and to see that in them … it’s amazing. We’re doing our part as the Exchange and trying to accomplish that mission daily.”
OPENING DAYS
In the opening days, it was clear that more was needed to support the soldiers at Fort Magsaysay. “Things like uniforms, PT shirts, PT shorts that AAFES is providing are very beneficial,” Gomez said. “These Soldiers are not always able to do the laundry, and having those additional items facilitates the mission. Those items are a hot commodity that Soldiers will be going
through very fast.” Since the opening, the Exchange team has coordinated resupply missions, bringing in 14,000 pounds of additional merchandise.
“A TASTE OF HOME”
As the 25th ID Soldiers continue to train with their Philippine allies, strengthening a long-standing friendship and enhancing collective readiness, the Exchange team works to support their mission and continue to bring “a taste of home” to service members. “I hope that we continue to partner with AAFES,” Gomez said. “AAFES plays a big part of boosting Soldiers’ morale during the training exercise. Seeing it happening is … very fulfilling for me.
“I know I was a part of it and being a part of it makes me makes me feel proud of what we accomplished.” Source: AAFES Edited by Larry Lapka Caption: U.S. Soldiers assigned with the 25th Infantry Division stand in line to purchase items at the Magsaysay Express, Fort Magsaysay, Philippines. The store supports military forces participating in Operation Pathways by providing essential retail and quality-of-life services in the Philippines. AAFES Photo (Magsaysay Express.jpe
