• ERBIL AB, Iraq

The Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) celebrated the grand reopening of the installation’s Life Support Area (LSA) Roberts and LSA Strike’s mobile field exchanges (MFEs), reaffirming its commitment to supporting deployed warfighters with improved access to essential goods and services.

After a month and a half of installation-funded renovations, the MFEs were welcomed back by troops with enthusiasm and appreciation.  

The updated stores on wheels enhance daily life for service members operating in remote and high-tempo environments, providing consistent access to necessities such as hygiene items, snacks and personal care products.
 

SENSE OF COMMUNITY

The grand reopening featured support from Exchange concessionaires, who contributed to the celebration with complimentary offerings, adding to the sense of community and boosting morale among those in attendance.

“Service members reacquiring convenient access to daily essentials assists in their ability to function at a high level,” said Maj. Timothy Durstewitz, Base Operations Support-Integrator (BOS-I) mayor at Erbil AB.  

 “The Exchange team showed their dedication to our service members, and, in turn, all parties will benefit from the reopening of these services,” he noted.
 

QUALITY OF LIFE 
Service members on the ground responded positively to the reopening, demonstrating the vital role the MFEs play in maintaining a connection to home and normalcy during deployment.

“The reopening of the Erbil MFEs celebrates a fresh chapter, where improved facilities strengthen morale, connection and quality of life for the entire Erbil community,” said Ken Limtiaco, Southwest Asia regional vice president (VP) for the Exchange. 
MFEs 
MFEs are a long-standing part of the Exchange’s mission to serve those who serve, bringing retail support to the front lines, disaster zones and remote installations around the world. 

Whether it’s a temporary deployment or a long-term presence, MFEs are built to go wherever the mission demands.

With the return of the LSA Roberts and LSA Strike MFEs, the Exchange continues to deliver on its promise to be there for America’s warfighters, wherever they serve, at the tip of the spear or at home.  

Source: AAFES 

Edited by Larry Lapka