AAFES mobile field exchange heads to Galveston Island Published Sept. 24, 2008 DALLAS (AFPN) -- The Army & Air Force Exchange Service, at the request of the Texas National Guard, has moved a mobile field exchange from Ellington Field south to Scholes International Airport in Galveston, Texas. "We moved the MFE on Saturday and opened the doors on Sunday, Sept. 21," said the Fort Sam Houston PX's General Manager Darryl Porter. "It's been open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ever since, serving first responders, FEMA and Homeland Security personnel, active-duty troops, law enforcement and military retirees rebuilding in the wake of Hurricane Ike." As homeowners return to Galveston Island, the AAFES MFE's presence takes on special importance for military retirees who are returning home to begin the clean up process. "The AAFES MFE is the only exchange operation on the island," said the MFE's Manager Theresa Palu. "We're here and ready to assist in the rebuilding process with a full assortment of generators, chain saws and lots and lots of bug spray. Whatever is needed, we're going to do everything we can to get the resources needed to complete the awesome task of getting this community back on its feet." Mrs. Palu, who will spend the next two weeks living, working and even sleeping on a cot in the 53-ft. trailer, said her family, including 13-year old daughter Maryha, understood when she decided to leave her post at the Camp Mabry PX to head to Galveston. "They understand that it's part of my job and are okay as long as I check in every day or so," Mrs. Palu said. "It is only through the dedication of Teresa and the other members of her team in Galveston that AAFES is able to fulfill its motto of "We go where you go," Mr. Porter said. "Their selfless support will definitely be a force multiplier to everyone involved in the rebuilding efforts in the weeks to come." AAFES' motto of "We go where you go!" is carried out by having an exchange at Army and Air Force installations across the globe, including more than 85 exchanges in the Middle East that support troops fighting the war on terrorism. MFEs are used in operations where no permanent exchange facilities are available for troops to shop. Besides supporting Hurricane Ike relief operations, MFEs this year have been in place for troops participating in humanitarian missions in Peru, for New Horizons 2008, Trinidad and Tobago, for Beyond the Horizons 2008, as well as Hayfork and Booneville, Calif., during the 2008 summer wildfires. AAFES currently has a total of nine MFEs ready to deploy in support of military exercises and contingency operations. Comment on this story (comments may be published on Air Force Link) View the comments/letters page