The Wheel, Ft. Eustis - Jan. 4 (Courtesy of AAFES Ft.
Eustis PARs Jennifer Rodriguez/Catherine Jones)
Eustis
father voluntarily deploys in support of troops
While most Americans planned to spend the next month celebrating the
holidays with friends and family, one local Department of Defense civilian has
decided to leave his home and family for a six-month voluntary deployment to
the Middle East.
A three-year Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) associate, a
former Marine and father of two, Fort Eustis’ Calvin Boger decided now was the
time to trek 6,276 miles to man a contingency PX/BX in support troops
half a world away.
“I want to give a home feeling to the troops,” said Mr. Boger. “Although I’m no
longer in the military, it’s my way of doing my part.”
Boger had two weeks of intensive training and preparation at AAFES’ Headquarters
in
Currently, there are more than 450 volunteer AAFES associates like Mr.
Boger deployed in support of Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom.
“I am really proud of the associates who are doing a magnificent job in
deployed locations around the world,” said AAFES’ Commander Maj. Gen.
Bill Essex. “Some of them are working in very austere conditions, but they are
doing tremendous work. Every associate who deploys is a true hero in my eyes.”
To date, 1,800 AAFES civilians have deployed to provide comfort items
and necessities in combat and contingency locations. Service members depend on
the PX/BX facilities these associates support for day-to-day health and
comfort items such as soap, shampoo, toothpaste, snacks, beverages and
entertainment items.
The merchandise assortment in the deployed environments typically includes
basic health and hygiene items and snacks. Over time, that assortment is expanded
to other items needed and requested by troops downrange. Today, AAFES
stocks electronics, magazines, DVDs and even small appliances at more than 50 PX/BX
locations scattered throughout the contingency theater.