Soldier-run PX provides fond memories

Photo By Staff Sgt. Sj Duga | Sgt. 1st Class Patricia Wyatt, equal employment opportunity advisor, 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team and PX manager. Wyatt is a native of Macon, Miss. and Sgt. Joseph Mehline, 29th Sig. Bn., native of Bremerton, Ga, PX re-supply clerk enjoy some nice weather outside the Soldier run PX on Forward Operating Base Courage, Mosul Iraq.  

MOSUL, IRAQ

05.02.2006

Courtesy Story

345th Public Affairs Detachment

MOSUL, Iraq - As the transfer of authority for Forward Operating Base Courage is in the final stages, so is the closing of an era. The Soldier-run Post Exchange (PX) there has provided items for Soldiers during the evolution of the base.

Going to the PX is like traveling back in time to the old west. That is how it feels when you roll up on the western-style strip building that houses the PX. You will not find any horses tied up to the wooden railings out front. Instead, you will see Strykers, Suburbans, and Humvees.

"The store has allowed us to bring those things to Soldiers that they can't get every day, so we offer snacks, beverages, and entertainment," said Sgt. 1st Class Patricia Wyatt, equal employment opportunity advisor, 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team and PX manager. Wyatt is a native of Macon, Miss.

With the PX at Courage closing, Soldiers will have to shop at the PX located at Logistical Staging Area Diamondback. There is shuttle service to take Soldiers back and forth between LSA Diamondback and FOB Marez.

"This PX location is scheduled to close on 6 May, 2006, and it's pretty certain that it will happen that day," Wyatt said.

"It's been good to help out my fellow Soldiers and provide them a location where they can get things for their daily needs like food items, hygiene, and electronics," said Sgt. James England from Abilene, Texas, supply Sgt., 29th Signal Battalion and assistant PX manager.

To keep the store supplied, the staff make weekly runs to the main PX at LSA Diamondback for the standard stock items, but have taken special requests in the past.

According to England, the PX on occasion has picked up specially requested items like TV's, Play Stations, coffee makers, and printers in the past, but the most common items Soldiers buy are chips, drinks, and tobacco.

Sgt. Joseph Mehline, 29th Sig. Bn. and native of Bremerton, Ga. said he works as a re-supply clerk and enjoys working at the PX.

"I like working here. It's a stress free environment, even here in Iraq," Mehline said. "When the store closes I will be going back to my supply job with my unit. I'm going to miss helping out and hearing the mission stories from the Soldiers, but at least I'll have fond memories."

• Date Taken: 05.02.2006
• Date Posted: 05.02.2006 10:12
• Story ID: 6218
• Location: MOSUL, IQ