Air Force photo by Margo Wright

At home in the Tinker Burger King as assistant manager, Greg Templeton expedites orders as Carla Surrett works the drive through. The Army Air Force Exchange Service employee spent ten months in Iraq where he served deployed troops as an AAFES exchange store manager. (Air Force photo by Margo Wright)

AAFES employee volunteers for deployment to Balad, Iraq

Published June 15, 2007
By Kandis Murdock
Tinker Air Force Base Public Affairs

Tinker Air Force Base -- For some people, supporting the troops may mean placing a bumper sticker on your car, or sending care packages. But Army and Air Force Exchange employee Greg Templeton was compelled to do more.
   At a glance, you can't tell the red, white and blue pride that flows like a tidal wave through his body underneath his purple Burger King shirt.
   Mr. Templeton, current Burger King assistant manager on base, volunteered to go to Balad, Iraq last year to help manage the Base Exchange. He left in July 2006 and returned this past May.
   "I did it to support the troops," he said.
   He didn't think twice about the decision, although the base known as Anaconda is affectionately termed mortarconda, for the heavy combat surrounding the area.
   "What is being done here (in Balad) by AAFES and the U.S. troops is very important. Everyday you hear mortars fall in or around camp, and you have to be thankful that you're supporting the best cause in the world," Mr. Templeton said.
   The challenges of work were a major change. Hot fries became the least of his worries. Some days the manager had to go to work with a bullet-proof vest and a helmet, not his typical get-up at Burger King.
   He also endured, with love he added, 12-hour shifts six or seven days a week and he lost some comforts of home.
   "Electricity is something we take for granted in the states," Mr. Templeton said, as he recalled power outages that lasted for days.
   "Walking a good distance anytime you wish to shower or use the bathroom is something that takes time to get used to also," he said.
   Despite the inconveniences, Mr. Templeton said he wouldn't give up his experience for anything.
   Most of the employees that he supervised were foreigners from various places like India and the Philippines.
   "You learn about the different nationalities and cultures and you learn to respect that," he said.
   Although he served the troops and learned new things as a retail manager, he said the most profound thing he will take with him is the simple humanity of people all around the world.
   "I've learned being over there that everyone is the same." Mr. Templeton said.