Department of Defense’s Oldest and Largest Exchange Service to Mark 115 Years of Support

DALLAS – As the Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) readies to mark 115 years of service and support to America’s military, the military command’s mission remains basically the same: provide quality goods and services at competitively low prices and generate earnings to support Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) and Services programs.

Established July 25, 1895, when the War Department issued General Order number 46 directing post commanders to establish an Exchange at every post where practicable, AAFES continues to deliver a comprehensive and customer–focused benefit to troops and their families at installations throughout America, Europe, the Pacific and Middle East.

In addition to its flagship Exchange facilities, modern AAFES operations also include convenience stores, car care centers, military clothing sales stores, fast food restaurants, retail concession services such as flower shops and gift stores, vending, telecommunications support and a wide variety of personal services through more than 3,100 facilities in 25 countries, five US territories and all 50 states.

The scope of current operations goes well beyond the conventional offerings the War Department might have envisioned in the late 1800’s as AAFES today operates bakeries, water bottling activities and provides more than 22,000 meals a day to troops’ children at 91 Department of Defense Schools in nine countries.

Just like the merchants who supplied provisions to America’s troops in the late 19th century, AAFES associates continue to live and work alongside those they serve. In fact, more than 300 associates are currently deployed to Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom, actively delivering a slice of Americana to troops through 90 Exchange operations, 72 phone centers and 250 fast food restaurants scattered throughout the Middle East.

Closer to home, the largest and most senior Exchange service is focused on energizing outreach efforts to communicate the value, benefit and capabilities it brings to the military community. Recognizing the pivotal role National Guard and Reserve troops are playing as they transition from a strategic force to an operational force, AAFES is specifically reaching out to “Citizen Soldiers’” families to ensure they understand the value of their exchange benefit not only downrange, but also on the installation, online or over the phone. AAFES’ outreach efforts are further enhanced through social media channels such as Twitter, YouTube, Facebook and SalutetoYourService.com, that strengthen positive, long-term relationships with military shoppers.

“AAFES’ commitment to America’s troops is as strong as it’s ever been,” said Col. Virgil Williams, AAFES chief of staff. “Whether at their home station, deployed overseas, providing support in the wake of a natural disaster, or even in the hospital, AAFES is there.”

Keeping in the spirit of exceptional service and support, Exchanges and the Exchange Online Store are inviting authorized customers to “celebrate the savings” from Sunday, July 25 through Tuesday, July 27.

Shoppers who stop by CONUS exchanges during the three-day period can register to win a $5,000 Exchange shopping spree while runners-up will receive one of three Samsung LED TVs ranging from 40-55”. Exchange patrons in the U.S. can also enter to win a round trip for two to Hollywood to meet Mario Lopez and attend a taping of eXTRA.

Military shoppers stationed overseas who stop by the Exchange during the three-day period can register to win a $5,000 Exchange shopping spree, a backpack or set of luggage.

In addition to the giveaways and sweepstakes, Exchanges across the globe will offer a variety of great deals centered on AAFES’ 115th birthday. Shoppers using their MILITARY STAR® card, for example, will receive $15 off any purchase of $115 or more as well as 15 cents off a gallon of gas during the three-days of festivities. Additionally, several items at aafes.com, including a Bulova watch, diamond bangle bracelet, Voyager Bluetooth headset and Cuisinart Chef’s 10-piece cookware set, will be offered for just $115.

Since its establishment in 1895, AAFES has been involved in 14 major contingencies (to include the Spanish-American War, WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Grenada, Panama, the Balkans and Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom) and several dozen humanitarian and disaster relief contingencies.

AAFES is a joint command of the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force, and is directed by a Board of Directors who is responsible to the Secretaries of the Army and the Air Force through the Service Chiefs of Staff. AAFES has the dual mission of providing authorized patrons with articles of merchandise and services and of generating non-appropriated fund earnings as a supplemental source of funding for military MWR and Services programs.