DoD's oldest, largest exchange service to mark 114 years of service, support

  • Published
DALLAS --  On July 25, 1895, the War Department issued General Order number 46 directing post commanders to establish an exchange at every post where practicable. As the Army & Air Force Exchange Service marks its 114th birthday this July 25, 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 programs.

As part of the anniversary celebration, AAFES is giving military shoppers the opportunity to save as much as 17 cents on a gallon of gas. From July 25-August 7, those spending $114 or more in a single transaction at any AAFES location will receive a coupon for 14 cents off of a gallon of gas, up to 20 gallons. Shoppers who use their MILITARY STARSM card will receive an additional 3 cents savings for a total of 17 cents off. The gas coupon will be redeemable from July 25 through Sept. 6.

No matter where America's military are called to serve, AAFES continues to provide a comprehensive and customer-focused benefit. In addition to its flagship main base and post exchange facilities, AAFES operates convenience stores, car care centers, military clothing sales stores, fast food restaurants, retail concession services like flower shops and gift stores, vending, telecommunications support and a wide variety of personal services.

Today, AAFES relies on more than 3,100 facilities in all 50 states and more than 30 countries to extend the exchange benefit to Soldiers and Airmen serving in almost every corner of the globe. In fact, more than 450 AAFES associates are deployed to Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom, actively delivering a slice of Americana to troops through 92 retail stores, 69 phone centers and more than 235 fast food restaurants scattered throughout the region. Just like the merchants who supplied provisions to America's troops in the late 1800s, deployed AAFES associates live and work alongside the troops they serve.

"The scope, breadth and intensity of AAFES global operations demonstrates the expeditionary and mission support capabilities to 'go where you go,'" said AAFES' Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Jeffry Helm. "This commitment is at the root of our continuing effort to develop a lifelong, emotional connection with military shoppers."

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