Military Star Card strengthens Dyess Airmen’s return on investment

  • Published
  • By AAFES
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The use of bank-issued cards by troops at their exchanges costs the military community millions of dollars annually that could be directed to morale, welfare and recreation efforts. 

Last year alone, bank issued card processing expenses at Dyess Army and Air Force Exchange Service facilities jumped 46.45 percent, ultimately sapping more than $313,000 from the Exchange and, in turn, critical MWR programs in 2006. Since 2001, AAFES has paid more than $310 million in fees to card issuing banks, resulting in lost revenues for the military community. 

"Traditionally, two-thirds of AAFES' earnings are paid to MWR, while the other third is returned to the military community in the form of improvements, such as technology investments or capital expenditures to enhance the shopping experience," said Ron Barfield, the Dyess BX general manager. "With 100 percent of AAFES earnings going back to authorized customers in one way or another, something as seemingly insignificant as credit card processing fees can quickly add up to a quality of life issue." 

One way military families can help reduce costs and strengthen their Exchange benefit is to take advantage of the Exchanges' exclusive Military Star Card. Unlike bank cards, profits generated from the Military Star Card are shared with military communities through contributions to the military service's MWR funds. These funds reduce the tax burden of all U.S. citizens, and are used to fund Youth Services, Armed Forces Recreation Centers, aquatic centers post functions and golf courses that are enjoyed by military families across the globe. 

"Using the Military Star Card is one of the easiest ways for troops to directly impact their Exchange and MWR benefits," Mr. Barfield said. "Reducing these unnecessary expenses can go a long way in maximizing the dividend AAFES annually returns to Air Force families." 

The Military Star Card is accepted at AAFES, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard Exchange activities, as well as the Exchange Catalog and the Exchange Online store at www.aafes.com. 

For more information on the Military Star Card, visit the BX at 260 Commissary Road or log on to www.aafes.com and click on the Military Star Card icon.