Hot Electronics at Cool Prices with 2005 Summer Electronics Catalog

 AAFES Facilities Readying for Three-Day, 110th Birthday Celebration

 AAFES’ Patriot Family Connection Sends Messages of Support to Deployed Troops *  

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Hot Electronics at Cool Prices with 2005 Summer Electronics Catalog

DALLAS - Whether at home, in the car, or on-the-go, the 2005 Summer Electronics Catalog has everything service members and their families need to gear up for the summer season. The latest car audio/video equipment, camcorders and MP3 players are available, all without leaving the comforts of home. The newest all-services catalog offers outstanding value combined with the “no sales tax” advantage extended to authorized exchange customers.

“With 24 pages of name-brand televisions, cameras, home theaters, mini systems, and portable audio players, there are plenty of ways to see how this new catalog saves military customers money everyday,” said Mike Westphal, Senior Vice President, Marketing Directive.

The 2005 Summer Electronics Catalog is available at all main stores and online customers the exchanges websites.

Prices in this all-services catalog are valid July 5, 2005 through Oct. 12, 2005, for any authorized exchange customer. Active duty military members of the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines and Coast Guard, as well as military retirees, reservists, National Guardsmen, Department of Defense civilians stationed overseas, Exchange employees and their family members have all been authorized exchange privileges.

Orders can be placed by mail, fax or phone. To place orders toll free from the United States, Puerto Rico or Guam just call 1-800-527-2345. The Exchange Catalog center is open around-the-clock, seven days a week. Complimentary international access calling is available from several countries. Please check the customer service area at your Exchange Online Store for details.  

Authorized customers can also shop the 2005 Summer Electronics Catalog online at the exchange websites.

Earnings generated by purchases in the Exchange and Exchange Online Store as well as Exchange Catalogs such as 2005 Summer Electronics, are returned to the military community in the form of funding for Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) facilities and programs. In 2004, AAFES returned $242.3 million to MWR and services programs.

AAFES Facilities Readying for Three-Day, 110th Birthday Celebration

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. Since the first formal exchanges were established on that July day, an exchange system has served side-by-side with Soldiers and, since 1947, Airmen in tents and trucks in the field and in permanent facilities, on posts and bases around the world.

        Beginning on Saturday July 23, PX/BX facilities everywhere will honor the Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s 110^th anniversary with a wide variety of sales, promotions and sweepstakes. Prizes during the three-day celebration will range from candy bars to a 2005 Chevy Cobalt.

        “Local events will vary from location to location,” said AAFES’ Commander Maj. Gen. Bill Essex. “I expect to see price cuts of $1.10, prizes for the first 110 customers in the exchange and lots of prices of $1.10 and $110. Every day of the celebration will bring a new host of events and attractions for troops and their loved ones.”  

Today, AAFES provides support to its 11.5 million authorized customers without regard to where they may be stationed. In fact, AAFES has more than 3,100 facilities in 49 states and more than 35 countries. Currently, AAFES brings a bit of home to troops with 55 stores in Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom and has about 450 associates deployed at any given time. All of these associates live and work right alongside the deployed troops they serve.

“AAFES has long been a vital part of the services’ Morale, Welfare and Recreation programs and a partner with the military in providing for the everyday needs of Soldiers, Airmen and their families,” said Essex. “AAFES’ mission is basically the same as it was in 1895: to provide quality goods and services at competitively low prices and generate earnings to support MWR programs.”

With roughly 67 percent of AAFES’ earnings historically going to MWR programs, these contributions to service members and their families make AAFES a major non-pay benefit. In the past 10 years, AAFES has contributed $2.3 billion to the Armed Forces to spend on quality of life improvements for troops and their families, including: libraries, sports programs, swimming pools, youth activities, tickets and tour services, bowling centers, hobby shops, music programs, outdoor facilities and unit functions.

AAFES’ Patriot Family Connection Sends Messages of Support to Deployed Troops

DALLAS - When U.S. forces deploy to remote locations around the world, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service is right there with them, delivering a bit of home through products and services as well as outreach programs such as the Patriot Family Connection.

The most recent “Connection” effort allows family and friends to send messages of encouragement and support to troops deployed in Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. 

Launched in April, the “We All Have a Hand in Securing Our Freedom” initiative uses banners that are displayed at exchanges worldwide to coordinate communication between the home front and front lines. The banners, displayed in stores until May 14, gave military families and AAFES associates an opportunity to trace their hands and write messages of love and support to troops overseas.

Today, the banners are displayed in AAFES BX/PXs throughout Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom.

While most of the banners were sent directly to an Exchange overseas, there were banners that follow more unconventional travel routes to reach troops. One banner has traveled via military convoy, Chinook helicopter and C-17 airplane with Kurt Curtis, AAFES’ Exchange safety and security manager at Selfridge ANG. Curtis’ banner has already traveled to Camp Eggers, Camp Phoenix, Kabul and Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan. Future stops include Uzbekistan, Kuwait and Iraq.

Kurt Curtis’ duties while deployed with AAFES give him the ability to travel to sites in Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom that do not have established AAFES facilities. This enables him to bring the messages of support to troops who might otherwise not see one. “I conduct Personal Service Support Runs, which are support missions to Forward Operating Bases that have no BX/PXs,” said Curtis. “We conduct one day sales for the troops and I take that opportunity to hang the banner.”

AAFES’ latest campaign, “Back to the Homefront,” mirrors the “We All Have a Hand in Securing Our Freedom” program, just in reverse. Troops stationed in Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom recently wrote messages of thanks and love to friends and family back in the United States on banners designed specifically for troops to sign. Just as the banners were sent overseas after being signed by fellow Americans, these signed by the troops will return to tour bases in the U.S. at the end of July.

For more information on the AAFES Patriot Family visit the Patriot Family link on www.aafes.com.

Red Cross and AAFES Partner to Help Deployed Troops

By Sgt. 1st Class Heatherann S. Bozeman, AAFES OIF/OEF PAO

Baghdad, Iraq - Mary Basiliere and Tom Pillsworth work for the American Red Cross in Baghdad, Iraq. Today, they get to do what Basiliere calls the best part of her job. With donations from unnamed supportive Americans in hand, Basiliere and Pillsworth get to work, walking around the large gravel Post Exchange parking lot filled with various military vehicles on Camp Liberty. 

As troops climb in and out of up-armored trucks and Humvees, the American Red Cross volunteers spot three service members taking off their body armor and Kevlar helmets to head into the PX. Basiliere approaches and introduces herself. Her bright smile and genuine care softens the troops immediately. 

The three weary warriors listen intently as Basiliere tells them that through the generosity of everyday Americans they can each have a prepaid phone card and a $10 gift certificate to spend as they please at the PX.

The sergeant among them laughs and in an amazed tone thanks her. The two specialists join suit, thanking Basiliere as well. Then Basiliere reminds them that folks back home are proud of what they're doing and want to show their support.

"This gift certificate will really help out with the stuff I need," said Spc. Shubie Abercrombie, with the Georgia National Guard.  "Plus I can call my fiancé with the calling card which is a huge help since she wants me to call a lot."

Basiliere explains to the tanned faces that any American can log on to aafes.com to purchase "Gifts from the Homefront" gift certificates or "Help Our Troops Call Home" Military Exchange Global Prepaid Phone cards that are distributed by the American Red Cross at locations throughout Iraq and Afghanistan.

In Operation Iraqi Freedom, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service operates more than 54 retail facilities providing everything from the latest CDs and DVDs to snacks and energy drinks. The deployed service members are able to shop for the things they need and want.   

"Sometimes it's not the brand I want, but they have the stuff I need, like aspirin and shaving cream," said Spc. Clayton Muehlenbrock also deployed with the Georgia National Guard. "And I use Mach 3 razors, so the disposable razors in the care packages aren't what I use."
"Help Our Troops Call Home" phone cards and "Gifts from the Homefront" gift certificates are distributed to troops deployed to Iraq by the American Red Cross Headquarters in Washington D.C.  The donated Military Exchange Global Prepaid phone cards and gift certificates reach four separate Iraq American Red Cross offices through the mail system. Each day Basiliere checks with hope.

"We really need more than we are receiving," said Basiliere.  "We get about 10 or 11 $10 gift certificates and maybe 20 calling cards each week and they're gone as soon as we get them in." 

Basiliere has been in Baghdad for four months. She says the cards and certificates sent through aafes.com are the sustaining force in her operation. 

"I gave a calling card to this grimy Soldier who just came in from patrol and he went right over to the calling center trailer and phoned his mom," Basiliere said. "It was great!" 
There are currently 65 AAFES phone centers on various camps and forward operating bases throughout Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom where the Military Exchange Global Prepaid phone cards can be used.

Deployed service members say a phone call home is their greatest need. "I'm going to call my dad," said Sgt. Michael Baldwin, Fort Hood Texas. "It was really nice to have the Red Cross lady give us all (a phone card). When I first saw the Red Cross patch I thought uh-oh.  So it was a nice surprise to be handed the calling card.  It's definitely something I'll really use."

While "Help Our Troops Call Home" phone cards are given out randomly to troops coming off patrols, they are also used to help the American Red Cross with their primary mission of emergency notification. Basiliere says she has delivered nearly 6,000 messages since arriving in Baghdad at the end of February. Most of them have been death notifications to deployed service members. During this trying time for a service member the phone is their only link to family. 

"Being able to hand them a calling card gives them one less thing to worry about," said Basiliere. "They shouldn't have to count minutes when their family really needs to know they're okay, so the cards really help."

Basiliere and Pillsworth continue through the parking lot and hand out the remainder of the prepaid phone cards and gift certificates to a group of Military Police from Camp Shield, another remote camp on the outskirts of Baghdad. The service members are surprised and thankful. And then there are no more. 

Other troops in the parking lot preparing to leave or waiting on the rest of their team to finish up business look on curiously, but there are no more to give out.

"We wish we had more to give to them," said Basiliere. "They work so hard and I love their faces when we surprise them with the gift certificates. There's nothing like a Soldier's smile through that sweaty, dirty, tough exterior; nothing."

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We Go Where You Go... Really
By Sgt. 1st Class Heatherann S. Bozeman, AAFES OIF/OEF PAO

Bagram, Afghanistan -- The Army & Air Force Exchange Service motto of "We Go Where You Go" takes on even greater meaning in contingency locations as retail operations travel land, sea and air to bring goods and services to troops fighting the Global War on Terrorism.

This is especially true in Operation Enduring Freedom where airlift rodeos called "Personnel Service Support Runs" bring retail products and services to troops serving in outlying regions often referred to as Forward Operating Bases.

For two AAFES associates during a recent "Personnel Service Support Run" to Jahalabad and Allahabad in Afghanistan, the rewards outweigh the labor.

"When you see they are getting what they need it's so incredible," said Mary Moreno, AAFES "Personnel Service Support Run" co-coordinator. "That's why I volunteered to come here and help them out."

Figuring out the top sellers and needs of the troops in the outermost regions isn't easy. While at the FOBs, AAFES associates take special orders from the troops in order to fully meet their needs on the next trip.

Amazingly items like televisions, DVD players and laptops are on the top of the list. Understandably, batteries, magazines and energy drinks sell quickly.

"We always sell out of batteries, always. It's like we can't bring enough even though we bring more and more each time," said Kurt Curtis, AAFES "Personnel Service Support Run" co-coordinator.

The days before the "Personnel Service Support Run" involve a lot of coordination with the military airlift operations and command. "We'd do them twice a week if we could, but realizing the air support is strained, we take what we can get," Curtis said. "We know they want to give us more, but things are stretched thin over here."

Once the airlift is coordinated, it's time to pull the stock. Pallets are used with what is known as a "tri-wall" to hold in the merchandise. Black, rectangular footlocker boxes for purchase are also filled with merchandise. Anything that can hold a product is filled with even more products in a Herculean effort to maximize the use of space.

"It's like a puzzle, trying to get as many of the things you know they need onto that pallet," Moreno said. "Space is limited, so it's important to pick small, necessary things and put them in the right space. I like the challenge. I want to bring them everything they need."
Four pallets full of MP3 players and CDs to chips, televisions and, of course, batteries are prepared and re-prepared to go on "the bird" - a CH-47 that carries the pallets, along with AAFES associates and finance, postal, legal and administration teams. The mission of all passengers is to provide service for the troops. 

"Everyone is sitting practically cross-legged in the jump seats because there's no space," said Moreno. "The people are crammed in to make space for the stuff to sell, it's great. They [fellow passengers] know the guys need the stuff and a couple of hours of discomfort is nothing compared to how troops at the FOBs live."

Once in the air "the bird" flies tactically over mountainous terrain with gunners on alert. Everyone aboard understands that the threat is high. The FOBs are strategically set into hillsides. As the helicopter touches down, the cavernous areas seemingly open up and the Soldiers come out of every nook and cranny to claim their bounty. The "Personnel Service Support Run" Chinook lands and the troops know the drill. 

"It's amazing that what took a forklift to load, six Marines can get around and carry to our makeshift store," Curtis said.

The detail rips open the plastic wrapping holding in the carefully packed merchandise. In a matter of minutes it's all undone and products are everywhere. Curtis knows that once he sets up, first come, first serve has a whole new meaning here.

Curtis initially became involved in the rodeo missions because he works in Loss Prevention for AAFES. His concern from an AAFES standpoint was the merchandise, cash sales and one associate keeping track of large amounts with very little accountability. He wanted to see the operation first hand to make sure nothing was being compromised.

"I went from observer to active participant to, 'let's do whatever we can to get them any and everything they need' in a matter of minutes," said Curtis. "When you see the absolute joy in the eyes of a service member that is old beyond his years living in the middle of nowhere, it is so incredibly worth our while. I will never forget the first one I did and how I fought back emotion with every thank you. They're out here getting the bad guys and they thank me? Unbelievable!"

Curtis tells stories of meeting the needs of service members living out in the mountains with little more than these PX "Personnel Service Support Run" to sustain their everyday needs. He talks about Soldiers barely 22 years old thanking him for his time and explaining how much a current CD or bag of chips mean to them.

At the end of the day, half the DVDs sold and less than half of the CDs. Curtis makes note to bring a different selection of movies and music for them next time. All the MP3 players, meat snacks, magazines, Leathermans and batteries sold out quickly.   

"We can't believe it when they come out here, it means a lot and we really appreciate it," said an Army Staff Sgt. "We know it's a lot of work to get out here to us."

The time at the FOBs is up. While the flight home will be lighter, it will be longer as alternating traveling routes is an important caveat for the safety of the "Personnel Service Support Run" mission. The unsold merchandise must return with the associates to Bagram Air Base.

Each run gets better, according to Curtis, but AAFES can always do more. He is already thinking of the next "Personnel Service Support Run" and writing down the things he was asked for so he won't forget.

"I can't express properly how amazing it is to serve these guys," Curtis said. "This is my third deployment with AAFES. I was in Bosnia, Iraq and now Afghanistan. We really do go where they go." 

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Troops Remember Military Service with the 2005 Military Pride Catalog

DALLAS - The 2005 Military Pride Catalog is now available in military exchanges. Packed with a wide range of military-themed items that pay tribute to the Armed Forces, both retired and active-duty service members will find great gifts, including military rings and jewelry, clothing, figurines, frames, military toys and display cases in this special 24-page catalog.

"We are very excited about our first-ever, Military Pride Catalog," said Marketing Senior Vice President Mike Westphal.  "We are confident our customers are going to love the assortment and the prices."

The 2005 Military Pride Catalog is available for free at all main stores and online for authorized customers at aafes.com.

Prices in this all-services catalog are valid June 21, 2005, through Sept. 15, 2005. Active duty military members of the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines and Coast Guard, as well as military retirees, reservists, National Guardsmen, Department of Defense civilians stationed overseas, Exchange employees and their family members have all been authorized exchange privileges.

Orders can be placed by mail, fax or phone.  To place orders toll free from the United States, Puerto Rico or Guam just call 1-800-527-2345. The Exchange Catalog center is open around-the-clock, seven days a week. Complimentary international access calling is available from several countries. Please check the customer service area at your Exchange Online Store for details.  

Authorized customers can also shop the 2005 Military Pride Catalog on the Internet at aafes.com 

Earnings generated by purchases in the Exchange and Exchange Online Store as well as Exchange Catalogs such as the 2005 Military Pride Catalog are returned to the military community in the form of funding for Morale, Welfare and Recreation facilities and programs. In 2004, AAFES returned $242.3 million to MWR and services programs.

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“Love That Chicken” All the Way to Iraq 

DALLAS – At one time “Love that Chicken” from Popeyes could only be heard in the United States and at select overseas Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) locations, but loyal fans in Iraq can now join in on the slogan since AAFES opened its first quick service Popeyes Chicken and Biscuits restaurant in Iraq.  

The new restaurant at the Liberty Mainstreet USA Food Court served its first customer on May 27 (photos available upon request). By the end of the day, AAFES’ newest Popeyes served Cajun cuisine to 645 hungry troops. The 3-piece combo meal was the favorite choice with 1,310 sold, and even in the Iraqi heat, 55 percent of those orders were for spicy chicken!  

“The Camp Liberty location is just one of four Popeyes AAFES plans to open before the end of summer,” said Butch Freed, director of food programs for AAFES’ Food and Theater Operations. “Name brand fast food restaurants, like Popeyes, bring a much needed taste of home to service members in Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom.”  

AAFES currently operates more than 720 name brand fast food facilities worldwide, 35 of which are in Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom.  

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Maj. Gen. Bill Essex Assumes Command of the Department of Defense’s Largest Exchange Service

  DALLAS – At 10:30AM today, Maj. Gen. Bill Essex assumed command of the Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES).  

 “I am just tremendously excited to be here and to be stepping up to this job,” said Gen. Essex.  “It is wonderful.”

 The Change of Command Ceremony (photos and broadcast-quality BETA video available upon request) is a time-honored tradition which formally symbolizes the continuity of authority as the Command is passed from one individual to another. The Army G4 and Chairman of the AAFES Board of Directors Lt. Gen. C.V. Christianson, was the presiding official of the Change of Command Ceremony held at AAFES’ world-headquarters in Dallas , TX .

 Acknowledging the fluid nature of both the military and retail, Gen. Christianson told the audience that Gen. Essex’s experience and education will be critical in allowing AAFES to fulfill its motto, “We Go Where You Go.” “There’s no one better to take us through a period of change than the man who is going to take Command of AAFES today,” said Gen. Christianson. “He brings with him a unique blend of both Command and operational experience that I believe will enable him to effectively plan for the uncertainty we’re going to face.”

 Citing numerous AAFES accomplishments, Gen. Essex thanked AAFES’ 47,789 associates for their contributions to mission accomplishment and military morale. “Deployed AAFES employees live with the troops, share the risks and earn the respect from all of us.”

 General Essex also said that he is ready to address future challenges with the AAFES team. “AAFES will always keep the faith with (AAFES’ 11.5 million military customers), but also with the greater American people by being willing and able to go wherever our forces are sent and to serve them well,” said Gen. Essex. “To the men and women of the Army and Air Force, those that we serve: I want you to know that I will spare no effort to support you and your families by making the Army & Air Force Exchange Service even better in the future.”  

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31 Flavors of Home Come to Troops in Iraq

  DALLAS – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) opened its first Baskin-Robbins in Operation Iraqi Freedom, May 18, 2005 (photos available upon request). The ice cream specialty store at LSA Anaconda, located in AAFES’ only 35 mm movie theater in Iraq, is a welcome treat to service members and makes going to the movies in a war zone feel just a little more like home.  

The first customer through the line was Lance Cpl. Joseph Bullen who said, “It reminds me of being back home to just hang out and have an ice cream.”

 While eating ice cream in 100-degree temperatures is a great break for service members, getting it to Iraq is not that easy. The ice cream served at the “Sustainer” Reel Time theater is made at AAFES’ Gruenstadt Ice Cream Plant in Germany and shipped to Iraq in refrigerated trucks via Turkey . “The Baskin-Robbins outlet, like the Reel Time theater refreshment stand, is supported out of our AAFES warehouses in Germany ,” said Terry McCoy, food and theater program specialist for Operation Iraqi Freedom.

 The most popular orders at the Iraq Baskin-Robbins are for two-scoop sundaes and milkshakes. “It’s hard to believe you’re getting ice cream in Iraq ,” commented Spc. Jason Albrecht. “It’s definitely a taste of home.”

 The first AAFES-operated Baskin-Robbins opened at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. in 1975. AAFES currently operates 65 Baskin-Robbins and has 41 additional co-branded locations featuring a limited Baskin-Robbins menu. The Baskin-Robbins at LSA Anaconda is AAFES’ 35th name brand fast food facility in Operation Iraqi Freedom.  

 “AAFES plans to open another 17 name brand fast food restaurants in Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom, such as Popeyes, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut, by the end of July 2005,” said

Butch Freed, director of Food Programs for AAFES’ Food and Theater Operations. “If this Baskin-Robbins is any indication, they will be welcome.”  

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The Army & Air Force Exchange Service (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 Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) programs. To find out more about AAFES' history and mission or to view recent press releases please visit our Web site at http://www.aafes.com/pa/default.asp.

 

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Radio Messages Connect Families to Front Lines

DALLAS - The Army & Air Force Exchange Service recently introduced its Patriot Family Connection program to help connect deployed military members with their loved ones back home.

The new program offers family members, friends of deployed service members and AAFES associates a chance to record their greetings, words of support and thanks.
 Messages can be recorded 24 hours a day, free of charge, and are forwarded to American Forces Network Radio, which is heard at locations overseas including those in Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom.

"Recording the messages is just one small element of a larger AAFES Patriot Family marketing program that includes numerous initiatives," said Mike Westphal, senior vice president of AAFES' Marketing Directorate. "It started with the Patriot Family Tree in December. Now, we have the Patriot Family Connection and 'We All Have a Hand in Securing Our Freedom' hand trace banners we'll be sending downrange. Soon we'll be sending dozens of banners downrange for deployed troops to sign -- then those banners will tour each AAFES region."

The Patriot Family Connection is one of several initiatives AAFES is using to help bridge the distance between the home front and the front lines. This new program has already yielded messages from Americans expressing their support for troops serving downrange.
Doug Ford from Denton, N.C. called in his greeting, "I want to send all the best wishes to the troops. God bless ya'll and thank ya'll for everything you do."

Another greeting, recorded by Jean Helen from Columbus, Ga., said, "I want to tell all the troops everywhere we're with your families back here supporting them while you're overseas. We love all you guys. Thank you for what you're doing and we appreciate your families and their bravery while they're waiting on you."

AAFES continues to show its commitment to the men and women who protect our freedom by offering programs like the Patriot Family Connection. Anyone can record a message simply by calling 1-800-713-1302 and following the prompts. For more information, log on to www.AAFES.com and click on the Patriot Family link.

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Exchange Services' 2005 Appliance Catalog Saves Troops' Time, Space and Energy

DALLAS - Whether looking for large-capacity, compact, trendy or traditional, the 2005 Appliance Catalog has the answer. The new 28-page catalog (cover shot available upon request) introduces a host of products that are practical, sensible, versatile, and energy-efficient. Items featured include new solutions for meal preparation and cleanup that will get military families out of the kitchen quicker, while the latest laundry systems are specially designed to fit in virtually any amount of space in the home, whether large or small.
"The 2005 Appliance Catalog offers a great selection of more than 200 items from the well-known brands our customers have grown to trust over the years," said Direct Marketing Vice President, Angela Terry. "Regardless of their kitchen needs, we have a solution at a price they can afford."

The 2005 Appliance Catalog is available for free at all main stores and online at aafes.com, usmc-mccs.org, navy-nex.com or cg-exchange.com.

Prices in this all-services catalog are valid May 3, 2005, through Aug. 31, 2005, for any authorized exchange customer. Active duty military members of the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines and Coast Guard, as well as military retirees, reservists, National Guardsmen, Department of Defense civilians stationed overseas, Exchange employees and their family members have all been authorized exchange privileges.

Orders can be placed by mail, fax or phone.  To place orders toll free from the United States, Puerto Rico or Guam just call 1-800-527-2345.  The Exchange Catalog center is open around-the-clock, seven days a week. Complimentary international access calling is available from several countries.  Please check the customer service area at your Exchange Online Store for details.  

Authorized customers can also shop the 2005 Appliance Catalog online at aafes.com, usmc-mccs.org, navy-nex.com or cg-exchange.com.

Earnings generated by purchases in the Exchange and Exchange Online Store as well as Exchange Catalogs such as the 2005 Appliance Catalog, are returned to the military community in the form of funding for Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) facilities and programs. In 2004, AAFES returned $242.3 million to MWR and services programs.

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AAFES Dividends Benefit Armed Forces' Morale, Welfare and Recreation

DALLAS - The Army & Air Force Exchange Service has announced that it is returning $242.3 million to the services' Morale, Welfare and Recreation programs. For 2004, this dividend represents an average per capita dividend of $277 for every Soldier and Airman, a 5 percent increase over last year. In 2003, AAFES paid a per capita dividend of $264.
"AAFES' mission is to provide goods and services at competitively low prices and generate earnings to support MWR programs," said AAFES Commander Brig. Gen. Toreaser Steele. "These contributions to the U.S. Armed Forces and their families make AAFES a major non-pay benefit to customers."

The value AAFES offers the military community extends far beyond its ability to provide quality merchandise and consumer services. With the help of AAFES dividends, MWR, CFSC and Air Force Services have completed hundreds of community enhancement projects at Army and Air Force installations around the world. AAFES supports the mission of the services' MWR to improve the troops' quality of life and the well-being of the overall military community. AAFES will continue to focus its efforts on providing value by offering low-cost shopping options and delivering an annual dividend. 

"Every time troops shop at the exchange, they provide support to MWR programs, facilities and non-appropriated fund construction projects such as bowling and youth centers, golf courses and outdoor recreation," said Brig. Gen. Steele.

Historically, roughly 67 percent of AAFES earnings are paid to MWR programs. In the past 10 years, more than $2 billion has been contributed by AAFES to the Army and Air Force to spend on quality of life improvements for Soldiers, Airmen and their families, including libraries, sports programs, swimming pools, youth activities, tickets and tour services, hobby shops, music programs, outdoor facilities and unit functions.

AAFES support to the military is not limited to Soldiers and Airmen. Because AAFES operates at Marine and Navy locations, AAFES is also able to return funds to Marines and Sailors. The FY 2004 dividend of $242.3 million will be distributed as follows:

Army: $147.5M
Air Force: $82.3M
Marines: $11.9M
Navy: $.6M
TOTAL: $242.3M

"We are proud of our partnership with NEXCOM and MCX," said Brig. Gen. Steele. "I know I speak for all Exchange associates when I say that the end of year dividend is extremely important. It makes the day-to-day sacrifices much more gratifying when you see the financial benefit Soldiers, Airmen, Marines, Sailors and their families will reap from all the hard work."

Troops are not the only ones who can enhance the annual dividend AAFES provides MWR services. Civilians (aka non-authorized exchange customers) can also contribute by purchasing "Gifts from the Homefront" gift certificates or "Help Our Troops Call Home" phone cards. Both programs allow anyone to make a direct contribution to the morale of troops by sending a gift certificate or phone card that can be used in any AAFES retail or phone center operation in the world including those in Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom. While initial purchases made through these programs offer an immediate benefit to troops, the long-term advantage is that a portion of the funds used to purchase the phone card or gift certificate this year will go back to the military community next year. "Gifts from the Homefront" gift certificates and "Help Our Troops Call Home" phone cards are both available online at www.aafes.com. 

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American Troops Deployed to Djibouti 'Have it Their Way' 
 
DALLAS - The Army & Air Force Exchange Service opened its newest name brand fast food restaurant in support of deployed troops in Djibouti on Saturday (photos available upon request). Not only is this AAFES' first venture with fast food in Djibouti, it is also the first Burger King in sub-Saharan Africa. Djibouti currently hosts the only U.S. military base in this part of Africa.

The new Burger King served more than 500 customers in its first two days of operation. "Reaction to the restaurant has been great," said AAFES Vice President of Food and Theater Richard Sheff. "Command is delighted to have it there and excited about AAFES bringing additional name brand fast food operations to the troops."

AAFES plans to open a Cinnabon and Seattle's Best coffee in Djibouti in the near future. AAFES currently operates more than 120 restaurants in contingency locations stretching from republics of the former Soviet Union to the Horn of Africa.

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AAFES Manchu Wok Restaurants Have the Ingredients for Success
 
DALLAS - At the recent Manchu Wok "Ingredients for Success Conference," the Army & Air Force Exchange Service was presented with the 2004 Excellence Award (photo available upon request) for Non-Traditional Location Restaurants. The Excellence Award recognizes superior store operations, customer traffic volume and the adherence to Manchu Wok standards.

The recent opening of AAFES' Manchu Wok Restaurant at Fort Lewis was singled out for execution excellence. AAFES' Vice President of Food and Theater Richard Sheff was on hand to receive the 2004 Excellence Award from President and CEO of Manchu Wok Mike Craig.

AAFES currently operates six Manchu Wok Restaurants in the United States and the Pacific. According to Sheff, troop reaction at these existing locations has encouraged AAFES to explore furthering its relationship with Manchu Wok. "There are plans to expand development to an additional 23 AAFES locations, including military installations in Europe," said Sheff.

Manchu Wok offers a wide variety of authentic Chinese dishes, presented buffet style. All dishes are prepared from special recipes, using the freshest ingredients. Manchu Wok is one of the largest Oriental "Quick Service" chains in North America with more than 250 locations.

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Find it Cheaper? Price Challenge.
 
DALLAS - The Army & Air Force Exchange Service has announced it is raising its limit on verbal price challenges from $5 to $10.

"AAFES always aims to offer the lowest price," said AAFES Vice President of Store Operations, Phil Holifield.  Unfortunately, as much as we try, AAFES sometimes may not have the lowest price. When this happens we want to make the price challenge as easy as possible. Raising the verbal limit empowers AAFES cashiers and sales associates to immediately approve the price reduction."

If a customer finds a lower price*, all AAFES locations will now accept the customer's word and charge the lower price up to a difference of $10**. The price reduction will be approved immediately. No competitor's ad or any other proof is required.

"Troops and retirees who shop at the exchange provide critical support to military Morale, Welfare and Recreation programs," said Holifield. "Because of this, it is important to ensure AAFES is maximizing the customers' dollars to get more people in the door and ultimately improve the exchange benefit. Bottom line, we want authorized exchange customers to buy products at AAFES facilities. Increasing the price challenge amount is just another way AAFES is combining outstanding customer service with great prices."

AAFES recently returned $242.3 million to the services' MWR programs. For 2004, this dividend represented an average per capita dividend of $277 for every Soldier and Airman, a 5 percent increase over the previous year.

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* BX/PX Retail Program

1. AAFES retail stores will match a local competitor's current price on any identical stock assortment item for the customer who makes the price challenge.  "Identical" is defined as: same brand, same manufacturer and same model number. For clothing, an identical item has to be the same size, color, brand and style. 

2. AAFES retail stores worldwide will accept oral price challenges (based on the customer's word) on identical stock assortment items from local competitors.  Price differences up to $10 will be honored on the spot.  A local competitor is defined as a retailer doing business in the community where the exchange is located.  This includes Navy and Marine exchanges.

3. AAFES retail stores worldwide have a 30-Day Price Guarantee on any item originally purchased from AAFES and subsequently sold at a lower price by AAFES, or any local competitor.

4. AAFES retail stores worldwide will not accept price match challenges from any outside retail catalog or outside internet site.

5. AAFES retail stores worldwide will match pricing on identical items found in the Exchange Catalog or aafes.com with the exception of the following categories: fine jewelry, collectible giftware, crystal and closeouts.  In addition, Special Orders and CentricMall.com are excluded.
 
** PROGRAM EXCEPTIONS (PX/BX Retail, Exchange Catalog and aafes.com)

1. AAFES BX/PX Retail, Exchange Catalog and aafes.com will not match prices on refurbished goods, gray market items, unauthorized dealers, and warehouse clubs. 
 
2. AAFES BX/PX Retail, Exchange Catalog and aafes.com will not match Commissary, BXMart, PXMart or CXMart prices.

3. Other exclusions include: bonus or free offers, clearance prices and closeout prices.  Exclusions also include special orders service contracts, automotive labor and services, special order automotive parts, installation, delivery or assembly services.  Other items include mail in rebates, instant "In-store" rebates, double and triple coupon offers, flat percentage off items and gasoline.
4. In MCSS stores, official military clothing and accessories are excluded.

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