Welcome to Military Partners

DALLAS – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s military leadership has named Chief Financial Officer Michael P. Howard as the 111-year old retailer’s new Chief Operating Officer as of Oct. 21, 2006.

“I first assessed the skills and attributes I believe would be most needed to fit the situation AAFES must deal with in the next couple of years,” said AAFES’ Commander Maj. Gen. Essex. “AAFES faces the toughest financial picture in 2007 and 2008 that it has faced in many years. Capital programs to support BRAC and restationing are very costly, competition outside the gate is increasing, and the need for military Morale, Welfare and Recreation dividends will only continue to grow.”

The selection of Howard as Chief Operating Officer comes at a critical time for the military’s largest and oldest exchange service as it embarks on numerous initiatives to dramatically improve retail operations, including supply chain and merchandising excellence as well as a major Information Technology (IT) project known as RETEK. With this in mind, AAFES leadership felt that Mr. Howard’s strong background in retail operations, IT, finance and accounting would be critical in allowing the $8.7 billion retailer to grow and improve the exchange benefit it provides troops and their families the world over.

Maj. Gen. Essex solicited input from top civilian and military leaders regarding the position shortly after current Chief Operating Officer Marilyn Iverson announced her plans to retire after 35 years at AAFES. “Most often cited about Mr. Howard was his spotless reputation for integrity and fair dealings. He is regarded as an extremely competent and talented executive who leads with a gentle, but firm hand.”

As Chief Operating Officer, Howard will occupy the highest ranking civilian position at AAFES. “I’m humbled and honored to have the opportunity to lead such an outstanding and capable team,” said Howard of AAFES’ workforce of more than 45,000 associates. “While I have great respect for the history and traditions of this outstanding organization, I am excited, willing and able to think and act in new directions to strengthen the exchange benefit AAFES delivers to its 11.5 million authorized customers.”

Michael Howard was born in St Louis, Missouri in 1954 and graduated from high school in Aurora, Colorado, in 1972. He graduated from the University of Colorado with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and Finance in 1976. He has also been an attendee of the Executive Continuing Education Programs at the University of Chicago and at Darden University.

Howard began his career as a part-time custodial worker at Lowry AFB Exchange, Colorado.

During his career Howard has held the following positions:

Supervisory Accounting Tech., Central Area, MO 1977-1980
Operations Manager, McChord AFB, WA 1980-1982
Sales and Merchandise Manager, McChord AFB, WA 1982-1983
Sales and Merchandise Manager, Hanau Exchange, Germany 1983-1985
Asst. Main Store Manager, Frankfurt Exchange, Germany 1985-1987
Main Store Manager, March AFB, CA 1987-1991
Main Store Manager, McChord AFB, WA 1992-1997
General Manager, Colorado Springs, CO 1998-2001
Area Manager, Columbia Area 2001–2003
VP Real Estate, HQ AAFES, TX 2003-2004
Project Director, Project Retek, HQ AAFES, TX 2004-2004
Chief Information Officer, Information Technology, HQ AAFES, TX 2004-2006
Chief Financial Officer, HQ AAFES, TX 2006-Present

New Merchandising System Brings Industry Best Practices to Exchanges

1 Lt LaShonda Bush, AAFES

DALLAS – Staying on the cutting edge of business while maintaining quality merchandise and low prices for customers is critical to any successful business. As a government entity that operates like a private retailer, the demands to increase efficiencies during wartime become even greater for the Department of Defense’s largest retail command, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service.

In order to provide items and services of convenience and necessity at competitively low prices while strengthening the return on investment for active duty military, retirees and their families, AAFES is implementing a state-of-the-art buying system called Retek.

“We turned on ‘Wave 1’ of the Retek project last year,” said AAFES Senior Vice President of Sales Maggie Burgess. “While we had much to celebrate in 2005, we recognize our work is not done.”

The merchandising system, expected to increase sales, reduce inventory investment and decrease operating costs, is projected to increase earnings by $261.4 million over the next five years. Earnings increases will be seen by troops and their families in the form of increased annual dividends to military Morale, Welfare and Recreation 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, including libraries, sports programs and unit functions.

AAFES has embraced the new merchandising technology, which has been adapted by an elite group of retailers, with detailed training for associates. Each associate working with the new merchandising system during the first phase received hands-on training based upon their job role, with 616 associates trained on a menu of 11 courses.

“It’s an intensive process, but the new system will allow AAFES to better monitor its stock assortment and increase customer satisfaction over time by having the merchandise troops and their families are looking for in stock every time they visit their exchange,” said Burgess.

AAFES expects to have Retek fully implemented by July 2007.

Help Wanted! AAFES Recruits Military Family Members

DALLAS – As a military command with a retail mission, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service relies on more than 45,000 military and civilian associates to provide quality goods and services at competitively low prices and generate earnings to support MWR programs from Mosul to Malmstrom AFB.

What often sets an AAFES facility apart from the competition is a core of dedicated military family members who bring a unique understanding of exchange customers’ needs to the PX/BX. These 11,122 active duty military family members now account for nearly a quarter of all AAFES associates, making AAFES one of the largest employers (if not the largest employer) of military families.

“Military family members are already AAFES customers; they understand troops better than anyone,” said AAFES’ Senior Vice President of Human Resources Mike Westphal. “Having them in our stores is really a win/win for all involved. Customers receive top-notch service from a member of their community, AAFES shares best practices from store to store through associates who move from location to location and family members take comfort in knowing that they’ll receive preferred employment opportunities when they arrive at their new duty station.”

Like other Department of Defense employers, AAFES offers employment preference to military spouses and family members. Once employed, AAFES’ reinstatement program helps military families when they move from installation to installation by allowing eligible AAFES associates to compete with current associates for in-house jobs. “That’s in addition to having up to 36 months to find a job at the new location, while maintaining eligibility for reinstatement benefits,” said Westphal.

As a founding member of the Army Spouse Employment Partnership, AAFES was one of the first employers to sign a statement of support pledging its best efforts to increase employment opportunities and provide training for Army spouses. Out of that partnership, AAFES has developed an aggressive initiative to expand career opportunities for military spouses of all branches called the “Spouse Employment Continuity” program. Started on Feb. 1, 2006, this effort offers non-competitive priority placement to eligible AAFES associates who are spouses of military members, required to relocate with their sponsor. Currently, the provisions of the one-year test apply to spouses relocated to or within the Continental United States. Upon conclusion, and depending on the results of the test, “Spouse Employment Continuity” will be considered for AAFES-wide implementation.

AAFES is currently recruiting for entry-level positions and management positions worldwide in Retail, Information Systems, Finance & Accounting, Logistics, Food Service/Restaurant Management, Contracting & Procurement, and occasionally other career fields. Military family members can find out more about AAFES’ “Spouse Employment Preference” program, along with a listing of current job openings, at http://odin.aafes.com/employment/default.asp.

Step Outside with the New 2006 Outdoor Living Exchange Catalog

DALLAS – The Exchange’s 2006 Outdoor Living Catalog is now available with more than 150 new lawn and garden accessories designed to bring indoor comfort and style to the outdoors. From solar-powered lights and umbrellas to an automatic lawn mower that uses no gas or oil, the 36 page supplement has just what troops need to make the most of their yard this spring and summer.

“Military customers continue to look for quality outdoor living products at affordable prices,” said Vice President of Direct Marketing, Angela Borck. “Because of this, the Exchange Outdoor Living catalog is growing in popularity and will definitely be a customer favorite this year with all of the new and innovative items that are offered.”

The 2006 Outdoor Living Exchange Catalog is available 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 March 28, 2006, through August 15, 2006, 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 are all authorized exchange privileges.

Orders can be placed by mail, fax or phone. Toll free orders can be placed from the United States , Puerto Rico or Guam at 800-527-2345. The Exchange Catalog center is open around-the-clock, seven days a week. Complimentary international access calling is also available from several countries. Those numbers are:

Germany 0800-82-16500

Japan/Okinawa 00531-11-4132

Korea 00308-13-0664

Italy 8008-71227

Belgium 0800-7-2432

Netherlands 0800-022-1889

United Kingdom 0800-96-8101

Spain 900-971-391

Turkey * 00800-18-488-6312

* Calls cannot be placed from phones on base. Use off-base commercial lines.

Authorized customers can also shop the 2006 Outdoor Living Exchange Catalog online at aafes.com, usmc-mccs.org, navy-nex.com or cg-exchange.com.

POGs, Gift Certificates that Make Cents

DALLAS – ID card? Check. Protective gear? Check. Plastic coins? Check. Shopping in a war zone presents its own challenges, not the least of which is the weight of traditional currency.

The Army & Air Force Exchange Service helps troops meet Department of Defense requirements to limit change in Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom through polystyrene gift certificates that are used just like cash to purchase a variety of items including sodas and snacks at the PX/BX.

Dubbed POGs, the flat, disc-like gift certificates (images available at aafes.com) come in 5-, 10- and 25-cent denominations. Used primarily in contingency locations to save the DoD the extra cost of shipping heavy coins into war zones, POGs not only facilitate retail operations in war zones, but have become OEF/OIF collectibles. POGs are also lighter for troops to carry and have the added benefit of making no noise in the field when carried in pockets.

“POGs are not only practical, but they are also popular among troops,” said AAFES Graphic Designer Eric Alberts. “Because of the unique military designs, many troops collect POGs and save them to show loved ones back home. Sometimes the certificates even show up on online auction sites.”

The eighth printing of POGs, just released last month, features 36 different designs that pay tribute to military operations and cutting edge weaponry. While mainly used in the more than 50 contingency locations throughout OEF/OIF, POGs are accepted at any AAFES Exchange around the world.

“Help Our Troops Call Home” Support Passes $3 Million

Capt Diane "DJ" Weed, USAF
Corporate Communications Division

DALLAS – Thanks to the generosity of Americans around the world, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s “Help Our Troops Call Home” phone initiative has surpassed $3 million.

As of Jan. 1, 2006, less than 24 months after the program began in April 2004, more than $3.2 million in Military Exchange Global Prepaid Phone cards have been distributed to troops throughout Iraq and Afghanistan .

“We are delighted by the response,” said AAFES Chief of Corporate Communication Lt. Col. Debra Pressley. “From October to December alone, the American public provided more than 21,000 phone cards designed to meet the specific needs of deployed troops through ‘Help Our Troops Call Home.’”

Since the program’s inception in early 2004, 88,634 Military Exchange Global Prepaid phone card orders have been processed. Of those, more than 19,000 have been sent to the attention of “any service member.”

Those wishing to send a phone card can log on to aafes.org or call 800-527-2345. From there, phone cards can be sent to an individual service member (designated by the purchaser) or distributed to “any service member” through the American Red Cross, Air Force Aid Society, Fisher House or USO.

New catalog offers shopping spree opportunity

DALLAS – The new 2006 Spring/Summer Exchange Catalog is now available with more than 500 pages of easy-to-shop categories and spectacular values. The new catalog also showcases products that offer fresh solutions, unique designs and innovative functions.

“The 2006 Spring/Summer Exchange Catalog has everything military service members and their families need to start the New Year off right,” said AAFES Vice President, Direct Marketing, Angela Borck.

Authorized exchange customers can also register for the Spring/Summer 2006 Exchange Catalog shopping spree. Three lucky winners will receive a $500 shopping spree from the Exchange Catalog and Exchange Online Store. Complete details are located inside the new catalog.

The 2006 Spring/Summer Exchange Catalog is available 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 Jan. 18, 2006, through July 17, 2006, 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 are all authorized exchange privileges.

Germany 0800-82-16500

Japan/Okinawa 00531-11-4132

Korea 00308-13-0664

Italy 8008-71227

Belgium 0800-7-2432

Netherlands 0800-022-1889

United Kingdom 0800-96-8101

Spain 900-971-391

Turkey * 00800-18-488-6312

* Calls cannot be placed from phones on base. Use off-base commercial lines.

Authorized customers can also shop the 200 Spring/Summer Exchange Catalog online at aafes.com, usmc-mccs.org, navy-nex.com or cg-exchange.com

Cards, Gifts Impact Troop Morale

DALLAS – In light of recent reports concerning troop support, it goes without saying that those who have bravely volunteered to serve in Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom need America ’s support now more than ever before.

Since troops deployed to Operation Enduring Freedom in the fall of 2001, the American public has spent hundreds of millions of dollars on stickers and magnets with messages of support. In contrast, critical phone support programs that connect deployed troops with their families have received only a fraction of this attention.

“It’s great to let your friends and neighbors know you support the troops, but it’s important to let those in uniform doing the job on the ground know as well,” said Army & Air Force Exchange Service Chief of Communication Lt. Col. Debra Pressley.

Today, any American can make a tangible impact on the morale of deployed troops by sending a Military Exchange Global Prepaid Phone card or a PX/BX gift certificate through one of two Department of Defense-approved AAFES programs, “Gifts from the Homefront” and “Help Our Troops Call Home.”

“Both of these efforts are designed to bridge the gap between the front lines and the home front with either the gift of communication or American products,” said AAFES Chief of Communication Lt. Col. Debra Pressley. “Either method has proven to temporarily transport troops from a war zone to a comfort zone.”

The gift certificate program, dubbed “Gifts from the Homefront,” allows troops to purchase a wide variety of products at any of more than 50 PX/BX stores in Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. Reports from Iraq indicate that the “Gifts from the Homefront” are regularly redeemed for snack foods, cool drinks and electronics.

“Help Our Troops Call Home” provides Military Exchange Global Prepaid Phone cards that offer up to three hours of calling from the contingency theater to the United States . In December alone, troops spent more than 16 million minutes calling home at 71 call centers located in and around Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom.

“Everyone likes to talk to their family during holidays,” said Lt. Col. Pressley. “Partnering with the American public to help facilitate that communication is the least we can do.”

“Help Our Troops Call Home” Military Exchange Global Prepaid phone cards are available by logging on to www.aafes.org or calling 800-527-2345. “Gifts from the Homefront” gift certificates can also be sent through www.aafes.org or toll free at 877-770-4438. From there, purchasers may send the phone card or PX/BX gift certificate to individual Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors or Marines (designated by the purchaser) or to “any service member” by choosing to have it distributed through the Air Force Aid Society, American Red Cross, Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes, Fisher House, Operation Homefront, Operation Interdependence® or USO.

Families Hail AAFES’ Program to Help Injured Troops

DALLAS – When military service members are injured in Operations Enduring or Iraqi Freedom, that trauma is made all the more difficult by an arduous transition process from the battlefield. Troops are often flown immediately to the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany with little more than the clothes on their backs and identification around their necks. From there, wounded troops recuperate at U.S. medical centers and begin reintegration into civilian life.

Walter Gardiner understands the challenges injured troops evacuated from a war zone face first hand. His son, Sgt. Ryan Gardiner, was medically evacuated from Baghdad after sustaining injuries in the global war on terrorism.

When Sgt. Gardiner reached the hospital in Germany , he had nothing to his name until an Army and Air Force Exchange Service personal shopper arrived on the scene. Armed with underwear, socks and a change of clothes, the civilian associate brought more than products, he delivered comfort to a Soldier in need.

“When someone else cares about my son’s needs as much as his mom and dad do, it brings a sense of belonging to a special family,” said Gardiner.

AAFES associates Shane Warren and Charlotte Stobie are personal shoppers who visit with troops, make a list, then go to the Exchange and select the items. They return to the hospital and hand deliver items to injured troops.

“It is an honor to help these young men,” Warren said. “I was once wounded and brought to Landstuhl so I know what it means to have a friendly face at a time when you are alone and frightened. You feel the hurt when they get to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center . Our job is to make them feel better. We are here for the people who fight to protect us.”

The patients come from all services. Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines are assisted by AAFES staff. More than 6,000 injured troops have been helped by the AAFES personal shopper program in the last 10 months alone.

Section 1319 of Public Law 1559 allows AAFES to allocate $250 towards the purchase of civilian clothing to qualifying service members who arrive at several military hospitals. To qualify for the allotment, service members must be medically evacuated from Operations Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom or Iraqi Freedom.

Military Exchange Global Prepaid Phone Cards Keep Families Connected

DALLAS – Petty Officer 2nd Class Miller Shield and his family got lucky this year. His R&R occurred in late November, just in time for Thanksgiving. “We had a great time,” said his mother Deborah Carmon-Coleman. Just before he boarded a plane back to the Middle East earlier this month, Carmon-Coleman gave her son two Military Exchange Prepaid Phone cards for him to call home.

“Thanksgiving was great, but I knew Christmas would be tough,” said Carmon-Coleman. “With both my son and my daughter-in-law deployed, we needed the most cost effective way for us to stay in touch.”

As an employee of the Army & Air Force Exchange Service, Petty Officer 2nd Class Shield’s mother is “authorized” to shop in the same military exchanges he shops. The “PX/BX” is where Carmon-Coleman purchased the phone cards that will provide her son with more than four hours of phone calls between Bahrain and the United States .

Until the Department of Defense authorized exchanges to sell Military Exchange Global Prepaid Phone cards to “non-authorized” exchange customers in April 2004, mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents and neighbors were often forced to purchase phone cards designed for calls within the “Continental United States” because family members who do not work for the military (like Carmon-Coleman) or aren’t married to an active-duty or retired military member are considered “non-dependent” family members that do not qualify as “authorized” exchange customers.

Now any American can “Help Our Troops Call Home” by sending Military Exchange Global Prepaid Phone cards to deployed service members through www.aafes.org or 800-527-2345.

These phone cards deliver an instant morale boost with up to four and a half hours of talk time for calls placed from any overseas military installation worldwide to include 70 AAFES call centers in Iraq , Afghanistan , Kyrgyzstan or Kuwait .

“I just worry about parents who are unaware of their ability to purchase these cards,” said Carmon-Coleman. “Most phone cards are designed for calls between Boston and Philadelphia, not Baghdad to Poughkeepsie . Fortunately, when it comes to sending military exchange phone cards we are now all considered ‘authorized.’”

Designed on a “global platform” for the specific needs of deployed troops, Military Exchange Global Prepaid Phone cards’ minutes never expire and no additional charges or connection fees are ever added to rates as low as .19 cents a minute to call home from Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom.

Carmon-Coleman and her son won’t be the only ones on the phone before the New Year. In fact, troops deployed to Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom logged more than fifteen million minutes in calls last December. This year AAFES estimates troops in contingency locations will spend more than 20 million minutes on the phone in December alone.

Military Exchange Global Prepaid Phone cards purchased through www.aafes.org or 800-527-2345 can be sent to individual Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors or Marines (designated by the purchaser) or distributed to “any service member” through the American Red Cross, Air Force Aid Society, Fisher House, USO, Coalition to Salute America ’s Heroes, Operation Homefront or Operation Interdependence®.

Operation Forward Santa Makes Gift Giving Easy for Deployed Troops *

DALLAS – When thousands of miles separate troops in a war zone from families and friends, participating in the holidays is often relegated to a card and a phone call. The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is bridging the gap between troops and those they love with a gift giving program specifically designed to serve deployed troops.

“Operation Forward Santa” lets deployed service members shop for friends and family back home through free fliers distributed throughout Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom. Featured merchandise focuses on holiday gift ideas, such as food, flowers, jewelry and toys, with a majority of the items available at special promotional prices exclusively for deployed troops.

Deployed service members have several ways to participate in Operation Forward Santa. They can fill out a flier and return the form to any of more than 50 Exchanges in Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom, where a sales associate will process their order. Troops can also log on to www.aafes.com or call a dedicated “personal shopper” at 214-583-5614 for live individual shopping assistance.

“Reaching out to loved ones during the holidays is important, especially for deployed service members,” said AAFES Vice President of Direct Marketing, Angela Borck. “Operation Forward Santa makes it easier for troops to find what they want for friends and family supporting them back home.”

AAFES launched “Operation Forward Santa” in Fall 2003. The program initially targeted troops deployed in remote locations of Southwest Asia who did not have ready access to phones or the internet. While many troops now do have regular access to electronic communication, Operation Forward Santa still offers benefits such as free gift wrapping on most items, with packages labeled “DO NOT OPEN ‘TIL DECEMBER 25.”

Last year, more than 1,000 “Operation Forward Santa” orders with nearly 1,500 gifts made the holidays a little brighter for military families celebrating the holidays far away from their Soldier or Airman.

Familiar Food Delivers a Slice of American Life to Troops in Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom

DALLAS – While Thanksgiving may conjure up thoughts of lazy days filled with stuffed turkey, yams, family, football and, of course, pumpkin pie, many of America ’s bravest will be lucky to pause 30 minutes in the deserts of Iraq or Afghanistan to acknowledge the holiday.

For troops deployed in support of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom, their Thanksgiving feast may be a Turkey sandwich at the Baghdad Subway, an Orange Julius in Kabul , Afghanistan , or even a Big Mac at the Aerial Port of Debarkation-Life Support Area McDonald’s in Kuwait .

All of these, including more than 100 other name brand fast food locations in and around Iraq , Afghanistan and Kuwait , are operated on secure military installations by the Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) for deployed troops.

“AAFES even has a food court with a Burger King, Pizza Hut, Subway, Cinnabon, Taco Bell and Popeye’s all co-located at Camp Cooke in Iraq ,” said AAFES’ Chief of Corporate Communications Lt. Col. Debra Pressley. “The smells, the sights and the sounds can instantly transport troops, however briefly, from war zones to comfort zones.”

Through AAFES’ “Gifts from the Homefront” program, anyone can play a part in delivering this “comfort food” to Americans who will be spending their holidays on the front line of the Global War on Terrorism.

By simply logging on to aafes.org or calling 1-877-770-4438, any individual, civic organization or business can purchase a gift certificate that can be redeemed for burgers, pizzas, chicken or tacos at any of the popular fast food outlets scattered throughout Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom.

“Gifts from the Homefront” gift certificates can be sent to a specific Soldier, Airman, Marine or Sailor (designated by the purchaser) or distributed to “any service member” through the American Red Cross, Air Force Aid Society, Fisher House or USO.

AAFES officials report that demand for fast food in the contingency theater is insatiable. In fact, the overwhelming craving for Whoppers and fries by the troops at Camp Liberty , Iraq , necessitated the need for AAFES to open a mobile Burger King this past summer.

“Before we introduced the mobile unit, Camp Liberty ’s stationary Burger King was serving up more than 300 apple pies, 1,100 Whoppers and 450 pounds of French fries to 1,200 customers a day,” said Lt. Col. Pressley.

The mobile Burger King, featuring a standard menu of Whoppers, chicken sandwiches and fries, operates from a custom-fabricated truck fitted with a kitchen designed to produce Whoppers anywhere troops are deployed. The mobile unit boasts a full-size broiler, capable of cooking up to 200 meat patties an hour, and two fryers for chicken sandwiches and fries.

“If you can’t eat Thanksgiving dinner with family, your true loved ones such as your parents, children and friends, there’s no better alternative than eating comfort food with your military family,” said Lt. Col. Pressley. “I hope every American family enjoying the holiday will make a point to log on or call to help show our military that while they may be gone, they are not forgotten.”

Spring into New Home Decor

DALLAS – Spring, and all of its required cleaning, is on the horizon. Now is the perfect time to take a “break” with the Spring 2006 Exchange Home Décor Catalog.

“Whether looking for trendy, retro or more traditional styles, the Spring 2006 Home Décor Catalog has everything needed to get ready for a new season,” said AAFES Senior Vice President, Marketing Directorate, Mike Westphal.

Featuring 84 pages with more than 200 new items, military customers will discover endless decorating possibilities with fresh patterns and textures, along with a wide selection of appliances.

The Spring 2006 Home Decor Exchange Catalog is available 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 Jan. 24, 2006, through April 24, 2006, 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 are all authorized exchange privileges.

Germany 0800-82-16500

Japan/Okinawa 00531-11-4132

Korea 00308-13-0664

Italy 8008-71227

Belgium 0800-7-2432

Netherlands 0800-022-1889

United Kingdom 0800-96-8101

Spain 900-971-391

Turkey * 00800-18-488-6312

* Calls cannot be placed from phones on base. Use off-base commercial lines.

Top Soldiers Sound Off on Exchange Support

DALLAS – Last month, four of the Army’s top troops visited the Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s world headquarters in Dallas , Texas to learn more about exchange support and provide feedback to AAFES leadership.

Gen. Douglas Macarthur Leadership Award winners, Capt. Julia Bell and Capt. Nicholas Ayers, joined the Army’s Soldier of the Year, Sgt. Chad Steuck, and the 2005 NCO of the Year Sgt. Jeremy Kamphuis, for a day that included photo shoots, interviews and briefings. The day at the headquarters also included a lunch with AAFES’ Commander Maj. Gen. Bill Essex, Chief Operating Officer Marilyn Iverson, Vice Commander Brig. Gen. James Kennon and other senior leaders.

The Soldiers focused their comments on AAFES’ tactical field support in contingency locations. "Everywhere we’re stationed, AAFES is there. Downrange, Afghanistan , Kuwait , Iraq - they have pretty much everything you could want down there,” said Sgt. Kamphuis. “I mean, what other Army can you be in, in a combat zone, where an AAFES has a mortar round go through the roof and they’re open the next day? That's pretty impressive right there."

Capt. Bell echoed the NCO of the Year’s sentiments as she recalled her favorite PX memory. “When I was in Germany and we deployed to Macedonia and they [AAFES] were setting up Camp Bondsteel and Camp Monteith up in Kosovo,” said Capt. Bell. “There was an 18-wheel tractor trailer where AAFES set up shop there. I don't know how to explain it. It's just being away from home, being able to get a product that you weren't able to get anywhere else, it just makes you feel a little bit closer to home.”

"I see AAFES as part of the community,” said Capt. Ayers. “I've known for awhile that there is a certain amount of money that gets pushed back to Soldiers and the family; not only by employing family members and employing people in the community, but also the amount of money it gives back MWR-wise," said Ayers.

Sgt. Steuck, who hails from Fort Polk , La. , pointed out that the exchange services’ relevance is not limited to overseas locations or just being a store offering goods. “They [AAFES] contribute to MWR and our BOSS programs and they help us out as Soldiers,” said Steuck.

AAFES Command was encouraged by the feedback of the Soldiers and their visit. “Feedback is a critical component of what AAFES does,” said Maj. Gen. Essex. “The Soldiers’ visit allowed us to get an impartial assessment of AAFES operations from some of the best the Army has to offer. These troops performed a vital service by taking time out of their schedule to give our senior leadership their thoughts. We truly want to do everything possible to improve AAFES processes and services.”

Military personnel don’t have to win an award to let AAFES know their thoughts. Any authorized customer can provide instant feedback by choosing the “Customer Comments and Feedback” link at aafes.com (http://odin.aafes.com/feedback/default.asp).

The visit by these top Soldiers was a collaborative effort between AAFES and Soldiers Magazine for the 2006 AR 670-1 Wear and Appearance Poster which will be featured in the magazine’s yearly almanac edition. The Soldiers also posed for advertising shots for AAFES to be used throughout the world.

Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) among Black Professionals Magazine’s Top 25 Companies for African-Americans

DALLAS – Black Professionals Magazine has named AAFES one of its Top 25 companies for African-Americans.

Black Professionals Magazine, a quarterly publication, surveyed 500 of America ’s major corporations for its Fall 2005 Career issue regarding the representation of African-Americans in senior and middle management, corporate boards, corporate diversity programs and the overall workforce diversity initiatives.

AAFES is proud to be recognized as a leader in workforce diversity as it mirrors the military members it serves,” said AAFES Commander Maj. Gen. Bill Essex. “Valuing and managing diversity is a great competitive business advantage and we appreciate the contributions each AAFES associate brings to the success of our organization.”

“Workforce diversity positively influences the corporate bottom line and it is essential in keeping companies globally competitive,” said L.P. Green II, the publisher of Black Professionals Magazine. “We know that diversity initiatives have taken great strides in corporate America , but there is room not only for acknowledgement, but improvement. We applaud those companies that have set the standard and have become leaders in the effort.”

AAFES operates more than 3,100 facilities worldwide, in more than 30 countries, five U.S. territories and 49 states. With $8.3 billion in annual revenue and more than 48,000 associates, AAFES remains committed to its mission of providing products and services to military service members, retirees and their families worldwide.

Congress concerned about shipping costs to downrange locations

DALLAS – “A typical (military) family can easily spend $1,500 a year shipping shampoo, baby powder, bedding, phone cards, toothpaste and similar items (to Iraq and Afghanistan).” These are the disturbing findings of New York Congressman Vito Fossella, Jr.

Fossella, along with more than a 100 Congressional Representatives, has been taking a close look at the cost of military mail. His findings confirm what advocates of deployed troops have long known; mailing care packages to troops overseas is extremely expensive.