AAFES
Corner
Judd
Anstey, AAFES
AAFES
Opens Doors to Local Vendors
DALLAS
– While the economy may have forced some retailers to
scale back on merchandise or services, the Army & Air
Force Exchange Service (AAFES) is actively seeking the
assistance of local businesses to increase the product
selection troops and their Families find at their local
BX/PX.
“Some
shoppers drive up to 40 miles or more to come to the
exchange,” said AAFES’ Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief
Master Sgt. Jeffry Helm. “The addition of local, small,
minority, women- and veteran-owned businesses can help
provide the diversity, value and innovation to further
enhance their shopping experience.”
Partner
businesses, called concessions, operate in AAFES-provided
space, primarily in the retail mall area. Benefits include
contracts based on a percentage of revenue, a variety of
space and merchandising setups and the convenience of being
located with the anchor retail store and food outlets. AAFES
will also assist in marketing and promoting partner
businesses to help maximize awareness on and around the
BX/PX.
“Despite
the current economic condition, exchange shoppers continue
to demonstrate a strong demand for new and unique
merchandise,” said Helm. “Partnering with AAFES provides
local businesses exposure to a great deal of foot traffic as
well as the opportunity to serve military Families who are
protecting our freedom.”
Businesses
interested in being an AAFES concessionaire can find out
more by logging on to www.aafes.com/pa/selling/NTB_Page.htm
or calling 800-234-4008, extension 3424.
Troops’
Investment in AAFES Pays Off for Entire Military Community
DALLAS
– While many retailers struggled, or even closed their
doors, in 2008, the exchange benefit continued to pay
dividends for military Families.
Strong
sales and earnings at Army & Air Force Exchange Service
facilities, the Exchange Online Store and Exchange Catalogs
helped deliver more than $260 million to Army, Air Force,
National Guard, Marine Corps and Navy Morale, Welfare and
Recreation efforts last year.
“Historically,
roughly two-thirds of AAFES earnings are paid to MWR and
Services programs with the other third used to build new
stores or renovate existing facilities,” said AAFES’
Commander Maj. Gen. Keith Thurgood. “This structure means
that authorized customers are essentially our
‘investors.’ Fortunately, thrifty shoppers rediscovering
the value the exchange offers allowed AAFES to provide a
healthy return on their investment.”
With
a mission to provide quality goods and services at
competitively low prices and generate earnings to support
MWR and Services programs, the dual benefit AAFES provides
military Families goes far beyond the clothes, electronics
and snacks on shelves. Shoppers who exercise their exchange
benefit at the BX/PX, online at www.aafes.com
or over the phone through the Exchange Catalog actually help
make the military community a better place to live and work.
In fact, purchases made in the past 10 years have provided
more than $2.4 billion to military quality of life programs
such as Youth Services, post functions and aquatic centers.
Cooperative
efforts, of course, mean that AAFES support is not limited
to Soldiers and Airmen. Because AAFES operates catalog,
online and credit programs on behalf of its sister
exchanges, AAFES was also able to return funds to Marines
and Sailors as well. The FY 2008 projected dividend of
$262.9 million was distributed as follows:
Army:
$149.1M
National Guard
$10.1M
Air Force:
$90.3M
Marines:
$12.9M
Navy:
$.6M
TOTAL:
$262.9M
AAFES
Program Ensures Troops Pay Lowest Possible Price
DALLAS
– While a recent Army & Air Force Exchange Service
(AAFES) survey found that the second most important customer
service item for shoppers is price matching, AAFES’ same
survey found that only 52 percent had ever taken advantage
of it at a BX/PX.
““While
the exchange is committed to offering the best possible
value, there may be times when a shopper finds a lower price
elsewhere,” said AAFES’ Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief
Master Sgt. Jeffry Helm. “‘We’ll
Match It!’ is simply a last line of defense in our
ongoing effort to deliver the lowest price to troops and
their Families.”
Depending
on the price of an item, matching prices at AAFES can be
done with or without a competitor’s ad:
-
If
a shopper spots a price difference of less than $10,
they can simply notify the cashier and the price will
be matched on the spot.
-
For
price discrepancies greater than $10, shoppers only
need to bring in a current local competitor’s ad to
receive the reduced price.
In
either scenario, the competitor’s item must be identical
to the item in the AAFES store.
“AAFES
even offers a 14-day price guarantee on any item originally
purchased from the BX/PX,” said Helm. “That means that
if an item is sold at a lower price by AAFES, or any local
competitor, AAFES will match that price up to two weeks
after the sale.”
Since
AAFES does have a dual mission to provide quality
merchandise and services at competitively low prices and
generate earnings to supplement Morale, Welfare and
Recreation programs, there are exceptions to the “We’ll
Match It!” program.
Except
for the Exchange Catalog and aafes.com, stores cannot accept
challenges from any catalog or website. Other exclusions
include bonus or free offers, clearance prices, closeout
prices, special orders, service contracts, automotive
labor/service, special order automotive parts, installation,
delivery, or assembly services. Additional items include
mail in rebates, store coupons, double and triple coupon
offers, flat percentage off items, and gasoline. This also
includes items advertised as special offers or promotions,
free-with-purchase offers, limited quantity offers, bundled
promotions and special financing.
Exchange
Shoppers Invited to Make a Scene for a Shot at $1,000
Shopping Spree
DALLAS
– Aspiring filmmakers from the military community still
have time to get their “lights, cameras and action” in
order for a chance to play a part in the most anticipated
sequel of the year; the Army & Air Force Exchange
Service’s “It’s
My Benefit 2” video contest.
Dubbed
“Rediscover the Value of AAFES,” this year’s video
competition focuses on thirty- second to one-minute
commercials that demonstrate what the AAFES benefit means to
the filmmaker. Video submissions, vying for one of three
shopping sprees valued at $1,000, $500 and $250, can be
uploaded through the Patriot
Family Link at aafes.com
anytime between March 20 and June 20, 2009.
“Beyond
the prizes, AAFES is also offering budding directors,
producers and actors major exposure as winning entries will
eventually make their way to an international audience via
the BX/PX’s proprietary in-house network, EXTV,” said
AAFES’ Chief Marketing Officer Mat Dromey. “Today, EXTV
programming is seen in more than 150 PowerZones around the
world, including locations throughout Iraq and
Afghanistan.”
Complete
rules concerning the “It’s My Benefit 2” contest,
including some subject matter ideas, are available online at
the
AAFES Community Connection. The first round of judging
will be conducted around June 30, 2009 when 10
semi-finalists will be identified based on creativity,
accuracy of information and promotion of the value AAFES
offers. Final judging and winners of the AAFES video contest
are expected to be announced around July 20, 2009.
Select
PowerZones and the Exchange Online Store Premier Built-In
Blu-Ray HDTV
DALLAS
– Fresh from perusing the aisles of last month’s
Consumer Electronics Show, the Army & Air Force Exchange
Service’s PowerZone team has announced that the world’s
first LCD television with a built-in Blu-Ray DVD player is
coming to BXs and PXs throughout the United States, Alaska,
Hawaii, Puerto Rico and Guam as well as the Exchange Online
Store at www.aafes.com,
the first week of March.
“AAFES
will be the first retailer in the United States to deliver
this product to its shelves,” said AAFES’ Vice President
of Hardlines Ana Middleton. “This is just another example
of the excellent partnerships our buyers are building with
electronics suppliers to provide the latest in electronics
to troops and their Families.”
While
the Sharp
Aquos 42” LCD HDTV with built-in Blu-Ray DVD player is
scheduled to be available at PowerZones and the Exchange
Online Store for an everyday low price of $1,599, AAFES will
feature the television in its March 13th Weekly Sales
Tabloid for just $1,399, a $200 discount.
The
introduction of the world’s first HDTV with 1080p
resolution, a 120hz frame and a built-in Blu-ray player is
the latest in a series of initiatives designed to make AAFES
PowerZones one-stop shops for all exchange shoppers’
electronics needs. For example, partnerships with vendors,
including Sony, Samsung, Pansonic, JVC and HP, are helping
in the develop new “Integrated Solutions” displays that
will provide interactive information to better showcase
emerging consumer electronics technology to exchange
shoppers. The rollout of the displays is scheduled to
coincide with the continued expansion of new PowerZone
control counters that are being incorporated into the design
of exchanges around the world. These “customer-friendly”
kiosks have already been introduced to 15 PowerZones, with
an additional 50 locations expected to unveil the new look
in 2009.
“Through
collaboration with vendor partners, AAFES is working to
provide military shoppers with complete home entertainment
solutions at affordable prices,” said Middleton.
“Leveraging purchasing power through worldwide
assortments, being faster to market with new products and
reevaluating how we present merchandise is critical in
making what is already a ‘destination category’ for
AAFES even more appealing."
AAFES
Offers Varying Levels of Support to Entire Military
Community
DALLAS
- From Fort Lewis, Wash. to Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan,
military installations across the globe are home to more
than 3,000 Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES)
food, entertainment and retail options. The Army posts and
Air Force bases where exchange operations are located host a
variety of visitors, contractors and Department of Defense
(DoD) civilians who often ask, “Who’s authorized to shop
these facilities?”
“Frankly,
AAFES offers varying levels of service to every member of
the military community,” said AAFES’ Senior Enlisted
Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Jeffry Helm. “It stands to
reason that guests want to take advantage of the tax relief
and competitive pricing they’ve heard so much about, but
AAFES doesn’t decide who is or isn’t authorized to
shop.”
Exchange
service authorization actually begins with the House Armed
Services Committee and ultimately ends with the installation
commander. The guidelines, as prescribed by Army
Regulation 215-8/Air Force Instruction 34-211 (I),
require proper identification of authorized customers,
including uniformed personnel and members of the Reserve
Components and family members, applicable DoD civilians,
exchange associates and retirees who possess a basic
exchange purchase privilege authorization card.
While
authorizations governing who can buy merchandise and
services at BX or PX often applies to a chosen few, the
doors to AAFES’ 1,384 food facilities and 279 Shoppettes
are open to virtually anyone looking for a quick bite to
eat. In fact, DoD policy allows all federal government
employees, and even installation visitors, to dine at AAFES
restaurants as long as their orders are consumed on the
installation. Furthermore, anyone can purchase single-serve
consumables from a Shoppette, an option that is especially
valuable late at night considering many AAFES convenience
stores offer extended hours.
“The
‘Snack
Avenue’ inside most AAFES Shoppettes offers a robust
selection of single-serve consumables,” said Helm.
“Candy bars, soft drinks and even hot dogs can be picked
up by just about anyone with business on the
installation.”
Anyone
who believes they may qualify for exchange benefits,
including access to the main exchange, should contact their
local AAFES manager for additional guidance as well as
information regarding possible exceptions at specific BX/PX
locations. Store-level contact information is available
online at www.aafes.com
under the BX/PX “Store Locator” link.
Army
& Air Force Exchange Service Market Basket Survey
Results Now Available
DALLAS
– The results of an exhaustive Market Basket Survey that
shows the Army & Air Force Exchange Service saves
authorized shoppers 20.38 percent, compared to other
retailers, are now available at http://www.aafes.com/docs/valuestory.htm.
The
complete results, sorted by category of merchandise,
retailer and market, have all been posted online:
• AAFES
Savings By Dept. demonstrates savings by category of
merchandise. Savings range from 6.57 percent for cameras to
56.29 percent for luggage.
• AAFES
Savings By Dept. Retailer compares AAFES prices with
specific retailers sorted by categories including cosmetics,
shoes and toys.
• AAFES
Savings By Retailer reflects overall savings AAFES
offers compared to specific retailers.
• AAFES
Savings By Market shows savings AAFES offers in nine
survey locations. Results range from 15.83 percent in
Tacoma, WA to 24.71 in Ft. Walton Beach, FL.
• AAFES
Savings By Market Dept. provides category comparisons
sorted by geographic location.
• AAFES
Savings By Market Retailer explains overall savings
AAFES offers, by survey location, compared to specific
retailers.
• AAFES
Savings By Market Dept. Retailer lays out savings AAFES
provides for specific categories of merchandise sorted by
location.
“It
is important that the results of this survey are available
to authorized shoppers, especially Reservists, National
Guard personnel and retirees,” said AAFES’ Chief of
Corporate Communication Lt. Col. Dean Thurmond. “The
convincing savings confirm that visiting the BX/PX and
rediscovering the value of AAFES is worth the drive.”
Conducted
by an independent research firm in Oct. last year, the AAFES
Market Basket survey is a snapshot in time of prices
compared to the competition.
More
than 300 products, including shampoo, diapers and makeup,
were compared item by item. Example comparisons included
four rolls of Charmin Bath Tissue for $3.19 at AAFES sold
for $3.99 at a leading drug store chain, 25 oz. Tide Ultra
Liquid 2X original scent, available at AAFES for $5.19, was
$7.59 at a national big box retailer and 1.25 oz. Icy Hot
Extra Strength Pain Relieving Cream was $3.15 at AAFES
compared to $3.89 at a national grocery store chain.
In
addition to the national survey, each major AAFES Exchange
location conducts local price surveys monthly to ensure
AAFES pricing is consistently competitive.
Local
Price Surveys Help Military Families Save Money
DALLAS
– With a value proposition like “We Save You
Money…Everyday” and a mission to provide military
shoppers with quality goods and services at competitively
low prices, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service
(AAFES) has to work double-time to deliver savings troops
have come to expect. AAFES’ assault of high prices begins
with Market Price Coordinators, whose main duty is to
compare the prices of top sellers in key categories with
local competition at least once a month.
“Price
coordinators are our eyes and ears outside the gate,” said
AAFES’ Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Jeffry
Helm. “From gas to gum to everyday health and beauty
items, these associates ensure AAFES’ prices are
comparable, if not lower, than the competition.”
The
price coordinators conduct periodic checks at local
convenience, liquor and big box stores, comparing AAFES’
prices on top selling items in each department. The results
are sent to the Sales Directorate Pricing Team at AAFES
Headquarters in Dallas, TX. From there, pre-tax shelf prices
are set to be comparable to the competition. Shelf prices
are of primary concern because all products available at
AAFES, except for gasoline, are not subject to sales tax.
In
addition to regular, local price surveys, AAFES offers a
“We’ll Match It!” program that acts as a last line of
defense to ensure military shoppers always receive the
lowest price possible when shopping the BX/PX. If a shopper
sees a price differential of less than $10 they can simply
tell the cashier who will match it on the spot. Anyone who
reports a price difference of $10 dollars or more need only
bring a current local competitor’s ad to receive the
reduced price.
“AAFES
is committed to having low prices,” said Helm. “From
Market Price Coordinators to ‘We’ll Match It!’
military Families can shop comfortably knowing this command
is dedicated to ‘saving them money everyday.’”
CBS
Producers Honor Service Members with a “Salute to the
Military” Show on "The Price is Right"
“Master
Sergeant Robin Brooks, come on down, you’re the next
contestant on The Price is Right!” shouts Mr. Rich Fields,
the announcer.
“Having
my named called was music to my ears,” exclaims Master
Sergeant Robin Brooks, first sergeant for the Thunderbird
Squadron at Nellis Air Force Base.
Although
she had an air show to prepare for the next day, Brooks was
happy she’d decided to be apart of the 350 member audience
representing the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, retirees,
disabled veterans and family members during a special taping
of the daytime game show on Sept. 10, 2008.
“This
is an awesome opportunity to represent the U.S. Air Force
and the Thunderbirds. I wouldn’t have missed this
opportunity for the world,” she said of the “Salute to
the Military” episode that is scheduled to air on
Veteran’s Day, Nov. 11.
Game
Show Host Drew Carey was enthusiastic about hosting Brooks
and the rest of the distinguished audience members for the
special made in conjunction with the Department of Defense
Entertainment Media and the Army & Air Force Exchange
Service (AAFES).
“I
think it’s important for everyone to show our support to
the service members,” said Carey, a former Marine
Reservist. “We sponsored shows like this before
9/11. And we’ve even sponsored shows specifically
for each the four services in the past. I only wish I could
do more.”
When
asked how this idea came about, Carey graciously passed the
credit onto his production team, but according to Mr. Mike
Richards, co-executive producer, “The idea came from
Drew. He was very involved in how to lay out this
show, down to the prizes being awarded and games
selected.”
Mr.
Syd Vinnedge, executive producer said, “It was really
important for us to make the special ‘extra
special.’ We wanted gifts that were specific to
military service members and we didn’t want anyone to
leave empty handed. Thus, we are grateful for the
support AAFES has given this show. Without them, we
couldn’t have made it happen. This has definitely been a
‘win-win’ for all.”
AAFES
provided six $1,000 gift certificates for online shopping at
aafes.com and six 1,000-minute phone cards for the
contestants who made it on stage. Additionally, 10
percent discount coupons were given to everyone in the
audience.
“When
Drew explained the concept of the military salute show and
wanting to provide gifts specifically for the military, I
immediately thought of AAFES,” said Ms. Barbra Brennan,
senior merchandizing representative, CBS Promotional
Placement and Awards Department. “I heard about the
phone cards from a newspaper commentary addressing how any
American could help the troops overseas during the holiday
season a few years ago.”
“I
even checked the program out and was able to go to the
aafes.com homepage to purchase phone cards for my brother,
Marine Major Bradley Brennan, while he was deployed to
Iraq. It was a little gesture, but it meant a lot to
be able to hear from him on a continuous basis,” she said.
The
phone cards and gift cards can be purchased for a specific
person or any service member, and it is much more cost
effective than sending packages through the mail.
Purchasing
phone cards or gift cards for military members separated
from their families during the holiday season is a great
opportunity for any American to show their support for the
troops overseas. Whether you know someone personally
or not, a little bit of home makes a world of difference,
Brennan said.
I
was surprised that AAFES went out of their way not only to
provide prizes for the six contestants who actually made it
on stage, but for the entire audience. The
certificates will be really helpful for the holidays,”
MSgt Brooks said.
While
AAFES handled the prizes, Mr. Vicente “Vince” C. Ogilvie,
deputy special assistant for entertainment media at the
Pentagon, ensured protocol was followed and every service
was well represented.
“This
was a joint effort between the Los Angeles Office and DoD
level,” he explained. This event required DoD
approval due to the magnitude of support required.
Drew has always showcased the military in a positive light
in the past and we were more than happy to assist him with
this project because it also helps highlight the DoD’s
America Supports You program.”
Tune
in to The Price is Right on Veteran’s Day to see all of
the contestants and to learn who wins their game prizes and
the “Showcase Showdown.”
The
Price is Always Right when supporting the troops through
AAFES as shipping charges are reduced and affordable calling
is just a click away. Any American can take part in the
"Help Our Troops Call Home" and "Gifts from
the Homefront" programs by logging on to www.aafes.com.
“Master
Sergeant Robin Brooks, come on down, you’re the next
contestant on The Price is Right!” shouts Mr. Rich Fields,
the announcer.
“Having
my named called was music to my ears,” exclaims Master
Sergeant Robin Brooks, first sergeant for the Thunderbird
Squadron at Nellis Air Force Base.
Although
she had an air show to prepare for the next day, Brooks was
happy she’d decided to be apart of the 350 member audience
representing the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, retirees,
disabled veterans and family members during a special taping
of the daytime game show on Sept. 10, 2008.
“This
is an awesome opportunity to represent the U.S. Air Force
and the Thunderbirds. I wouldn’t have missed this
opportunity for the world,” she said of the “Salute to
the Military” episode that is scheduled to air on
Veteran’s Day, Nov. 11.
Game
Show Host Drew Carey was enthusiastic about hosting Brooks
and the rest of the distinguished audience members for the
special made in conjunction with the Department of Defense
Entertainment Media and the Army & Air Force Exchange
Service (AAFES).
“I
think it’s important for everyone to show our support to
the service members,” said Carey, a former Marine
Reservist. “We sponsored shows like this before
9/11. And we’ve even sponsored shows specifically
for each the four services in the past. I only wish I could
do more.”
When
asked how this idea came about, Carey graciously passed the
credit onto his production team, but according to Mr. Mike
Richards, co-executive producer, “The idea came from Drew.
He was very involved in how to lay out this show, down to
the prizes being awarded and games selected.”
Mr.
Syd Vinnedge, executive producer said, “It was really
important for us to make the special ‘extra special.’
We wanted gifts that were specific to military service
members and we didn’t want anyone to leave empty handed.
Thus, we are grateful for the support AAFES has given this
show. Without them, we couldn’t have made it happen.
This has definitely been a ‘win-win’ for all.”
AAFES
provided six $1,000 gift certificates for online shopping at
aafes.com and six 1,000-minute phone cards for the
contestants who made it on stage. Additionally, 10
percent discount coupons were given to everyone in the
audience.
“When
Drew explained the concept of the military salute show and
wanting to provide gifts specifically for the military, I
immediately thought of AAFES,” said Ms. Barbra Brennan,
senior merchandizing representative, CBS Promotional
Placement and Awards Department. “I heard about the
phone cards from a newspaper commentary addressing how any
American could help the troops overseas during the holiday
season a few years ago.”
“I
even checked the program out and was able to go to the
aafes.com homepage to purchase phone cards for my brother,
Marine Major Bradley Brennan, while he was deployed to Iraq.
It was a little gesture, but it meant a lot to be able to
hear from him on a continuous basis,” she said.
The
phone cards and gift cards can be purchased for a specific
person or any service member, and it is much more cost
effective than sending packages through the mail.
Purchasing
phone cards or gift cards for military members separated
from their families during the holiday season is a great
opportunity for any American to show their support for the
troops overseas. Whether you know someone personally
or not, a little bit of home makes a world of difference,
Brennan said.
I
was surprised that AAFES went out of their way not only to
provide prizes for the six contestants who actually made it
on stage, but for the entire audience. The
certificates will be really helpful for the holidays,”
MSgt Brooks said.
While
AAFES handled the prizes, Mr. Vicente “Vince” C. Ogilvie,
deputy special assistant for entertainment media at the
Pentagon, ensured protocol was followed and every service
was well represented.
“This
was a joint effort between the Los Angeles Office and DoD
level,” he explained. This event required DoD
approval due to the magnitude of support required.
Drew has always showcased the military in a positive light
in the past and we were more than happy to assist him with
this project because it also helps highlight the DoD’s
America Supports You program.”
Tune
in to The Price is Right on Veteran’s Day to see all of
the contestants and to learn who wins their game prizes and
the “Showcase Showdown.”
The
Price is Always Right when supporting the troops through
AAFES as shipping charges are reduced and affordable calling
is just a click away. Any American can take part in the
"Help Our Troops Call Home" and "Gifts from
the Homefront" programs by logging on to www.aafes.com.
AAFES
Rings in the New School Year with ‘You Made the Grade’
DALLAS
– The Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) is
moving military students who excel in the classroom to the
head of the class with its “You Made the Grade” program.
Now
in its eighth year, the education rewards initiative
recognizes students who maintain a “B” average or better
with a booklet chock full of complimentary prizes for every
qualifying report card.
AAFES’
“You Made the Grade” booklet includes coupons for a
variety of free offers such as admission for two to a Reel
Time Theater, a Burger King Hamburger Kid’s meal, a
magazine of the student’s choice and even a slice of
Anthony’s pizza along with a medium drink. Each booklet
also contains an entry form for a quarterly drawing in which
three winners are randomly awarded savings bonds in $2,000,
$3,000 or $5,000 denominations.
“‘You
Made the Grade’ is a great vehicle for recognizing
military students who excel, oftentimes through adversities
that the average student does not face such as a deployed
parent or frequent moves,” said AAFES Public Affairs
Officer Maj Edwina Walton.
To
receive the AAFES “You Made the Grade” booklet, students
must present a valid military ID card and proof of an
overall “B” or better average to their local BX/PX.
Students may receive one coupon package for every qualifying
report card, but may enter the savings bond drawing only
once per calendar year. Military Families can contact their
local AAFES Main Store Manager or General Manager for more
information.
Exchange Service Optical Center Price Points Now Online
DALLAS
– With more than 166 locations across the world, National
Guard and Reserve, retiree and active-duty military Families
know they can depend on exchange Optical Shops and Vision
Centers for affordable, quality eyewear, regardless of where
they’re called to serve. But what about those authorized
shoppers who don’t live near a military installation?
The
answer to this question, one that has challenged military
and civilian leadership for more than a decade, is coming
into focus with the addition of two new partner web sites on
the Exchange Online Mall at aafes.com,
usmc-mccs.org,
navy-nex.com
and cg-exchange.com.
Authorized
shoppers who click on the new “Glasses & Contacts”
link now have access to the prices comparable to those found
in the exchanges’ brick-and-mortar Optical Shops and
Vision Centers through FramesDirect.com and
MilitaryContacts.net.
“These
sites have been set up to offer the same opening price
points exchange shoppers find at our Optical Shops and
Vision Center facilities on military installations,” said
the Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s Director of
Professional Services Lt Col (Dr.) Ric Peterson “Their
inclusion on the Exchange Online Mall solves some
long-standing issues by delivering the eyewear benefit the
exchanges provide worldwide right to authorized shoppers
front door. Now, any beneficiary can take advantage of
internet access, low prices
and high-quality eyewear found at our facilities without
even leaving the house. This service is especially important
to those in remote and/or isolated sites and without access
to traditional exchange facilities.”
With
single vision eyeglasses starting at just $39,
FramesDirect.com’s Exchange Online Mall site features some
50,000 prescription frame styles and 8,000 sunglasses from
more than 200 brands, all discounted 10-30 percent with free
shipping. The site also helps ensure glasses aren’t just
affordable, but also stylish thanks to a feature
that
allows troops and their Families to upload pictures and
virtually try on different frame styles.
MilitaryContacts.net
is also doing its part to bring exchange savings home by
delivering exclusive “military only” pricing for
contacts ordered through the Exchange Online Store. The
savings this site offers, up to 30 percent less than the
leading mail order contact lens provider, even extends to
shipping costs as orders of $50 dollars or more always
receive free shipping.
“Ordering
from either site couldn’t be easier,” said AAFES
Merchandise Manager Don Walker. “Shoppers can e-mail or
fax their prescription or even just provide their eye
doctor’s name and phone number and if the prescription is
on file, the sites will validate and fill the order.”
The
Exchange Online Mall is a concession mall offering online
services and merchandise to military members around the
world. Today, 81 third-party sites, including Military
Recycling, Direct TV, eChapter One, Wild Blue Satellite
Internet and The Leisure Boutique, strengthen the exchange
benefit through their active support of the exchangeonlinemall.com.
Authorized customers can log onto their Exchange Online
Store at aafes.com,
usmc-mccs.org,
navy-nex.com
or cg-exchange.com
and click the Exchange Mall logo or access the site directly
by logging onto www.exchangeonlinemall.com.
AAFES
Gas Stations Extend Discount to Drivers Who Use a Military
StarSM Card
DALLAS
– Army & Air Force Exchange Service gas stations in
CONUS, Alaska and Puerto Rico are being programmed to
reflect a discount of three cents a gallon for drivers who
pay with a Military StarSM Card.
“Anytime
a customer uses a bank issued debit or credit card, the
retailer pays a portion of the transaction to a third party
financial institution,” said AAFES’ Chief of Corporate
Communications Lt. Col. Dean Thurmond “Because the
Military StarSM Card is administered by the Exchange Credit
Program, AAFES is not subject to the additional fees
incurred through other ‘pay at the pump’ options. As a
result, we’re able to pass savings on to authorized
exchange shoppers.”
The
three cent a gallon discount is currently being applied to
transactions at 13 installations (Minneapolis-St. Paul JARS,
Columbus AFB, Redstone Arsenal, Ft. Indiantown Gap, Fort
Gordon, Patrick AFB, Robins AFB, USMA, Laughlin AFB, Yuma
Proving Ground, Mountain Home AFB and Nellis AFB, MacDill,
Scott, JRB Carswell). All remaining facilities in CONUS,
Alaska and Puerto Rico* (177 facilities) will receive
software upgrades Monday evening and are expected to begin
applying the three cent a gallon discount as of Tuesday,
Aug. 19.
“I
encourage drivers during the first week or so of this new
effort, to touch base with the attendant at their local gas
station to ensure the software upgrades have taken effect
before fueling up,” said Thurmond. “As is the case with
anything technical, we expect a few glitches could occur
during the first few weeks of the program.”
Officials
hope to extend the Military StarSM Card three cent a gallon
discount at all AAFES facilities, but do not have a time
table for worldwide implementation at this time.
“This
effort is a priority of AAFES command,” said Thurmond.
“Entire teams are dedicated to working through the
technical challenges to extend the Military StarSM Card
discount to drivers at all AAFES locations.”
From
California to Kirkuk, AAFES Goes Where the Troops Go
DALLAS
- When you have a motto like "We Go Where You Go"
and a mission to support America's troops, you've got to be
ready to "move out" at a moment's notice. Such is
the case for the 113-year-old Army & Air Force Exchange
Service (AAFES) and the 43,000 associates who regularly
bring a touch of home to some of the "hottest"
spots around the globe.
Most
recently, AAFES associates from the BXs at Travis and Beale
AFBs deployed Mobile Field Exchanges (MFEs) in support of
some 400 National Guard members battling wildfires near the
cities of Hayfork and Booneville, Calif. as well as Yosemite
National Park.
Air
conditioned and stocked full of necessities, AAFES MFEs are
54-ft. trailers (photos available on request) converted into
mobile retail stores to support contingency deployments.
Military operations in Somalia, Haiti, Bosnia and Kosovo as
well as domestic emergencies and training exercises drove
the need for this quality of life support to deployed
service members. Once the MFE arrives on site, receives
merchandise and sets up, usually done within 24 hours, the
unit is opened as long as needed.
"The
more than 250 Army National Guards that the Travis AFB team
supported in Hayfork came out of Los Angeles county,"
said AAFES' Travis AFB BX General Manager Lee Chung.
"Being on- site takes on special importance when you
consider that these troops just returned from a deployment
to the Middle East in support of their country and have
quickly remobilized to protect their state. Fortunately, in
both cases AAFES did and continues to 'go where they go' to
bring a taste of home to the front lines."
Beyond
domestic activities, AAFES continues to meet the needs of
Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors and Marines assigned to Operations
Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. In fact, right now some 350
civilian associates from AAFES are voluntarily deployed in
support of 90 BX/PXs, 177 name brand fast food operations,
including Burger King, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell locations, as
well as 74 phone centers throughout Iraq, Afghanistan,
Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Kyrgyzstan and
Cyprus.
"'We
Go Where You Go' means that this command is prepared to set
up shop in some of the most hostile and austere environments
troops are called to serve," said AAFES' Chief
Operating Officer Mike Howard. "Those five words
capture our team's commitment to investing in the people and
resources needed to rapidly respond to the Army, Air Force,
National Guard and Reserve's ever changing missions."
Troops
Beat the Heat Downrange with Liquid Refreshment
DALLAS
– With the dog days of summer upon them, troops
downrange are beating the heat by purchasing a wide variety
of cold drinks. In fact, of the top 20 items purchased in
Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom last month, 15 were in
the form of liquid refreshment.
“It’s
certainly no coincidence that with the temperatures ramping
up there has been a significant increase in the number of
cold drinks being sold at BXs and PXs downrange,” said
AAFES Contingency Planning Chief Lt. Col. Peter Butts.
“With an average temperature of 112 degrees this time of
year, keeping cool definitely becomes a priority.”
Deployed
troops seeking relief from the heat made Monster and Red
Bull the top selling items at 85 BX/PXs scattered throughout
OEF/OIF in June. Monster was the biggest seller with troops
knocking back 284,482 cans followed by 78,753 cans of Red
Bull.
“As
the heat builds through July and August, the public can help
keep troops cool and refreshed while they carry out their
daily missions through the ‘Gifts from the Homefront’
program,” said Butts. “Any American can keep deployed
troops stocked with all of the necessities, without the
hassle and cost of a traditional care package, with a BX/PX
gift certificate that can be redeemed at any AAFES exchange,
including 56 facilities in Iraq alone.”
Started
soon after programs that allowed the general public to send
mail addressed to "Any Service Member" were
cancelled due to security concerns and transportation
constraints, AAFES’ military gift certificate campaign
allows anyone to make a direct and tangible contribution to
military morale with a gift certificate that can be redeemed
for nearly anything that a specific service member wants.
“Gifts
from the Homefront” can be sent to deployed troops by
logging on to www.aafes.org
or calling 877-770-4438. From there, BX/PX gift certificates
are sent to individual service members (designated by the
purchaser) or distributed to “any service member”
through the Air Force Aid Society, American Red Cross,
Fisher House, Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society or USO. These
charitable partners have distributed 24,815 certificates,
totaling more than $480,000, earmarked for “any
servicemember.”
Top
Ten Sellers at BX/PXs Downrange in June 2008
Item
Quantity
Monster Energy Drink
284,482
Red Bull
78,753
San Benedetto Green Tea
75,316
Monster Low Carb
71,987
San Benedetto Peach Tea
59,139
Newport Kings
56,466
San Benedetto Lemon Tea
56,434
Marlboro Lights
47,114
Arizona Sweet Tea
37,700
Starbucks Frappuccino Mocha
31,937
