• DALLAS
The Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) celebrates its 130th anniversary of serving those who serve on July 25.
Since the United States Department of War’s General Orders No. 46 issued directed commanders to establish a post exchange (PX) in 1895, the Exchange has constantly evolved to function as a force multiplier for the nation’s ever-changing military mission.
To centralize the supply of items of necessity and convenience formerly provided by traveling merchants who regularly sought to sell goods to Soldiers at inflated prices, America’s PX system was created.
THE EXCHANGE SYSTEM
As the U.S. prepared to enter World War II, the War Department significantly upgraded the Exchange system, and the Army Exchange Service was born in 1941.
Seven years later, it was renamed the Army & Air Force Exchange Service, following the establishment of the Air Force as its own branch of service in 1947.
As a Department of Defense non-appropriated fund (NAD) instrumentality that primarily uses its own revenue from sales to support its operations, the Exchange has provided critical services in more than a dozen wars and military operations, including World War II, Korea, Vietnam and Operations Desert Storm and Iraqi Freedom.
TODAY’S EXCHANGE
Today, the Exchange manages a diverse portfolio of quality-of-life services, nationwide and in more than 30 countries and territories.
Each line of business is designed to strengthen military readiness, recruiting and security. For example, the Exchange received Congressional approval to introduce the Exchange Credit Program in 1979, protecting service members from predatory lending that often targeted military communities.
The Military Star Card now creates more than $470 million in annual value through proprietary terms and promotions exclusive to authorized cardholders.
In addition to tax-free savings and military exclusive pricing on name brand merchandise at PXs, BXs and ShopMyExchange.com, the Exchange brings name brand restaurants, health and wellness services, convenience stores, gas stations, Military Clothing Stores, self-service 24/7 stores, telecom services and many other services to America’s military installations around the world.
EXCHANGE BENEFIT
With 100 percent of earnings going back to the military community, shopping the Exchange makes life better for service members and families.
In the last 10 years, the Exchange has provided more than $15 billion in value to the military community.
“The hard-earned Exchange benefit is a brilliantly designed virtuous circle that delivers tangible value to our nation’s military mission and the heroes who serve and have served with distinction,” said Exchange Director/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Tom Shull.
“As ‘Team Exchange’ reflects on this incredible organization’s many successes over the past 13 decades, we remain fully focused on instituting effective and efficient improvements to continue going where our troops go for the next 130 years,” he added.
For a visual look back at the Exchange’s storied history, visit https://publicaffairs-sme.com/Community/history#earlyyears
Source: AAFES
Edited by Larry Lapka
