• WASHINGTON

During its midwinter conference in March, leaders with the National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs (NASDVA) will hear first-hand how the Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) continues to support all who have served. 

Exchange representatives will be available at a booth in the DoubleTree by Hilton Crystal Ballroom from March 2 to March 3 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to meet with attendees and discuss eligibility, access and outreach opportunities related to Exchange benefits.

The Exchange’s senior enlisted advisor, Chief Master Sgt. Richard Martinez, USAF, and chief of staff, Lt. Col. (R) Jose Hernandez, USA, aim to strengthen relationships with state VA directors and better understand how the Exchange can further strengthen support of veterans and their families.

The hard-earned Exchange benefit is a life-long one. Since 2017, the Department of War (DoW) has authorized all honorably discharged veterans to be able shop tax-free — with military-exclusive pricing — at ShopMyExchange.com.

In 2020, service-connected disabled veterans and their caregivers were granted in-store privileges at PXs and BXs.
 

CONNECTING VETERANS TO RESOURCES 

Martinez and Hernandez will share a presentation at the NASDVA conference on March 3 at 4:30 p.m. in Crystal Ballroom A. 

“State VA leaders play a critical role in connecting veterans to the resources they’ve earned,” said Martinez, noting that this marks the first time the Exchange is presenting at the group’s annual conference.  

“We’re here to share information, answer questions and support those efforts by helping ensure veterans understand how to access their earned benefits,” he noted.

Conference goers are encouraged to attend to learn more about how the life-long Exchange benefit improves quality of life for all who serve and have served.

“This conference is an important opportunity to collaborate with leaders who are deeply committed to serving veterans,” said Hernandez, who served 26 years the Army, retiring as a lieutenant colonel. 

“By working closely with NASDVA, we can help close information gaps and support shared goals of improving veterans’ quality of life,” he stated.
 

NASDVA

NASDVA has served veterans of the United States and its territories for more than 75 years.  

 The organization works to secure uniformity, equality,

efficiency and effectiveness in providing services to veterans and their families across all states and territories, and is the nation’s secondlargest provider of veteran services.
 

To learn more about eligibility and shopping benefits, visit
https://publicaffairs-sme.com/Community/veterans.

Source: AAFES
Edited by Larry Lapka