• DALLAS
As the Army celebrates its 250th birthday on June 14, its journey has been marked by triumphs, challenges and the unwavering dedication of the heroes who serve in its ranks.
And alongside the Army, for the past 130 years, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) has consistently supported and sustained troops and their families.
Celebrating its 130th year of service in July, the Exchange embodies the same spirit of resilience and commitment that has defined the Army for centuries.
“We Go Where You Go” is more than a motto — it is a promise that the Exchange benefit provides the best tastes of home wherever America’s Soldiers serve.
YESTERDAY AND TODAY
The Exchange’s history dates to 1895, when the War Department established “post exchanges” to provide Soldiers with a place to gather, relax and pick up items of necessity and convenience.
Today, the Exchange operates more than 5,500 facilities nationwide and in more than 30 countries, supporting millions of military families, retirees and veterans.
“The modern Exchange benefit began as the Army Exchange Service,” said Exchange Director/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Tom Shull, an Army veteran and U.S. Military Academy graduate. “For 13 decades, ‘Team Exchange’ has been truly honored to serve Soldiers and families, wherever the Army mission required.”
SERVING THE MILITARY FAMILY
During deployments, the Exchange delivers food, water, clothing and even entertainment, ensuring Soldiers are mission ready.
This support extends to contingency operations, where a nested approach to strategy and execution allows for pre-positioning of essential items such as water, batteries, flashlights, etc.
Whether it is during a combat operation, humanitarian mission or training exercise, the Exchange goes wherever the Army goes.
“We understand the unique challenges our Soldiers face in places like Europe, Southwest Asia and the Pacific,” said Col. Everett “Bud” Lacroix, Exchange Europe/Southwest Asia/Africa commander. “The Exchange provides a lifeline to Soldiers in some of the most difficult, hostile and austere conditions, keeping morale high and delivering necessities for mission success.”
In 2024, the Exchange supported more than 90,000 service members across 12 countries during 50 military exercises and operations in Europe, North Africa and the Pacific.
In the last 10 years, the Exchange benefit has delivered $15 billion in value to the military community.
One of the most significant ways the Exchange contributes to the Army’s mission is by strengthening recruiting, readiness and retention.
In 2024 alone, the Exchange outfitted nearly 640,000 combat uniforms, served more than 3.4 million school lunches to military children and bottled more than 4.1 million gallons of water for troops and families overseas.
These programs ensure Soldiers are prepared, healthy and ready to face any challenge.
“The Exchange builds lasting support systems that sustain families; provide meaningful career opportunities for veterans and military spouses; and strengthen the overall readiness of our forces,” Shull said. “The Exchange is fully nested, and evolving, with current and future Army priorities.
“We are all in and ready to do our part to ensure mission success for generations of Soldiers and families.”
Just as the Army adapts to changing circumstances, the Exchange continuously innovates.
This includes providing veterans with a lifetime online benefit that provides the same military-exclusive pricing and tax-free savings as those on active-duty, and aggressively leaning forward to introduce new services that enhance convenience and accessibility.
COMMITMENT
The Army’s commitment to defending freedom and ensuring the well-being of its Soldiers remains as strong as ever.
And the Exchange, with its long-standing history of service and dedication to providing essential support to those who serve, will continue to be a force multiplier to the Army mission.
From the home front to the frontlines, the Exchange stands ready to support the men and women of the Army, today and for the next 250 years.
Source: AAFES
Edited by Larry Lapka
