AAFES gives back to Gunfighter MWR programs

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Brian Stives
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  The Army and Air Force Exchange Service, or AAFES, -- now in its second century of service -- remains committed to its mission. AAFES provides products and services to authorized customers worldwide and generates earnings to supplement appropriated funds for military morale, welfare and recreation, or MWR, programs.

The earnings are redistributed back into the local base and help fund new and improved exchange stores. World-wide, AAFES put back more than more than $229 million into MWR programs in 2005 - an average of $239 for every Airman and Soldier. Locally, AAFES contributed more than $400,000 back to the Gunfighters.

While giving money back to the MWR programs is one thing AAFES does, another is help save Gunfighters money in the long run.

"AAFES' shelf prices provide customers an average 22.09 percent overall savings compared to the competition," said Lynn Masters, base exchange. "Customers can enjoy exchange benefits in many ways, with the greatest value being AAFES' pledge to also 'Go Where You Go.'"

Another aspect of AAFES is the ability to remain constant.

AAFES also provides support to joint and coalition forces serving in Operations Joint Forge, Joint Guardian, Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom to include the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa. AAFES currently has 62 contingency exchanges in operation and supports 39 fund activities in the theater of operations.

On average, AAFES has 490 associates who volunteer to support these ongoing contingency operations downrange.

"AAFES volunteers understand shared sacrifice and the importance of their support to deployed service members," said Mrs. Masters.

One of those Gunfighters who recently returned from volunteering to help downrange is Mark Wood.

In addition to the support downrange, AAFES has developed programs to support servicemembers and their families. For those wounded in OEF/OIF and evacuated to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany, AAFES associates provide personal shopper services to ensure troops have the basics including personal items and clothing.

So no matter where your Air Force career may take you, remember that AAFES will be there with you every step of the way.