Eight
Billion Dollar Military Retailer Names Michael P. Howard as
Chief Operating Officer
by
Judd Anstey, AAFES
DALLAS
– The Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s military
leadership has named Chief Financial Officer Michael P. Howard
as the 111-year old retailer’s new Chief Operating Officer
as of Oct. 21, 2006.
“I
first assessed the skills and attributes I believe would be
most needed to fit the situation AAFES must deal with in the
next couple of years,” said AAFES’ Commander Maj. Gen.
Essex. “AAFES faces the toughest financial picture in 2007
and 2008 that it has faced in many years. Capital
programs to support BRAC and restationing are very costly,
competition outside the gate is increasing, and the need for
military Morale, Welfare and Recreation dividends will only
continue to grow.”
The selection of Howard as Chief Operating Officer comes at a
critical time for the military’s largest and oldest exchange
service as it embarks on numerous initiatives to dramatically
improve retail operations, including supply chain and
merchandising excellence as well as a major Information
Technology (IT) project known as RETEK. With this in mind,
AAFES leadership felt that Mr. Howard’s strong background in
retail operations, IT, finance and accounting would be
critical in allowing the $8.7 billion retailer to grow and
improve the exchange benefit it provides troops and their
families the world over.
Maj.
Gen. Essex solicited input from top civilian and military
leaders regarding the position shortly after current Chief
Operating Officer Marilyn Iverson announced her plans to
retire after 35 years at AAFES. “Most often cited about Mr.
Howard was his spotless reputation for integrity and fair
dealings. He is regarded as an extremely competent and
talented executive who leads with a gentle, but firm hand.”
As
Chief Operating Officer, Howard will occupy the highest
ranking civilian position at AAFES. “I’m humbled and
honored to have the opportunity to lead such an outstanding
and capable team,” said Howard of AAFES’ workforce of more
than 45,000 associates. “While I have great respect for the
history and traditions of this outstanding organization, I am
excited, willing and able to think and act in new directions
to strengthen the exchange benefit AAFES delivers to its 11.5
million authorized customers.”
Michael
Howard was born in St Louis, Missouri in 1954 and graduated
from high school in Aurora, Colorado, in 1972. He
graduated from the University of Colorado with a Bachelor’s
Degree in Accounting and Finance in 1976. He has also
been an attendee of the Executive Continuing Education
Programs at the University of Chicago and at Darden
University.
Howard
began his career as a part-time custodial worker at Lowry AFB
Exchange, Colorado.
During
his career Howard has held the following positions:
Supervisory
Accounting Tech., Central Area, MO 1977-1980
Operations Manager, McChord AFB, WA 1980-1982
Sales and Merchandise Manager, McChord AFB, WA 1982-1983
Sales and Merchandise Manager, Hanau Exchange, Germany
1983-1985
Asst. Main Store Manager, Frankfurt Exchange, Germany
1985-1987
Main Store Manager, March AFB, CA 1987-1991
Main Store Manager, McChord AFB, WA 1992-1997
General Manager, Colorado Springs, CO 1998-2001
Area Manager, Columbia Area 2001–2003
VP Real Estate, HQ AAFES, TX 2003-2004
Project Director, Project Retek, HQ AAFES, TX 2004-2004
Chief Information Officer, Information Technology, HQ AAFES,
TX 2004-2006
Chief Financial Officer, HQ AAFES, TX 2006-Present
New
Merchandising System Brings Industry Best Practices to
Exchanges
1
Lt LaShonda Bush, AAFES
DALLAS
– Staying
on the cutting edge of business while maintaining quality
merchandise and low prices for customers is critical to any
successful business. As a government entity that operates
like a private retailer, the demands to increase
efficiencies during wartime become even greater for the
Department of Defense’s largest retail command, the Army
& Air Force Exchange Service.
In
order to provide items and services of convenience and
necessity at competitively low prices while strengthening
the return on investment for active duty military, retirees
and their families, AAFES is implementing a state-of-the-art
buying system called Retek.
“We
turned on ‘Wave 1’ of the Retek project last year,”
said AAFES Senior Vice President of Sales Maggie Burgess.
“While we had much to celebrate in 2005, we recognize our
work is not done.”
The
merchandising system, expected to increase sales, reduce
inventory investment and decrease operating costs, is
projected to increase earnings by $261.4 million over the
next five years. Earnings increases will be seen by troops
and their families in the form of increased annual dividends
to military Morale, Welfare and Recreation programs. In the
past 10 years, more than $2 billion has been contributed by
AAFES to the Army and Air Force to spend on quality of life
improvements, including libraries, sports programs and unit
functions.
AAFES
has embraced the new merchandising technology, which has
been adapted by an elite group of retailers, with detailed
training for associates. Each associate working with the new
merchandising system during the first phase received
hands-on training based upon their job role, with 616
associates trained on a menu of 11 courses.
“It’s
an intensive process, but the new system will allow AAFES to
better monitor its stock assortment and increase customer
satisfaction over time by having the merchandise troops and
their families are looking for in stock every time they
visit their exchange,” said Burgess.
AAFES
expects to have Retek fully implemented by July 2007.
Help
Wanted! AAFES Recruits Military Family Members
DALLAS
– As
a military command with a retail mission, the Army & Air
Force Exchange Service relies on more than 45,000 military and
civilian associates to provide quality goods and services at
competitively low prices and generate earnings to support MWR
programs from
Mosul
to Malmstrom AFB.
What
often sets an AAFES facility apart from the competition is a
core of dedicated military family members who bring a unique
understanding of exchange customers’ needs to the PX/BX.
These 11,122 active duty military family members now account
for nearly a quarter of all AAFES associates, making AAFES one
of the largest employers (if not the
largest employer) of military families.
“Military
family members are already AAFES customers; they understand
troops better than anyone,” said AAFES’ Senior Vice
President of Human Resources Mike Westphal. “Having them in
our stores is really a win/win for all involved. Customers
receive top-notch service from a member of their community,
AAFES shares best practices from store to store through
associates who move from location to location and family
members take comfort in knowing that they’ll receive
preferred employment opportunities when they arrive at their
new duty station.”
Like
other Department of Defense employers, AAFES offers employment
preference to military spouses and family members. Once
employed, AAFES’ reinstatement program helps military
families when they move from installation to installation by
allowing eligible AAFES associates to compete with current
associates for in-house jobs. “That’s in addition to
having up to 36 months to find a job at the new location,
while maintaining eligibility for reinstatement benefits,”
said Westphal.
As
a founding member of the Army Spouse Employment Partnership,
AAFES was one of the first employers to sign a statement of
support pledging its best efforts to increase employment
opportunities and provide training for Army spouses. Out of
that partnership, AAFES has developed an aggressive initiative
to expand career opportunities for military spouses of all
branches called the “Spouse Employment Continuity”
program. Started on Feb. 1, 2006, this effort offers
non-competitive priority placement to eligible AAFES
associates who are spouses of military members, required to
relocate with their sponsor. Currently, the provisions of the
one-year test apply to spouses relocated to or within the
Continental United States. Upon conclusion, and depending on
the results of the test, “Spouse Employment Continuity”
will be considered for AAFES-wide implementation.
AAFES
is currently recruiting for entry-level positions and
management positions worldwide in Retail, Information Systems,
Finance & Accounting, Logistics, Food Service/Restaurant
Management, Contracting & Procurement, and occasionally
other career fields. Military family members can find out more
about AAFES’ “Spouse Employment Preference” program,
along with a listing of current job openings, at http://odin.aafes.com/employment/default.asp.
Step
Outside with the New 2006 Outdoor Living Exchange Catalog
DALLAS
– The
Exchange’s 2006 Outdoor Living Catalog is now available with
more than 150 new lawn and garden accessories designed to
bring indoor comfort and style to the outdoors. From
solar-powered lights and umbrellas to an automatic lawn mower
that uses no gas or oil, the 36 page supplement has just what
troops need to make the most of their yard this spring and
summer.
“Military
customers continue to look for quality outdoor living products
at affordable prices,” said Vice President of Direct
Marketing, Angela Borck. “Because of this, the Exchange
Outdoor Living catalog is growing in popularity and will
definitely be a customer favorite this year with all of the
new and innovative items that are offered.”
The
2006 Outdoor Living Exchange Catalog is available at all main
stores and online at aafes.com,
usmc-mccs.org,
navy-nex.com
or cg-exchange.com.
Prices
in this all-services catalog are valid March 28, 2006, through
August 15, 2006, for any authorized exchange customer. Active
duty military members of the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines
and Coast Guard, as well as military retirees, reservists,
National Guardsmen, Department of Defense civilians stationed
overseas, Exchange employees and their family members are all
authorized exchange privileges.
Orders
can be placed by mail, fax or phone. Toll free orders
can be placed from the
United States
, Puerto Rico or
Guam
at 800-527-2345. The Exchange Catalog center is open
around-the-clock, seven days a week. Complimentary
international access calling is also available from several
countries. Those numbers are:
Germany
0800-82-16500
Japan/Okinawa
00531-11-4132
Korea
00308-13-0664
Italy
8008-71227
Belgium
0800-7-2432
Netherlands
0800-022-1889
United Kingdom
0800-96-8101
Spain
900-971-391
Turkey
*
00800-18-488-6312
*
Calls cannot be placed from phones on base. Use off-base
commercial lines.
Authorized
customers can also shop the 2006 Outdoor Living Exchange
Catalog online at aafes.com,
usmc-mccs.org,
navy-nex.com
or cg-exchange.com.
POGs,
Gift Certificates that Make Cents
DALLAS
– ID
card? Check. Protective gear? Check. Plastic coins? Check.
Shopping in a war zone presents its own challenges, not the
least of which is the weight of traditional currency.
The
Army & Air Force Exchange Service helps troops meet
Department of Defense requirements to limit change in
Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom through polystyrene gift
certificates that are used just like cash to purchase a
variety of items including sodas and snacks at the PX/BX.
Dubbed
POGs, the flat, disc-like gift certificates (images
available at aafes.com) come in 5-, 10- and 25-cent
denominations. Used primarily in contingency locations to save
the DoD the extra cost of shipping heavy coins into war zones,
POGs not only facilitate retail operations in war zones, but
have become OEF/OIF collectibles. POGs are also lighter for
troops to carry and have the added benefit of making no noise
in the field when carried in pockets.
“POGs
are not only practical, but they are also popular among
troops,” said AAFES Graphic Designer Eric Alberts.
“Because of the unique military designs, many troops collect
POGs and save them to show loved ones back home. Sometimes the
certificates even show up on online auction sites.”
The
eighth printing of POGs, just released last month, features
36 different designs that pay tribute to military
operations and cutting edge weaponry. While mainly used in the
more than 50 contingency locations throughout OEF/OIF, POGs
are accepted at any AAFES Exchange around the world.
“Help
Our Troops Call Home” Support Passes $3 Million
Capt
Diane "DJ" Weed, USAF
Corporate
Communications Division
DALLAS
– Thanks
to the generosity of Americans around the world, the Army
& Air Force Exchange Service’s “Help Our Troops Call
Home” phone initiative has surpassed $3 million.
As
of Jan. 1, 2006, less than 24 months after the program began
in April 2004, more than $3.2 million in Military Exchange
Global Prepaid Phone cards have been distributed to troops
throughout
Iraq
and
Afghanistan
.
“We
are delighted by the response,” said AAFES Chief of
Corporate Communication Lt. Col. Debra Pressley. “From
October to December alone, the American public provided more
than 21,000 phone cards designed to meet the specific needs
of deployed troops through ‘Help Our Troops Call
Home.’”
Since
the program’s inception in early 2004, 88,634 Military
Exchange Global Prepaid phone card orders have been
processed. Of those, more than 19,000 have been sent to the
attention of “any service member.”
Those
wishing to send a phone card can log on to aafes.org
or call 800-527-2345. From there, phone cards can be sent to
an individual service member (designated by the purchaser)
or distributed to “any service member” through the
American Red Cross, Air Force Aid Society, Fisher House or
USO.
New
catalog offers shopping spree opportunity
DALLAS
– The
new 2006 Spring/Summer Exchange Catalog is now available with
more than 500 pages of easy-to-shop categories and spectacular
values. The new catalog also showcases products that offer
fresh solutions, unique designs and innovative functions.
“The
2006 Spring/Summer Exchange Catalog has everything military
service members and their families need to start the New Year
off right,” said AAFES Vice President, Direct Marketing,
Angela Borck.
Authorized
exchange customers can also register for the Spring/Summer
2006 Exchange Catalog shopping spree. Three lucky winners will
receive a $500 shopping spree from the Exchange Catalog and
Exchange Online Store. Complete details are located inside the
new catalog.
The
2006 Spring/Summer Exchange Catalog is available at all main
stores and online at aafes.com,
usmc-mccs.org,
navy-nex.com
or cg-exchange.com.
Prices
in this all-services catalog are valid Jan. 18, 2006, through
July 17, 2006, for any authorized exchange customer. Active
duty military members of the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines
and Coast Guard, as well as military retirees, reservists,
National Guardsmen, Department of Defense civilians stationed
overseas, Exchange employees and their family members are all
authorized exchange privileges.
Orders
can be placed by mail, fax or phone. Toll free orders
can be placed from the
United States
, Puerto Rico or
Guam
at 800-527-2345. The Exchange Catalog center is open
around-the-clock, seven days a week. Complimentary
international access calling is also available from several
countries. Those numbers are:
Germany
0800-82-16500
Japan/Okinawa
00531-11-4132
Korea
00308-13-0664
Italy
8008-71227
Belgium
0800-7-2432
Netherlands
0800-022-1889
United Kingdom
0800-96-8101
Spain
900-971-391
Turkey
*
00800-18-488-6312
*
Calls cannot be placed from phones on base. Use off-base
commercial lines.
Authorized
customers can also shop the 200 Spring/Summer Exchange Catalog
online at aafes.com,
usmc-mccs.org,
navy-nex.com
or cg-exchange.com
Cards,
Gifts Impact Troop Morale
DALLAS
– In
light of recent reports concerning troop support, it goes
without saying that those who have bravely volunteered to
serve in Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom need
America
’s support now more than ever before.
Since
troops deployed to Operation Enduring Freedom in the fall of
2001, the American public has spent hundreds of millions of
dollars on stickers and magnets with messages of support. In
contrast, critical phone support programs that connect
deployed troops with their families have received only a
fraction of this attention.
“It’s
great to let your friends and neighbors know you support the
troops, but it’s important to let those in uniform doing the
job on the ground know as well,” said Army & Air Force
Exchange Service Chief of Communication Lt. Col. Debra
Pressley.
Today,
any American can make a tangible impact on the morale of
deployed troops by sending a Military Exchange Global Prepaid
Phone card or a PX/BX gift certificate through one of two
Department of Defense-approved AAFES programs, “Gifts from
the Homefront” and “Help Our Troops Call Home.”
“Both
of these efforts are designed to bridge the gap between the
front lines and the home front with either the gift of
communication or American products,” said AAFES Chief of
Communication Lt. Col. Debra Pressley. “Either method has
proven to temporarily transport troops from a war zone to a
comfort zone.”
The
gift certificate program, dubbed “Gifts from the
Homefront,” allows troops to purchase a wide variety of
products at any of more than 50 PX/BX stores in Operations
Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. Reports from
Iraq
indicate that the “Gifts from the Homefront” are regularly
redeemed for snack foods, cool drinks and electronics.
“Help
Our Troops Call Home” provides Military Exchange Global
Prepaid Phone cards that offer up to three hours of calling
from the contingency theater to the
United States
. In December alone, troops spent more than 16 million minutes
calling home at 71 call centers located in and around
Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom.
“Everyone
likes to talk to their family during holidays,” said Lt.
Col. Pressley. “Partnering with the American public to help
facilitate that communication is the least we can do.”
“Help
Our Troops Call Home” Military Exchange Global Prepaid phone
cards are available by logging on to www.aafes.org
or calling 800-527-2345. “Gifts from the Homefront” gift
certificates can also be sent through www.aafes.org
or toll free at 877-770-4438.
From there, purchasers may send the phone card or
PX/BX gift certificate to individual Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors
or Marines (designated by the purchaser) or to “any service
member” by choosing to have it distributed through the Air
Force Aid Society, American Red Cross, Coalition to Salute
America’s Heroes, Fisher House, Operation Homefront,
Operation Interdependence® or USO.
Families
Hail AAFES’ Program to Help Injured Troops
DALLAS
– When military service members are injured in Operations
Enduring or Iraqi Freedom, that trauma is made all the more
difficult by an arduous transition process from the
battlefield. Troops are often flown immediately to the
Landstuhl
Regional
Medical
Center
in
Germany
with little more than the clothes on their backs and
identification around their necks. From there, wounded troops
recuperate at
U.S.
medical centers and begin reintegration into civilian life.
Walter
Gardiner understands the challenges injured troops evacuated
from a war zone face first hand. His son, Sgt. Ryan Gardiner,
was medically evacuated from
Baghdad
after sustaining injuries in the global war on terrorism.
When
Sgt. Gardiner reached the hospital in
Germany
, he had nothing to his name until an Army and Air Force
Exchange Service personal shopper arrived on the scene. Armed
with underwear, socks and a change of clothes, the civilian
associate brought more than products, he delivered comfort to
a Soldier in need.
“When
someone else cares about my son’s needs as much as his mom
and dad do, it brings a sense of belonging to a special
family,” said Gardiner.
AAFES
associates Shane Warren and Charlotte Stobie are personal
shoppers who visit with troops, make a list, then go to the
Exchange and select the items. They return to the
hospital and hand deliver items to injured troops.
“It
is an honor to help these young men,”
Warren
said. “I was once wounded and brought to Landstuhl so I know
what it means to have a friendly face at a time when you are
alone and frightened. You feel the hurt when they get to
Landstuhl
Regional
Medical
Center
. Our job is to make them feel better. We are here for the
people who fight to protect us.”
The
patients come from all services. Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and
Marines are assisted by AAFES staff. More than 6,000 injured
troops have been helped by the AAFES personal shopper program
in the last 10 months alone.
Section
1319 of Public Law 1559 allows AAFES to allocate $250 towards
the purchase of civilian clothing to qualifying service
members who arrive at several military hospitals. To qualify
for the allotment, service members must be medically evacuated
from Operations Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom or Iraqi
Freedom.
Military
Exchange Global Prepaid Phone Cards Keep Families
Connected
DALLAS
– Petty Officer 2nd Class Miller Shield and his family got
lucky this year. His R&R occurred in late November, just
in time for Thanksgiving. “We had a great time,” said his
mother Deborah Carmon-Coleman. Just before he boarded a plane
back to the
Middle East
earlier this month, Carmon-Coleman gave her son two Military
Exchange Prepaid Phone cards for him to call home.
“Thanksgiving
was great, but I knew Christmas would be tough,” said
Carmon-Coleman. “With both my son and my daughter-in-law
deployed, we needed the most cost effective way for us to stay
in touch.”
As
an employee of the Army & Air Force Exchange Service,
Petty Officer 2nd Class Shield’s mother is “authorized”
to shop in the same military exchanges he shops. The
“PX/BX” is where Carmon-Coleman purchased the phone cards
that will provide her son with more than four hours of phone
calls between
Bahrain
and the
United States
.
Until
the Department of Defense authorized exchanges to sell
Military Exchange Global Prepaid Phone cards to
“non-authorized” exchange customers in April 2004,
mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins,
grandparents and neighbors were often forced to purchase phone
cards designed for calls within the “Continental United
States” because family members who do not work for the
military (like Carmon-Coleman) or aren’t married to an
active-duty or retired military member are considered
“non-dependent” family members that do not qualify as
“authorized” exchange customers.
Now
any American can “Help Our Troops Call Home” by sending
Military Exchange Global Prepaid Phone cards to deployed
service members through www.aafes.org
or 800-527-2345.
These
phone cards deliver an instant morale boost with up to four
and a half hours of talk time for calls placed from any
overseas military installation worldwide to include 70 AAFES
call centers in
Iraq
,
Afghanistan
,
Kyrgyzstan
or
Kuwait
.
“I
just worry about parents who are unaware of their ability to
purchase these cards,” said Carmon-Coleman. “Most phone
cards are designed for calls between
Boston
and Philadelphia, not
Baghdad
to
Poughkeepsie
. Fortunately, when it comes to sending military exchange
phone cards we are now all considered ‘authorized.’”
Designed
on a “global platform” for the specific needs of deployed
troops, Military Exchange Global Prepaid Phone cards’
minutes never expire and no additional charges or connection
fees are ever added to rates as low as .19 cents a minute to
call home from Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom.
Carmon-Coleman
and her son won’t be the only ones on the phone before the
New Year. In fact, troops deployed to Operations Iraqi and
Enduring Freedom logged more than fifteen million minutes in
calls last December. This year AAFES estimates troops in
contingency locations will spend more than 20 million minutes
on the phone in December alone.
Military
Exchange Global Prepaid Phone cards purchased through www.aafes.org
or 800-527-2345 can be sent to individual Soldiers, Airmen,
Sailors or Marines (designated by the purchaser) or
distributed to “any service member” through the American
Red Cross, Air Force Aid Society, Fisher House, USO, Coalition
to Salute
America
’s Heroes, Operation Homefront or Operation Interdependence®.
Operation
Forward Santa Makes Gift Giving Easy for Deployed Troops *
DALLAS
– When thousands of miles separate troops in a war zone
from families and friends, participating in the holidays is
often relegated to a card and a phone call. The Army &
Air Force Exchange Service is bridging the gap between
troops and those they love with a gift giving program
specifically designed to serve deployed troops.
“Operation
Forward Santa” lets deployed service members shop for
friends and family back home through free fliers distributed
throughout Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom. Featured
merchandise focuses on holiday gift ideas, such as food,
flowers, jewelry and toys, with a majority of the items
available at special promotional prices exclusively for
deployed troops.
Deployed
service members have several ways to participate in
Operation Forward Santa. They can fill out a flier and
return the form to any of more than 50 Exchanges in
Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom, where a sales
associate will process their order. Troops can also log on
to www.aafes.com or call a dedicated “personal shopper”
at 214-583-5614 for live individual shopping assistance.
“Reaching
out to loved ones during the holidays is important,
especially for deployed service members,” said AAFES Vice
President of Direct Marketing, Angela Borck. “Operation
Forward Santa makes it easier for troops to find what they
want for friends and family supporting them back home.”
AAFES
launched “Operation Forward Santa” in Fall 2003. The
program initially targeted troops deployed in remote
locations of
Southwest Asia
who did not have ready access to phones or the internet.
While many troops now do have regular access to electronic
communication, Operation Forward Santa still offers benefits
such as free gift wrapping on most items, with packages
labeled “DO NOT OPEN ‘TIL DECEMBER 25.”
Last
year, more than 1,000 “Operation Forward Santa” orders
with nearly 1,500 gifts made the holidays a little brighter
for military families celebrating the holidays far away from
their Soldier or Airman.
Familiar
Food Delivers a Slice of American Life to Troops in
Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom
DALLAS
– While Thanksgiving may conjure up thoughts of lazy days
filled with stuffed turkey, yams, family, football and, of
course, pumpkin pie, many of
America
’s bravest will be lucky to pause 30 minutes in the deserts
of
Iraq
or
Afghanistan
to acknowledge the holiday.
For
troops deployed in support of Operations Iraqi and Enduring
Freedom, their Thanksgiving feast may be a
Turkey
sandwich at the Baghdad Subway, an Orange Julius in
Kabul
,
Afghanistan
, or even a Big Mac at the Aerial Port of Debarkation-Life
Support Area McDonald’s in
Kuwait
.
All
of these, including more than 100 other name brand fast food
locations in and around
Iraq
,
Afghanistan
and
Kuwait
, are operated on secure military installations by the Army
& Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) for deployed troops.
“AAFES
even has a food court with a Burger King, Pizza Hut, Subway,
Cinnabon, Taco Bell and Popeye’s all co-located at
Camp
Cooke
in
Iraq
,” said AAFES’ Chief of Corporate Communications Lt. Col.
Debra Pressley. “The smells, the sights and the sounds can
instantly transport troops, however briefly, from war zones to
comfort zones.”
Through
AAFES’ “Gifts from the Homefront” program, anyone can
play a part in delivering this “comfort food” to Americans
who will be spending their holidays on the front line of the
Global War on Terrorism.
By
simply logging on to aafes.org
or calling 1-877-770-4438, any individual, civic organization
or business can purchase a gift certificate that can be
redeemed for burgers, pizzas, chicken or tacos at any of the
popular fast food outlets scattered throughout Operations
Iraqi and Enduring Freedom.
“Gifts
from the Homefront” gift certificates can be sent to a
specific Soldier, Airman, Marine or Sailor (designated by the
purchaser) or distributed to “any service member” through
the American Red Cross, Air Force Aid Society, Fisher House or
USO.
AAFES
officials report that demand for fast food in the contingency
theater is insatiable. In fact, the overwhelming craving for
Whoppers and fries by the troops at
Camp Liberty
,
Iraq
, necessitated the need for AAFES to open a mobile
Burger King this past summer.
“Before
we introduced the mobile unit,
Camp
Liberty
’s stationary
Burger King was serving up more than 300 apple pies, 1,100
Whoppers and 450 pounds of French fries to 1,200 customers a
day,” said Lt. Col. Pressley.
The
mobile Burger King, featuring a standard menu of Whoppers,
chicken sandwiches and fries, operates from a
custom-fabricated truck fitted with a kitchen designed to
produce Whoppers anywhere troops are deployed. The mobile unit
boasts a full-size broiler, capable of cooking up to 200 meat
patties an hour, and two fryers for chicken sandwiches and
fries.
“If
you can’t eat Thanksgiving dinner with family, your true
loved ones such as your parents, children and friends,
there’s no better alternative than eating comfort food with
your military family,” said Lt. Col. Pressley. “I hope
every American family enjoying the holiday will make a point
to log on or call to help show our military that while they
may be gone, they are not forgotten.”
Spring
into New Home Decor
DALLAS
– Spring,
and all of its required cleaning, is on the horizon. Now is
the perfect time to take a “break” with the Spring 2006
Exchange Home Décor Catalog.
“Whether
looking for trendy, retro or more traditional styles, the
Spring 2006 Home Décor Catalog has everything needed to get
ready for a new season,” said AAFES Senior Vice President,
Marketing Directorate, Mike Westphal.
Featuring
84 pages with more than 200 new items, military customers will
discover endless decorating possibilities with fresh patterns
and textures, along with a wide selection of appliances.
The
Spring 2006 Home Decor Exchange Catalog is available at all
main stores and online at aafes.com,
usmc-mccs.org,
navy-nex.com
or cg-exchange.com.
Prices
in this all-services catalog are valid Jan. 24, 2006, through
April 24, 2006, for any authorized exchange customer. Active
duty military members of the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines
and Coast Guard, as well as military retirees, reservists,
National Guardsmen, Department of Defense civilians stationed
overseas, Exchange employees and their family members are all
authorized exchange privileges.
Orders
can be placed by mail, fax or phone. Toll free orders
can be placed from the
United States
, Puerto Rico or
Guam
at 800-527-2345. The Exchange Catalog center is open
around-the-clock, seven days a week. Complimentary
international access calling is also available from several
countries. Those numbers are:
Germany
0800-82-16500
Japan/Okinawa
00531-11-4132
Korea
00308-13-0664
Italy
8008-71227
Belgium
0800-7-2432
Netherlands
0800-022-1889
United Kingdom
0800-96-8101
Spain
900-971-391
Turkey
*
00800-18-488-6312
*
Calls cannot be placed from phones on base. Use off-base
commercial lines.
Top
Soldiers Sound Off on Exchange Support
DALLAS
– Last month, four of the Army’s top troops
visited the Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s world
headquarters in
Dallas
,
Texas
to learn more about exchange support and provide feedback to
AAFES leadership.
Gen.
Douglas Macarthur Leadership Award winners, Capt. Julia Bell
and Capt. Nicholas Ayers, joined the Army’s Soldier of the
Year, Sgt. Chad Steuck, and the 2005 NCO of the Year Sgt.
Jeremy Kamphuis, for a day that included photo shoots,
interviews and briefings. The day at the headquarters also
included a lunch with AAFES’ Commander Maj. Gen. Bill Essex,
Chief Operating Officer Marilyn Iverson, Vice Commander Brig.
Gen. James Kennon and other senior leaders.
The
Soldiers focused their comments on AAFES’ tactical field
support in contingency locations. "Everywhere we’re
stationed, AAFES is there. Downrange,
Afghanistan
,
Kuwait
,
Iraq
- they have pretty much everything you could want down
there,” said Sgt. Kamphuis. “I mean, what other Army can
you be in, in a combat zone, where an AAFES has a mortar round
go through the roof and they’re open the next day? That's
pretty impressive right there."
Capt.
Bell echoed the NCO of the Year’s sentiments as she recalled
her favorite PX memory. “When I was in
Germany
and we deployed to
Macedonia
and they [AAFES] were setting up
Camp
Bondsteel
and
Camp
Monteith
up in Kosovo,” said Capt. Bell. “There was an 18-wheel
tractor trailer where AAFES set up shop there. I don't know
how to explain it. It's just being away from home, being able
to get a product that you weren't able to get anywhere else,
it just makes you feel a little bit closer to home.”
"I
see AAFES as part of the community,” said Capt. Ayers.
“I've known for awhile that there is a certain amount of
money that gets pushed back to Soldiers and the family; not
only by employing family members and employing people in the
community, but also the amount of money it gives back
MWR-wise," said Ayers.
Sgt.
Steuck, who hails from
Fort Polk
,
La.
, pointed out that the exchange services’ relevance is not
limited to overseas locations or just being a store offering
goods. “They [AAFES] contribute to MWR and our BOSS programs
and they help us out as Soldiers,” said Steuck.
AAFES
Command was encouraged by the feedback of the Soldiers and
their visit. “Feedback is a critical component of what AAFES
does,” said Maj. Gen. Essex. “The Soldiers’ visit
allowed us to get an impartial assessment of AAFES operations
from some of the best the Army has to offer. These troops
performed a vital service by taking time out of their schedule
to give our senior leadership their thoughts. We truly want to
do everything possible to improve AAFES processes and
services.”
Military
personnel don’t have to win an award to let AAFES know their
thoughts. Any authorized customer can provide instant feedback
by choosing the “Customer Comments and Feedback” link at
aafes.com (http://odin.aafes.com/feedback/default.asp).
The
visit by these top Soldiers was a collaborative effort between
AAFES and Soldiers Magazine for the 2006 AR 670-1 Wear and
Appearance Poster which will be featured in the magazine’s
yearly almanac edition. The Soldiers also posed for
advertising shots for AAFES to be used throughout the world.
Army
& Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) among Black Professionals
Magazine’s Top 25 Companies for African-Americans
DALLAS
– Black Professionals Magazine has named AAFES one of its
Top 25 companies for African-Americans.
Black
Professionals Magazine, a quarterly publication, surveyed 500
of
America
’s major corporations for its Fall 2005 Career issue
regarding the representation of African-Americans in senior
and middle management, corporate boards, corporate diversity
programs and the overall workforce diversity initiatives.
AAFES
is proud to be recognized as a leader in workforce diversity
as it mirrors the military members it serves,” said AAFES
Commander Maj. Gen. Bill Essex. “Valuing and managing
diversity is a great competitive business advantage and we
appreciate the contributions each AAFES associate brings to
the success of our organization.”
“Workforce
diversity positively influences the corporate bottom line and
it is essential in keeping companies globally competitive,”
said L.P. Green II, the publisher of Black Professionals
Magazine. “We know that diversity initiatives have taken
great strides in corporate
America
, but there is room not only for acknowledgement, but
improvement. We applaud those companies that have set the
standard and have become leaders in the effort.”
AAFES
operates more than 3,100 facilities worldwide, in more than 30
countries, five
U.S.
territories and 49 states. With $8.3 billion in annual revenue
and more than 48,000 associates, AAFES remains committed to
its mission of providing products and services to military
service members, retirees and their families worldwide.
Congress
concerned about shipping costs to downrange locations
DALLAS
–
“A typical (military) family can easily spend $1,500 a year
shipping shampoo, baby powder, bedding, phone cards,
toothpaste and similar items (to Iraq and Afghanistan).”
These are the disturbing findings of New York Congressman Vito
Fossella, Jr.
Fossella,
along with more than a 100 Congressional Representatives, has
been taking a close look at the cost of military mail. His
findings confirm what advocates of deployed troops have long
known; mailing care packages to troops overseas is extremely
expensive.
To
combat prohibitive shipping fees, the Army & Air Force
Exchange Service offers two initiatives that make it easy and
affordable to support military families and troops.
The
first effort is called “Gifts from the Homefront.” This
program relies on more than 55 exchanges, filled with shampoo,
baby powder, bedding and more, in and around Operations Iraqi
and Enduring Freedom. An efficient military logistics
operation ensures these “PX/BX” operations are stocked
with the health and beauty items, movies and comfort foods
troops desire.
Service
members can redeem “Gift from the Homefront” gift
certificates at Tactical Exchanges throughout the Middle East
for items priced the same, if not less, than family and
friends would find in the
United States
.
“‘Gifts
from the Homefront’ save the sender money and put the choice
of what items the Soldier, Airman, Marine or Sailor want back
into their hands,” said AAFES Chief of Corporate
Communications Lt. Col. Debra Pressley. “Military men and
women use the gift certificate just like cash to buy their
favorite foods, DVDs and other comfort items.”
Reports
from
Iraq
and
Afghanistan
indicate “Gifts from the Homefront” gift certificates,
available at www.aafes.org
or by calling 877-770-4438, are being redeemed for snacks,
soft drinks and CDs. Because, all of these items have already
been shipped to field Exchanges in
Iraq
and are available at stateside prices, gift certificates
addressed to “any service member” are subject to a flat
shipping charge of only $4.95 for orders of $5 to $5,000.
“For
only $4.95 shipping anyone could send up to $5,000 worth of
‘Gifts from the Homefront,’” said Pressley. “At 65
cents a bar, that would be the equivalent of 7,692 bars of
Dial soap.”
As
Rep. Fossella understands, phone cards provide a critical link
between the front lines and the home front. AAFES’ “Help
Our Troops Call Home” program was created for this very
reason.
The
second initiative, called “Help Our Troops Call Home,”
utilizes the Military Exchange Global Prepaid platform to
provide phone cards designed for the unique needs of deployed
troops. With rates as low as 19 cents a minute, Military
Exchange Global Prepaid Phone cards, available in
denominations ranging from $14.99 to $39, can provide more
than two hours of talk time from any of 68 phone centers
located throughout Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom.
Anyone
who wants to support our troops through “Gifts from the
Homefront” or “Help Our Troops Call Home” can log on to aafes.org
to participate. Gifts certificates are also available toll
free at 877-770-4438, phone cards can be sent by calling
800-527-2345. Both forms of support can be sent to an
individual service member (designated by the purchaser) or
distributed to “any service member” through the American
Red Cross, Air Force Aid Society, Fisher House or USO.
“$1,500
is too much money for military families to pay just for
shipping,” said Pressley. “Away from home and in a war
zone, simple things like these gift certificates and phone
cards make all the difference in a difficult environment and
make life away from home just a little more bearable.”
AAFES
presents award on WWE® Monday Night RAW®*
DALLAS
– The
Army & Air Force Exchange Service awarded
Commander’s, Vice Commander’s and Chief Operating
Officer’s Coins Oct. 3 to the World Wrestling
Entertainment® (WWE). The presentation was made prior
to the USA Network airing of the WWE Monday Night RAW event
held in the
American
Airlines
Center
in
Dallas
,
Texas
.
The
awards presented were in honor of the WWE
partnership with AAFES to improve the quality of life by
supporting service members and their families worldwide. Linda
McMahon™, WWE CEO, accepted both awards for herself and
Vince McMahon™, WWE Chairman.
Dan
Stevenson, WWE’s
Partnership Marketing
Manager, said the company is elated and honored to receive the
coins. “WWE has a very special bond with the men and
women of the
U.S.
military,” said Stevenson. “We are deeply committed
in continuing to find ways to support our men and women in
uniform and their families. We believe our ongoing
relationship with AAFES is a great way to achieve that
goal.”
“The
partnership with WWE is unique. The organization is generous
in the commitment of resources, providing merchandise and
sport entertainment that improves the quality of life of
service members and their families worldwide,” said AAFES
Vice President of Marketing and Advertising, Richard Sheff.
WWE
continues to support the troops through the sponsorship of
major sweepstakes and personal appearances of superstars
worldwide. In 2004,
WWE Superstars participated in the AAFES
supported Welcome Home celebration for 25,000 troops of Task
Force Ironhorse in
Fort Hood
,
Texas
.
Civilian
retailer delivers copycat uniforms to unsuspecting Soldier
DALLAS
– While
Soldiers await the arrival of the new Army Combat Uniform, the
Army & Air Force Exchange and Army G-1 Uniform Policy
Section are receiving numerous complaints regarding commercial
retailers offering look-alike uniforms that do not meet the
Army’s specifications for quality and design.
“Some
commercial outlets are aggressively appealing to Soldiers
awaiting the arrival of the official ACU in January,” said
Military Clothing Sales Store Army Program Manager Maj. Rachel
Danielson.
AAFES
has received complaints regarding commercial retailers
delivering non-spec uniforms while representing themselves as an
official MCSS. An Army
Reserve staff sergeant who received a look-alike
uniform advised of numerous problems.
“There
was no NSN number on the label,” wrote Staff Sgt. Grant Von
Letkemann. “The top did not have a bellowed back, the arm
pockets did not have the IR square or the covering tab, there
was no pen pocket on the left sleeve, and the zippers were not
as described in the PEO one sheet for the ACU. The bottoms did
not have a draw string on the hip pocket, there were cinch
straps on the sides, and no drawstring in the front. The
flag was not the (correct) size…I looked at the invoice and
saw that there was no AAFES logo or letterhead. The invoice had
the title ‘Military Clothing Sales Store MCSS.’”
Army
Regulation 670-1 states, “Soldiers purchasing uniforms,
uniform items, or heraldic items from establishments other than
the Army military clothing sales store must ensure the items are
authorized for wear and conform to appropriate military
specifications or are manufactured in accordance with the UQCP (Uniform
Quality Control Program) or the heraldic quality control
system.”
“Soldiers
and commanders are responsible for ensuring they are purchasing
and wearing uniforms that are authorized for wear,” said Major
Danielson. “Unfortunately, a retailer falsely representing
themselves as an AAFES MCSS can make it very difficult for
troops to fulfill this responsibility.”
AAFES
MCSS stores are operated only on military installations. All
AAFES-operated MCSS stores are listed by installation under the
“store locator” link at www.aafes.com.
Shoplifting,
a high price crime
DALLAS
– Military
service members spend years building careers on values such as
trust, competency and responsibility, all which can come
crashing down with one shoplifting incident. The Army & Air
Force Exchange Service has several avenues to prevent
shoplifting, and supports legislation to recover stolen
merchandise.
AAFES
Loss Prevention associates focus on deterring shoplifting by
identifying areas that tend to have high pilferage rates. These
areas include electronics, sporting goods and cosmetics. Most
AAFES exchanges have some type of surveillance, whether it is
cameras, detectives or both to monitor these areas and try to
prevent shoplifting before it occurs.
If
a customer has passed the opportunity to pay for merchandise,
loss prevention associates turn the issue to military police. In
addition to action pursued by military police, the Federal
Claims Collection Act allows AAFES to enact a Civil Recovery
Program, which began March 1, 2002. The flat, administrative
cost, applicable to every shoplifting incidence, is $200 and
there may be further fees depending on the condition of the
recovered stolen merchandise.
“The
costs involved in shoplifting affects more than just the
shoplifter,” said AAFES Loss Prevention Vice President David
Drake. “AAFES has a mission to return dividends to Morale,
Welfare and Recreation programs, so it ultimately affects
everyone.”
Shoplifting
in military exchanges cost service members millions of dollars
annually. In fact, AAFES detained 9,076 shoplifters in 2004
alone.
Civil
Recovery allows AAFES to recoup some of the cost associated with
shoplifting; however, the damage to a career and reputation can
be irreparable.
Deploying
Troops Discover the STAR® Treatment
DALLAS
– In
an attempt to ease the financial stress associated with
assignment to contingency locations overseas, the Army & Air
Force Exchange Service (AAFES) offers two Military STAR® Card
options to deploying troops.
Military
STAR® cardholders on their way to locations in Operations
Enduring and Iraqi Freedom may be eligible for a plan that
offers: a six percent interest rate with no monthly payments and
deployment credit limits or an option that also provides six
percent interest rate with monthly allotment payments and
increased credit limits. A deployed credit limit stabilizes the
credit limit for the length of deployment while an increased
credit limit raises credit limits while deployed.
Further
benefits of both options include no annual or late fees, online
account management and exclusive promotional offers.
Keith
Howell, Exchange Credit Program Marketing manager, explained
that the unique options offer powerful financial tools for the
exclusive use of deployed troops. “This is a great opportunity
for deployed service members to effectively manage their
finances while they are stationed in Operations Enduring and
Iraqi Freedom,” said Howell.
While
the nearly 60 AAFES PX/BXs located throughout Operations
Enduring and Iraqi Freedom do accept other credit cards, the
Military STAR® Card offers more benefits and assistance than
many other cards.
The
Military STAR credit program is specifically tailored to service
members and their family’s credit needs. Its many
financial benefits include a 24 hours/7 days per week online and
call center account management capability; exclusive special
promotions; and FREE standard shipping on Exchange Catalog and
Exchange Online Store purchases at www.aafes.com.
Military STAR cardholders are also not subject to over limit,
late payment or annual fees which can amount to as much as 37
percent of other credit cards issuers’ income.
For
more information on the Military STAR® Card, visit aafes.com
and click on the Military STAR® Card icon.
AAFES
Gift Certificates Help Bring Home Closer to Deployed Troops
By
Jennifer Johnsen, HQ AAFES Public Affairs
DALLAS
– Anyone who wants to support troops deployed to Operations
Iraqi or Enduring Freedom can show how much they care by
sending “Gifts from the Homefront” gift certificates, and
the American public is doing so in record numbers. In fact,
more than 46,000 gift certificates have been purchased and
sent to troops since the program began in March 2003. These
gift certificates, available for purchase by anyone (even
those not in the military), have significantly boosted the
morale and welfare of troops and families associated with the
U.S.
military.
“This
program is a great way for Americans to show their support for
deployed troops,” said Lt. Col. Debra Pressley, Army &
Air Force Exchange Service’s (AAFES’) chief of Corporate
Communications. “Gift certificates that can be used at the
PX or BX allow troops to immediately acquire items that they
want or need.”
Today,
AAFES operates 54 stores located throughout Operations Iraqi
and Enduring Freedom. Reports from AAFES officials in
Operation Iraqi Freedom indicate that “Gifts from the
Homefront” gift certificates are being redeemed at these
facilities to purchase drinks, candy, music, DVDs, health and
beauty items, video games, magazines, batteries, powdered
drinks, snack, canned food, and much more.
The
most popular items purchased by troops at AAFES facilities in
Iraq
and
Afghanistan
include Monster Energy Drinks, global prepaid phone cards and
Duracell batteries. “Gifts from the Homefront” gift
certificates are redeemable for merchandise at all Exchange
facilities worldwide, and can be purchased by logging on to www.aafes.com
or calling 877-770-GIFT (4438), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week,
every day of the year. AAFES gift certificates, which can only
be redeemed by authorized AAFES customers, come in
denominations of $5, $10, $15 and $20.
“Gifts
from the Homefront” gift certificates can be sent to
individuals, or distributed to “any service member,”
through the American Red Cross, Air Force Aid Society, USO,
Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, or Fisher House. To date,
AAFES’ charitable partners have distributed more than 16,000
“Gifts from the Homefront” gift certificates.
AAFES/BK
Give Away Mustangs: One Down, Two to Go
DALLAS - Every now and then military family members are entitled
to a little luck, and this time that honor was bestowed on one
lucky spouse who has claimed a 2006 Ford Mustang courtesy of the
Army & Air Force Exchange Service and Burger King (photo
available upon request). Peggy Clark, winner of the "Dog
Tagg Drill Call" Game, collected all four game pieces of
the four AAFES Burger King characters "The Grill
Instructor," "Major Money," the "Grill
Instructor's Mom," and the Grill Instructor's dog,
"Tagg." Clark and her husband, Staff Sgt. Lyn Clark,
were on their way from their home in Germany to Normandy and
Paris to celebrate his recent return from Iraq when they
collected all four of the game pieces needed to win one of the
three grand prizes. "We went through the Burger King drive
thru for breakfast, then pulled over to eat," said Clark.
Before breakfast was over, they had won a 2006 Ford
Mustang.
"We got all four pieces at
that moment and couldn't believe it!" she exclaimed. The
grand prizes of the AAFES Burger King "Dog Tagg Drill
Call" contest are three 2006 Ford Mustangs. Clark was the
winner of the Ford Mustang designated for Europe. There are
still two unclaimed Ford Mustangs, one earmarked for the Pacific
region and the other for CONUS. Game pieces were available on 32
oz. and 42 oz. soft drinks, the Angus or Tendercrisp(tm)
sandwiches, or breakfast sandwiches. Service members, retirees
and their families also had up to three chances to win by
ordering any King Size Value Meal. While the game pieces are no
longer being distributed, there are still prizes waiting to be
claimed.
"We still have two unclaimed
2006 Ford Mustangs along with other prizes," said Phil
Story, senior restaurant program manager. "Burger King
guests have until June 20, 2005, to claim their prizes, so it is
not too late to redeem winning game pieces. We encourage
authorized AAFES customers to check their wallets, desk drawers
and glove boxes; anywhere they might have left a game
piece." AAFES' "Dog Tagg Drill Call" contest was
held worldwide exclusively in Burger King restaurants on
military installations from March 7 - April 18, 2005. Military
service members and their families stationed in the United
States and abroad were eligible to receive game pieces to the
contest, for over 1 million prizes, including instant win AAFES
shopping sprees up to $5,000.
AAFES
Dividends Benefit Armed Forces' Morale, Welfare and Recreation
By Judd Anstey, HQ AAFES Public Affairs
DALLAS
- The Army & Air Force Exchange Service has announced that
it is returning $242.3 million to the services' Morale, Welfare
and Recreation programs. For 2004, this dividend represents an
average per capita dividend of $277 for every Soldier and
Airman, a 5 percent increase over last year. In 2003, AAFES paid
a per capita dividend of $264.
"AAFES' mission is to provide goods and services at
competitively low prices and generate earnings to support MWR
programs," said AAFES Commander Brig. Gen. Toreaser Steel.
"These contributions to the U.S. Armed Forces and their
families make AAFES a major non-pay benefit to customers."
The value AAFES offers the military community extends far beyond
its ability to provide quality merchandise and consumer
services. With the help of AAFES dividends, MWR, CFSC and Air
Force Services have completed hundreds of community enhancement
projects at Army and Air Force installations around the world.
AAFES supports the mission of the services' MWR to improve the
troops' quality of life and the well being of the overall
military community. AAFES will continue to focus its efforts on
providing value by offering low-cost shopping options and
delivering an annual dividend.
"Every time troops shop at the exchange, they provide
support to MWR programs, facilities and non-appropriated fund
construction projects such as bowling and youth centers, golf
courses and outdoor recreation," said Brig. Gen. Steele.
Historically, roughly 67 percent of AAFES earnings are paid to
MWR programs. In the past 10 years, more than $2 billion has
been contributed by AAFES to the Army and Air Force to spend on
quality of life improvements for Soldiers, Airmen and their
families, including libraries, sports programs, swimming pools,
youth activities, tickets and tour services, hobby shops, music
programs, outdoor facilities and unit functions.
AAFES support to the military is not limited to Soldiers and
Airmen. Because AAFES operates at Marine and Navy locations,
AAFES is also able to return funds to Marines and Sailors. The
FY 2004 dividend of $242.3 million will be distributed as
follows:
Army: $147.5M
Air Force: $82.3M
Marines: $11.9M
Navy: $.6M
TOTAL: $242.3M
"We are proud of our partnership with NEXCOM and MCX,"
said Brig. Gen. Steele. "I know I speak for all Exchange
associates when I say that the end of year dividend is extremely
important. It makes the day-to-day sacrifices much more
gratifying when you see the financial benefit Soldiers, Airmen,
Marines, Sailors and their families will reap from all the hard
work."
Troops are not the only ones who can enhance the annual dividend
AAFES provides MWR services. Civilians (aka non-authorized
exchange customers) can also contribute by purchasing
"Gifts from the Homefront" gift certificates or
"Help Our Troops Call Home" phone cards. Both programs
allow anyone to make a direct contribution to the morale of
troops by sending a gift certificate or phone card that can be
used in any AAFES retail or phone center operation in the world
including those in Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom. While
initial purchases made through these programs offer an immediate
benefit to troops, the long-term advantage is that a portion of
the funds used to purchase the phone card or gift certificate
this year will go back to the military community next year.
"Gifts from the Homefront" gift certificates and
"Help Our Troops Call Home" phone cards are both
available online at www.aafes.com.
AAFES
Grand Opening in Iraq Serves 80 Whoppers an Hour
By
Sgt. First Class Heatherann Bozeman
BAGHDAD,
IRAQ - The Army & Air Force Exchange Service's newest Burger
King in Iraq opened at the International Zone with a
ribbon-cutting ceremony, April 12. Ambassador Stephen
Browning and AAFES' Vice President of Iraqi Operations Dan
Tompkins did the honors in the Post Exchange Complex courtyard
with more than 400 hungry participants waiting to eat. The IZ PX
food courtyard is now home to a Burger King, Pizza Inn, Gyro
King and coffee shop.
"This is a great day and AAFES is proud to partner with the
command to bring the troops this great looking food court,"
said Tompkins.
The new BK averaged over 80 Whoppers an hour and by the end of
the busy opening day, had served 888 Whoppers and 357 pounds of
fries.
"It's so great to be able to bring them a taste of
home," said Rick Mora, Baghdad AAFES general manager.
"The talk of the day among the troops here [at the opening]
has been 'I can't wait to get my Whopper!'"
The IZ service members join troops stationed in Tallil, Tikrit,
Balad, Kirkuk, Taji and Camp Liberty near Baghdad who are also
"having it their way" while deployed. Coalition forces
deploying through the military hub at the Baghdad International
Airport now also have an opportunity to grab a Subway meal with
the opening of the IZ Subway just days after the BK opening.
With the new Burger King and Subway opening in the IZ, the grand
total for name brand fast food in Iraq (including Pizza Hut and
Green Beans Gourmet Coffee restaurants) now stands at 31, with
23 more sites pending.
Iraq is, of course, only one piece of AAFES' fast food
operations in Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. Dairy Queen
and Orange Julius co-branded restaurant opened in Bagram,
Afghanistan, on April 10. Qatar hosts two Baskin Robbins and
Dunkin Donuts combinations as well as Pizza Hut, Burger King,
Subway, Orange Julius and Green Beans Gourmet Coffee outlets.
AAFES also operates Hardee's, Pizza Hut, Subway, Nathan's Famous
Hot Dogs, Pizza Inn, Baskin Robbins and Green Beans Gourmet
Coffee facilities in Kuwait.
"There are now 11 name brand fast food operations in the 'Stans'
with five more pending," said Richard Sheff, vice president
of AAFES' Food and Theater Division. "AAFES fast food
activities in Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom have been
growing at a rate of 1.3 a month in Iraq since 2003 when the
first Burger King opened in Tallil."
According to AAFES' Region Food Business Manager for Iraq Terry
McCoy, opening a Subway in a war zone is not like opening one on
an American street corner. "The logistics of getting the
trailer in here alone takes huge coordination and command buy
in," said McCoy. "But it makes it all worthwhile when
you see the troops so excited at an opening or hear them talk
about going to get a Whopper when they come off duty."
Talk to the troops and they'll tell you how they feel about name
brand fast food in contingency locations.
"I like the chow hall and they do a really good job,"
said Sgt. Benjamin Miller deployed to Iraq from Fort Riley,
Kansas. "I just like to get a burger if I want, you know?
We have so few choices here that having the Burger King here
really helps."
"We
all want to know when Taco Bell is going to open," said
Sgt. First Class Ulysses Rayford in Kuwait. "I love Taco
Bell and wish I knew when it was going to open. That's going to
really be great here."
AAFES officials admit that nailing down an opening date is a
difficult process. Receiving approvals, according to Sheff, is
only one part of the battle. "Different countries require
different levels of support for the facility," said Sheff.
Assuring power, water and safety standards can change opening
dates by weeks, explained Sheff. Unit rotations bring command
changes, camp closures or troop numbers changes. There are still
more difficulties; skilled technicians and local availability of
supplies like gravel and concrete, as well as sanitary and
environmental conditions have to be in place. Finally, the
friendly face smiling behind the counter needs to live, eat and
receive country clearance to be in the war zone.
Despite these challenges, AAFES continues to forge forward for
deployed customers. "It's amazing when you see everything
that goes into opening one fast food trailer here in Iraq,"
said Lt. Col. Billy Cobb, AAFES Iraq military operations liaison
officer. "These folks work hard to make it happen and it's
not easy."
The Third Infantry division has returned to Iraq and can see a
definite change in what they saw on the camps over two years
ago, particularly with fast food available now. Many of the
Soldiers assigned to Multi-National Forces and Coalition Iraq
are on their second and even third tours.
"It's much nicer than when we first came through. So much
has built up, like Subway and Pizza Hut right here on
base," said Staff Sgt. Jeremy Ross, a personal security
detachment military policeman stationed at Camp Victory on his
second tour in Iraq. "We still work long hours and stay on
the roads handling business, but coming back to camp is a lot
nicer with the stuff we have here now."
For AAFES, Ross' comments make all the difference. "The
work here is very satisfying because you see how hard these guys
work," said Tompkins. "We enjoy giving our troops a
little taste of home and they appreciate it, they really
do."
Good
Housekeeping Recognizes AAFES' Baby's Choice Infant Formula
By
Judd Anstey, HQ AAFES Public Affairs
DALLAS
- The Army & Air Force Exchange Service has received the
prestigious Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval®* from the Good
Housekeeping Institute for its Baby's Choice Infant Formula
line. Recognized around the world as a symbol of excellence, the
Seal is awarded to products only after extensive quality
testing.
"Every parent wants the best for their baby," said
AAFES' Retail Food Divisional Merchandise Manager Elizabeth
Burkepile. "Good Housekeeping has simply affirmed what
military moms and dads already know; AAFES' Baby's Choice Infant
Formulas safely and effectively provides complete nutrition for
babies at a fraction of the cost of the expensive national
brands."
Backed by the FDA, Baby's Choice Infant Formulas are
manufactured to the highest standards by PBM Nutritionals LLC, a
trusted name in infant formula. Seeking to provide quality
products at a lower cost to customers, Burkepile says AAFES
joined forces with PBM to manufacture infant formulas,
"that won't put a dent in a military family's budget."
Available in both milk and soy varieties, Baby's Choice Infant
Formulas are fortified with iron and are now available with the
essential nutrients DHA and ARA. These two nutrients are found
naturally in mother's milk and help support a baby's brain and
eye development.
Products approved by the Good Housekeeping Institute may be
advertised in The Good Housekeeping Magazine and are backed by
their consumer's policy, which states that if a product bearing
the Seal proves to be defective within two years of purchase,
Good Housekeeping will replace the product or refund the
purchase price. Baby's Choice Infant Formula will appear in the
special overseas military advertising section of the next
edition of Good Housekeeping Magazine.
Army
Announces Next AAFES Deputy Commander
DALLAS
– The U.S. Army has announced that BG James Lewis Kennon will
be the Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s (AAFES’) next
Deputy Commanding General. BG Kennon, currently Director,
Logistics, Engineering and Security Assistance, J-4, United
States Pacific Command, Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii, is expected to
report to AAFES’ World HQ in Dallas before the end of July.
“We
are excited about the skill set BG Kennon will bring to
AAFES,” said AAFES Commander Maj. Gen. Bill Essex. “His
background and experience in logistics should be a valued asset
to AAFES’ global mission of service and support.”
A graduate of Chaminade University Honolulu, Hawaii with
two Masters Degrees from
Central
Michigan
University
and
National
Defense
University
, BG Kennon’s 36-year career has taken him from
Vietnam
to
Hawaii
and to the majority of the Army bases in between. “The Army
has allowed me to visit almost every corner of the globe,”
said BG Kennon. “At every stop, AAFES was there for me and my
family. I look forward to playing a part in maintaining
the benefit AAFES is known to deliver.”
AAFES operates thousands of facilities worldwide;
including more than 12,000 facilities in more than 35 countries
and in 49 of the 50 states. These include 3,150 retail
facilities of which 161 are main stores on Army, Air Force, and
Marine installations around the world. AAFES also plays a large
role in contingency operations with 55 stores throughout
Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom.
Army
Retirees Now Authorized to Purchase and Wear Physical Fitness
Uniforms
DALLAS
- The Chief of Staff of the Army has authorized Army retirees
to wear the Physical Fitness and Improved Physical Fitness
Uniforms (PFU and IPFU). The IPFU is immediately available at
all Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) Army MCSS
locations and online at www.aafes.com
Army officials recognize that throughout the year, retirees
continue to show their support to, and affiliation with the
Army. "This authorization allowing retirees to wear the
PFU or the IPFU symbolizes recognition to our retirees'
commitment to continued fitness practices and membership
within the Army's family" said MCSS Army Program Manager
Maj. Rachel Danielson. "We are very pleased with this
announcement and will continue to support our valued retiree
customer base".
All personnel, including retirees, who wear the PFU or the
IPFU are authorized to wear the clothing as currently worn by
personnel in the active Army. Uniform wear policy is described
in Army Regulation 670-1 Wear and Appearance of Army Uniform
and Insignia. For those who haven't worn the uniforms in
a while, AAFES includes the following guidelines as a courtesy
to its retired customers:
1. Retirees may wear parts of the PFU or the IPFU with
civilian attire off the installations
2. When wearing the PFU or the IPFU as a complete uniform;
i.e. trunks and short-sleeve shirt/sweatshirt or sweatpants
with short-sleeve shirt or sweatshirt retirees will:
A. Wear only authorized accessories corresponding to those
worn by personnel of the active Army
B. Keep the sleeves down on the sweatshirt or jacket, the legs
down on the pants, and they will tuck the T-shirt inside the
trunks
C. Not roll or push up the sleeves of the IPFU sweatshirt or
the IPFU jacket
D. Wear the sleeves of the IPFU sweatshirt cuffed or uncuffed;
they may not cuff the IPFU jacket sleeves
E. Wear the black knit cap pulled down snugly on the head,
with the bottom edge of the cap folded up; retirees will not
roll the edge of the cap.
F. Pregnant retirees are authorized to wear the
T-shirt/sweatshirt outside the trunks/sweatpants
Troops
Tie the Knot for Less with AAFES' New Online Bridal Boutique
DALLAS
- Wedding season is just around the corner and the Army &
Air Force Exchange Service's new online bridal store can help
military brides-to-be save precious time in planning for their
special day.
Military Bride, which was launched at AAFES.com's CentricMall
on March 3, is just a click away and offers savings of 10 to
80 percent on new designer bridal gowns and accessories that
authorized exchange customers and their family members can buy
wherever they are.
All gowns feature the latest styles in bridal fashion and are
made from premium quality fabrics such as Duchess Satin,
Venice Lace and English Net. Each dress is accentuated
with hand-sewn seed pearls and crystals. Custom sizing,
extra length and petite cuts are also available. Most
gowns are stocked for immediate shipping and are easily
altered upon receipt.
Military Bride has been in the bridal business for more
than 25 years and unlike most bridal stores has a return
policy, fast delivery and satisfaction is guaranteed. An
experienced staff is ready 18 hours a day to help exchange
customers with all their bridal needs.
Military Bride has everything needed to make a wedding day
perfect to include flower girl dresses, ring-bearer tuxes,
bridesmaids' dresses, gloves, tiaras and more. To see
what Military Bride has to offer, go to www.aafes.com
and click on the CentricMall link.
Exchange
Services' Spring/Summer 2005 Jewelry Catalog brings the "Bling"
DALLAS
- The Spring/Summer 2005 Exchange Jewelry Catalog is now
available. The newest all-services catalog features more than
30 pages of sparkling diamonds, brightly colored gemstones and
multicolored cultured freshwater pearls, as well as trendy
titanium, religious, patriotic and personalized pieces. A vast
assortment of well-known, quality watches are also available
in casual, dressy, contemporary and chic designer looks.
"While the varied, high-quality assortment will appeal to
shoppers, I think the value this catalog offers is even more
compelling," says Direct Marketing Vice President Angela
Terry.
The Spring/Summer 2005 Jewelry Catalog is available for free
at all main stores and online at www.aafes.com,
usmc-mccs.org, navy-nex.com or cg-exchange.com.
Prices in this all-services catalog are valid April 5, 2005
through Aug. 31, 2005, for any authorized exchange customer.
Active duty military members of the Army, Air Force, Navy,
Marines and Coast Guard, as well as military retirees,
reservists, National Guardsmen, Department of Defense
civilians stationed overseas, Exchange employees and their
family members have all been authorized exchange privileges.
Orders can be placed by mail, fax or phone. To place
orders toll free from the United States, Puerto Rico or Guam
just call 1-800-527-2345. The Exchange Catalog center is
open around-the-clock, seven days a week. Complimentary
international access calling is available from several
countries. Please check the customer service area at
your Exchange Online Store for details.
Authorized customers can also shop the Spring/Summer 2005
Jewelry Catalog on the Internet at aafes.com <http://www.aafes.com/>,
usmc-mccs.org, <http://www.usmc-mccs.org/>
navy-nex.com <http://www.navy-nex.com/>
or cg-exchange.com <http://www.cg-exchange.com/>.
Earnings generated by purchases in the Exchange and Exchange
Online Store as well as Exchange Catalogs such as the
Spring/Summer 2005 Jewelry Catalog are returned to the
military community in the form of funding for Morale, Welfare
and Recreation (MWR) facilities and programs.
AAFES
Saves Customers an Average of 22.09% Everyday
DALLAS
– According
to a national independent market basket survey, prices at Army
& Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) PXs and BXs are on
average 22.09 percent lower than comparable retailers.
Conducted in February by RetailData, the 2005 market
basket survey sampled everyday prices of 150 similar items found
in six military communities. Communities surveyed included
Fort
Meade
, M.D.; Eglin AFB,
Fla.
;
Fort Hood
,
Texas
;
Fort Lewis
,
Wash.
; Offutt AFB,
Neb.
; and Luke AFB,
Ariz.
According to AAFES officials, the savings exchange
shoppers receive doesn’t end at 22.09 percent. “It’s
important to remember that the average savings cited by
RetailData’s survey is before any additional tax-free
advantage authorized exchange customers enjoy,” said AAFES’
Commander Maj. Gen. Bill Essex. “Depending on where a service
member or military retiree lives, shopping the PX or BX can
offer an average savings up to 31.44 percent when you consider
that our customers don’t pay sales tax.”
RetailData’s market basket survey is designed to focus
on the most popular items sold at AAFES facilities and
represents all major retail departments. National name brand
items prices were surveyed. In addition to name brand savings,
AAFES’ private label merchandise keeps even more money in
military customers’ pockets.
“As more and more retailers are targeting military
service members as customers, AAFES is working twice as hard to
offer compelling value to military customers,” said AAFES’
Chief Operating Officer Marilyn Iverson. “When you look at
this survey and compare ‘apples to apples,’ I think it’s
clear that AAFES saves its customers money everyday, regardless
of their location.”
A market basket survey is a snapshot in time. The retail
industry conducts similar surveys as an industry best practice
to remain competitive. In addition to the national survey, each
major AAFES Exchange location conducts local price surveys
monthly to ensure AAFES pricing is consistently competitive. The
2005 market basket survey average savings of 22.09 percent
represents an increase over AAFES’ 2004 results of 21.89
percent. AAFES will continue to conduct annual surveys to ensure
prices are the lowest possible.
Detailed survey results can be found at www.aafes.com.
The
Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) is a joint
command of the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force, and is directed
by a Board of Directors who is responsible to the Secretaries
of the Army and the Air Force through the Service Chiefs of
Staff. AAFES has the dual mission of providing authorized
patrons with articles of merchandise and services and of
generating non-appropriated fund earnings as a supplemental
source of funding for military Morale, Welfare and Recreation
(MWR) programs. To find out more about AAFES' history and
mission, please visit our Web site at <http://www.aafes.com/pa/default.asp>.
NEXCOM
UPDATE
"The Navy
Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM) worked with its
vendor partner, AT&T, to bring lower rates to
our service men and women, just in time
for the holiday
season," said Mary
Beth Morse, NEXCOM telecommunication
service operations specialist. "We hope these new
lower
rates will allow more families to talk
to their loved ones who are away from home or
would just like to have better rates for their long distance
calling."
AT&T Prepaid Phone Cards,
available at any Navy Exchange worldwide in 300,
150 and 50 units, have been lowered to $.05 - $.09
per minute. "In keeping with the prepaid phone card
industry standard, the more minutes you buy, the better the
rate becomes," said Morse.
Long distance rates for
overseas calling have also been lowered by as much as 50
percent for some countries. To call the United States, the
costs from various overseas locations using a 300,
150 or 50 AT&T Prepaid Phone Card are as low as:
Bahrain: $0.29 per minute; Greece, Hong Kong, Iceland,
Italy and Vatican City, Japan, Singapore, Spain and
United Kingdom: $0.15; Guantanamo Bay, Cuba: $0.81;
Philippines: $0.44; and United Arab Emeritus: $0.22.
NEXCOM is also
introducing a new 800 minute AT&T Prepaid Phone Card
for $0.05 per minute for calls made within the
United States. "Just like our Liberty
Phone Card, this new card has no
hidden charges, does not expire and can
be recharged at any time," said Morse.
"With its lower
rates in the United States and higher
international rates than the 50,150 and 300
minute cards, the new 800 minute will only be sold in
the United States."
The new cards will be sold in Navy
Exchanges beginning on November 24.
Navy Ship's Servicemen Now Have Touch Access for Ship
Store Resources
Navy Ship's Servicemen (SH)
now have one place they can go to access all ship
store bulletins, manuals and catalogs needed to do
their jobs. The Navy Exchange Service
Command's (NEXCOM) Ship's Store Program has
launched a web-site, www.navy-shipstores.com
or www.navy-nex.com, to
make one-touch supply easier for ashore and afloat SHs.
"We've been
working towards a paperless working environment for the
past several years," said Charles
Vaughan, director of the Ship's Store Program.
"Placing all this information on our website was
just a natural evolution of that process. I wanted
the Ship's Store Program to be in the vanguard in
providing 'world class' service
to our Ship's Servicemen wherever they are afloat or
ashore."
Now available on
the website are all parts
manuals, ship store bulletins and training
manuals for the SH rate. There's also a section
describing NEXCOM's Fleet Assistance
Teams and the services they offer. The site also allows
the user to contact the Ship's Store Program with any
questions or comments on improving the site.
"We are very excited
about this site," said Vaughan. "It's going to
become a very important resource for the SH
community. It's a win-win for everyone.
We cut down on the amount of paper we use
and the amount SHs have to file. On the other side, SHs
can access this site from anywhere at
anytime."
NEXCOM has 185 ship stores and 4 ship
store ashore sites worldwide.
