AAFES
Corner
Anstey
Judd, AAFES
AAFES
Gives Troops Opportunity to Set Sail with Mickey and Friends
DALLAS
– The Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) and
Sandberg & Sikorski Jewelry are teaming up to provide
military Families the opportunity to win a magical
four-night Disney Cruise for four. The total value of this
“AAFES-only” prize package, which offers a unique
vacation experience that every member of the family will
feel was created exclusively for them, is approximately
$10,000.
“The
‘happiest place on Earth’ is now giving AAFES shoppers
the opportunity to experience the wonder at sea,” said
Chief Marketing Officer Mat Dromey. “One lucky family will
pack a treasure trove of magical memories into an
unforgettable four-night getaway.”
From
Oct. 17-Dec. 24, authorized exchange shoppers at
participating stores worldwide can register for their chance
to win AAFES’ Disney cruise getaway, which will be awarded
on or about Jan. 28. No purchase is necessary as shoppers
need only fill out an entry form at participating locations
for their chance to win. Personnel with exchange privileges
can find contact information for the PX/BX nearest them by
logging on to the store locator link at www.aafes.com.
CBS
Producers Honor Service Members with a “Salute to the
Military” Show on "The Price is Right"
“Master
Sergeant Robin Brooks, come on down, you’re the next
contestant on The Price is Right!” shouts Mr. Rich Fields,
the announcer.
“Having
my named called was music to my ears,” exclaims Master
Sergeant Robin Brooks, first sergeant for the Thunderbird
Squadron at Nellis Air Force Base.
Although
she had an air show to prepare for the next day, Brooks was
happy she’d decided to be apart of the 350 member audience
representing the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, retirees,
disabled veterans and family members during a special taping
of the daytime game show on Sept. 10, 2008.
“This
is an awesome opportunity to represent the U.S. Air Force
and the Thunderbirds. I wouldn’t have missed this
opportunity for the world,” she said of the “Salute to
the Military” episode that is scheduled to air on
Veteran’s Day, Nov. 11.
Game
Show Host Drew Carey was enthusiastic about hosting Brooks
and the rest of the distinguished audience members for the
special made in conjunction with the Department of Defense
Entertainment Media and the Army & Air Force Exchange
Service (AAFES).
“I
think it’s important for everyone to show our support to
the service members,” said Carey, a former Marine
Reservist. “We sponsored shows like this before
9/11. And we’ve even sponsored shows specifically
for each the four services in the past. I only wish I could
do more.”
When
asked how this idea came about, Carey graciously passed the
credit onto his production team, but according to Mr. Mike
Richards, co-executive producer, “The idea came from
Drew. He was very involved in how to lay out this
show, down to the prizes being awarded and games
selected.”
Mr.
Syd Vinnedge, executive producer said, “It was really
important for us to make the special ‘extra
special.’ We wanted gifts that were specific to
military service members and we didn’t want anyone to
leave empty handed. Thus, we are grateful for the
support AAFES has given this show. Without them, we
couldn’t have made it happen. This has definitely been a
‘win-win’ for all.”
AAFES
provided six $1,000 gift certificates for online shopping at
aafes.com and six 1,000-minute phone cards for the
contestants who made it on stage. Additionally, 10
percent discount coupons were given to everyone in the
audience.
“When
Drew explained the concept of the military salute show and
wanting to provide gifts specifically for the military, I
immediately thought of AAFES,” said Ms. Barbra Brennan,
senior merchandizing representative, CBS Promotional
Placement and Awards Department. “I heard about the
phone cards from a newspaper commentary addressing how any
American could help the troops overseas during the holiday
season a few years ago.”
“I
even checked the program out and was able to go to the
aafes.com homepage to purchase phone cards for my brother,
Marine Major Bradley Brennan, while he was deployed to
Iraq. It was a little gesture, but it meant a lot to
be able to hear from him on a continuous basis,” she said.
The
phone cards and gift cards can be purchased for a specific
person or any service member, and it is much more cost
effective than sending packages through the mail.
Purchasing
phone cards or gift cards for military members separated
from their families during the holiday season is a great
opportunity for any American to show their support for the
troops overseas. Whether you know someone personally
or not, a little bit of home makes a world of difference,
Brennan said.
I
was surprised that AAFES went out of their way not only to
provide prizes for the six contestants who actually made it
on stage, but for the entire audience. The
certificates will be really helpful for the holidays,”
MSgt Brooks said.
While
AAFES handled the prizes, Mr. Vicente “Vince” C. Ogilvie,
deputy special assistant for entertainment media at the
Pentagon, ensured protocol was followed and every service
was well represented.
“This
was a joint effort between the Los Angeles Office and DoD
level,” he explained. This event required DoD
approval due to the magnitude of support required.
Drew has always showcased the military in a positive light
in the past and we were more than happy to assist him with
this project because it also helps highlight the DoD’s
America Supports You program.”
Tune
in to The Price is Right on Veteran’s Day to see all of
the contestants and to learn who wins their game prizes and
the “Showcase Showdown.”
The
Price is Always Right when supporting the troops through
AAFES as shipping charges are reduced and affordable calling
is just a click away. Any American can take part in the
"Help Our Troops Call Home" and "Gifts from
the Homefront" programs by logging on to www.aafes.com.
“Master
Sergeant Robin Brooks, come on down, you’re the next
contestant on The Price is Right!” shouts Mr. Rich Fields,
the announcer.
“Having
my named called was music to my ears,” exclaims Master
Sergeant Robin Brooks, first sergeant for the Thunderbird
Squadron at Nellis Air Force Base.
Although
she had an air show to prepare for the next day, Brooks was
happy she’d decided to be apart of the 350 member audience
representing the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, retirees,
disabled veterans and family members during a special taping
of the daytime game show on Sept. 10, 2008.
“This
is an awesome opportunity to represent the U.S. Air Force
and the Thunderbirds. I wouldn’t have missed this
opportunity for the world,” she said of the “Salute to
the Military” episode that is scheduled to air on
Veteran’s Day, Nov. 11.
Game
Show Host Drew Carey was enthusiastic about hosting Brooks
and the rest of the distinguished audience members for the
special made in conjunction with the Department of Defense
Entertainment Media and the Army & Air Force Exchange
Service (AAFES).
“I
think it’s important for everyone to show our support to
the service members,” said Carey, a former Marine
Reservist. “We sponsored shows like this before
9/11. And we’ve even sponsored shows specifically
for each the four services in the past. I only wish I could
do more.”
When
asked how this idea came about, Carey graciously passed the
credit onto his production team, but according to Mr. Mike
Richards, co-executive producer, “The idea came from Drew.
He was very involved in how to lay out this show, down to
the prizes being awarded and games selected.”
Mr.
Syd Vinnedge, executive producer said, “It was really
important for us to make the special ‘extra special.’
We wanted gifts that were specific to military service
members and we didn’t want anyone to leave empty handed.
Thus, we are grateful for the support AAFES has given this
show. Without them, we couldn’t have made it happen.
This has definitely been a ‘win-win’ for all.”
AAFES
provided six $1,000 gift certificates for online shopping at
aafes.com and six 1,000-minute phone cards for the
contestants who made it on stage. Additionally, 10
percent discount coupons were given to everyone in the
audience.
“When
Drew explained the concept of the military salute show and
wanting to provide gifts specifically for the military, I
immediately thought of AAFES,” said Ms. Barbra Brennan,
senior merchandizing representative, CBS Promotional
Placement and Awards Department. “I heard about the
phone cards from a newspaper commentary addressing how any
American could help the troops overseas during the holiday
season a few years ago.”
“I
even checked the program out and was able to go to the
aafes.com homepage to purchase phone cards for my brother,
Marine Major Bradley Brennan, while he was deployed to Iraq.
It was a little gesture, but it meant a lot to be able to
hear from him on a continuous basis,” she said.
The
phone cards and gift cards can be purchased for a specific
person or any service member, and it is much more cost
effective than sending packages through the mail.
Purchasing
phone cards or gift cards for military members separated
from their families during the holiday season is a great
opportunity for any American to show their support for the
troops overseas. Whether you know someone personally
or not, a little bit of home makes a world of difference,
Brennan said.
I
was surprised that AAFES went out of their way not only to
provide prizes for the six contestants who actually made it
on stage, but for the entire audience. The
certificates will be really helpful for the holidays,”
MSgt Brooks said.
While
AAFES handled the prizes, Mr. Vicente “Vince” C. Ogilvie,
deputy special assistant for entertainment media at the
Pentagon, ensured protocol was followed and every service
was well represented.
“This
was a joint effort between the Los Angeles Office and DoD
level,” he explained. This event required DoD
approval due to the magnitude of support required.
Drew has always showcased the military in a positive light
in the past and we were more than happy to assist him with
this project because it also helps highlight the DoD’s
America Supports You program.”
Tune
in to The Price is Right on Veteran’s Day to see all of
the contestants and to learn who wins their game prizes and
the “Showcase Showdown.”
The
Price is Always Right when supporting the troops through
AAFES as shipping charges are reduced and affordable calling
is just a click away. Any American can take part in the
"Help Our Troops Call Home" and "Gifts from
the Homefront" programs by logging on to www.aafes.com.
AAFES
Rings in the New School Year with ‘You Made the Grade’
DALLAS
– The Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) is
moving military students who excel in the classroom to the
head of the class with its “You Made the Grade” program.
Now
in its eighth year, the education rewards initiative
recognizes students who maintain a “B” average or better
with a booklet chock full of complimentary prizes for every
qualifying report card.
AAFES’
“You Made the Grade” booklet includes coupons for a
variety of free offers such as admission for two to a Reel
Time Theater, a Burger King Hamburger Kid’s meal, a
magazine of the student’s choice and even a slice of
Anthony’s pizza along with a medium drink. Each booklet
also contains an entry form for a quarterly drawing in which
three winners are randomly awarded savings bonds in $2,000,
$3,000 or $5,000 denominations.
“‘You
Made the Grade’ is a great vehicle for recognizing
military students who excel, oftentimes through adversities
that the average student does not face such as a deployed
parent or frequent moves,” said AAFES Public Affairs
Officer Maj Edwina Walton.
To
receive the AAFES “You Made the Grade” booklet, students
must present a valid military ID card and proof of an
overall “B” or better average to their local BX/PX.
Students may receive one coupon package for every qualifying
report card, but may enter the savings bond drawing only
once per calendar year. Military Families can contact their
local AAFES Main Store Manager or General Manager for more
information.
Exchange Service Optical Center Price Points Now Online
DALLAS
– With more than 166 locations across the world, National
Guard and Reserve, retiree and active-duty military Families
know they can depend on exchange Optical Shops and Vision
Centers for affordable, quality eyewear, regardless of where
they’re called to serve. But what about those authorized
shoppers who don’t live near a military installation?
The
answer to this question, one that has challenged military
and civilian leadership for more than a decade, is coming
into focus with the addition of two new partner web sites on
the Exchange Online Mall at aafes.com,
usmc-mccs.org,
navy-nex.com
and cg-exchange.com.
Authorized
shoppers who click on the new “Glasses & Contacts”
link now have access to the prices comparable to those found
in the exchanges’ brick-and-mortar Optical Shops and
Vision Centers through FramesDirect.com and
MilitaryContacts.net.
“These
sites have been set up to offer the same opening price
points exchange shoppers find at our Optical Shops and
Vision Center facilities on military installations,” said
the Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s Director of
Professional Services Lt Col (Dr.) Ric Peterson “Their
inclusion on the Exchange Online Mall solves some
long-standing issues by delivering the eyewear benefit the
exchanges provide worldwide right to authorized shoppers
front door. Now, any beneficiary can take advantage of
internet access, low prices
and high-quality eyewear found at our facilities without
even leaving the house. This service is especially important
to those in remote and/or isolated sites and without access
to traditional exchange facilities.”
With
single vision eyeglasses starting at just $39,
FramesDirect.com’s Exchange Online Mall site features some
50,000 prescription frame styles and 8,000 sunglasses from
more than 200 brands, all discounted 10-30 percent with free
shipping. The site also helps ensure glasses aren’t just
affordable, but also stylish thanks to a feature
that
allows troops and their Families to upload pictures and
virtually try on different frame styles.
MilitaryContacts.net
is also doing its part to bring exchange savings home by
delivering exclusive “military only” pricing for
contacts ordered through the Exchange Online Store. The
savings this site offers, up to 30 percent less than the
leading mail order contact lens provider, even extends to
shipping costs as orders of $50 dollars or more always
receive free shipping.
“Ordering
from either site couldn’t be easier,” said AAFES
Merchandise Manager Don Walker. “Shoppers can e-mail or
fax their prescription or even just provide their eye
doctor’s name and phone number and if the prescription is
on file, the sites will validate and fill the order.”
The
Exchange Online Mall is a concession mall offering online
services and merchandise to military members around the
world. Today, 81 third-party sites, including Military
Recycling, Direct TV, eChapter One, Wild Blue Satellite
Internet and The Leisure Boutique, strengthen the exchange
benefit through their active support of the exchangeonlinemall.com.
Authorized customers can log onto their Exchange Online
Store at aafes.com,
usmc-mccs.org,
navy-nex.com
or cg-exchange.com
and click the Exchange Mall logo or access the site directly
by logging onto www.exchangeonlinemall.com.
AAFES
Gas Stations Extend Discount to Drivers Who Use a Military
StarSM Card
DALLAS
– Army & Air Force Exchange Service gas stations in
CONUS, Alaska and Puerto Rico are being programmed to
reflect a discount of three cents a gallon for drivers who
pay with a Military StarSM Card.
“Anytime
a customer uses a bank issued debit or credit card, the
retailer pays a portion of the transaction to a third party
financial institution,” said AAFES’ Chief of Corporate
Communications Lt. Col. Dean Thurmond “Because the
Military StarSM Card is administered by the Exchange Credit
Program, AAFES is not subject to the additional fees
incurred through other ‘pay at the pump’ options. As a
result, we’re able to pass savings on to authorized
exchange shoppers.”
The
three cent a gallon discount is currently being applied to
transactions at 13 installations (Minneapolis-St. Paul JARS,
Columbus AFB, Redstone Arsenal, Ft. Indiantown Gap, Fort
Gordon, Patrick AFB, Robins AFB, USMA, Laughlin AFB, Yuma
Proving Ground, Mountain Home AFB and Nellis AFB, MacDill,
Scott, JRB Carswell). All remaining facilities in CONUS,
Alaska and Puerto Rico* (177 facilities) will receive
software upgrades Monday evening and are expected to begin
applying the three cent a gallon discount as of Tuesday,
Aug. 19.
“I
encourage drivers during the first week or so of this new
effort, to touch base with the attendant at their local gas
station to ensure the software upgrades have taken effect
before fueling up,” said Thurmond. “As is the case with
anything technical, we expect a few glitches could occur
during the first few weeks of the program.”
Officials
hope to extend the Military StarSM Card three cent a gallon
discount at all AAFES facilities, but do not have a time
table for worldwide implementation at this time.
“This
effort is a priority of AAFES command,” said Thurmond.
“Entire teams are dedicated to working through the
technical challenges to extend the Military StarSM Card
discount to drivers at all AAFES locations.”
From
California to Kirkuk, AAFES Goes Where the Troops Go
DALLAS
- When you have a motto like "We Go Where You Go"
and a mission to support America's troops, you've got to be
ready to "move out" at a moment's notice. Such is
the case for the 113-year-old Army & Air Force Exchange
Service (AAFES) and the 43,000 associates who regularly
bring a touch of home to some of the "hottest"
spots around the globe.
Most
recently, AAFES associates from the BXs at Travis and Beale
AFBs deployed Mobile Field Exchanges (MFEs) in support of
some 400 National Guard members battling wildfires near the
cities of Hayfork and Booneville, Calif. as well as Yosemite
National Park.
Air
conditioned and stocked full of necessities, AAFES MFEs are
54-ft. trailers (photos available on request) converted into
mobile retail stores to support contingency deployments.
Military operations in Somalia, Haiti, Bosnia and Kosovo as
well as domestic emergencies and training exercises drove
the need for this quality of life support to deployed
service members. Once the MFE arrives on site, receives
merchandise and sets up, usually done within 24 hours, the
unit is opened as long as needed.
"The
more than 250 Army National Guards that the Travis AFB team
supported in Hayfork came out of Los Angeles county,"
said AAFES' Travis AFB BX General Manager Lee Chung.
"Being on- site takes on special importance when you
consider that these troops just returned from a deployment
to the Middle East in support of their country and have
quickly remobilized to protect their state. Fortunately, in
both cases AAFES did and continues to 'go where they go' to
bring a taste of home to the front lines."
Beyond
domestic activities, AAFES continues to meet the needs of
Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors and Marines assigned to Operations
Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. In fact, right now some 350
civilian associates from AAFES are voluntarily deployed in
support of 90 BX/PXs, 177 name brand fast food operations,
including Burger King, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell locations, as
well as 74 phone centers throughout Iraq, Afghanistan,
Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Kyrgyzstan and
Cyprus.
"'We
Go Where You Go' means that this command is prepared to set
up shop in some of the most hostile and austere environments
troops are called to serve," said AAFES' Chief
Operating Officer Mike Howard. "Those five words
capture our team's commitment to investing in the people and
resources needed to rapidly respond to the Army, Air Force,
National Guard and Reserve's ever changing missions."
Troops
Beat the Heat Downrange with Liquid Refreshment
DALLAS
– With the dog days of summer upon them, troops
downrange are beating the heat by purchasing a wide variety
of cold drinks. In fact, of the top 20 items purchased in
Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom last month, 15 were in
the form of liquid refreshment.
“It’s
certainly no coincidence that with the temperatures ramping
up there has been a significant increase in the number of
cold drinks being sold at BXs and PXs downrange,” said
AAFES Contingency Planning Chief Lt. Col. Peter Butts.
“With an average temperature of 112 degrees this time of
year, keeping cool definitely becomes a priority.”
Deployed
troops seeking relief from the heat made Monster and Red
Bull the top selling items at 85 BX/PXs scattered throughout
OEF/OIF in June. Monster was the biggest seller with troops
knocking back 284,482 cans followed by 78,753 cans of Red
Bull.
“As
the heat builds through July and August, the public can help
keep troops cool and refreshed while they carry out their
daily missions through the ‘Gifts from the Homefront’
program,” said Butts. “Any American can keep deployed
troops stocked with all of the necessities, without the
hassle and cost of a traditional care package, with a BX/PX
gift certificate that can be redeemed at any AAFES exchange,
including 56 facilities in Iraq alone.”
Started
soon after programs that allowed the general public to send
mail addressed to "Any Service Member" were
cancelled due to security concerns and transportation
constraints, AAFES’ military gift certificate campaign
allows anyone to make a direct and tangible contribution to
military morale with a gift certificate that can be redeemed
for nearly anything that a specific service member wants.
“Gifts
from the Homefront” can be sent to deployed troops by
logging on to www.aafes.org
or calling 877-770-4438. From there, BX/PX gift certificates
are sent to individual service members (designated by the
purchaser) or distributed to “any service member”
through the Air Force Aid Society, American Red Cross,
Fisher House, Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society or USO. These
charitable partners have distributed 24,815 certificates,
totaling more than $480,000, earmarked for “any
servicemember.”
Top
Ten Sellers at BX/PXs Downrange in June 2008
Item
Quantity
Monster Energy Drink
284,482
Red Bull
78,753
San Benedetto Green Tea
75,316
Monster Low Carb
71,987
San Benedetto Peach Tea
59,139
Newport Kings
56,466
San Benedetto Lemon Tea
56,434
Marlboro Lights
47,114
Arizona Sweet Tea
37,700
Starbucks Frappuccino Mocha
31,937
