Military, retiree groups hear Exchange’s strategic vision for future
WASHINGTON – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES, the Exchange) is reaffirming its commitment to collaborating with key stakeholders to protect and preserve Exchange benefits for all who served and have served.
Exchange Director/CEO Brad Bingham met Sept. 9 in Washington with members of the Exchange Retiree Advisory Council, a group of key stakeholders that advocate for military community members’ hard-earned Quality-of-Life benefits. The council is composed of 11 organizations focused on matters that affect active-duty service members; Guard members; Reservists; military retirees; Veterans and family members.
The advisory council, established in 1997, now includes:
“The Exchange is more than a retailer—we are woven into the fabric of military life,” Bingham told council members. “We give back to the military community through dividends to the Services’ Quality-of-Life programs. We hire Veterans, spouses and military family members. And ‘we go where you go,’ where other retailers can’t or won’t. Your members know how vital we are. We want to make sure you know the Exchange is still a great value.”
During the meeting, Bingham reiterated the Exchange’s priorities, including:
Bingham also reminded the group that all honorably discharged Veterans can shop tax-free at ShopMyExchange.com, and service-connected disabled Veterans can shop in-store too.
Council members appreciated the opportunity to connect in person with Bingham to learn about the Exchange’s vision for the future.
“It was great to hear about how hard AAFES is working on behalf of Soldiers and families,” said retired Lt. Col. Maria Bentinck, director, Army Retirement Services. “The Exchange is continuing to modernize and enhance support to the entire military community.”
Retired Sgt. Maj. Steve Minyard, director of programs for the Reserve Organization of America, applauded the Exchange’s strategic direction.
“We can take and help spread the message of everything AAFES is doing, including the opportunity for Veterans to shop with the Exchange,” Minyard said. “Many Reserve component members may not realize they are eligible for that benefit.”
Minyard also welcomed the Exchange’s commitment to hiring those connected to the military.
“I appreciate the emphasis on hiring,” he said. “I can tell our members, ‘This is a really good employer that will work well with your Guard and Reserve career.”
Facebook-friendly version: Director/CEO Brad Bingham met with key stakeholders to reinforce the Exchange’s commitment to protecting hard-earned benefits for those who serve and have served. From Veteran and military spouse hiring to tax-free shopping and military-exclusive value, the Exchange remains focused on supporting the military community. https://wp.me/p9Q7PG-3iO
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Since 1895, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service has gone where Soldiers, Airmen, Guardians and their families go to improve the quality of their lives by providing valued goods and services at exclusive military pricing. The Exchange is the 51st-largest retailer in the United States. 100% of Exchange earnings support military communities. In the last 10 years, your Exchange benefit has provided $15 billion in earnings that support the military community, including through contributions to critical military Quality-of-Life programs. The Exchange is a nonappropriated fund entity of the Department of War and is directed by a Board of Directors. To find out more about the Exchange history and mission or to view recent press releases please visit our website at http://www.shopmyexchange.com or follow us on X at https://x.com/shopmyexchange.
Media Notes: For more information or to schedule an interview with an Exchange representative please contact Julie Mitchell, 214-312-3327 or mitchelljul@aafes.com.
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