The Essential Exchange Story We Need to Tell
Show your Exchange pride each and every day. Share your journey, tell our story and join me in letting the world know the Exchange is like no other.
With a mission to serve Soldiers, Airmen and their families wherever they go, the Exchange is unique. As a member of the Exchange team, you play an important role in supporting our nation’s military readiness. Your story of service, support and sacrifice is one you should proudly share with customers, friends and family.
When discussing the Exchange, I’m surprised to learn there are people who mistakenly believe we are contractors or employees of a commercial business. In these conversations, it is important to clarify that while the Exchange relies on best-in-class business practices to deliver support in all 50 states and more than 30 countries, it is actually a part of the Department of Defense.
Exchange has unique capabilities
This structure provides unique capabilities to serve those who have raised their right hand to swear to support and defend the Constitution of the United States, and their family members. Commercial retailers do not have such a high entry requirement, making the Exchange the original “Members Only” club.
Our customers have unique needs
As a result of the unique needs of our customers, the Exchange has operated in subzero Greenland, on mountaintops in Afghanistan and even near the hottest city in the world. No matter how desolate, dangerous or difficult the location, Exchange associates salute smartly and set up shop.
In your daily interactions, let those you come in contact with know the Exchange is more than a place to shop.
This year is no exception. In 2016, the Exchange served more than 30,000 U.S. and NATO troops in Anakonda 16 in Poland, NATO’s largest exercise since the Berlin Wall came down. In the coming weeks, our teammates are loading mobile field exchanges to support U.S. deployments to Belize and the Dominican Republic.
A Soldier finds his favorite snack at Anakonda 16, Poland.
As a part of the Department of Defense, the Exchange doesn’t have private shareholders who require a diversion of “profits” into their pockets. Our shareholders are those who serve. As a result, 100 percent of Exchange earnings serve Soldiers, Airmen, and their families.
In 2015, our earnings were $402 million. $237 million was distributed to critical quality-of-life programs such as child development centers, youth programs and more. The remaining $165 million is used to build and renovate existing stores and purchase new equipment to improve the shopping experience. Again, 100 percent of Exchange earnings support Soldiers, Airmen and their families.
A wounded warrior visits the Wounded Heroes Service Center at Kleber Kaserne, Germany.
Family Serving Family
Our earnings distribution is consistent with our mantra of “Family Serving Family” and reflects who we are. More than 85 percent of Exchange associates share a connection with the military.
More than a place to shop
In your daily interactions, let those you come in contact with know the Exchange is more than a place to shop. Together, we go to war, outfit our warfighters, feed their children nutritious school lunches below cost and contribute hundreds of millions of dollars toward quality-of-life programs to make our military communities great places to live and work.
The school lunch program provides 3 million meals to military children overseas including these students at Netzaberg Elementary School, Germany.
Show your pride
Show your Exchange pride each and every day. Share your journey, tell our story and join me in letting the world know the Exchange is like no other.
Army Strong.
Air Force Strong.
Exchange Strong.
One team, one fight!
