History

20 Years Later, Current and Former Associates Share Stories of Exchange Support on 9/11

By Robert Philpot / September 9, 2021 /

Exchange associates in the Washington, D.C., and New York City areas worked quickly and inventively to support troops and first responders after the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.

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#FlashbackFriday: The Keesler Exchange’s Resiliency After Hurricane Katrina

By Robert Philpot / September 3, 2021 /

The storm dealt Keesler a blow, but it couldn’t knock the BX out completely.

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#FlashbackFriday: During Operation Desert Shield, a Distribution Center is Built From Scratch

By Robert Philpot / August 27, 2021 /

Within a month of Operation Desert Shield starting, the Exchange had the ball rolling on a new distribution center in Saudi Arabia.

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#FlashbackFriday: How the Exchange Provided Support to Troops After the 2010 Haiti Earthquake

By Robert Philpot / August 20, 2021 /

Nearly 7,000 U.S. troops were sent to Haiti to help with recovery efforts after a 2010 earthquake, and Exchange associates deployed to the Caribbean nation to provide support for the troops.

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#FlashbackFriday: As the Wall was Built, the Berlin Exchange was ‘Calm Symbol in Storm’s Eye’

By Robert Philpot / August 13, 2021 /

Construction of the Berlin Wall began 60 years ago today. The Exchange, which had operated in Berlin since 1945, provided on-the-spot service to the U.S. Army Berlin garrison.

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#FlashbackFriday: Women Who Kept the Exchange Rolling

By Robert Philpot / August 6, 2021 /

In the above photo, which appeared in the November 1955 Exchange Post, three female attendants provide service to an Airman at the August 1955 reopening of a remodeled gas station at Mather AFB, Calif. Note the line of cars waiting to get into the station.

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Mobile field Exchange (in trailer), Salt Lake City, 2002.

#FlashbackFriday: ‘We go where you go’ took the Exchange to two Olympics

By Robert Philpot / July 30, 2021 /

The Exchange’s “We go where you go” mission went for the gold in supporting troops at two Olympic Games in the U.S.

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The Exchange’s Website Turns 25. Here’s how it’s Grown Up.

By Robert Philpot / July 26, 2021 /

Days after www.aaafes.com debuted, thousands found AAFES’ new online home. It evolved into the user-friendly ShopMyExchange.com, and it will continue to grow.

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Vancouver Barracks, the Exchange’s birthplace as a one-room canteen.

#FlashbackFriday: Getting Back to the Exchange’s Roots

By Robert Philpot / July 23, 2021 /

On July 25. the Exchange will celebrate its 126th anniversary serving those who serve. It all started in a little room on the frontier.

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‘We Go Where You Go’: Army & Air Force Exchange Service Marks 126 Years of Serving Military Community

By Marisa Conner / July 22, 2021 /

At home, abroad, in war zones, through natural disasters—wherever Soldiers, Airmen and Guardians serve, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service has gone with them for the last 126 years.

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