Community News
AAFES delivers essential support during deployment
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Army & Air Force Exchange Service Public Affairs July 16, 2025
Vincent O. Lesesne
Army & Air Force Exchange Service Public Affairs July 16, 2025
(Image: Vincent O. Lesesne)
Yokota Air Base – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is dedicated to bringing critical Quality-of-Life support and the best tastes of home to deployed service members.
For 130 years, the Exchange has served Warfighters worldwide with tax-free goods, food and services no matter the location, risk or challenge. The Nation’s heroes on the front lines in deployed locations such as Iraq, Qatar, Syria, Kuwait, Jordan and the UAE rely on vital Exchange resources for readiness, resiliency and lethality. In 2024, the Exchange provided support to more than 92,000 service members across 12 countries during military exercises.
“The Exchange’s comforting tastes boost morale during deployment,” Yokota Exchange General Manager Andrew Defelice said. “No other retailer goes where the troops go to keep them ready and resilient.”
The Exchange’s We Go Where You Go mission encompasses multiple lines of business including department stores, malls, Express convenience stores, name-brand restaurants and services, the Exchange Credit Program and other Quality-of-Life support such as bakeries, water plants and meals at Department of Defense Education Activity schools overseas. In the last 10 years, the Exchange has delivered $15 billion in value for the military community.
For deployed service members, the MILITARY STAR card is especially valuable. Cardmembers in good standing with valid deployment orders to qualifying contingency locations receive a reduced APR of 6% and are not required to make monthly payments.
The Exchange several operates Reel Time Theaters at contingency locations, including Ali Al Salem Air Base, Camp Arijan and Camp Buehring in Kuwait and Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, offering first-run movies and free advance showings of major films year-round. Visit https://www.aafes.com/exchange-stores/Movie-Guide/ for theater information, movie listings and showtimes.
To learn more about the dining options, services, businesses and more that are available at specific Exchanges worldwide, visit ShopMyExchange.com and click “Find a store” at the top right to search by city or installation name.