Field Problems
TM is a self-syndicated column by authors and
military spouses, Tara Crooks & Starlett “Star” Henderson.
Having made its debut in June 2006, Field
Problems TM
is a question and answer column geared toward empowering Army,
National Guard, and Reserve spouses and families by providing real
answers to common issues.
Crooks’ & Henderson’s desire to help military families by catering to
individual needs, offering advice, and providing real-life, researched
solutions to the issues many families face in today’s military (aka “Field
Problems“), is a genuine effort to change the lives of
our warriors!
Solving the problems of Army families where it
matters most...in the field.
Dear Tara and Star, I work for AAFES on my post. It never ceases to amaze me that spouses would rather shop at Wal-Mart than at their PX. We have amazing bargains! Can you share with your readers that AAFES really is a great deal? Crystal; Fort Knox, KY; Active Army Spouse; 7 years
Dear Crystal:
You’re right! As a military spouse we lead hectic lives; dealing with deployment, careers, “single” parenting, household chores, and more. To add to that craziness, the military is always adding some new acronym, coming up with some new program, and things are always changing and evolving. There is, however, one thing that stays the same. You can always count on your BX/PX. Many of us know that our BX/PX is available to us but we haven’t the slightest idea how it benefits us.
We spoke with AAFES’ Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Bryan Eaton to get the scoop on what AAFES is all about.
FP: What does AAFES stand for?
AAFES: The Army & Air Force Exchange Service. AAFES operates some 147 retail stores and more than 2,000 fast food restaurants, such as Taco Bell, Burger King, Popeyes and Cinnabon.
FP: What is AAFES’ vision?
AAFES: Our vision is to be our customers' first choice.
FP: How does AAFES fit in with MWR?
AAFES: Roughly two-thirds of AAFES earnings are paid to MWR programs to spend on quality of life improvements, including: Youth Services, Armed Forces Recreation Centers, arts and crafts, aquatic centers, post functions and golf courses. For 2006, AAFES paid a per capita dividend of $229 for every Soldier and Airman.
FP: How does AAFES compete with other retail store offers/prices?
AAFES: Smart shoppers know that AAFES offers unbeatable value thanks to no sales tax and "We'll Match It." Shoppers who see a price differential of less than $10 can tell the cashier who will match it on the spot. Customers who report a price difference of greater than $10 need only to bring a current local competitor’s ad to receive the reduced price.
FP: Can you tell us about AAFES online shopping?
AAFES: The All-Service Exchange Online Store, at aafes.com, usmc-mccs.org, navy-nex.com or cg-exchange.com, continues to take the exchange benefit beyond the installation gate and into the comfort of military families’ homes and work. Today, the exchanges’ Web sites deliver tax-free shopping to authorized customers in every corner of the globe. The Exchange Online Mall boasts 73 unique concessions. Current exclusive offers include discounts of 5 to 10 percent at Babies1st.com, 10 percent off products and 5 percent of shipping from CustomAutoParts.com and a 15 percent discount on all products available through FTD.com.
FP: How does a customer receive AAFES ads and or catalogs?
AAFES: Log on AAFES.com. From there, you can download Exchange food coupons, opt in for the BX/PX email newsletter, choose to receive weekly sale flyers by mail, or sign up for your local "BX/PX Buddy List."
FP: How much money can AAFES save you on average?
AAFES: AAFES saves military Families money everyday by surveying prices nationally and locally, price cutting and putting items on sale and clearance. All this and No Sales Tax! AAFES' 2007 Market Basket Survey found average savings of 19.84% (not including the sales tax benefit) vs. the competition.
FP: What is something that you think military families do not know about AAFES?
AAFES: AAFES provides school lunch to K-12 students on Army and Air Force Installations in 9 countries overseas. We serve 24,000 pattern meals each day for a total of more than 4.4 million meals each school year. We support educational programs in 99 schools throughout Europe and the Pacific.
FP: What do you think is under utilized?
AAFES: The MILITARY STARSM Card. Using the MILITARY STARSM Card is one of the easiest ways for troops to directly impact their Exchange and MWR benefits. Since 2001, AAFES has paid more than $310 million in fees to card issuing banks, resulting in lost revenues for the military community.
Have other questions? To submit your Field Problem™, e-mail FromTheField@FieldProblems.com. Please include your first name, location, branch of service, and years in/associated with the military. Questions may be edited for length and clarity. Field Problems™ reserves the right to read on the air and/or publish on its Web site or in any other form the emails and letters that we receive. By sending us a letter or email, you agree to these terms.
Disclaimer: Field Problems
TM and Crooks & Henderson are in no way affiliated with the Department of
Defense (DoD) or any branch of the Armed Services and inclusion on this site
does not reflect endorsement by the DoD, any local government or their
agencies.
