Now is the 'Time' to let troops know they are not forgotten Published June 30, 2010 By Army and Air Force Exchange Service Public Affairs DALLAS -- Time magazine recently reported that 90 percent of gift cards in America each year are actually used by the recipients. While any gift card will work for most people, military supporters often struggle with finding the right one for troops serving far from home. Fortunately, the Department of Defense's largest and oldest Exchange Service operates more than 900 Exchanges, fast food restaurants, services and concessions throughout the Middle East, that accept gift cards. Today, AAFES operates 90 Post Exchange and Base Exchange facilities throughout Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. The stock assortment found in these exchanges varies from location to location, but even the most basic operation provides access to toiletries, phone cards and cold drinks. "Exchange gift cards are an excellent way to send troops what they want because they can select their own gifts," said Col. Virgil Williams, AAFES chief of staff. "Our mission at AAFES is to serve the best customers in the world - our military personnel - and these cards provide a flexible and efficient way of doing just that." While only authorized military shoppers can redeem AAFES gift cards, any American can send them by simply calling 800-527-2345 or at www.aafes.org and clicking on the Gift Cards/Certificates for Our Troops icon. From there, AAFES gift cards, ranging from $10 to $500, can be addressed to a specific Soldier, Airman, Sailor or Marine, or any servicemember through the American Red Cross, Fisher House Foundation, USO, Soldier and Family Assistance Center, Air Force Aid Society or Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society.
