Troop support tops $2.5 million through AAFES Gift Card Program

Published Nov. 30, 2009

DALLAS -- What started as an effort to support troops downrange while trying to minimize the amount of mail sent into a war zone has produced an outpouring of support in just five short years of existence.

Since AAFES implemented its gift card program in March 2003, people from all over the country have rallied around military families by contributing $2,507,440 towards the program designed to lift the morale of Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors and Marines stationed around the world.

"While the support has been inspiring, it's understandable," said AAFES' Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Jeffry Helm. "AAFES gift cards are a win/win for all involved; the sender saves money on postage, and the recipient can go into any exchange in the world, including more than 90 BX/PXs throughout Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom, and redeem the gift card for exactly what they want or need."

While only authorized military shoppers can redeem AAFES gift cards, any American can send them by simply calling 800-527-2345 or logging on to www.aafes.org and clicking "Gift Cards/Certificates for Our Troops" icon.

From there, AAFES gift cards, ranging in values from $10 to $500, can be addressed to a specific Soldier, Airman, Sailor or Marine or sent to "any service member" through the American Red Cross, Fisher House Foundation, USO, Soldier and Family Assistance Center, Air Force Aid Society or Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society.

(Courtesy of Army and Air Force Exchange Services)