AAFES Chief visits LRAFB

Chief Master Sgt. Anthony Pearson, Army and Air Force Exchange Service senior enlisted advisor, listens to a briefing by Frank Sewell, Base Exchange store manager, June 18, 2014, at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark. The Exchange provides patrons with quality merchandise and services at competitively low prices, along with generating nonappropriated fund earnings as a supplemental source of funding for military morale, welfare and recreation programs. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Harry Brexel)

AAFES Chief visits LRAFB

Chief Master Sgt. Anthony Pearson, Army and Air Force Exchange Service senior enlisted advisor, coins Stephanie Smith, Clinique counter manager, June 18, 2014, at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark. Pearson recognized Smith for her increase in sales as counter manager. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Harry Brexel)

AAFES Chief visits LRAFB

Chief Master Sgt. Anthony Pearson, Army and Air Force Exchange Service senior enlisted advisor, talks to Donald Smith, retired Air Force chief master sergeant, and Frank Sewell, Base Exchange store manager, June 18, 2014, at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark. Pearson toured the Base Exchange along with several other AAFES establishments on base. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Harry Brexel)

AAFES Senior Enlisted Advisor visits LRAFB

Published June 19, 2014
By Julie Mitchell
Army & Air Force Exchange Service Public Affairs

LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. -- The Senior Enlisted Advisor for the Army & Air Force Exchange Service visited Little Rock Air Force Base June 18-19.

During his visit, Chief Master Sgt. Tony Pearson toured Exchange facilities, met with Airmen and community members and talked about how the Exchange can better serve them, including updating its assortment of name-brand merchandise in store and online.

"One of the best parts of my job as senior enlisted advisor is connecting with Airmen in person to find out how the Exchange can serve them better," he said. "I'm excited to visit Little Rock AFB, and I want our Airmen to know our first duty is to serve them and their families."

Chief Master Sgt. Pearson is one of 54 active-duty service members assigned to the Exchange to carry out this mission. The Exchange also employs more than 38,000 civilian associates worldwide.

During his visit, Chief Master Sgt. Pearson met with Little Rock AFB shoppers and Exchange associates, answering questions about the Exchange. He discussed the importance of bringing more national brands to Little Rock AFB.

"The Exchange wants to be the first choice for Airmen at Little Rock AFB, and we're bringing top brands to our shelves," Chief Master Sgt. Pearson said. "Think of the best brands--well-known names such as Michael Kors, Under Armour, Samsung, Nike and more. Those are the types of names we want for the Little Rock AFB Exchange. Our shoppers deserve a first-class experience."

"Exchange prices on name brands are remarkably competitive," Chief Master Sgt. Pearson said. "And, we're always tax-free. This is a tremendous savings."

When shoppers buy from the Exchange, money goes back to supporting quality-of-life services on the installation, he said.

"The benefit is real," Chief Master Sgt. Pearson said. "For every dollar earned, historically 67 cents comes back to the military community from the dividend the Exchange generates on behalf of Air Force Services. Last year, sales at the Little Rock AFB Exchange generated nearly $520,000 on behalf of Services programs. Our shoppers get the products they want and deserve, and their military community is better for it."

The Exchange is a joint nonappropriated fund instrumentality of the Department of Defense with a retail mission to provide quality products, services and food to service members, their families, Reserve and Guard members, plus military retirees. Exchange sales generate earnings to supplement Air Force Services programs.

For more information about the Exchange and Exchange programs, visit www.shopmyexchange.com.