DALLAS - For the Army & Air Force Exchange Service, 120 years of support to Soldiers and Airmen calls for a party.
About 2,000 Exchange associates gathered on the lawn of the Exchange's Dallas headquarters July 23 to celebrate 12 decades of service to Soldiers, Airmen, retirees and military families. Cake and a picnic with Subway sandwiches, prepared by Exchange senior leaders, rounded out the festivities.
"We are here celebrating 120 years because of your steadfast dedication," Exchange Director/CEO Tom Shull told associates. "Inspired by a love of country, you go where they go. 120 years after our founding, we remain family serving family."
On July 25, 1895, the War Department issued General Orders 46 directing commanders to establish an exchange at every post. Since then, exchanges have faithfully served alongside service members wherever they are called to serve.
Today, when military members deploy to remote locations around the world, the Exchange is with them, offering products and services to bring troops a taste of home. Since 9/11, more than 4,400 Exchange associates have deployed.
"We've gone where they've gone, and you better believe we're going where they're going," Shull said. "Here's to another 120 years of serving those who serve."
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