DALLAS - As the Army celebrates its 250th birthday in June, the Nation pauses to reflect on the legacy of service, sacrifice and dedication that has shaped America’s security and freedom.
Since its establishment on June 14, 1775, more than a year before the Declaration of Independence was signed, the Army has been at the heart of defending the Nation and its core values.
The Army’s journey has been marked by triumphs, challenges and the unwavering dedication of the heroes who serve in its ranks. While much has changed since the days of the Continental Army, one constant has remained: the Army’s mission to protect and defend the Nation. And alongside the Army, one organization has consistently supported and sustained troops and their families—the Army & Air Force Exchange Service.
Celebrating its 130th year of service in July, the Exchange embodies the same spirit of resilience and commitment that has defined the Army for centuries. “We Go Where You Go” is more than a motto—it’s a promise that the Exchange benefit provides the best tastes of home wherever America’s Soldiers serve.
The first exchange in the United Kingdom during World War II opened in Belfast, Northern Ireland, in 1942 for the first U.S. forces arriving on the continent, followed by post exchanges throughout England. VIEW ORIGINAL
The Exchange’s history dates to 1895, when the War Department established “post exchanges” to provide Soldiers with a place to gather, relax and pick up items of necessity and convenience. Today, the Exchange operates more than 5,500 facilities nationwide and in more than 30 countries, supporting millions of military families, retirees and Veterans.
“The modern Exchange benefit began as the Army Exchange Service,” said Exchange Director/CEO Tom Shull, an Army Veteran and U.S. Military Academy graduate. “For thirteen decades, Team Exchange has been truly honored to serve Soldiers and families, wherever the Army mission required.”
AAFES' first excursion into the Balkans occurred in October 1992 when associates deployed to Zagreb, Croatia, to assist in U.N. relief efforts for refugees fleeing ethnic violence in neighboring Bosnia.
In 1993, associates deployed to Skopje, Macedonia, to support a U.N. peacekeeping mission aimed at keeping Bosnia ethnic violence from spreading.
Starting in 1996, AAFES opened hundreds of retail facilities in Bosnia, Kosovo, Croatia, Hungary and other eastern European countries to serve 2,000 American troops who were part of a much larger NATO peacekeeping mission.
In 2018, AAFES operates facilities in Bosnia and Kosovo, but on a much smaller scale because of troop drawdowns. VIEW ORIGINAL
During deployments, the Exchange delivers food, water, clothing and even entertainment, ensuring Soldiers are mission ready. This support extends to contingency operations where a nested approach to strategy and execution allows for pre-positioning of essential items such as water, batteries, flashlights, etc. Whether it's during a combat operation, humanitarian mission or training exercise, the Exchange goes wherever the Army goes.
“We understand the unique challenges our Soldiers face in places like Europe, Southwest Asia and the Pacific,” said Col. Everett “Bud” Lacroix, Exchange Europe/Southwest Asia/Africa commander. “The Exchange provides a lifeline to Soldiers in some of the most difficult, hostile and austere conditions, keeping morale high and delivering necessities for mission success.”
From the start of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2001, AAFES opened and operated hundreds of retail facilities in 10 Southwest Asia, Middle Eastern and African countries. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, which began in 2003, AAFES added to its facilities by opening more retail facilities, restaurants and concessions throughout Iraq.
Since the 9/11 terror attacks, more than 4,500 AAFES associates had deployed to Southwest Asia and the Middle East to serve the troops.
In mid-2016, AAFES still operated 42 retail facilities, including 11 in Afghanistan and six in Iraq to serve a significantly smaller number of U.S. forces. VIEW ORIGINAL
In 2024, the Exchange supported more than 90,000 service members across 12 countries during 50 military exercises and operations in Europe, North Africa and the Pacific. In the last 10 years, the Exchange benefit has delivered $15 billion in value to the military community.
One of the most significant ways the Exchange contributes to the Army’s mission is by strengthening recruiting, readiness and retention. In 2024 alone, the Exchange outfitted nearly 640,000 combat uniforms, served more than 3.4 million school lunches to military children and bottled more than 4.1 million gallons of water for troops and families overseas. These programs ensure Soldiers are prepared, healthy and ready to face any challenge.
“The Exchange builds lasting support systems that sustain families; provide meaningful career opportunities for Veterans and military spouses; and strengthen the overall readiness of our forces,” Shull said. “The Exchange is fully nested, and evolving, with current and future Army priorities. We are all in and ready to do our part to ensure mission success for generations of Soldiers and families.”
Just as the Army adapts to changing circumstances, the Exchange continuously innovates. This includes providing Veterans with a lifetime online benefit that provides the same military-exclusive pricing and tax-free savings as those on active-duty and aggressively leaning forward to introduce new services that enhance convenience and accessibility.
The Army’s commitment to defending freedom and ensuring the well-being of its Soldiers remains as strong as ever. And the Exchange, with its longstanding history of service and dedication to providing essential support to those who serve, will continue to be a force multiplier to the Army mission. From the home front to the frontlines, the Exchange stands ready to support the men and women of the Army, today and for the next 250 years.
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