Army & Air Force Exchange Service celebrates 120 years

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Aaron Eastman | A group of Army & Air Force Exchange Service senior leaders prepare Subway sandwiches to be served as part of the Exchange’s 120th anniversary celebration at the at the organization’s headquarters in Dallas, July 23, 2015. Originally established on July 25, 1895, when the War Department issued General Orders 46, today’s Exchange celebrates 12 decades of proudly serving Soldiers, Airmen, retirees and their families at home and around the world.  

DALLAS, TEXAS, UNITED STATES

07.24.2015

Story by Julie Mitchell 

Army & Air Force Exchange Service HQ

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.”

• Date Taken: 07.24.2015
• Date Posted: 07.26.2015 14:56
• Story ID: 171155
• Location: DALLAS, TEXAS, US