Photo By Spc. Jet Cortez | A crowd in Grafenwöhr, Germany, reaches for balloons as they are released from the...... read more read more
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GRAFENWÖHR, Germany – Service members, families, former service members and retirees celebrated AAFES's 128th birthday July 25, 2023, at Grafenwöhr, Germany.
The Post Exchange became an important part of the military as support to keep service members mission ready while also contributing to the community and continuing the responsibility of improving lives.
“One of our main mission statements is family serving family,” said the Grafenwöhr Post Exchange's operations manager, Ryan Jeskey. “If it’s in Afghanistan, if it’s in Kuwait, Poland, Romania, here in Germany, or stateside – we are there to provide the goods and services that they know in love and bring home a little closer to them.”
The Exchange has expanded globally throughout the years and only aims to succeed in the purpose of serving regardless of location, risk or challenge.
Ever since the War Department directed post commanders to open Post Exchanges at their installations on July 25, 1895, AAFES has provided numerous quality services and tax-free goods.
While the Post Exchange supplies the needs of the community, Jeskey believes that it is also a place where military members and their families can find comfort and serenity.
“It makes their job as a soldier a little easier,” said Jeskey. “It’s not just about the soldier alone; it’s their dependents, their children.”
The community participated in special events such as ticket raffles, face painting and dunk tanks, which took place after the release of balloons. While some people engaged in the activities, lines were also piled up in the food court and other shops that kept the Post Exchange lively. The support and attention of the community towards the Post Exchange only reciprocates the energy that the Exchange employees give back.
“It’s because of the community bond,” said Eddie Forteeveroy, a Grafenwöhr Post Exchange Star Card Ambassador. “They love serving the community here and bringing in veterans. The bonding we have really makes it dynamic.”
Forteeveroy believes that the work ethic in the Post Exchange maintains a healthy relationship between his team and the community.
One of the core values of the Post Exchange is respecting everyone, which also includes service members, families, former service members and retirees. With committed employees and caring staff, the Exchange successfully executed a special day, resulting in sunny smiles and joyful cheers even for a rainy Tuesday.
Forteeveroy feels a welcoming presence working at the Grafenwöhr Post Exchange.
“When I first started here, it was really nice to actually get back with the soldiers,” said Forteeveroy. “When I came here to meet people that are in and out every day, and I see somebody smile when they leave the store, it really makes it whole.”
Jeskey emphasized AAFES is dedicated to supplying service members and their families around the world.
“It’s just amazing that this organization has been here for 128 years," said Jeskey, "and they have fulfilled exactly that mission – family serving family, going wherever the customer goes.”
| Date Taken: | 07.25.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 07.28.2023 08:08 |
| Story ID: | 450146 |
| Location: | GRAFENWöHR , DE |
| Web Views: | 128 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Happy 128th birthday, Army & Air Force Exchange Service, by SPC Jet Cortez, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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