Service-connected disabled Veterans and honorably discharged Veterans alike have access to a valuable benefit provided by the Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES). This benefit allows Veterans to shop at PXs, BXs, and online at ShopMyExchange.com with tax-free savings and military-exclusive pricing on a wide range of products. The Exchange is more than just a retail store; it is a place where Veterans can feel a sense of connection to their service and sacrifice.
Stephanie Runge, a service-connected disabled Veteran from Montgomery, Ala., values the opportunity to shop at the Maxwell AFB Exchange. Having served in the military from 2014 to 2020, Runge appreciates the savings and convenience that the Exchange provides. For Veterans like her, having access to the base Exchange is not only a practical benefit but also a way to stay connected to their military roots.
With roughly 18.5 million honorably discharged Veterans and 4.1 million disabled Veterans eligible for the Exchange shopping benefit, there is a significant population that can take advantage of these savings. Veterans can also apply for a MILITARY STAR card to maximize their discounts and savings. The online benefit was introduced in 2017, making it easier for Veterans to access the Exchange’s offerings. In-person shopping for all disabled Veterans was launched in 2020, further expanding the reach of this valuable benefit.
Tom Shull, the Director/CEO of the Exchange and a Vietnam-era Army Veteran, emphasizes the importance of Veterans utilizing their Exchange benefit. He recognizes the contributions that Veterans make to the military community when they shop at the Exchange, as all earnings support vital Quality-of-Life programs for service members and their families. In the last decade alone, the Exchange benefit has provided $3.7 billion in earnings for these programs, highlighting the significant impact that Veterans have through their shopping choices.
It is essential for America’s Veterans to be aware of where they shop and the impact it can have. By choosing to shop at the Exchange, Veterans are directly supporting their fellow service members and their families. The Exchange is a non-appropriated fund entity of the Department of Defense, and 100% of its earnings go back into military communities. This means that every purchase made at the Exchange contributes to programs and services that benefit those who serve and have served our country.
To check eligibility and start shopping, Veterans can visit aafes.media/paveterans. Whether shopping in person at a local Exchange or online at ShopMyExchange.com, Veterans can take advantage of tax-free savings and military-exclusive pricing on a wide range of products. The Exchange is a valuable resource for Veterans to save money, stay connected to their military roots, and support their fellow service members and their families.
In conclusion, the Exchange’s expanded tax-free shopping benefits for Veterans are a valuable resource that all eligible individuals should take advantage of. By shopping at the Exchange, Veterans can save money, support military communities, and stay connected to their service. The Exchange is more than just a retail store; it is a place where Veterans can continue to serve and make a difference in the lives of those who have served our country.