AAFES’ Senior Vice President of Marketing Mike Westphal said the program demonstrates AAFES’ continued support and commitment to the military. “It’s a sincere gesture of goodwill towards our military family,” said Westphal.

The “We All Have a Hand in Securing Our Freedom” banners have been well received by AAFES customers in the program’s first month. Soldiers, Airmen, families and associates have already filled Keesler AFB’s banner with nearly 100 handprints.

“We had planned to display the banner for an entire week, but the banner filled up in less than an hour,” said Sales and Merchandise Manager Bill Buell. “The customers seemed quite touched. Many included scripture passages, prayers and notes of support for the troops.”

Westphal said that the “We All Have a Hand in Securing Our Freedom” banner effort is one of many “Patriot Family” initiatives AAFES intends to unveil in 2005. “The AAFES family will continue to show its commitment to our customers with a year-long campaign planned to reinforce our commitment to the ‘Patriot Family,’” said Westphal. For more information on the AAFES Patriot Family visit the Patriot Family link on www.aafes.com.

The Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) is a joint command of the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force, and is directed by a Board of Directors who is responsible to the Secretaries of the Army and the Air Force through the Service Chiefs of Staff. AAFES has the dual mission of providing authorized patrons with articles of merchandise and services and of generating non-appropriated fund earnings as a supplemental source of funding for military Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) programs. To find out more about AAFES' history and mission or to view recent press releases please visit our Web site at: http://www.aafes.com/pa/default.asp

Media Notes:

For more information or to schedule an interview with an AAFES representative please contact Judd Anstey, 214-312-3861 or anstey@aafes.com.