FORT BUCHANAN – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s senior enlisted advisor is making it his mission to ensure service members and families at Fort Buchanan in Puerto Rico have the products they need.
During his visit to Fort Buchanan on July 31, Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Luis Reyes toured Exchange facilities and met with Garrison Commander COL Guy D. Bass to address how the 123-year-old Department of Defense retailer is serving Soldiers and families on the island, 10 months after the devastation of Hurricane Maria.
“The Exchange can’t thank our Fort Buchanan associates enough,” Reyes said. “The dedication and sacrifice shown before and after the hurricane was truly inspiring.”
The Fort Buchanan Exchange was one of the last stores to close before the storm—extending its hours to sell more bottled water and supplies—and one of the first to re-open. Just two days after the hurricane hit, 30 Exchange associates showed up at the store to begin clearing away debris and prepare the store for business again.
The Fort Buchanan Exchange has provided a lifeline for service members and their families as they continue in the recovery efforts, providing emergency staples like flashlights and first-aid kits, as well as comforts like a cup of Starbucks coffee.
And every time Soldiers shop Exchange stores, they generate funds to make Fort Buchanan a great place to live and work. 100 percent of Exchange earnings support Quality-of-Life programs including military uniforms at cost; school lunches below cost for Warfighters’ children overseas; Child Development Centers; Youth Programs; fitness centers; and career opportunities for spouses, Veterans and Wounded Warriors (the Exchange has hired 1,200 Wounded Warriors since 2010—second only to the Army).
Last year, the Fort Buchanan Exchange generated more than $8.2 million to support these community programs that improve the lives of service members and their families.
“The Exchange is family serving family,” Reyes said, noting that 85 percent the Exchange 35,000-strong workforce has a military connection. “Whether supporting troops downrange or after a natural disaster here at Fort Buchanan, the Exchange is there to serve them.”
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Since 1895, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service (Exchange) has gone where Soldiers, Airmen and their families go to improve the quality of their lives by providing valued goods and services at exclusive military pricing. The Exchange is the 61st-largest retailer in the United States. Its earnings provided $2.4 billion in dividends to support military morale, welfare and recreation programs over the last 10 years. The Exchange is a non-appropriated fund entity of the Department of Defense and is directed by a Board of Directors. The Exchange is a 50th Anniversary Vietnam War Commemorative Partner, planning and conducting events and activities that recognize the service, valor and sacrifice of Vietnam Veterans and their families in conjunction with the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration. To find out more about the Exchange history and mission or to view recent press releases please visit our website at http://www.shopmyexchange.com or follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ExchangePAO.
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Media Notes:
For more information or to schedule an interview with an Exchange representative please contact Marisa Wolfe, 214-312-5111 or [email protected].
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