AAFES: Giving back to Hurlburt

  • Published
  • By Jamie Haig
  • COMMANDO editor
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  The Army & Air Force Exchange Service manages several businesses at Hurlburt Field like the mini mall, clothing sales and the auto pride center. But did you know that every time someone makes use of these facilities a percentage comes directly back to the base?

"AAFES dividends contributed more than $300,000 last year to the Non-Appropriated Funds, and that money is used for base community projects," said Melanie Lerman, 1st Special Operations Services Squadron marketing director. "Every movie, every purchase from an AAFES business gives money back to Hurlburt Field."

AAFES has reported a loss in sales and profits from several of its entities at Hurlburt, and if the trend continues, it may have to cut hours or possibly close some of the businesses.

"The negative operating results have a direct negative impact on the Morale, Recreation and Welfare contributions for Hurlburt Field," said Myra Moore, AAFES general manager. "If it continues, it might be determined that it's not cost effective for us to continue operating these businesses as is."

Ms. Moore said that the base theater has operated at a loss of $2,000 for the past two years. A review of ticket sales for the past four months reveals that the average movie attendance for Friday and Saturday nights is approximately 48 customers.

Eglin Air Force Base theater is experiencing the same problem with lack of attendance.

Ms. Moore said that AAFES will also look at operating costs for all other services on base to determine if any cuts are necessary.

But there are ways to alleviate that choice.

For instance, if an Airman wanted to purchase furniture that's at the Eglin Base Exchange, they can order it through the Hurlburt BX, and the dividends will come back to the base.

Leadership is hoping that families will realize and take advantage of the benefits that AAFES brings to the base community.

"No other retailer enjoys the level of community partnership and collaboration that exists between AAFES and our Air Force base," said Lt. Col. Steven Kimball, 1st Special Operations Mission Support Group deputy commander. "Dividends to MWR, community programs and support for our deployed forces make AAFES, as a total package, a better value to Airmen than any other retailer."

AAFES will review the status of the business ventures in a few months and determine if any action needs to be taken.

For more information, visit www.AAFES.com.