If military members feel like they get better service at the local post exchange than in the commercial world, they're probably right. The Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) has recently been rated in the top five percent of United States retailers by Standard & Poor's.
"This is an independent confirmation by a very respected financial institution of how AAFES does business," says AAFES Commander Maj. Gen. Doug Bunger. "It shows AAFES is prepared to successfully meet today's retail challenges, and is financially healthy."
AAFES provides merchandise and services to active 8.9 million duty military, military retirees, Guard and Reserve members and their families at 10,878 facilities worldwide. The agency funds 98 percent of its operating budget from the sales of services, merchandise and food to customers. Last year, AAFES earned $228.2 million on total sales of $6.7 billion. The revenues are used to fund morale, welfare and recreation programs and to build and renovate exchange facilities.
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