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NEWS | April 11, 2018

AAFES senior enlisted advisor visits JBLE

By Julie Mitchell Army and Air Force Exchange Service Public Affairs

During his visit to JBLE, U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Luis Reyes toured AAFES’ facilities on both installations, andmet with Chief Master Sgt. Matthew Mancill, 633rd Mission Support Group, and U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Eric Vidal, 733rd Mission Support Group command sergeant major, for a roundtable discussion on the 122-year-old Department of Defense retailer’s healthy initiatives.

 

“The Exchange is committed to supporting the readiness and resiliency of Soldiers and Airmen at JBLE,” said Reyes, one of about 30 active-duty service members assigned to the Exchange. “As a partner in the Healthy Army Communities and Air Force Smart Fueling initiatives, we are leaning forward to provide better-for-you dining, snacking and shopping at Exchange restaurants, Expresses and main stores.”

 

All of JBLE’s restaurants offer better-for-you choices, Reyes said, including coffee and sandwich shops. Expresses at both Eustis and Langley are stocked with grab-and-go beverages and snacks such as tuna, beef jerky, dried and fresh fruit, hard-boiled eggs, yogurt and bottled water.

 

“The Exchange is listening to our shoppers and regularly expanding our BE FIT offerings,” Reyes said.  

 

BE FIT is more than maintaining proper nutrition, Reyes said, noting that the Exchange has implemented an all-encompassing approach to wellness. For example, both the Eustis and Langley main Exchanges feature BE FIT shops, bringing athletic wear, shoes and gear together in a one-stop shop, with the look and feel of sporting goods store.

 

“Wellness is key to resiliency,” Reyes said. “Staying active and making better-for-you choices go hand-inand with ensuring Soldiers and Airmen are ready for wherever the mission takes them.”

 

Every time Soldiers or Airmen shop at the Exchange, grab a snack at the Express or dine at an Exchange restaurant, one hundred 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.

 

“Together, the Eustis and Langley Exchanges generated more than $1 million on behalf of Quality-of-Life programs in 2016,” Reyes said. “Shopping the Exchange makes life better for every member of the military community.”

 

During his visit, Reyes also thanked Exchange associates for their dedicated service.

 

“Since 1895, the Exchange has provided a lifeline to America’s service members and their families,” Reyes said. “The Exchange is family serving family. Whether supporting troops downrange or here at JBLE, Exchange associates are there to serve those who serve.”

 

For more information, contact Julie Mitchell, 214-312-3327 or mitchelljul@aafes.com.