[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 120 (Monday, July 24, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1499-E1500]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


  RECOGNITION OF THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MILITARY EXCHANGE SYSTEM

                                 ______


                           HON. MARTIN FROST

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, July 24, 1995
  Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
recognize the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the military 
exchange system. The proud manager of the modern exchange system is the 
Army and Air Force Exchange Service, a vital organization and a key 
employer in the southwest Dallas county area located in my 
Congressional district.
  The first exchange was established in a barracks building at 
Vancouver Barracks, Washington. Since the issuance of General Order No. 
46 on July 25, 1895, the exchange has developed as the primary source 
of funding for the quality of life programs that support our 

[[Page E1500]]
military personnel throughout the world. In peace and war, the exchange 
has been there to serve those who have defended us. The War Department 
established the Army Exchange Service in 1941 to provide guidance for 
worldwide operations. The organizations became the Army and Air Force 
Exchange Service [AAFES] in 1948.
  The mission of the exchange is to provide quality merchandise and 
services to active duty, retired, and reserve personnel and their 
families and to generate reasonable earnings for the support of morale, 
welfare and recreation programs.
  During 1994 alone the exchange service totalled over $7 billion in 
sales and returned over $200 million to the service for quality of life 
enhancements. Over the past 10 years AAFES payments to morale, welfare 
and recreation funds exceed $1.7 billion.
  In addition to their commitment to worldwide service in support of 
our military, the exchange has been there to assist with hurricane 
relief, assistance to firefighters and flood relief workers, and public 
service activities performed by the military departments. Exchange 
personnel are on the scene today in Haiti, just as they have been in 
Somalia, Saudi Arabia, and everywhere that the military have gone in 
service to this country.
  While supporting these worldwide operations AAFES has been a bulwark 
to the local Dallas community since 1958. AAFES employee over 2,000 
workers in the Dallas/Fort Worth community, and many of these 
individuals are committed to the advancement of their communities and 
are deeply involved in volunteer activities throughout the area.
  On July 25, 1995, AAFES will mark this 100th anniversary with a 
celebration at the Dallas headquarters. On the 26th of July, 1995, they 
will begin the new century with the installation of a new commander. I 
invite all of my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Army and 
Air Force Exchange Service on this momentous day.


                          ____________________