[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 81 (Tuesday, June 2, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1269]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IN CELEBRATION OF THE ARMY AND AIR FORCE EXCHANGE SERVICE'S 114TH 
ANNIVERSARY AND DEPLOYEE APPRECIATION WEEK, JULY 19, 2009-JULY 25, 2009

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                           HON. PETE SESSIONS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 2, 2009

  Mr. SESSIONS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Army and 
Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) and 114 years of dedicated service 
to our service men and women.
  Founded on August 25, 1895, the War Department envisioned an exchange 
at every post where practical to bring our troops a taste of Americana. 
Since then AAFES has expanded to over 3,100 facilities worldwide. The 
growth and success of this exchange service is due in large part to the 
numerous employees, now totaling over 43,000 associates, dedicated to 
serving and supporting our service members and their families. For 
Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, over 450 associates 
annually volunteered for deployment, choosing to follow our troops 
wherever they may go and proudly upholding the AAFES motto of ``We go 
where you go!'' Their dedication, courage, and patriotism are 
commendable and resonate deeply within each of us, as we stand united 
in our support for our soldiers and AAFES.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my esteemed colleagues to join me in 
congratulating AAFES for 114 years of exemplary service and in 
expressing our heartfelt gratitude for their unwavering support of our 
armed forces.

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