Tangible support for our troups

[sfc_darrel]

All around us are people who want to let our troops know that we are paying attention and support them.

Some are "feel good" things like leaving messages. We support all of these.

Some rally's for peace have turned to peace but support our troops trying to being peace to the world.

Some try for tangible support. Blood drives, I din't know there were so many reasons to not allow people to donate, sending sunscreen, munchies, etc. There are boxes of stuff, cookies, crackers, lip gloss, etc.

The military has systems set up. Some of them have been posted here.

The military exchange system is part of the military system and that's what we use. It knows where the groups are, even when we don't.

http://www.aafes.com is the place to start. If you are active duty or retired, log in. Deployment items include 4 packs of disposable cameras, pre-paid calling cards, military logo space pens (I used mine once to write on wet paper in the rain ), Desert Sands goggles, and portable DVD players. Always available are gift certificates that can be used at any exchange (AAFES, NEX etc).

There is no shipping charge ever, anywhere.

Without logging in, you can buy gift certificates but there is a charge since it is from a contractor and not the exchange.
We recommend getting together and having someone with access send certificates from the exchange site.

In Afghanistan, as soon as the situation allowed, military exchanges were set up for military to buy the little things they need every day. They even set up a portable exchange outside the Pentagon after September 11th to make some things more easily available for those cleaning and rebuilding.

There are some exchanges now at larger and more permanent bases.

Darrel & Joy

[sfc_darrel]

Americans can show they care with "Gifts From the Homefront"

DALLAS - Americans can now make a significant contribution toward the morale and well-being of a loved one, family member or dear friend associated with the U.S. military, regardless of where they are stationed - at home or overseas. These "Gifts From the Homefront" CertifiChecks come as a result of a new partnership between the Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES), and CertifiChecks, America's hometown gift certificate resource center.

Sending CertifiChecks is an excellent way for people to show their support of our service members. CertifiChecks are redeemable for merchandise at all AAFES PX and BXs throughout the world. Details are available to anyone via the AAFES Web site, www.aafes.com, and by phone at 1-877-770-GIFT (4438). Sold by CertifiChecks, they can be purchased 24 hours a day, seven days a week, every day of the year, and come in denominations of $10 and $20. Each order includes a festive envelope.

Anyone may purchase these "Gifts From the Homefront" with a U.S. credit card or check, but only authorized AAFES customers can redeem them at any PX or BX throughout the world. At this time military authorities have advised that CertifiChecks can only be sent to a specific service member at his or her APO or US mailing address. AAFES is currently working to find a solution to allow CertifiChecks to be sent to units or non-specific troops.

AAFES currently has 34 stores located throughout SW Asia in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. CertifiChecks can be redeemed at these facilities to purchase such items as health and beauty items, soft drinks, candy, snack items, pre-paid calling cards and much more.

By clicking on the link "Gifts from the Homefront" at www.aafes.com, anyone can find out how to access an order form and complete the transaction online or via a toll-free number at 1-800-770-GIFT (4438). Purchasers living overseas can use the online links at www.aafes.com, or by downloading online forms from the CertifiChecks web site. These order forms can be mailed or sent by FAX directly to CertifiChecks. Customers may pay with a check if they use the order form.

The standard cost for the certificates is $4.95 per order, which covers the costs for printing, mailing and handling of up to 20 certificates per order, providing they're going to the same address. Delivery of the certificates normally takes between 4-10 days, possibly longer if going overseas. Shipping and handling charges are slightly more for bulk orders of $300.00 or more. "Gifts From the Homefront" CertifiChecks are redeemable at any AAFES Exchange by authorized exchange customers.

For those individuals who may be concerned about using their credit cards to purchase certificates online, CertifiChecks uses the latest security software to handle the complete transaction process safely over the Internet or by phone. AAFES' agreement with CertifiChecks prohibits the release of any information it receives.

In addition to showing a service member you care, sending CertifiChecks will also help reduce the number of parcels being sent via the Military Postal Service Agency.

"This program should very much help relieve the critical mail transportation situation," said Ed Pardini, Deputy Director of the Military Postal Service Agency. "Different from previous contingencies, like Desert Shield/Desert Storm, Any Service member Mail and Donation campaigns are not the helpful idea they were then. Unfortunately, Any Service member and web-sponsored donation programs are counterproductive to the safety of our troops. The sheer volume also easily causes delays to the more important mail from families and loved ones due to transportation issues."

For more than 107 years, AAFES has provided quality merchandise and services at uniformly low prices to active duty military, Guard and Reserve members, retirees and family members around the world. The AAFES motto, "We Go Where You Go" is truly indicative of the service and support AAFES provides to service members.