Military StarSM Card strengthens Grand Forks Airmen’s return on investment

  • Published
  • By Pat Fields
  • AAFES
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  The use of bank-issued cards by troops at their base exchanges costs the military community millions of dollars annually that could be directed to Morale, Welfare and Recreation efforts.

Last year alone, bank issued card processing expenses at Grand Forks Army and Air Force Exchange Service facilities jumped 15.82 percent, ultimately sapping more than $306,000 from the BX and, in turn, critical MWR programs. Since 2001, AAFES has paid more than $310 million in fees to card issuing banks, resulting in lost revenues for the military community.

"Traditionally, two-thirds of AAFES' earnings are paid to MWR, while the other third is returned to the military community in the form of improvements, such as technology investments or store improvements," said the Pat Fields, Grand Forks AFB BX. "With 100 percent of AAFES earnings going back to authorized customers in one way or another, something as seemingly insignificant as credit card processing fees can quickly add up to a quality of life issue."

One way military families can help reduce costs and strengthen their Exchange benefit is to take advantage of the Exchanges' exclusive Military StarSM Card. Unlike other bank cards, profits generated from the Military StarSM Card are shared with military communities through contributions to the military service's MWR funds. These funds reduce the tax burden of all U.S. citizens, and are used to fund youth services, Armed Forces recreation centers, aquatic centers, base functions and golf courses that are enjoyed by military families across the globe.

"Using the Military StarSM Card is one of the easiest ways for troops to directly impact their BX and MWR benefits," said Ms. Fields. "Reducing these unnecessary expenses can go a long way in maximizing the dividend AAFES annually returns to Air Force families."

The Military StarSM Card is accepted at AAFES, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard Exchange activities, as well as the Exchange Catalog and the Exchange Online store at www.aafes.com.

For more information on the Military StarSM Card, visit the local BX or log on to www.aafes.com and click on the Military StarSM Card icon.