AAFES benefit soon to be available in all 50 states Published May 13, 2009 DALLAS (AFNS) -- Barely a month before it marks its 114th anniversary, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service will make history as the Department of Defense's oldest and largest general retailer sets up shop at Rhode Island National Guard Air Base, Quonset Point, R.I. "Until the Quonset Point Shoppette's grand opening in June, AAFES will continue serving troops in approximately 30 countries and 49 states," said AAFES' Chief of Corporate Communications Lt. Col. William Thurmond. "Identifying the one state we didn't have a facility in made for an interesting trivia question, but we're excited about the opportunity to support military families in the North Kingstown area as well as the troops stationed at Quonset Point." The convenience store at the Rhode Island National Guard Air Base, scheduled to open on May 19, will begin as a modest operation, offering a variety of snacks, cold beverages as well as health and beauty items. Because AAFES has a dual mission to provide quality merchandise and services to authorized exchange shoppers and generate earnings which provide a dividend to support morale, welfare and recreation programs, the future growth of the exchange will be directly proportional to customer demand. "We have high hopes for the Rhode Island National Guard Air Base exchange," said Colonel Thurmond. "This facility is not just for those drilling or working at the base, it's also for the retiree, Reserve and Guard Families who live around the installation. Their support will be critical to the future success of the exchange benefit in Rhode Island." Comment on this story (comments may be published on Air Force Link) View the comments/letters page