'Gifts from the Homefront' support does 'double time' Published Dec. 10, 2007 DALLAS (AFPN) -- Military advocates across America are making their support work twice as hard with Army and Air Force Exchange Service "Gifts from the Homefront" gift certificates. While assistance sent through this troop-support initiative provides for the immediate needs of troops throughout operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, revenue generated from the redemption of the gift certificates also strengthens important quality of life efforts for military Families closer to home. "AAFES' dual mission to serve America's troops and generate funds to support military Morale, Welfare and Recreation programs means that resources dedicated to 'Gifts from the Homefront' not only improve the morale of deployed troops, but families minding the home front as well," said Chief Master Sgt. Bryan Eaton, the AAFES senior enlisted advisor. "These gift certificates not only make sending support easy, but also provide immediate assistance to uniformed personnel while generating a long-term benefit for military families." Started in March 2003 as an option that allowed any American to leverage contingency exchanges on behalf of deployed Soldiers, Airmen, Marines and Sailors, it soon became apparent that "Gifts from the Homefront" gift certificates offered the added benefit of additional support for Morale, Welfare and Recreation efforts. "Gifts from the Homefront" can be sent to deployed troops by logging on to www.aafes.org or calling 877-770-4438. From there, gift certificates are sent to individual servicemembers (designated by the purchaser) or distributed to "any servicemember" through the Air Force Aid Society, American Red Cross, Coalition to Salute America's Heroes, Fisher House, Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, Operation Homefront, Operation Interdependence or the United Services Organization. "As the holidays approach, many American's thoughts turn toward military Families who will spend the 'most wonderful time of the year' far from parents, spouses and children," Chief Eaton said. "'Gifts from the Homefront' not only can make an immediate impact on the morale of those in uniform, but can also help improve military communities where troops' spouses and children live, work and anxiously await the return of loved ones." "Gifts from the Homefront" can be redeemed at exchange facilities worldwide including more than 50 base and post exchanges throughout operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Since the effort's inception, troops have redeemed 60,633 gift certificates for movies, snacks, Military Exchange Global Prepaid Phone Cards and more. As a military command with a retail mission, roughly two-thirds of AAFES earnings are paid to Morale, Welfare and Recreation programs. In the past 10 years, AAFES has contributed more $2.4 billion to military quality of life improvements, AAFES officials said. Comment on this story (comments may be published on Air Force Link) View the comments/letters page