AAFES encourages students to make the grade

  • Published
DALLAS (AFNEWS) --  Reading, writing and arithmetic are taking a back seat to electronics, clothes and toys as military children cash in on the Army and Air Force Exchange Service's "You Made the Grade" program at post or base exchanges worldwide.

Initiated in February 2000, AAFES' education rewards effort is designed to recognize above-average academic achievement.

Qualifying students receive a coupon booklet that includes free admission to an AAFES Reel Time Theater, a complimentary slice of Anthony's pizza with drink and a free magazine, as well as other coupons.

"It is important to recognize our military families' superior students," said Chief Master Sgt. Bryan Eaton, the AAFES' senior enlisted advisor. "They have faced unique educational challenges that most civilian students will never have to contend with.

"To be able to maintain academic excellence despite adversities such as moving regularly or having a parent deployed shows the resilience and resolve of these students as well as the quality of their teachers."

Each "You Made the Grade" booklet also contains an entry form for a quarterly savings bond drawing in which three winners are randomly awarded savings bonds of $2,000, $3,000 or $5,000. To receive the booklet, students simply present a valid military ID card and proof of an overall "B" or better average to their local exchange.

Students may receive one coupon package for every qualifying report card they receive, but may enter the savings bond drawing only once per calendar quarter. Military families can contact their local AAFES main store manager for more information.

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