Exchange teams worldwide are celebrating the Exchange’s 131st anniversary, including at headquarters, where for the first time since the pre-COVID era, associates marked the occasion in a ceremony led by Director/CEO Brad Bingham.
“It’s terrific to be together in person,” Bingham said. “It’s been several years since we’ve gathered at headquarters to celebrate the Exchange’s anniversary—the last time was in 2019. We missed being together for our big 125th and 130th milestones, so it’s especially meaningful to be here ahead of our 131st as we bring this tradition back.”
Bingham spoke about the Exchange’s humble beginnings and how it traces its roots to sutlers who sold goods from tents on the American frontier years before the Exchange formally began on July 25, 1895, when the War Department ordered Army commanders to open PXs so Soldiers had a safe, reliable place to shop on post and avoid going to town and getting in trouble.
“From that first small PX at Vancouver Barracks in Washington—we’re still there, by the way—our 131-year legacy of service and support was born,” Bingham said. “While the modern-day Exchange benefit has evolved, our mission has not: We remain a source of comfort, value and support for Warfighters and military families.”
Bingham thanked associates for carrying the mission forward—and encouraged them to keep looking forward.
“Your hard work, resilience and passion for the mission keep us strong,” he said. “As we celebrate our history, we’re also looking to the future. The needs of Warfighters and military families are evolving, and as always, the Exchange is ready. We are accelerating our mission, modernizing our business, leveraging technology and finding new ways to deliver greater value for those we serve.”
Bingham was joined in a celebratory cake-cutting by Ladeanna R. Barker, an e-comm customer service quality assurance training specialist who shares a July 25 birthday with the Exchange; and Lyndsee S. Nicholson, financial operations manager and Ramon “Armando” Flores, application systems programming analyst, whose birthdays fall on Jan. 31—that is, 1/31.
Bingham concluded his remarks by saying that the Exchange’s “We go where you go” promise will never waver.
“Our commitment to Warfighters and families has never been stronger,” he said. “Keeping the benefit strong is the top priority. When we put the mission first, honor our core values and take care of each other, we honor our legacy and ensure it endures.
“We may be 131 years old … but we’ve never looked better. We aren’t slowing down. We’re just getting started.”
For more photos from the HQ celebration, check out this Flickr album. Send us photos from your store or facility’s celebration and we’ll add them to the album! If possible, send photos large size, as jpeg attachments, to exchangepost@aafes.com and socialmedia@aafes.com. Sending a SharePoint link will also work.
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