History

#FlashbackFriday: 130 Years Ago, the Exchange Was Born

By Robert Philpot / July 25, 2025 /

On July 25, 1895—130 years ago today—the War Department issued General Orders No. 46, directing all Army commanders to establish “post exchanges” on their installations.

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#FlashbackFriday: Evolution of the Exchange—Post Traders and Canteens

By Robert Philpot / July 18, 2025 /

After abolishing the sutler system in 1866, Congress authorized the establishment of post traders in 1867. Also in the late 19th century, officers at installations without post traders started social clubs called canteens. Both were precursors of the Exchange.

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#FlashbackFriday: The Evolution of the Exchange—Sutlers

By Robert Philpot / July 11, 2025 /

On July 25, the Exchange will celebrate its 130th anniversary. But the seeds for what became the Exchange were sown more than 100 years before 1895.

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#FlashbackFriday: The Korean War Begins, and the Exchange is There

By Robert Philpot / June 27, 2025 /

The Korean War began 75 years ago this week. The Exchange responded quickly, supporting troops in South Korea and Stateside. Check out some historical photos.

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#FlashbackFriday: A Volcano and the Philippines Exchange’s Last Days

By Robert Philpot / June 20, 2025 /

In June 1991, Mount Pinatubo erupted, causing heavy damage at nearby Clark Air Base. It was the second-largest eruption of the 20th century.

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#FlashbackFriday: The Exchange D-Day Veteran Who Returned to Normandy—More Than 50 Times

By Robert Philpot / June 6, 2025 /

Ted Liska was a senior clerk at the AAFES-Europe Chievres/Belgium shopping center. He spent decades honoring fallen comrades he called “the real heroes of D-Day.”

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#FlashbackFriday: 1976—Typhoon Pamela Strikes Guam

By Robert Philpot / May 23, 2025 /

On May 20, 1976—49 years ago this week—Typhoon Pamela struck Guam. Described as a “supertyphoon,” Pamela generated winds up to 190 mph during its peak. Damage was estimated at $300 million for the island, including a $1.5 million loss at the Exchange. The storm snapped trees in half and knocked down light poles at Andersen…

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#FlashbackFriday: Armed Forces Day at the Exchange

By Robert Philpot / May 16, 2025 /

Armed Forces Day is this Saturday. Here’s a pictorial look at how the Exchange has commemorated the day.

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#Flashback Friday: The Legend of the ‘aafesburger’—and the Woman Who Created It

By Robert Philpot / May 9, 2025 /

Read about 1983’s AAFES Worldwide Hamburger Cook-off and the woman who won it.

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#FlashbackFriday: 1988—the First Frank’s Franks Opens

By Robert Philpot / May 2, 2025 /

The hot-dog stand, which had locations worldwide, was an Exchange-exclusive restaurant that evolved from earlier hot-dog stands.

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