Exchange History Articles

#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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#FlashbackFriday: 2003—Six Days After Troops Secure the Baghdad Airport, the Exchange is There

By Robert Philpot / April 18, 2025 /

At 1 a.m. April 17, 2003—22 years ago this week—JBSA-Randolph AFB Sales and Merchandise Manager Mike Smith arrived in Baghdad via military airlift. Smith, who arrived six days after the 3rd Infantry Division (ID) secured Baghdad International Airport during the early days of Operation Iraqi Freedom, was the leader of an Exchange team ready to…

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#FlashbackFriday: 1979—Sheppard BX Gives and Receives Support After Monster Tornado

By Robert Philpot / April 11, 2025 /

The Sheppard Exchange found ways to serve customers in need–even during power outages–while the Exchange organized support for Sheppard associates affected by the tornado.

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#FlashbackFriday: Pictures of the Exchange in Vietnam

By Robert Philpot / March 28, 2025 /

On Sept. 11, 1965, the first staff elements of the Vietnam Regional Exchange (VRE) began to arrive in the Southeast Asian country. The Exchange would have a presence there until 1975.

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