The primary mission of the Air Force Sergeants Association, which I represent, is to promote and protect the quality of the lives of all active and retired enlisted Air Force, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve members and their families and survivors. The other Alliance associations endorse the concerns I will present today in asking you to continue your full support for an important benefit. The Alliance contends that military exchanges and commissaries function inseparably from the military quality of life. Therefore, in keeping with staff instructions, I will restrict these remarks to an examination of just why military stores are considered important non-pay benefits. The following ten reasons are just a few that illustrate why military stores are a vital part of the military benefits package.
Military stores provide a vital supplemental financial benefit.
Overseas, military stores often serve as a lifeline. Military bases are self-contained communities that provide service and support mechanisms to facilitate the military lifestyle and to make sure the mission is accomplished. They help smooth the turmoil that is an inherent part of the military profession. Some members are disillusioned by current events. Military stores are a dependable part of military life.