Deloris Norris, the Fort Gordon Army & Air Force Exchange Service Sales and Merchandise manager, cuts slices of cake commemorating AAFES 115th Anniversary. The event was held July 23 at the post’s PX. Bonnie Heater The Army Air Force Exchange Service celebrated its 115th anniversary July 25.

AAFES’ mission has been to support the men and women of the Armed Forces around the world during military operations. Their motto, “We go where you go” epitomizes AAFES’s mission.

AAFES marked the day that the then-Army Department’s General Order Number 46 directed post commanders to establish an exchange at every post where practicable.

“Today, our mission remains the same as it was then: provide quality goods and services at competitively low prices and generate earnings for Morales, Welfare and Recreation programs,” said Maj. Gen. Bruce Casella, AAFES commander in a story at www.aafes.com.

“This year, our Sales and Marketing directorates have many promotions and events planned July 25-27 to commemorate the founding and enduring legacy of the Department’s oldest military reseller,” said Casella.

The Fort Gordon Main Exchange observed the anniversary with a cake cutting ceremony held July 23 at the PX. After the cake was sliced and served to Servicemembers, their families and retirees Delores Norris, the store’s sales and merchandise manager, hosted a trivia game based on facts regarding AAFES long history.

The first winner was retired Sgt. 1st Class Alma Christian who served as a lineman in the U.S. Army Signal Corps from 1976 to 1979. She successfully answered the question -- Before AAFES was referred to as the PX [Post Exchange] what was it called?

“It was known as the Canteen,” said Christian. She received an Eternity gift bag valued at $52. The first documented use of term “PX” was found in the book of exchange council meetings (1910 -1920) at Fort McKinley, Philippines. Exchanges were usually referred to as canteens.

The Fort Gordon PX celebrated the anniversary with special promotional sales. Visit www.aafes.com for more information about their sales promotion and highlights of AAFES history.