Chief Master Sgt. Jeffry Helm, the enlisted advisor to the commanding general of the Army and Air Force Exchange Services, visited Fort Gordon Aug. 17-19 and spoke with members of the post’s Family Readiness Group during a luncheon at the Gordon Club Aug. 18. The enlisted advisor to the commanding general of the Army and Air Force Exchange Services, Chief Master Sgt. Jeffry Helm, visited Fort Gordon Aug. 17-19 in order to meet with residents and personnel attached to the post and see what AAFES operations are accomplishing locally.

“I’m here to find out what we’re doing right and what we can do better,” he said.

In order to accomplish that goal, Helms made a whirlwind tour of the post facilities during his visit. In addition to the Post Exchange, commissary and minimarts, all the restaurants and vendors on Fort Gordon are contracted through AAFES, and Helms stopped by them all. But he did more than observe. He shared his observations and took feedback from customers. He also took the time to address and answer questions from the Fort Gordon Family Readiness Group during a luncheon held at the Gordon Club Aug. 18.

“AAFES serves Soldiers and their families,” Helms said. “So we want to know how we can do that for you.”

During the conference, Helms also gave the audience a brief history of AAFES, and discussed future projects planned for Fort Gordon, including the upcoming opening of Domino’s Pizza, as well as the tentatively named Downtown Fort Gordon project which will include a new library, a new religious services center and several new restaurants and vendors.

Helms concluded his visit by sharing his observations with Col. Glenn Kennedy, Fort Gordon garrison commander, over breakfast at the post Huddle House.

From the AAEFES Web site: “For more than 100 years, AAFES’ mission has been to support the men and women of the Armed Forces around the world during military operations. ‘We go where you go,’ epitomizes AAFES’ mission, particularly when our service members are stationed away from American shores. At war and in peacetime, AAFES provides Soldiers and Airmen with the service and merchandise they need to make their lives more comfortable. AAFES also maintains service and support to family members and troops back home. AAFES’ partnership to the services’ morale, welfare and recreation programs reflect loyalty and dedication to the service member beyond the sale at the cash register.”