AAFES senior enlisted advisor visits JBER

The Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s senior enlisted advisor is ensuring Soldiers, Airmen and military families stay ready and resilient with BE FIT options in Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson restaurants, Expresses and main Exchange.

During his Sept. 24 and 25 visit to JBER, Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Luis Reyes toured the Exchange facilities for a firsthand look at BE FIT options, dedicated to military readiness. Reyes also met with 673d Air Base Wing Commander Col. Patricia Csànk to discuss how the 123-year-old Department of Defense retailer’s healthy initiatives help Soldiers and Airmen stay mission-ready. Reyes hosted a town hall with Command Chief Master Sgt. Charles Orf and Sgt. Maj. Jerry Byrd Jr to hear personally from the JBER community.

“The Exchange is committed to support the readiness and resiliency of JBER Soldiers and Airmen,” said Reyes, one of about 30 active-duty service members assigned to the Exchange. “As a partner in both the Healthy Army Communities and the Air Force Smarter Fueling initiatives, we are leaning forward to provide better-for-you dining, snacking and shopping at Exchange restaurants, Expresses and main stores.”

All of JBER’s restaurants offer better-for-you choices, Reyes said, including Subway, Charleys and Popeye’s Louisiana Kitchen. The installation also features an Express stocked with grab-and-go snacks such as fresh fruit, salads and boiled eggs.

“The Exchange is listening to our shoppers and regularly expanding its BE FIT offerings,” Reyes said.

BE FIT is more than proper nutrition, Reyes said, noting the Exchange has an all-encompassing approach to wellness.

For example, in the Exchange, the BE FIT shop offers athletic wear, shoes and gear in a one-stop shop with the look and feel of a sporting-goods store.

“Wellness is key to resiliency,” Reyes said. “Staying active and making better-for-you choices go hand-in-hand with ensuring Soldiers and Airmen are ready for wherever the mission takes them.”

All Exchange earnings support programs including military uniforms at cost, child development centers, youth programs, fitness centers, and career opportunities for spouses, veterans and wounded warriors.

“Last year, the JBER Exchange generated more than $890,000 on behalf of quality-of-life programs,” Reyes said. “Shopping the Exchange makes life better for every member of the military community.”