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Varying levels of Exchange support available to entire military community

  • Published
  • Army and Air Force Exchange Service
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Bring a contractor, family member, Department of Defense civilian or other visitor onto Tinker Air Force Base and the first words out of their mouth typically are, "Who can shop the exchange?"

While authorizations governing who can buy merchandise and services at the Exchange often apply to a chosen few, the doors to AAFES' fast food and convenience stores, including the Burger King and Charley's Steakery and Popeyes' Chicken at the Exchange's food court as well as the shoppettes in Bldgs. 472, 5704 (base housing) and 1107 (Navy side) are open to virtually anyone looking for a quick bite to eat. In fact, DOD policy allows all federal government employees, and even installation visitors, to dine at Exchange restaurants as long as their orders are consumed on the installation. Furthermore, anyone can purchase single-serve consumables from a shoppette, an option that is especially valuable late at night considering the Express I in Bldg. 472 is open until midnight.

"The 'Snack Avenue' inside most AAFES Shoppettes offers a robust selection of single-serve consumables," said General Manager Stefan E. Marks. "Candy bars, soft drinks and even hot dogs can be picked up by just about anyone with business on the installation."

Exchange service authorization begins with the House Armed Services Committee and ultimately ends with the Tinker commander. The guidelines, as prescribed by Army Regulation 215-8/Air Force Instruction 34-211 (I) and the Armed Services Exchange Regulations, Department of Defense Instruction 1330.21, require proper identification of authorized customers, including uniformed personnel and members of the Reserve Components and family members, applicable DOD civilians, exchange associates, retirees and their dependents who possess a basic exchange purchase privilege authorization card.

Anyone who believes they may qualify for exchange benefits, including access to the main Exchange, can call Rosalina Johnson at 734-3700 for additional guidance as well as information regarding possible exceptions at Tinker AFB.