In a remarkable effort to support U.S. military personnel, over $2.5 million was raised in 2025 by an organization dedicated to aiding service members for over a century. This substantial fundraising achievement benefits the Army, Air Force, and Navy, providing essential resources to those who serve.
Army & Air Force Exchange Service shoppers have been instrumental in this initiative, with the funds supporting Army Emergency Relief (AER), the Air Force Assistance Fund (AFAF), and the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS). Since 2017, donations from Exchange shoppers have exceeded $11.7 million, with an average contribution of about $1.30 last year.
Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Richard Martinez, the Exchange’s senior enlisted advisor, emphasized the organization’s commitment: “We do anything and everything we can to make sure that we take care of the war fighters because we have a motto that says, ‘We go where you go and we mean it,’” he told Military.com.
Currently, Exchange associates are deployed in the Middle East, supporting operations following U.S. and Israeli strikes initiated on February 28. The Exchange aims to provide military personnel with everyday necessities like soap, deodorant, uniforms, and food rations.
Exchange Director and CEO Tom Shull, an Army veteran, highlighted the impact of these donations: “Every contribution, big or small, ensures service members and their families can access vital resources when they need it most,” he stated to Military.com.
‘We Know What It Means to Serve’
Since the program’s inception in 2017, Exchange shoppers have had the option to donate through various channels supporting charitable organizations. In 2020, this expanded to allow year-round donations at points of sale, where customers could easily contribute $1 or increments of $5.
Martinez noted that 2025 and 2024 were record-breaking years for fundraising, attributing the increase to the unpredictability service members faced, such as government shutdowns and rising living costs. He stressed the importance of supporting families to recruit and retain service members, saying, “We know best that if you want to recruit and retain service members, you have to take care of their families.”
The ease of donating has led to increased contributions, as communities recognize the vital role of U.S. service members. Online donations are also possible, with options like gift cards and eGift cards, which can be used globally at various Exchange facilities or at shopmyexchange.com.
Martinez humorously noted that shoppers can choose to donate to the Army or Air Force at registers, adding, “we don’t like” when people opt not to donate. In the Pacific, an additional option supports the Navy and Marine Corps, with shoppers donating over $130,000 to NMCRS.
Retired Lt. Gen. Robert Ruark, CEO of NMCRS, expressed gratitude: “Every donation represents an investment in the well-being of sailors, Marines and their loved ones,” he shared with Military.com. The funds support programs offering interest-free loans, scholarships, and grants, helping service members face life emergencies and unexpected challenges.
Martinez concluded with the critical role of donations in maintaining military readiness, stating, “You just never know what the challenges our service members face on a day-to-day basis.” Since 1896, the Exchange has been providing goods and services at military-exclusive pricing.
