On top of that was the constant danger of rocket-propelled grenades. White said she heard sirens daily and took part in alert drills, donning a flak vest and Kevlar equipment inside the bunkers. Even when the troops didn't say anything, White said she knows they appreciated the presence of AAFES. "You could see it in their eyes, especially the soldiers who only got to come in once a month from the mountains where they were hunting the Taliban."
Of course, she said, there were others who voiced their thanks. "They just couldn't believe we'd have their favorite brand of chip, tobacco or CD," she said. And there were those who were "just glad to see a smiling face," she added.
Despite the hardships and danger, Sewell and White said they'd go back.
"I never appreciated our troops as much as I do now," said White, "after having seen with my own eyes their living conditions in these places and how much something as simple as a soda or chocolate – things we never truly appreciate until we have to go without – really means to them and helps them get through another day.
"We have wonderful soldiers and I thank God for them every day," she added.
Anyone wishing to help deployed troops with store purchases may participate in the AAFES "Gifts from the Homefront" Program.
Since the gift certificates, in $10, $20, $25 or $50 denominations, can be used for merchandise already stocked at AAFES locations in OIF/OEF, Anstey said the program is a safe alternative to traditional care packages that place unnecessary strain on the military mail system.
Participants may designate a specific service member to receive the gift certificate, or the certificate will be distributed to "any service member" through organizations such as the Red Cross, Air Force Aid Society or Fisher House.
The exchange also follows troops to Qatar to provide PX support during short rest and recuperation periods, said Anstey. AAFES has also set up shop at Rhein-Main Airport in Germany to greet the troops heading home for extended R&R.
