Stronger Together: Why National AREA Matters
The Army & Air Force Exchange Service Retired Employees Association (National AREA) exists to support the Exchange family long after active service ends. Established in 1975, AREA is a nonprofit organization that connects retirees, amplifies their voice, and provides meaningful programs that make a lasting impact.
Through a national organization and local chapters across the United States, AREA helps members stay connected, informed, and engaged.
National AREA does not have a direct affiliation with the Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES), nor is it involved in AAFES operations. Contact The Exchange by reviewing the information at https://www.shopmyexchange.com/customer-service/contact-us.
What National AREA Does
Stay Connected
AREA was founded to preserve the friendships and professional relationships built during Exchange careers. Local chapters provide opportunities for social activities, networking, volunteerism, and community involvement, while National AREA focuses on issues that affect the Exchange retiree family.
Members also receive communications and updates on retiree benefits, key issues, programs, opportunities, and community news. A monthly newsletter helps keep members informed and engaged.
Advocacy and Communication
AREA serves as a voice for the Exchange retiree community. When issues arise that could affect retirees, AREA works to keep members informed and provides guidance and representation. When appropriate, AREA advocates with the Exchange, the Department of Defense, and Congress on issues affecting the retiree community. A strong membership strengthens AREA’s ability to represent retiree interests.
Support Future Generations
Since 1985, the National AREA Scholarship Program has awarded scholarships to eligible children of active and retired Exchange associates and assigned military personnel.
Each year, AREA strives to award scholarships to students pursuing higher education or trade school training. The Scholarship Program is funded entirely through donations, and contributions are tax-deductible.
While careful financial stewardship has helped keep the program strong, annual contributions fall short of what is needed to maintain current scholarship levels. Every contribution helps support the next generation.
Help Exchange Families in Times of Need
AREA partners with the Exchange to administer the Exchange Emergency Relief Program. When natural disasters or other emergencies affect Exchange associates and retirees, AREA helps coordinate and distribute relief funds.
Donations to the Emergency Relief Program are tax-deductible and directly support members of the Exchange family facing unexpected hardships.
Why National AREA Membership Matters
National AREA operates independently from the Exchange. It is powered entirely by volunteers and is operationally funded solely through membership dues.
National AREA has made significant cost reductions, but membership dues remain essential to sustaining operations. Without those dues, key programs and services—including the monthly newsletter, scholarship program, the Emergency Relief Program, and support for local chapters—would be at risk of disappearing.
National AREA continues to evolve, with a focus on strengthening connections, supporting retirees, and investing in the next generation.
Your Support Makes the Difference
You can help National AREA continue its mission by:
- Joining or renewing your National AREA membership and encouraging fellow retirees to do the same.
- Donating to the Scholarship Program to help students take their first step toward college, university, or trade school. Every contribution counts, and donations are tax-deductible.
- Connecting locally by joining a chapter and strengthening the retiree community where you live.
National AREA is more than an organization—it is a commitment to each other. With your support, AREA can continue to serve, connect, and give back for years to come.
Join AREA Today
Your membership helps ensure that AREA can continue supporting retirees, funding scholarships, providing emergency assistance, recognizing community service, and advocating for the Exchange family by going to https://aafesretired.org/join/.
Local Chapter Membership
To join a local chapter, visit the Chapter Contacts page and contact the chapter nearest you. Membership in a local chapter does not include membership to National AREA.
National AREA Membership
For information about National AREA membership, contact:
National AREA & Scholarship Fund
2303 RR 620 S, Suite 160-105
Austin, TX 78734
Email: membershipdirector@aafesretired.org
Who Is Eligible to Join National AREA?
You are eligible to join National AREA if you meet one of the following criteria:
- Retired civilian personnel of the Exchange.
- Others receiving an annuity under the Exchange Retirement program.
- Former employees of the Exchange, including civilians, foreign nationals, and third-country nationals.
- Military personnel who, while serving in the United States Armed Forces, were assigned for duty with the Exchange.
- Surviving spouses of individuals in any of the categories listed above.
- Active Exchange employees, who are eligible for associate AREA membership upon payment of dues in accordance with the bylaws.
Stronger Together
National AREA’s mission is built on connection, service, and support. From keeping retirees informed and advocating on issues that matter to the retiree community, to awarding scholarships and helping Exchange families during times of need, AREA continues to give back to the people who have been part of the Exchange family.
Together, we can keep the Exchange family connected, supported, and stronger for generations to come.