To join National AREA, review eligibility below and select the on-line or by mail option to join. Thank you for your interest in National AREA.
OnLine
Join NowBy Mail
Complete the Membership Application, fillable on-line, and print then mail it, along with your dues, to the address on the form.
Why Join National AREA
The Army & Air Force Exchange Service Retired Employees Association (AREA) is a non-profit organization established in 1975 to support Exchange retirees and active employees with an interest in the retiree community. Through a national organization and local chapters across the United States, AREA helps members stay connected, informed, and engaged.
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.
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 $40,000 in scholarships to students pursuing higher education or trade school training. The program is funded entirely through donations, which are tax-deductible.
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 impact Exchange associates and retirees, AREA helps coordinate and distribute relief funds. Donations to the Emergency Relief Program are tax-deductible and directly support affected members of the Exchange family.
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 advocates with the Exchange, the Department of Defense, and Congress when appropriate. A strong membership strengthens AREA’s ability to represent retiree interests.
Members also receive regular communications and updates on issues, programs, benefits, and opportunities that matter to the Exchange retiree community.
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.
To join a local chapter, visit the Chapter Contacts at https://aafesretired.org/contacts/chapter-contacts/ and contact the chapter nearest you.
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
Eligibility
If you meet one of the following criteria, you are eligible to join National AREA:
- 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 for all previously listed categories. - Active Exchange employees are eligible for associate AREA membership upon payment of dues in accordance with the by-laws