Shopping the Barksdale Exchange pays dividends Published June 23, 2011 By Barksdale Exchange Army & Air Force Exchange Service BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- The Exchange is paying dividends in more ways than one as Airmen exercising their benefit by dining at and shopping on base last year generated a dividend of $518,473.59. These funds are critical to Air Force Services to enhance local programs and facilities including the fitness and sports center, Arts and Crafts Center, bowling alley and swimming pools. "The Exchange's dual mission is to provide goods and services at competitively low prices and generate earnings to support Services programs," said the Exchange's General Manager Gilbert Mata. "As a result, the dollars that troops and their families use to shop the Exchange or eat at the food court generates a healthy return by directly improving Air Force quality of life efforts." This dual benefit goes far beyond clothes, electronics or consumables. In fact, worldwide purchases made in the past 10 years have provided more than $2.4 billion to military morale, welfare and recreation programs such as youth services, post functions and aquatic centers. Historically, roughly two-thirds of Exchange earnings are paid to quality of life programs. In addition to funding these efforts, Exchange earnings are used to build new stores or renovate existing facilities without expense to the Federal government. Funds to contract these new or replacement facilities also come entirely from sales of merchandise and services. To find out more about the Exchange history and mission visit our Web site at http://www.shopmyexchange.com.