AAFES makes the grade: Barksdale students recieve free stuff Published June 12, 2009 By web report BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- Young shoppers at Barksdale's Base Exchange are being rewarded for their good grades. According to the Department of Defense, children of active duty military personnel attend, on average, six to nine different school systems from Kindergarten to 12th grade. As a military command with a motto of "We Go Where You Go," the Army and Air Force Exchange Service is, attuned to the unique challenges military children face in their educational pursuits. Beyond being a destination for school supplies and clothes, the BX even offer an array of free and discounted products to students who excel in the classroom through it's "You Made the Grade" program. Now in its ninth year, AAFES' education rewards initiative is anchored by a booklet chock full of complimentary offers for students in 1st through 12th grades who maintain a "B" average or better. The current You Made the Grade booklet includes coupons for a free regular 6-inch combo meal from Subway, complimentary admission to a Reel Time theater and $2 off any new release DVD. Each booklet also contains an entry form for a quarterly drawing in which three winners are randomly awarded savings bonds in $2,000, $3,000 or $5,000 denominations. "This program is a great incentive for children to do better in school because if they do well they get a bunch of goodies as well as a chance to win a savings bond," said Gilbert Mata, Barksdale BX general manager. To receive the AAFES You Made the Grade booklet, students must present a valid military ID card and proof of an overall "B" or better average at the Barksdale main exchange customer service center. Students may receive one coupon package and enter the savings bond drawing for every qualifying report card. Military families can contact the Barksdale main exchange or general manager at 741-3243 for more information. Editors Note: Senior Airman Joanna M. Kresge contributed to this article