Gas prices fall, savings rise

  • Published
  • By Staff Report
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  Army and Air Force Exchange Service gas stations at Barksdale are taking Airmen and their families further now that the pumps have been programmed to reflect a discount of 3 cents a gallon for drivers who pay with a Military Star Card.

"Anytime a customer uses a bank-issued debit or credit card, the retailer pays a portion of the transaction to a third-party financial institution," said Barbara Travis, BX's General Manager. "Because the Military Star Card is administered by the Exchange Credit Program, AAFES is not subject to the additional fees incurred through other 'pay at the pump' options. As a result, we're able to pass savings on to authorized exchange shoppers."

Base gas stations are also matching the lowest prices found off-base.

In 2007, Barksdale Shoppette was selected as a test site for gas pricing. Once the survey ended, AAFES headquarters decided the best way to provide quality goods and services was at competitively low prices, and generate earnings to support Morale, Welfare and Recreation programs. The base marketing coordinator surveyed five stations selected by the AAFES general manager.

According to Henry Awosefaju, shoppette manager, the lowest price of the five surveyed locations is matched by AAFES.

"You can be sure AAFES is working hard to be our customer's first choice," he said.

Surveys are done twice a day to make sure patrons are paying the lowest price possible at the gas pumps.

"By surveying twice a day, we remain on top of our prices," Ms. Travis said. "Our valued customers can find the lowest surveyed price at our Barksdale Shoppette without leaving the base."

The money generated from gas purchases goes right back to the Air Force. Over the last 10 years, AAFES has contributed more than $2.4 billion to MWR programs for military communities around the world.

The Army and Air Force Exchange Service gas stations at Barksdale are taking Airmen and their families further now that the pumps have been programmed to reflect a discount of 3 cents a gallon for drivers who pay with a Military Star Card.

"Anytime a customer uses a bank-issued debit or credit card, the retailer pays a portion of the transaction to a third-party financial institution," said Barbara Travis, BX's General Manager. "Because the Military Star Card is administered by the Exchange Credit Program, AAFES is not subject to the additional fees incurred through other 'pay at the pump' options. As a result, we're able to pass savings on to authorized exchange shoppers."

Base gas stations are also matching the lowest prices found off-base.

In 2007, Barksdale Shoppette was selected as a test site for gas pricing. Once the survey ended, AAFES headquarters decided the best way to provide quality goods and services was at competitively low prices, and generate earnings to support Morale, Welfare and Recreation programs. The base marketing coordinator surveyed five stations selected by the AAFES general manager.

According to Henry Awosefaju, shoppette manager, the lowest price of the five surveyed locations is matched by AAFES.

"You can be sure AAFES is working hard to be our customer's first choice," he said.

Surveys are done twice a day to make sure patrons are paying the lowest price possible at the gas pumps.

"By surveying twice a day, we remain on top of our prices," Ms. Travis said. "Our valued customers can find the lowest surveyed price at our Barksdale Shoppette without leaving the base."

The money generated from gas purchases goes right back to the Air Force. Over the last 10 years, AAFES has contributed more than $2.4 billion to MWR programs for military communities around the world.

The Military Star Card is accepted at all AAFES, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard Exchange activities, as well as the Exchange Catalog and the Exchange Online store at www.aafes.com.

Authorized exchange shoppers can learn more about the Military Star Card by visiting the BX or visiting www.aafes.com and clicking the Military Star Card icon.  is accepted at all AAFES, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard Exchange activities, as well as the Exchange Catalog and the Exchange Online store at www.aafes.com.

Authorized exchange shoppers can learn more about the Military Star Card by visiting the BX or visiting www.aafes.com and clicking the Military Star Card icon.