Complaint Review: AAFES

Please........to you and anyone else out there. AAFES has contact information to the top guy. In this case, an Army General, and believe me. He takes every complaints very seriously. AAFES's policy is to have price match to the facilities in the States & abroad. If you know you're being victimized as price gouging...it is your right and previlige to report it to your congressman or woman and especially the AAFES commander. We all know that baby wipes don't cost more than $3.00 the most if not less.

I can appreciate the entertainment value of the bickering, but I don't feel like going there with ya'lls. Veteran here, and currently a Veterans Advocate. There are many organizations out there around the country ready to help. You are not out there alone men...and women. Wifes at home, please don't feel left with nuthing more than MWR, because Veterans organizations are there for you also. The concept is only restricted to Veterans when out of war time, which if I am correct, only covers about aproximately 10 years of America's entire history (1974-1984). Here are only a few links to some organizations working together. These are from San Diego, CA. area, but they are very versed in what other organizations are available to you in your hometown. Thank you all for your concerns, I pray for my bretheren daily.

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/world/iraq/homefront/20030331-9999_z1m31aid.html

My appologies in advance, but what ever information I might be able to provide to help out, is exactly my intention. Appologies for the spamm, here are even more links to soldier/veteran resource outlets.

http://www.dol.gov/odep/pubs/adabro/vets.htm

http://www.va.gov/

http://www.dav.org/

http://www.government-federal-grants.com/grants-ordering.html

http://www.business.com/bdcframe.asp?ticker=&src=http%3A//rd.business.com/index.asp%3Fbdcz%3Di.l.l.ml.e%26bdcr%3D1%26bdcu%3Dhttp%253A//www.va.gov/OSDBU/%26bdcs%3D9EB5DF07-41E9-4342-932A-4C7B32554C27%26bdcf%3D198a0011-6fe7-11d4-8f71-00d0b7826be1%26bdcp%3D%26partner%3Dbdc%26title%3DOffice%2520of%2520Small%2520and%2520Disadvantaged%2520Business%2520Utilization%2520%2528OSDBU%2529&back=http%3A//www.business.com/directory/government_and_trade/by_country/united_states/federal_government/executive_branch/departments/department_of_veterans_affairs_va/office_of_small_and_disadvantaged_business_utilization_programs_osdbu/&path=/directory/government_and_trade/by_country/united_states/federal_government/executive_branch/departments/department_of_veterans_affairs_va/office_of_small_and_disadvantaged_business_utilization_programs_osdbu


http://vetsinfoservice.com/

http://www.pd.dgs.ca.gov/default.htm

http://vaww.fresno.med.va.gov/

http://www.craig.csufresno.edu/internships.aspx

http://usgovinfo.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ&sdn=usgovinfo&zu=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gibill.va.gov%2F

https://www.gibill.va.gov/wave/

http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38cfr/bookc/part4/s4%5F71a.doc

http://www.archives.gov/

http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/Benefits/#BMA

http://www.dfas.mil/militarypay/cchelpcustomerservice.html

http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/benefits/exams/

http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?sid=b941fc9925c7643e4105967f63400f40&c=ecfr&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title38/38cfrv1_02.tpl

http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr;sid=70442d75b601b105eb93e840f2e8d88e;rgn=div5;view=text;node=38%3A1.0.1.1.5;idno=38;cc=ecfr

http://www.britannica.com/

http://www.forms.gov/bgfPortal/citizen.portal

http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/infomgt/forms/formsprogram.htm

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_g2601/is_0006/ai_2601000637/pg_2

http://veterans.house.gov/legislation/107/title38.pdf#search='38%20e%20united%20states%20code'

http://usmilitary.about.com/od/lifeafterthemilitary/l/blcode_2_2.htm

http://cancerweb.ncl.ac.uk/omd/

http://www.queendom.com/

http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/

https://s044a90.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/poms?OpenView

http://www.va.gov/vaforms/

http://starbulletin.com/2001/02/13/news/story1.html#jump2

https://www.etrade.wallst.com/v1/stocks/snapshot/snapshot.asp?YYY220_/UfRI8EalsCYH8nTrXR9a7sTB/7t0SthVaYW0PaMyFPP6uIc2u57kipR/iB8MUHleH50Kv5oXfSXxdZGMzBoxtDm/BRVro4iAdJP3Py8nc17dMNFQu8+8e6ZWVXswMwoMj5U9BbJCiHGDkwlM6gvlHJJrt3u/PUv

This is an old subject, but I want to say I like your idea about issuing wipes with the MRE's. I spent a good part of my adult life in the infantry, and never saw a baby-wipe in the field, and only saw a field-shower one time, but it sure would have been nice to help wipe the grunge off now and then. I wonder what people would think about men wearing panty-hose under their clothes to prevent blisters, or the many uses for condoms, toothbrushes, etc.

I was one of "those guys" as the VA puts it. When I went somewhere, I carried as little as possible, and left nothing behind to tip off anyone I was there.

What exactly would I have done with Baby Wipes? They may be nice for the guys who sit behind a desk, as you put it, but I have a newsflash for you. When the s**t hits the fan, the last thing you think of is cleaning yourself. If it wasn't essential for the mission, we didn't take it.

The military needs to procure, and issue these essential items to soldiers in the field. A soldier should not have to pay for something as a reward for being deployed in a combat zone.

Baby wipes could be issued just like MRE's and other items are issued.

Baby wipes are not optional in any deployment situation.

Any current or prior service member that thinks otherwise must work behind a desk somewhere behind the lines.

To the 22 year prior service-Jasper, you strike me as an admin officer. You obviously have never seen a remote deployment or combat close up. If you did, you would know the importance of baby wipes.

This conversation is pointless! Maybe if you all got off your butts and volunteered your time with organizations that send much needed products to our troops you'd see some progress. Or you could get with such an organization and have many care packages sent to the men and women in your loved one's unit. Arguing about AAFES won't change how they do business!! Did you ever think about that? I know from Germany that's not easy...but you do still have loved one's in the states. Contact them. They could get with a local church and start such a project. Bickering won't solve anything...so my advice is get up and get busy!! My husband was in Iraq...he got everything he needed in a timely fashion because of my actions. And I wasn't sitting at home on the computer!!
I support our men and women overseas and the families they leave behind. GOD BLESS!!!

I was at Camp Arifjan and was impressed with the exchange there. The one at Doha was good too. I don't know which AAFES you went to in Kuwait but the two I mentioned are very good for where they are.
Remember, everything there is imported and manufacturers charge more to send their products to far away places. So the price you are paying for baby wipes is just a normal mark up.
I bought baby wipes there too but not for cleaning. I am an MP and baby wipes neutralize OC spray.

Even though I am not wanting to get into the middle of this dispute, but I recently recieved the new Navy exchange catalog and affees at the same time and I wonder what an E-3 would do with a rolex watch or a 30,000 dollars diamond ring or even one of those fancy porcelon collectables. Last time I checked the junior enlisted where on food stamps and having a hard time competing with their civillian counerparts. I think the military need better representatives then affees or navy exchange to help our struggling military survive with families they can't afford or being on deployment. These two conglomerates cater to the
officer community. Period. These are my two cents.
HM1 Spec-ops retired..

When was the last time you have actually spoken to a deployee in Iraq or Kuwait? AAFES once sold, maybe for a very limited time period, locally procurred babywipes (specially Saudi) at the normal local market price. Why? Because that was the only thing available to them at that point, and, as you mentioned, it was so important to our soldiers ( excluding Marines!!!). AAFES will have to pay the local market prices to procure those items that are in needs but take months to transport from the United States. ECON 101!!!!

For those of you who don't know, especially, to those who don't have a single idea how an non-appropriate agency works, AAFES's mission is to generate profits to support our military members and their families, and making a few cents on a $10.00 baby wipes (local brand) is to me reasonable. A few lousy cents!!! If you can't handle that, ECON 101, don't buy it.

Many military members are deeply appreciative of what they do for us and try to understand how they are operating. I did not see a single Wal-mart store in Somalia, Iraq, Kuwait, or other hot zones, but AAFES was. Not only their profits come directly back to us, but they actually go where we go. Do I complaint about them. No.

I have been a dependant of the Army and Air Force for over 30 years. First, as a daughter and presently, as a spouse (whose husband is currently in Iraq - receiving my care packages as fast as they will arrive). One of my first jobs was at an AAFES facility. No, their prices are not always the best - I think we all agree on that. Let us move on. You want these items supplied 100% to the troops in war. That is laubible.

I agree, but the site to go to is not this one. May I recommend a visit to your congressman's website. That is where changes begin for ANYTHING to do with the military (although you are likely to be separated from the military and in a nursing home before you actually see any results.)

In the meantime, here is an alternative solution that all may partake in - access to a military installation is not necessary. However, access to a standard US post office is required. Go to your local post office and ask for 'FLAT RATE' boxes. They are free and not usually found in the lobby area with all the other packaging supplies. They are typically kept behind the counter. Fill them with whatever you have in your packages taking care not to change the shape of the box by overstuffing it or bending it a different way, etc. Seal them and label them with the appropriate mailing labels and customs forms. Go back to the post office (can be a different one if you like) and give them your box.

They will weigh it, as they must log the shipment weight on every package or parcel that is serviced. Unless you add any additional services (return receipt, tracking, insurance, etc) your cost of this box, whether it weighs 7 pounds or 70 pounds, is $7.70. Done deal. This allows you to spend more money on baby wipes, toothpaste, toilet paper - whatever.

I can tell you that my packages are taking approximately 2 weeks to arrive at his location from here in Hawaii. As well, MPS services are still available intra-theater. I know you can send them baby wipes and the like as my parents and brother (they are in Germany, also) recently sent a package to hubby.

Bickering back and forth to one another - while it can be cleansing to the soul from time to time - is not going to produce the results you desire - which is to lower the cost of such high demand items as baby wipes.

Talk to AAFES about that and then talk to your congressman's office about requesting a revision in the items deemed necessary (and therefore covered and issued at time of deployment and throughout) or a reevaluation of the COLA they are receiving for their location based on the cost of items available to them.

In closing, thank you to all who serve. It is because you do that I can tuck my 3 small children in at night - under the blanket of freedom that you provide with your dedication and sacrifices - with relative ease and peace of mind for their safety.

Respectfully,

I was ringing at my register when i had a soldier come thru my line with a case of baby wipes Me being me i asked a new baby at home? he replied no he was going back to the war zone and they were in short supply there and it was hot and filthy there and everyone was trying to stay clean. calling cards are also a problem there as to even start a call it takes 25 units on a aafes calling card. What a rip off....Stupid me then asked him how his leave went was he glad to get back here for a break from things.He stiffened up and His reply was I came home with my buddy who was K.I.A I was his escort back to home I felt like crap and i cried as he had trars in his eyes i tried to tell him how sorry i was.
I asked for a transfer from where i work as i hate the sight of baby wipes. AAFES told me no call the mental health line Im quitting
Washington State

I must say Affes hope i spelled that right was very good to me and my children during our stay in Japan. I can't recall to many things being outrageously priced, but then again I am a clearance sale 75% off shopper first, then to the regular price stuff. But everyone has a different opinion because eeryone is different so our experiences willbe different. But i will agree on one point 10 bucks is too much for a box of wipes. I guess i will be heading off to the dollar tree to get some and ship over to our troops..........

Im not responding to the post itself as I really have very little opinion about Affees and their prices. Rather I am responding to the individual that said that soldiers dont steal from one another. Maybe you dont, and maybe no one in your unit did/does, but I am Ex-Army, and I know people who have been robbed by other soldiers as well I have been robbed myself.

When you are in the field you have your over prepared guys, your underprepared guys and then you have "that guy" who didnt prepare at all or poorly to say the least. "That guy" will be the guy that decides he should have brought some babywipes or pogey bait to the field and will steal if he can from his fellow soldiers..

Most men that are underprepared would just ask, but the person usually labled as "that guy" is usually too embarassed and doesnt want to be made fun of for being underprepared and will attempt to steal, not "aquire" Steal from his Battle Buddies. Then what we have here is a regular Bravo FoxTrott. You all know what I want to say. And then you also have soldiers that will be theives in Garrison. I know of one guy (will not say names as it is not my place) that was in my Unit in Germany that got caught with not only fellow soldier's things but also several weapons and other equpment in his house. Needless to say he lost his houseing privilagess, was reduced from SGT to PVT E Nothing, and was put on Hard Labor, had a court martial and was soon out of the military.. He's lucky he wasnt thrown in jail.
Now can I get a Hooah!

This ends my post. Please dont feel it important to point out my grammer and spelling mistakes.. I could care less.

My husband is currently deployed. I have been sending him what ever i think he may need he has not asked once for anything to be sent and that is dificult because im not out there. i dont know what he needs. But i figure it out. He gets 300 bucks a month where he is and every month he asks for more money because that isnt enough to get the necesities that he needs to stay clean and healty.

That is outragiouse. there is no reason that it should cost someone $300 a month to buy things they need when most of there food and utilities are taken care of. Its rediculouse. as soon as they hit international waters a pack of smokes goes from $2.50 a pack to $6.00 a pack! why? no one knows, thats just how it is.

The bottom line is our soldiers are paying way to much money for what they call "luxuries" if a can of soda and a candy bar is the "luxury " they prefer it shouldnt cost them an arm and aleg. just last week when my husband asked for more money i asked what he needed it for and this is exactly what he said"i had to buy a new alarm clock onboard so right now i have like 170 onboard,i also have to buy stuff like soda when i fell like having one and not to mention the stuff that costs if you need it like shampoo or laundry soap. and a new phone card to call you thats 50 bucks right there. it sucks but its the way the world works" I WOULD BE WILLING TO PAY ALMOST DOUBLE FOR THING BACK HOME IF IT KEPT COST DOWN FOR THE TROOPS WHO HAVE LIMITED MONEY SUPLIES.

Atleast i have the money and resources available to me, and access to the moeny. they dont and when they have to cash a check on a boat for cash that doesnt even come out of the bank unill after the next one is writen, you know there is something wrong with the system. I would email a top official but every one i contact they say"thats not our department" well who's F***g department is it? I cant ask my husband, they filter the email. It is an out rage. and i agree 100% that Afees is charging way too much!!!! when a soulder is deployed 100% of suplies to them shuld be furnished. wether it is a towel( he ahd to bring his own) to a soda at dinner time. wht ever keeps them going and what ever isnt sending them in to a depresion is what they sould be given!

I used baby wipes, not as much as the next guy, but then again, I was a grungy infantryman.

Those baby wipes are used to remove camo and grime. Not to clean you off, but to remove crap from the pores so your skin can breathe again(somewhat.) $10 is $10 too much. Do you think that soldiers buy that garbage when they are at home? Hell no! US army *SHOULD* supply it! At least to combat troops in Iraq and elswhere.

Cigarettes. Nasty habit. But $5.00 a pack? Wait a minute. Those prices are jacked up for Americans only! You know, to cover damages those lying f**ks did through their "sound" business practices. That legislation has no bearing overseas. That price increase is purely profit to someone.

You want that guy's APO? You sure about posting sensitive base information online? Or maybe you were one of those pogue d****ebags that were always in my way for your 22 years. Good riddance to you too.

Those grunts deserve more than your bitching. My problem is getting NOD equipment to my buddies. My senator is only concerened with schmoozing up to other politicians, not supplying my friends with the s**t they deserve in a war she supported to start. THAT is where the problem lies. The whole system is broken and the maintenance guys jumped ship long ago.

And to you "mr. grammer." Take a writing 101 class before criticizing another's work.

All you pogues infighting make me sick. You are the reason I quit. If you don'd write your so-called "elected officials," you have no right complaining about this or anything else.

Inundate those soft-palmed hog bellies with your letters of disgust. Make sure they are registered delivery if you want 'em read.

I used baby wipes, not as much as the next guy, but then again, I was a grungy infantryman.

Those baby wipes are used to remove camo and grime. Not to clean you off, but to remove crap from the pores so your skin can breathe again(somewhat.) $10 is $10 too much. Do you think that soldiers buy that garbage when they are at home? Hell no! US army *SHOULD* supply it! At least to combat troops in Iraq and elswhere.

Cigarettes. Nasty habit. But $5.00 a pack? Wait a minute. Those prices are jacked up for Americans only! You know, to cover damages those lying f**ks did through their "sound" business practices. That legislation has no bearing overseas. That price increase is purely profit to someone.

You want that guy's APO? You sure about posting sensitive base information online? Or maybe you were one of those pogue d****ebags that were always in my way for your 22 years. Good riddance to you too.

Those grunts deserve more than your bitching. My problem is getting NOD equipment to my buddies. My senator is only concerened with schmoozing up to other politicians, not supplying my friends with the s**t they deserve in a war she supported to start. THAT is where the problem lies. The whole system is broken and the maintenance guys jumped ship long ago.

And to you "mr. grammer." Take a writing 101 class before criticizing another's work.

All you pogues infighting make me sick. You are the reason I quit. If you don'd write your so-called "elected officials," you have no right complaining about this or anything else.

Inundate those soft-palmed hog bellies with your letters of disgust. Make sure they are registered delivery if you want 'em read.

I used baby wipes, not as much as the next guy, but then again, I was a grungy infantryman.

Those baby wipes are used to remove camo and grime. Not to clean you off, but to remove crap from the pores so your skin can breathe again(somewhat.) $10 is $10 too much. Do you think that soldiers buy that garbage when they are at home? Hell no! US army *SHOULD* supply it! At least to combat troops in Iraq and elswhere.

Cigarettes. Nasty habit. But $5.00 a pack? Wait a minute. Those prices are jacked up for Americans only! You know, to cover damages those lying f**ks did through their "sound" business practices. That legislation has no bearing overseas. That price increase is purely profit to someone.

You want that guy's APO? You sure about posting sensitive base information online? Or maybe you were one of those pogue d****ebags that were always in my way for your 22 years. Good riddance to you too.

Those grunts deserve more than your bitching. My problem is getting NOD equipment to my buddies. My senator is only concerened with schmoozing up to other politicians, not supplying my friends with the s**t they deserve in a war she supported to start. THAT is where the problem lies. The whole system is broken and the maintenance guys jumped ship long ago.

And to you "mr. grammer." Take a writing 101 class before criticizing another's work.

All you pogues infighting make me sick. You are the reason I quit. If you don'd write your so-called "elected officials," you have no right complaining about this or anything else.

Inundate those soft-palmed hog bellies with your letters of disgust. Make sure they are registered delivery if you want 'em read.

I used baby wipes, not as much as the next guy, but then again, I was a grungy infantryman.

Those baby wipes are used to remove camo and grime. Not to clean you off, but to remove crap from the pores so your skin can breathe again(somewhat.) $10 is $10 too much. Do you think that soldiers buy that garbage when they are at home? Hell no! US army *SHOULD* supply it! At least to combat troops in Iraq and elswhere.

Cigarettes. Nasty habit. But $5.00 a pack? Wait a minute. Those prices are jacked up for Americans only! You know, to cover damages those lying f**ks did through their "sound" business practices. That legislation has no bearing overseas. That price increase is purely profit to someone.

You want that guy's APO? You sure about posting sensitive base information online? Or maybe you were one of those pogue d****ebags that were always in my way for your 22 years. Good riddance to you too.

Those grunts deserve more than your bitching. My problem is getting NOD equipment to my buddies. My senator is only concerened with schmoozing up to other politicians, not supplying my friends with the s**t they deserve in a war she supported to start. THAT is where the problem lies. The whole system is broken and the maintenance guys jumped ship long ago.

And to you "mr. grammer." Take a writing 101 class before criticizing another's work.

All you pogues infighting make me sick. You are the reason I quit. If you don'd write your so-called "elected officials," you have no right complaining about this or anything else.

Inundate those soft-palmed hog bellies with your letters of disgust. Make sure they are registered delivery if you want 'em read.

I have worked at AAFES for 2 years now and the things that I hear and see are downright outrageous. I have many friends that work here that have been deployed to Iraq, Kuwait, Tikrit, Etc...You would not belive the stories.

AAFES sends un-authorized/unusable items to Iraq. The dock associates that work in the 140 degree tents are constantly receiveing items that cannot be used....so what do they do?? The are either trashed, destroyed, or left in the desert.

Keep in mind the soldiers are in tents. They are not allowed candles or items to that effect, but aafes in constantly sending them, hell by the time they arrive they are melted anyway. Expensive electronics (which can't be used because the plugs are not converted)..TV's, DVD/VCR's are sent on a regular basis and when they are unloaded off of the trucks they are smashed and trashed.

They evidently do not do inventory or send the necessary items. That could be the reason for the price hikes.

To the military family left behind, bless you too. My husband just retired from the military 3 months ago. 21 years in the Navy, there were good and bad times especially those long deployments. Been to so many overseas bases during his tour and I can say, AAFES or Navy Exchange is a great big help especially if you are stationed overseas. All you can do is send him those boxes, at least weekly, I dont know if you have the privilege of MPS there in Germany but I hope you do, MPS is a big help.

Hang on...

People I just stumbled into this by accident and would like to comment. I have now been in Iraq for over a year. I am no longer in the military but am a Marine and always will be. Any soldier in the field appreciates anything he or she can get to make life easier or safer. As far as I am concerned AAFES is better than not having anything. In the year i have been here i have not seen blatant ripoffs such as was mentioned. I buy babywipes. They are handy to have for a lot of reasons. I have never paid that price for them or heard of it. As far as the company though, their slogan of we go where the troops are is bullxxxx. Our PX opened up and shut down when their profit margin was not high enough to meet their standards. So as far as I am concerned they are a business and show only loyalty to money while misrepresenting their concern for the Troops. Now for something that I have found which may be helpful. If my wife mails me supplys or packages it generaly averages 3 to 6 weeks for delivery. If I order from Walmart online I average a delivery time of 10 to 14 days. Why this is I do not know but since AAfes deserted us I have shown them the same loyalty they showed the troops here on my site. I see how the soldiers live every day and know first hand how important the small things are, after doing without for months. As for babywipes not realy being a necessity, maybe not but being able to clean your eyes and face after a dust storm is nice. Hope this helps someone, and yes I know not everyone has the ability to use this method but you would be surprised how many can if they wish!

What in the world? I know that during peace time soldiers usually don't steal from eachother, we do what you call "ACQUIRE", I'm a ex soldier myself and I was always thought to "ACQUIRE" equipements and other stuff from other soldiers. But during war time in Iraq, its a whole different ball game, WE DO NOT STEAL FROM EACHOTHER! And of course AFFES will charge more because we're overseas so I see it as reasonable.

While my husband was in Iraq, I just tried my best to send him everything he would need (and then some) as often as I could. I don't know why AAFES would charge so much (though it wouldnt surprise me. At the army base we were at, you could get a carton of cigs for as cheap as 13 dollars... depending on how picky you were... but in Iraq, the would only sell the Marboro's or Newports, the expensive ones, for 30 bucks a carton or more). Now my suggesting, is coming from a woman who was able to be a stay at home mom with her 2 boys. So maybe LaTonia (I hope I spelled that right) has a job, kids, whatever. I would suggest to try your best to send your husband all the items he needs. Because I learned even after the "Priorty" shipping and handling, it was still cheaper for me to just send him 2 or 3 care packages a month, than for him to purchase the items over in Iraq. Even if he says he has enough for the time being, send extra anyway. Because if it's not him who runs out, it will be a fellow soldier who runs out of something. I would always tell my husband, if someone else need it and you don't, by all means let him have it. I was just going to send out another box in a few weeks anyway.

I'm babbling. Arguing over this solves nothing. Darling, if your husband is overseas, it's definately not fair for AAFES to be over-charging, and all you can do is try to help him out the best you can by sending him boxes whenever you can. And most importantly, send extra if finances permit.

My husband just served 15 months in Iraq whilst my children and I struggled to keep our sanity here in Germany. Those soldiers who are serving down there do not give a d**n about your bickering what they care about is that they get ripped off daily.

That we have to send wipes because they are so bloody expensive.....but that 1/2 the packages dont arrive and the 1/2 that do take 2 months to get there.That our soldiers guard aaffees employees who earn 5 times what they do!!!!

Yes it is a volunteer army this is true but unlike civilian life where you can leave or go to court if your employer breaks his contract or acts unethically in the military you have no d**n rights not even the right to leave ....so help us out with suggestions on how to fix this problem.

PS unless people are made aware of a problem they cannot start to sove it.
God Bless Our Troops and bring them home...
...safely.

The price is way to high, no matter who YOU are ,what YOU did, or how long YOU did what!!!!!!!! THE SOLDIER is getting RIPPED OFF..... Yes to whom it concerns i am X army..

Both my brother and sister in law serve with the army national guard they have been stationed in iraq for a year now. I know all too much the importance of baby wipes. My brother and sister in law are with a transportation company if they are lucky they go to camp every 2 weeks, two weeks in the desert without a shower and you would be begging for baby wipes too. The financial berden has been set on my parents shoulders. their twice weekly packages contain everything from baby wipes to toothpaste, cigareetes and other things we take for granted. Most soldiers are lucky if they can find a toilet let alone a shower these are the things the military should consider. We support ours troops a hundred precent why are you people arguing about baby wipes in the first place.
loving sister in south dakota

Latonia, I was there, selling those baby wipes, and I alsmost cried. I agree with you in that AAFES is a rip off, in more ways than their costs. All of the people working there where promised pay they are still not seeing, after a year. Pays, like your husband gets, but called different terms. I do, in a way, have to support AAFES in one thing, from the selling end of it. Those wipes where the only ones, at that time, that anyone could have sent to Kuwait. They actually pulled the merchandise off the shelves in Germany to send via mail to Kuwait. Kuwaity customs was holding our merchandise for months at a time. As soon as the higher ups caught wind of this they did persue purchasing wipes at a local facility that would offer those troops wipes at a far lower price(happened after grenade attack in camp PA). I know it took about 2-3 weeks, but they/we did try as hard as we could with the minimal resources available. During Jan and Feb, before the war, we only had a short few people, 2 or three, to run each post. We had people of ranks equaling lesser than a SSGT running things. We could not build nor supply the troops fast enough for the 300,000 troops in rotation. That guy in Il, forget him... It's not worth it. Support your husband, he needs it. And thank you for being apart of Americas life.

V, very nice comment, and I agree with you up to a point. I merely asked a question in the first rebuttal, and Madam La Tonia went off on a wild tangent, like she's the lone crusader. Now, if the military can't provide these needed things for the soldier, what makes you think AAFES can? Think of the logistics involved in transporting all the nice to have items to that theater of operations. If AAFES does get the items over there, they're still going to have to charge for them, or would you and La Tonia mind picking up the tab? I'm not questioning you to try to start an arguement, I'm just wondering, as the price of things would be raised to offset the deep discounts you advocate for the field GI. Talk about more animosity being created. I'm glad that your husband didn't have to deploy, as it's a difficult life. I've been thru 4 of them during my military career. It isn't easy, but we made it thru all of them. I hope you have a great day, and as wonderful time in the military as my family has had.

People People,

Our soldiers are serving or deployeed in a place where mail may not get to them everyday or often as needed, but send anyway. Who cares what they need them for, they say they need baby wipes then baby wipes should be provided. Being a military wife for 10 years now I know the importance of baby wipes, hand sanitizer etc. and I do know there are cheaper places to get them. *AAFESS is NOT the cheapest place on the block you know* But I do agree in support of soldiers the price should be lower, much lower, True soldiers dont bring money to war in their back pockets and rely on the things around them, they are SOLDIERS. Who knows how long they will be gone and if a baby wipe eases their day for even minute----GOD BLESS that minute. I am fortunate enough to have my soldier home this time but many times he has been where others are today and I know how it is to have to buy and send and I will never complain in providing for my husband or any other soldier in need but AAFES should be more WAR soldier friendly, what do you have to show orders to recieve a discount?

Cant we all get along

My dear La Tonia,

Thank you for taking the time from your busy schedule to respond. What you are responding to, I have no idea. Show me where I put words in your mouth. Your attempt to slam me is futile. I can and did admit when I was wrong. Be a stand-up Home Girl and do the same. In my original rebuttal, I merely inquired the use of baby wipes. You immediately have to take the offenseive and start name calling, that shows a great deal of maturity on your part. I didn't assume anything. You are the one who keeps using that word. I merely asked a question, and since you don't have a decent answer for it, you start in on your little tirade. You said that you had sent me about three harcore rebuttals. Tell me please, because as you say, I'm ignorant, where does "about three" fall? Is that between two and three? Is it the same as two and one half? I'm glad you've forwarded them to Iraq. I'm sure your use of the English? grammar will give the troops over there something to smile about.

I sent a care package out last week for your information. It was sent thru the Great Lakes Navy Base. You see my dear, the navy base will handle the distribution of these items. Maybe you could organize something like that there, so it can be transported to Iraq. The lack of postal facilities there probably has something to do with mail not getting thru in a timely fashion, in addition to the troops moving constantly. I know, that's hard for you to understand, but that't the way the military works.

I commend you for supporting your husband and his single soldiers. You mean they're all his? Tell me you mean the soldiers that he's responsible for and not that they are really his.

Before I end this, I would like to say how really proud I am of your ability to go and look all those words up in the dictionary. I won't go into all the spelling and grammar errors in your latest rebuttal, because there are only so many days in a weeks, but the numerous errors would make an English teacher cringe. Now dear La Tonia, you have a splendid day

By the way, OJ did it.

Are you brain dead or what? You have absolutely no idea what you are talking about. That's exactly what got you here in the first place. Mental illness is a disease. Help is out there you just got to ask for it.Let me explain a few things to you,follow along if you can.

Point 1:The first MISTAKE you made was commenting on a subject you had no knowledge of(baby wipes).

Proof 1: Your IGNORANT responce was the first.The second was your own admission.Thanks for hanging YOURSELF.Telling everyone that you were former military,only made you look worst.

TIP 1: stick to what you know.

Webster's definition of Ignorant : Lacking education knowledge; not aware; lacking comprehension. (this is a proven FACT)

Point 2: Your third MISTAKE was making assumptions,failure to comprehend and making false acquisitions.

Webster's definition of Assume : To accept as fact; to take up oneself to complete a job or duty; to take responsibily for; to take for granted.

Websters's definition of Comprehension:To pereceive, to grasp mentally, or to understand fully; to comprise; include.

Websters's definition of Acquisition: something acquired; the act of acquiring; a purchase.

These are all facts, and facts speak for themselves.

Don't get mad.

Remember when I called you an idiot? The correct word for that time should have been IDIOTIC.

Webster's definition of Idiotic: showing of complete lack of thought or common sense by someone.

Thanks for correcting my spelling and grammar errors. Now try working on your Comprehension.

Proof 2:At this point you still have no clue what the topic. You made bogus acquisitions,based on your assumptions.

The true is hard to swallow.

TIP: Dont put words in my mouth. Stick to the facts. Recognize supporting details. Do not comment on things you have no knowledge of. Once again YOU hung yourself.

Point 3: Your fourth mistake stems from being a sore loser,sarcasm, assumptions, acquisitions and last but not least your a hypocrite.

Proof 3: All of your rebuttals are based on your hurt feeling. It is evident by your pathetic attempts to "show me".You don't have what it takes,so stop.Whether AAFES supports the troops or not is a personal Opinion.

Webster's definition of Opinion: A judgement held with confidence; a conclusion held without positive knowledge. Need I say more.

Tip 3:Mind your business ,stick to what you know. If you can't stand the heat get out the kitchen.If you dish it out,be prepare to eat it yourself.

FYI: Fact: my information about the price of the baby wipes came straight from the troops in kuwait. And my husband was one of them.

It is my job as a wife. And my job a soldier to defend my fellow man. I'm their voice and I did something for them.I will do it again a hundred time over.

Freedom of speech is mine.That is why I wear the uniform proudly.This is what American is build on.

You are a DISGRACE BEYOND WORDS to all how serve,and have served.The only thing honorable about your 22 years of service is that it is OVER.

I wrote to the IG of AAFFS.This was before I made the ripoff report. The responed to me twice thus far. They agreed that 10.00 was a little much for baby wipes.The inquired about the location of the AAFES. They told me they would look into it.

Why do you find it so hard to believe that AAFFES is capable of ripping soldiers off. If this were not a problem,why is there a whole section dedicated to AAFFES on the rip off website.

There are many soldiers,including myself who shop on the economy and love it. We don't have to settle for what ever is thrown or way. We DESERVE BETTER AND WE DEMAND AMD EXPLAINATION,WHEN THINGS ARE NOT RIGHT.

Point 4:fifth mistake you turned this into an ego match. You continuely make false acquisitions.You put word into my mouth.

Proof 4: you can't let it go. I defeated you,but best of all you defeated yourself.Your ego and angery kept you from see was right in front of you. You assumed about things you only wanted to assume about. You could not comprehend the fact that were right in front of you.Right from the start you over looked answers that were plain as day.

Tip 4: Work on yourself esteem.Learn to handle corrective criticism. AND MOST IMPORTANTLY PICK FIGHT A BATTLE YOU CAN WIN. VICTORY IS MINE AND THOSE TROOPS WHO ENTRUSTED ME TO MAKE SOMETHING HAPPEN.

Point 5:(APRIL 9) we are ending it like we started. Does this look familiar.Here is your sixth mistake. You again made assumption,failed to comprehend. You can't even separate who make what comment.

Proof 5: you opened your mouth about sending my husband babywipes. Because you assume everthing, but the right thing.What my husband has or didn't have was not the point. Your request for His APO
only highlighted your IGNORANCE.I mentioned he has been sent 6 packages and had only received 1.So your offer makes me laugh.You created your own problems.

I mentioned that AAFFEES Should provide the necessary things to troops in war time. There was nothing more or less added. You are fighting your own assumptions.Your elevator doesn't go all the way to the top.

I will continue to support my husband and his single soldiers. When was the last time you mailed out a care package.MORALE AND SUPPORT ARE VERY IMPORTANT DURING TIMES LIKE THIS.

I had actually sent you about three hardcore rebuttals. But unfortunely they were to rated xxx to be printed. ButI forwarded a copy to Iraq.

My grandmother told me there is more then one way to skin a cat,and she was right.

My job is done.

I have more important things to worry about like my deployment,my son, my husband and family and friends. But I just had to set the record straight for all to see.

STOP WASTEING YOUR TIME,THIS IS A NO WIN SITUATION FOR YOU.

Do something positive send out some care packages, write letters to troops.

God bless America !

La Tonia,

We're going to have to stop meeting like this. Could you do me the favor of showing me where I said my packages would get to your husband faster? Also, show me in your original statement, where you said you've mailed anything to him. The only thing you griped about was the price you claim AAFES is charging for baby wipes in Kuwait. Also, if you want AAFES to provide things for free, that means they would have to raise prices for everyone else, as it is not a subsidized organization. A portion of AAFES profits goes into MWR facilites.

Thank you sheri for your comments. I don't know what military Illinois served in but it wasn't the U.S.My husband has only been gone one month,he has only received one out of six packages. And Illinois has the ideas his or her package will get through any faster.Not only have I supported my husband by I have sent things single soldiers over there too.AAFES is a rip off , they should supply soldiers during war with neccesary items. It is a shame that we are mailing toilet paper to our troops. Once again I would like to thank you for your honesty.

Thank you sheri for your comments. I don't know what military Illinois served in but it wasn't the U.S.My husband has only been gone one month,he has only received one out of six packages. And Illinois has the ideas his or her package will get through any faster.Not only have I supported my husband by I have sent things single soldiers over there too.AAFES is a rip off , they should supply soldiers during war with neccesary items. It is a shame that we are mailing toilet paper to our troops. Once again I would like to thank you for your honesty.

Thank you sheri for your comments. I don't know what military Illinois served in but it wasn't the U.S.My husband has only been gone one month,he has only received one out of six packages. And Illinois has the ideas his or her package will get through any faster.Not only have I supported my husband by I have sent things single soldiers over there too.AAFES is a rip off , they should supply soldiers during war with neccesary items. It is a shame that we are mailing toilet paper to our troops. Once again I would like to thank you for your honesty.

Thank you sheri for your comments. I don't know what military Illinois served in but it wasn't the U.S.My husband has only been gone one month,he has only received one out of six packages. And Illinois has the ideas his or her package will get through any faster.Not only have I supported my husband by I have sent things single soldiers over there too.AAFES is a rip off , they should supply soldiers during war with neccesary items. It is a shame that we are mailing toilet paper to our troops. Once again I would like to thank you for your honesty.

I'll tell you what Latonia. I'll take a class in social behavior if you'll take a class in spelling and grammar. Your statement should have read, "didn't get past reception" which I did. Also, you should have used "importance" in your sentence, not IMPORTANTS.

So before you go calling people names, stop and take a look at yourself. I do appreciate however your explaining the necessity of the wipes in Kuwait. We were just never afforded that luxury.

As far as showers not being readily available, you're correct, but everyplace I've been, they always saw to it that the females would be able to perform their feminine hygiene rituals. So, as you were, right back at you. Remember, it's an all volunteer force, so if you don't like it, don't re-up.

Yes, I was in the military, but probably not as long as you,,,I only spent 22 years in, and never once bought baby wipes. Of course, I'm not one of those rough tough femenist who can do what ever a male can do, except I need babywipes. You big friggin whiner. Why don't you sent the wipes to your hubby. Better yet, give me his APO, and I'll pick some up at GLNTC and send them to him, since I still have access to BX/PX. AAFES has always been there for the troops. If you don't like the prices, hey, go downtown and buy it.

I spent 3 years at Ft. Carson, and spent months at Pinion Canyon on Field Problems. There are showers at Pinion Canyon, but the company I was with was run by a CO from hell and we were not allowed to exit our perimiter for showers. We were, however, allowed one trip to the AAFES trailer during a 2 month field problem. The $50 I spent bought me a travel size pack of baby wipes (around 75 of them), and some pogey bait. I Had also bought a pack of cigarettes for $4.50. I heard on cnn today that soldiers are bumming smokes from Iraqi farmers. That right there tells you that AAFES is most likely charging and arm and a leg for cigarettes, knowing that 80% of military members are smokers. I can only imagine how these soldiers are feeling right now. They are over there serving the country, and they have a big AAFES d**k up their a*s, probably along with their COs and other a*****e NCOs. AAFES should give soldiers free supplies during deployment. They make plenty of money ripping off soldiers during peace time, you would think they could give those in Iraq a break!

Anyone who claims to be prior service would know how important baby wipes are to soldiers in the field and on deployments. Showers are not always ready and available need I say more. Any idiot that would question the importants of baby wipes in a place like kuwait and during a war didn't get pass reception.And yes I did say I was in Germany but my husband is in kuwait.You are behind the power ball Illinois.And maybe you should take a class in social behavior.Aafes is not being blamed for soldiers stealing from one another.That was just added information to let aafes know how important those items are. And not every soldier took money with them. Aafes is being blamed for the outrages prices. I said it once and I will say it again 10.00 is to much for 150 baby wipes. So as you were Illinois!

Being former military, what do you need with baby wipes in Kuwait? Your address is from Germany. What gives? Why do you blame AAFES for soldiers stealing from fellow soldiers.