Military Exchange Shoppers Donated $2.5M to Army, Air Force in 2025

An organization that has been aiding U.S. military service members for 130 years recently announced that more than $2.5 million was fundraised in 2025 to benefit the Army, Air Force and Navy.

Army & Air Force Exchange Service shoppers are being acclaimed for their military support, with the donations going to Army Emergency Relief (AER), the Air Force Assistance Fund (AFAF) and the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS). Exchange shoppers have donated more than $11.7 million to AER, AFAF and NMCRS since 2017. The average donation last year totaled roughly $1.30.

“We do anything and everything we can to make sure that we take care of the war fighters because we have a motto that says, ‘We go where you go and we mean it,’” Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Richard Martinez, the Exchange’s senior enlisted advisor, told Military.com.

Currently, according to Martinez, the Exchange has had associates in the Middle East supporting operations after the United States and Israel began strikes on Feb. 28.

He said the goal is to provide warfighters “the simple things that we take for granted back here in the states,” be it soap, deodorant, uniforms or food rations that periodically have to be replaced.

“Every contribution, big or small, ensures service members and their families can access vital resources when they need it most,” Exchange Director and CEO Tom Shull, an Army Veteran, said in a statement shared with Military.com.

'We Know What It Means to Serve'

The program’s start in 2017 afforded Exchange shoppers the opportunity to donate money through usual mechanisms that support the charitable organizations.

Methods were expanded in 2020, when it became a year-round effort where customers at point of sales or cash registers were able to hit a button and instantly donate $1 or increments of $5.

Martinez said that the years 2025 and 2024 marked Exchange highs in annual fundraising dating back to 2017. He correlated the increases with the last couple years for service members being "unpredictable," citing government shutdowns, cost of living increases and other policies in effect.  

“We know best that if you want to recruit and retain service members, you have to take care of their families,” he said. ”We have to find ways to do that in every facet, and part of that is making sure that we are doing everything we can…because we know what it means to serve. We understand what the sacrifices are.”

While it’s easier to donate, he attributed the increase in dollars to individuals across the country recognizing U.S. service members’ roles on a bigger stage.

I think that the communities have seen a need to be able to support through donations for some of the different efforts and challenges that our military members have faced over the last two years.

Funds can also be donated online. The Exchange hub today, for example, allows for gift cards or eGift cards to be sent to those with Exchange privileges. Gift cards are redeemable at any Exchange, Navy, Marine Corps or Coast Guard exchange facility worldwide while eGift cards can only be used at shopmyexchange.com though they never expire.

Martinez said that shoppers at registers can choose to donate to the Army or Air Force, joking “we don’t like” when people hit the button not wanting to donate anything.

In the Pacific, where the Exchange supports the Navy and Marine Corps, a third button exists where it actually includes those service members. Military shoppers have donated more than $130,000 to support sailors and Marines through NMCRS.

“Every donation represents an investment in the well-being of sailors, Marines and their loved ones,” retired Lt. Gen. Robert Ruark, CEO of NMCRS, said in a statement shared with Military.com. “Contributions allow NMCRS to provide immediate assistance and resources that help Sailors and Marines build lasting stability.”

Money is funding programs including interest-free loans, scholarships and grants, in addition to easing financial burdens associated with education, life emergencies and other unexpected challenges.

“You just never know what the challenges our service members face on a day-to-day basis,” Martinez said. “We really feel like helping out is just making sure that we provide for that military readiness, right? Because financial hardship does erode military readiness.”

The Exchange has provided valued goods and services at exclusive military pricing since 1896.