Shopping the Altus AFB Exchange pays dividends Published Aug. 26, 2013 By Jam'e Mathews Army & Air Force Exchange Service Public Affairs ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla -- The Altus AFB Exchange is paying dividends in more ways than one as Airmen and their families exercising their benefit by dining and shopping at Exchange facilities last year generated a dividend of $745,925. These funds are critical to Air Force Services ability to enhance local programs and facilities including the library, gym and the club. "Historically, roughly two-thirds of Exchange earnings are paid to morale, welfare and recreation programs with the other third used to build new stores or renovate existing facilities," said Jorge Thorboune, Altus AFB Exchange's store manager. "This structure means that authorized customers are essentially our 'investors.' Fortunately, thrifty shoppers rediscovering the value the Exchange offers allowed us to provide a healthy return on their investment." With a mission to provide quality goods and services at competitively low prices and generate earnings to support quality of life efforts, the dual benefit the Exchange provides military families goes far beyond the clothes, electronics and snacks on shelves. Shoppers who visit the Exchange, either online at www.shopmyexchange.com or in person here at Altus AFB, actually help make the military community a better place to live and work. In fact, purchases made in the past 10 years have provided more than $2.4 billion to military programs such as youth services, post functions, gyms and aquatic centers.