Spec Ops Angels Blog

Article from AAFES News Online

October 31, 2006 on 3:48 pm | In Articles |

MEDIA CONTACT: Judd Anstey RELEASE NO. 06-083 RELEASE DATE: October 2006

Wrong Receipt at AAFES Worth More Than Just a Free DrinkDALLAS – “A few dishonest associates are stealing your MWR benefit and AAFES needs your help to stop it,” said AAFES’ Director of Loss Prevention.

As a military command with a retail mission, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) is constantly evaluating Loss Prevention measures to maximize the annual dividend returned to military Morale, Welfare and Recreation programs. One Loss Prevention measure that has been especially successful in eliminating employee theft actually enlists the support of PX/BX shoppers through the promise of a free drink or other promotional coupons for anyone who identifies an inaccuracy on their receipt.

“While we have signs all over the exchange advising customers of the offers, it is important to note that this effort goes far beyond free beverages, it’s really a critical loss prevention tool that allows AAFES to partner with customers to mitigate loss,” said Director of Loss Prevention Col. Jorge Garza. “AAFES recruits the customer, makes them part of the team and provides a token of appreciation to those who report inaccuracies. By taking the time to review their receipt, these ‘crime fighters’ help protect their dividends and ultimately strengthen the exchange benefit at home and to our deployed warriors abroad.”

At the beginning of this month, the customer/associate partnership helped catch an employee who had been ringing up 20 cent meals as separate transactions not connected with meal purchases. A shopper at the Fort Lewis Food Court noticed the associate had under rang their purchase and brought it to the attention of the Food Court Manager.

When interviewed, the associate admitted to using the upgrade key to create a 20-cent charge, while collecting money for a complete meal which was later removed from the register. The resulting AAFES Loss Prevention investigation found that the Fort Lewis Food Court associate had stolen $3,500 and given away $40 of free food since April 2006.

As a result of the receipt effort, the military community will recover $3,540 through a signed promissory note, and the potential for future loss has been reduced as separation actions against the associate have been initiated. Furthermore, the Fort Lewis Military Police issued a citation and the Federal Prosecutor is reviewing the case for criminal prosecution.

“This had been going on for months, but it took a customer’s sharp eye to help us catch a thief and recover funds that belong to the military community,” said Col. Garza. “It is my sincere hope that all authorized exchange customers will follow the lead of our Fort Lewis shopper and double check their receipts.”

The sale of goods and services at AAFES operations in 2005 aided in the return of $229 million to military MWR programs. For 2005, AAFES paid a per capita dividend of $234 for every Soldier and Airman. “Every penny counts, in today’s budget constraint environment,” said Col. Garza. “Taking a few moments to ensure you’re charged correctly won’t only get you a free drink, but will also help maximize your return on the investment through increased dividends, potentially lower prices and more importantly, it allows AAFES to go where America’s warriors go.”