Troops' Investment in the Edwards AFB Exchange Pays Off for Entire Community Published July 27, 2012 By Brittany Power Army & Air Force Exchange Service Public Affairs EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Edwards AFB Exchange is paying dividends in more ways than one as Airmen exercising their benefit by dining and shopping on base last year generated a dividend of $48,5204.66. These funds are critical to Air Force Service's ability to enhance local programs and facilities including the Oasis Community Center, High Desert Lanes Bowling Center, Muroc Lake Golf Course. "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 the Edwards AFB Exchange's General Manager Mike Wiles. "As a result, authorized shoppers are essentially investing in a benefit that generates a healthy return by directly improving Air Force quality of life efforts." 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 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 Edwards AFB, actually help make the military community a better place to live and work. In fact, purchases made at Exchange operations 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.