I’m beginning to notice that homesickness comes in cycles – at least for me.
When I first arrived in May, life in Korea was exciting – but full of culture shock.
Once the shock wore off, the homesickness set in.
And while that lasted a good couple of weeks, it did eventually fade when life began to settle into a normal routine.
But I’ve come full circle now and AAFES isn’t helping.
AAFES – Army & Air Force Exchange Service: “A-Fees” as we call them is the single provider for anything & everything under the sun while stationed overseas.
Haircuts, gasoline, groceries, high-heeled hooker pumps, pig ears, over-priced DVD’s, food court fast food – you name it, they control it. We’re subject to their selection mercy….and surcharge fees.
And while I’m at it…explain to me why pig sticks are $4.69 at the PX, but only $4.09 at the commissary. Same company, same base – most likely imported in the same box…but NOT the same price.
[stepping off my soap box now]
Which leads me to this…
Gift Card Central.
Gift Card Hell.
Gift Card Rack put right up front at the check out registers for you to see every time you buy something.
Is there a Sonic in Korea?….No.
Is there a Red Lobster on base?….No.
Is there a Cracker Barrel in the ville?….No.
Is there a Carrabba’s serving Momma Mandola’s Spicy Sicilian Chicken Soup (my all-time favorite) with crunchy bread just around the corner from our house to cater to my every whim?….
NO!
THEN WHY FOR THE LOVE OF GOD MUST YOU TORTURE US SO!
…..
Psst…you want to know why?…
…..
Because they think that’s the only gift young soldiers know how to get for parents, siblings & girlfriends back home.
…..
Psst…you want to know something else?…
…..
There is a Chili’s at Osan. There is an Outback in Seoul. Every base has a Starbuck’s and a Subway.
AND THEY DON’T ACCEPT GIFT CARDS!
Apparently gift cards are illegal in Korea – or at least that’s what I was told. But if I got that wrong & there’s another reason why you can’t use them in country, please correct me.
But for now none of that helps the fact that I’m craving a Cherry Limeade, a big-ass bowl of Momma Mandola’s and access to a decent selection of quality clothes that weren’t cut for petite Korean women.
I’m homesick. I’m in gift card hell. And I’ve been battling a migraine for 3 days now.
[but this too shall pass - thank you for indulging my headache-induced tirade]
39°F
Jennifer,
Being an Army Brat as well as working in the Military Retail System for the past 20 years, I think I’ve heard it all. I follow your Blog religiously, and I feel your pain. The only question I can answer is why the merchandise at the Commissary is cheaper than at the BX. The following information comes straight from the DeCA and AAFES Websites:
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DeCA
The Defense Commissary Agency operates a worldwide chain of commissaries providing groceries to military personnel, retirees and their families in a safe and secure shopping environment. Authorized patrons purchase items at cost plus a 5–percent surcharge, which covers the costs of building new commissaries and modernizing existing ones. Shoppers save an average of more than 30 percent on their purchases compared to commercial prices—savings worth about $3,300 annually for a family of four. A core military family support element, and a valued part of military pay and benefits, commissaries contribute to family readiness, enhance the quality of life for America’s military and their families, and help recruit and retain the best and brightest men and women to serve their country.
AAFES
The Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) touches the lives of active-duty military, National Guard members, reservists, retirees and their families. It is a military organization with a two-fold mission:
1. To provide quality merchandise and services to soldiers, airmen and their families wherever they are stationed around the world.
2. To generate reasonable earnings to support Army and Air Force Morale, Welfare and
Recreation (MWR) programs.
Although AAFES is a federal instrumentality, it is a unique organization within the Department of Defense: it is self-funded, using few tax dollars. AAFES pays its normal operating costs from sales revenues and returns its earnings to its customers through improved facilities and through payments to MWR activities. In the last ten years AAFES has returned to morale, welfare and recreation programs more than $2.16 billion. AAFES returns its earnings to improve the quality of life for military families.
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That being said, it doesn’t explain why you can’t use gift cards there nor does it explain why the majority of the shoes and clothing that is sold in the PX in Korea seems to be manufactured for the Keebler Elves! I suggest you go to the AAFES Website and give AAFES your Customer Feedback at http://odin.aafes.com/feedback/default.asp . Having worked with AAFES for 20 years, I do know that they can be receptive to questions and suggestions.
I appreciate the sacrifice that your husband and you have given in Service to our Country!
Good luck with your quest for answers to your questions!
Karen
Karen,
Thank you for clearing that up for all of us. Our family was an Air Force traveling family, and you just taught me something I never knew. I honestly doubt anyone really knows what the earnings from the BX help do. Thanks again.
Well, I just wish they would carry middle of the line shoes for the kiddos. If I want new shoes for them I have a choice between $9.00 painful, junky ones, or $40.00 Nikes. I have never been so limited before. There are no Walmarts, or Payless shops to run to. The shoes available on the Korean economy are all extremely high priced too. Ever consider paying $150.00 for your kids shoes? I am so not joking. So while AFFES may put back into our community, I sure would love it if they would buy stuff that fits an E6’s paycheck. Have mercy former AFFES employee, wer’e just trying to survive here.