The dividends the Air Force receives from the exchange service to help fund its morale, welfare, and recreations efforts are trending down, Arthur Myers, USAF’s director of services, told a House Armed Services panel last week. Myers noted that five years ago dividends “averaged nearly $90 million per year.” In 2006, however, he said the Air Force “received only $73 million and the current exchange financial plan projects less than $57 million.” Myers explained that this reduction already has had “a negative impact on our programs in the field.” He predicts that “even a partial recovery will be a long time coming.”
Air Force Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich assumed command of U.S. European Command on July 1, taking over the key assignment as the U.S. and its allies contend with a resurgent Russia and a grinding war in Ukraine.