Radio Messages Connect Families to Front Lines
DALLAS - The Army & Air Force Exchange Service recently introduced its Patriot Family Connection program to help connect deployed military members with their loved ones back home. The new program offers family members, friends of deployed service members and AAFES associates a chance to record their greetings, words of support and thanks. Messages can be recorded 24 hours a day, free of charge, and are forwarded to American Forces Network Radio, which is heard at locations overseas including those in Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom. "Recording the messages is just one small element of a larger AAFES Patriot Family marketing program that includes numerous initiatives," said Mike Westphal, senior vice president of AAFES' Marketing Directorate. "It started with the Patriot Family Tree in December. Now, we have the Patriot Family Connection and 'We All Have a Hand in Securing Our Freedom' hand trace banners we'll be sending downrange. Soon we'll be sending dozens of banners downrange for deployed troops to sign -- then those banners will tour each AAFES region." The Patriot Family Connection is one of several initiatives AAFES is using to help bridge the distance between the home front and the front lines. This new program has already yielded messages from Americans expressing their support for troops serving downrange. Doug Ford from Denton, N.C. called in his greeting, "I want to send all the best wishes to the troops. God bless ya'll and thank ya'll for everything you do." Another greeting, recorded by Jean Helen from Columbus, Ga., said, "I want to tell all the troops everywhere we're with your families back here supporting them while you're overseas. We love all you guys. Thank you for what you're doing and we appreciate your families and their bravery while they're waiting on you." AAFES continues to show its commitment to the men and women who protect our freedom by offering programs like the Patriot Family Connection. Anyone can record a message simply by calling 1-800-713-1302 and following the prompts. For more information, log on to www.AAFES.com and click on the Patriot Family link. | 
