Despite possible government shutdown, AAFES will keep doors open

DALLAS — The Army and Air Force Exchange Service is planning to continue operations even if the U.S. government shuts down, the military retailer announced Thursday.

On April 9, the current budget authorization will expire. At that point, the federal government will potentially institute a mandatory shutdown for “non-essential” personnel.

While this action impacts the government, the Exchange is largely unaffected, the operation noted. The Exchange is a nonappropriated fund instrumentality. This means the majority of its budget does not rely on tax dollars.

“While the federal government shuts down, business at the Exchange remains largely unchanged,” stated Col. Virgil Williams, chief of staff for the Exchange. “However, some transactions may be delayed, such as the purchase of firearms, which require background checks or other federal government actions,” he said. “The Exchange will do everything we have to do to continue to support the deployed troops.”