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Oct. 9, 2015 NEWS Thunderbolt
http://www.luke.af.mil
10 www.aerotechnews.com/lukeafb
It’s a political world … Exchange doubles gas
savings this weekend
by Senior Airman Some Airmen may take their voice to the Internet. What
JOSEHUA BIRD they must remember is that they cannot express through To celebrate the launch of the Military Star®
any social media outlet, which reveals their status as mili- rewards program, the Army & Air Force Exchange
56th Fighter Wing Legal tary members, their personal political opinions, because Service is pumping up gas savings by doubling the
those opinions may be viewed as an expression in that discount for Military Star cardholders.
It’s the most wonderful time of the [every four] year[s]. PHPEHU·V RIÀFLDO FDSDFLW\ $LUPHQ VKRXOG SURYLGH D GLV-
That magical period when you cannot enjoy seven minutes claimer that any statement is the member’s own personal Today through Sunday drivers will receive 10 cents
of your favorite sitcom without hearing all the juicy details view and not the view of the Air Force. off per gallon while fueling up with a Military Star
GHVFULELQJSUHVLGHQWLDOKRSHIXO´;µVWLIÀQJKLVZDLWUHVVRQ FDUG DW /XNH $LU )RUFH %DVH JDV VWDWLRQV LQVWHDG RI
that tip 45 years ago. You get to engage in those riveting Airmen are restricted from engaging in political activi- the everyday 5-cents-per-gallon discount.
political discussions that turn you against even those that ties that may be detrimental to good order and discipline.
you hold most dear in your life. Members may not participate, beyond spectating while “The extra savings are a part of the Exchange’s launch
not in uniform, in partisan political fundraising activities of its new Military Star rewards program,” said Aileen
Indeed, there is a lot involved with the campaign process, HJUDOOLHV$LUPHQDUHDOVRSURKLELWHGIURPXVLQJRIÀFLDO Rivenburg, Exchange general manager. “The rewards
even at the voter level. In reality many voters take their authority to interfere with any part of the election process. program and extra fuel discounts such as this one help
FLYLFGXW\TXLWHVHULRXVO\IURPZHDULQJWKHLUFDPSDLJQEXW- Airmen must not publish endorsements that solicit votes for the Exchange give back to Airmen and their families.”
tons with giddy pride, to adorning their lawns with advocacy or against any partisan political party. Airmen are further
propaganda, and lining the streets while chanting those UHVWULFWHG IURP VHUYLQJ LQ DQ RIÀFLDO FDSDFLW\ RU IURP EH- When drivers use their Military Star card at the
indiscernible moans in support of their respective political ing listed as a sponsor of a partisan political organization. pump, they’ll earn points as part of the new rewards
sideshows. Airmen, like all citizens, are often enticed to Airmen may not participate in any speeches or discussions SURJUDPZKLFKODXQFKHG2FW&DUGKROGHUVHDUQWZR
participate in the political arena. However, it is important before any partisan political activity. Generally, the restric- points for every $1 spent in Army, Air Force, Marine
for Airmen to understand the boundaries of their permis- tions placed on Airmen forbid them from publicly supporting &RUSV DQG 1DY\ H[FKDQJH VWRUHV DQG ZKHUHYHU HOVH
sible involvement in such matters. any partisan political action. the Military Star card is accepted. For every 2,000
points earned, shoppers will automatically receive a
$),3ROLWLFDO$FWLYLWLHVE\0HPEHUVRIWKH86$LU As we push forward into the election year, it will be im- $20 Exchange rewards card.
Force, governs the extent to which Airmen may participate portant for Airmen to understand how they are allowed to
in political activities. Airmen are encouraged to exercise support any political activity. The basic principles here are (YHU\GD\VKRSSHUVFDQUHDSWKHEHQHÀWVRISD\LQJ
their rights of citizenship when it comes to voting and en- to avoid involvement in partisan political activities beyond with their Military Star card. Besides the typical dis-
gaging in campaign activities. Airmen with U.S. citizenship spectatorship, and Airmen must separate themselves from count of 5 cents per gallon on all gas purchases, card-
KDYHULJKWVWKDWDUHQRWLPSHGHGE\$),$LUPHQDUH WKHLURIÀFLDOFDSDFLW\ZKHQHQJDJLQJLQWKHSROLWLFDOVFHQH holders enjoy a 10 percent discount on all Exchange
free to vote and express their opinions on political issues and on a personal level. If there is any uncertainty or question food court purchases year-round and free standard
candidates; however, they cannot do so as a representative regarding proper involvement in political activities, the shipping at shopmyexchange.com.
of the Air Force or the Defense Department. Airmen must OHJDORIÀFHZLOOSURYLGHFODULW\)RUPRUHLQIRUPDWLRQFDOO
DFWH[FOXVLYHO\RXWRIWKHLURIÀFLDOFDSDFLW\ZKLOHSDUWLFLSDW- )RUPRUHLQIRUPDWLRQDERXWWKHIHDWXUHVDQGEHQHÀWV
ing in political activities or voicing their personal opinions. of the Military Star card, shoppers can visit www.
myecp.com.
Courtesy of AAFES
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