10 cents off gas, 15% off food and more deals marking the Air Force’s 79th birthday

NewsThe Army & Air Force Exchange Service is offering discounts at thousands of locations from Sept. 18 through Sept. 24, 2026, as the U.S. Air Force marks 79 years on Sept. 18, 2026.20th Fighter WingBy Kayode Crown | kcrown@al.comThe U.S. Air Force turns 79 on Sept. 18, and the Army & Air Force Exchange Service is marking the day with discounts for shoppers who use a MILITARY STAR credit card.The Exchange, which has stores on military installations and offers department store-style shopping to authorized military shoppers, says in a statement that it is giving 10 cents off per gallon at participating fuel locations that day when customers pay with the card. The same card also gets 15% off food at participating Exchange restaurants.At concession stands and kiosks, customers who pay with the card and present a MILITARY STAR coupon get $10 off when they spend at least $25.And from Sept. 18 through Sept. 24, shoppers can take an additional 20% off select Air Force merchandise, including challenge coins, Chug tumblers, and Bear Forces of America plush bears in U.S. Air Force PT uniforms. The list also includes Nite Ize gear and Rocky RKC126 S2V composite-toe tactical military boots.Only the Sept. 18 discounts require the MILITARY STAR credit card.“For 79 years, the Air Force has answered the call with unmatched courage, innovation and dedication,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Rich Martinez, the Exchange’s senior enlisted advisor. “The Exchange is honored to celebrate Airmen and their families with savings that recognize their service and sacrifice.”The organization says that customers can find more Air Force birthday savings at the 5,500 facilities nationwide and in more than 30 countries, as well as through ShopMyExchange.com.Service members and their families can apply for the MILITARY STAR card online, or with the help of a store associate.Kayode Crown covers trending news and national stories, with a focus on money, federal benefits, military contracts, space news, collectibles and government programs that affect readers across the country. He...