Another possible AAFES Mafia conspiracy

[DJ Tak]

So in the course of the past two months, Kadena base housing no longer lets people borrow one free transformer and they no longer offers off base residents the AFN satellite and box. I do find it interesting that both of these items are sold at the PX though.

Who thinks AAFES put some pressure on the folks that ran these "loan" programs?

[uriel]

I'd say it's a definite possibility. Glad I got my dish before they stopped giving them!

[kitcho26]

AAFES is actually a cover for their real name...SkyNet.

[TheLastDon]

The AFN satellite sets were bought with grant money about 4 years ago. Before that you had to go through aafes. I guess the grant money ran out. I know of 2 houses that nobody is living in and they still have the dish on them. I wonder if they are having a hard time getting people to return them.

[DoctorP]

So in the course of the past two months, Kadena base housing no longer lets people borrow one free transformer and they no longer offers off base residents the AFN satellite and box. I do find it interesting that both of these items are sold at the PX though.

Who thinks AAFES put some pressure on the folks that ran these "loan" programs?

You may be right on the transformer issue, but the satelites were a one time funding by the DOD. That is why when you leave you turn in your decoder and dish and they would reissue it to the next person. I would imagine that most of the dishes that came back in were not in usable condition and the office that maintains them probablly can't afford to do the upkeep on them.

But your theory is possible.

The AFN satellite sets were bought with grant money about 4 years ago. Before that you had to go through aafes. I guess the grant money ran out. I know of 2 houses that nobody is living in and they still have the dish on them. I wonder if they are having a hard time getting people to return them.

I've been tempted to scale the wall of one house close to me so I could have a "spare" typhoon dish! :thumbup:

[TheLastDon]

I've been tempted to scale the wall of one house close to me so I could have a "spare" typhoon dish! :thumbup:

You know what they say about great minds. Shoot the one by my house I don't have to scale nothing. Just walk right up and zip, zip, I would be done.:D

[DJ Tak]

Ok, let's say that the dishes were returned in unserviceable condition. That was only one part of the AFN deal though. Are the cable converter boxes screwed up too? Hell no. They just want folks to pay the $15 dollar a month rental fee.


I shot this off to Family Housing via the ICE web form:

"Can someone please tell me why both the transformer and AFN Decoder/Dish "loaner" programs were discontinued? I find it interesting that when I inquiried about both of these programs I was told that I now have to purchase them through the BX/PX. Did AAFES put pressure on the AF to discontinue the free services because it was cutting into their profit margin?"

Looking forward to the reply.

[DoctorP]

Looking forward to the reply.

You are looing forward to a reply that says....NO, thank you for your inquiry!


????


:D

[DJ Tak]

I've actually had pretty good service when filling out the ICE card. It's not limited to one person's inbox.

[DoctorP]

I've actually had pretty good service when filling out the ICE card. It's not limited to one person's inbox.

You are right...and it usually won't go to housing. It will go to Virginia, or Dallas in the case of AAFES, then it will be forwarded "downhill" to the correct office. That way all of the higher ups are in the loop as to what is going on.

[DJ Tak]

You are right...and it usually won't go to housing. It will go to Virginia, or Dallas in the case of AAFES, then it will be forwarded "downhill" to the correct office. That way all of the higher ups are in the loop as to what is going on.

No, it is sent to the office that you commenting on but it goes to multiple people in that office.

For example, when I first read about the discontinuation of the free box and satellite, it was on the AFN page. I filled out the ICE link on that page and within 15 minutes I got a reply from a PAO guy on duty. This was tonight at 9:30 btw.

[onebye]

Well I'm wondering about base gas prices. For the past 3 weeks it's been $4.06.9 cents per gallon. I check Gas Buddies for the USA average regular mid-grade and it's been going down every day for almost 2 weeks. Just today the average was about $3.87 and that's with all the state taxes etc...AAFES in suppose to change weekly, I believe??? What's the deal??? The cheapest city reported was Oklahoma City at $3.47 a gallon....

[DoctorP]

Well I'm wondering about base gas prices. For the past 3 weeks it's been $4.06.9 cents per gallon. I check Gas Buddies for the USA average regular mid-grade and it's been going down every day for almost 2 weeks. Just today the average was about $3.87 and that's with all the state taxes etc...AAFES in suppose to change weekly, I believe??? What's the deal??? The cheapest city reported was Oklahoma City at $3.47 a gallon....

Yeah, I've noticed that too. They never miss a chance to raise the price, but they sure seem slow to drop it don't they? :scratchchin:

Last weeks average was $3.95.5/gallon across the US. But AAFES uses a three or four week average. Using the last four weeks, the average cost in the U.S. was still $4.06/gallon though so I guess they aren't gouging us just yet.

And as for taxes, they only make up 10% of the cost at the pump (on average).

All information gathered from the DOE website.... http://tonto.eia.doe.gov/dnav/pet/pet_pri_gnd_a_epmr_pte_cpgal_w.htm


http://tonto.eia.doe.gov/oog/info/gdu/gasdiesel.asp

[socalheart]

My husband and I were talking about this today also. AAFES will continue to gouge us on the price of gas, because gas off base is more expensive. They aren't suppose to charge us taxes on the gas either, but I read in numerous articles over the last year that they include taxed gas prices in their so-called average estimation. They have the monopoly over here in regard to the military. They know it and bleed us dry. :rolleyes:

Before you "negative Nellies" accuse me further... Yes, I carpool (not including my family members) as much as possible. No, I don't drive an SUV or sports car. On a good stretch, my car can get nearly 400 km before needing a refill.

Well I'm wondering about base gas prices. For the past 3 weeks it's been $4.06.9 cents per gallon. I check Gas Buddies for the USA average regular mid-grade and it's been going down every day for almost 2 weeks. Just today the average was about $3.87 and that's with all the state taxes etc...AAFES in suppose to change weekly, I believe??? What's the deal??? The cheapest city reported was Oklahoma City at $3.47 a gallon....


My apologies... Yes, it sucks that AAFES now also has the monopoly on AFN satelittes and decoder boxes also. There should be a rebate on them through the housing office or whichever office handled the AFN satelitte and decoder box thing. We bought our transformers through JU classifieds, so can't speak on AAFES' monopoly on that item.

[P_chan]

So does that mean I don't have to return my dish? Anyone want to buy a dish that I go a year ago but never put up because I don't watch tv?:grin1:

[Tempestuous]

Well I'm wondering about base gas prices. For the past 3 weeks it's been $4.06.9 cents per gallon. I check Gas Buddies for the USA average regular mid-grade and it's been going down every day for almost 2 weeks. Just today the average was about $3.87 and that's with all the state taxes etc...AAFES in suppose to change weekly, I believe??? What's the deal??? The cheapest city reported was Oklahoma City at $3.47 a gallon....

Where the heck are they gettin that average?

In our West of the Rockies region, gas is $4.07 on base which is a minimum of 10 cents higher at the next best competitors prices and our prices are low compared to the areas we have frequented recently.

Something interesting is exxon's recent quarterly reports
Exxon Mobil Corp. broke its own record for the highest quarterly profit for a U.S. company
Robbing us blind! (http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/business/story.html?id=f27e3320-da0a-4264-a6fa-d85c843ec677)

[Ammoyankee]

It's $3.63 at NAS Fort Worth, saw it today!

[uriel]

And, the price of a tank of propane (with a tank for turn in) went from $13 to $19 dollars overnight! That's almost a 50% increase in price!!! What a load of crap!

[SpaceGhost]

when i was in germany we had to buy all our own transformers afn decoder and satellite...

whats the big deal...

[Daniela]

So does that mean I don't have to return my dish? Anyone want to buy a dish that I go a year ago but never put up because I don't watch tv?:grin1:

One might think it would be great if you could turn that dish back in and let someone else use it since you don't.

[socalheart]

The "big deal" is that they told us that it's free to get the equipment to receive AFN off base at no charge. Now they've "taken it back" and are making us pay for what is part of the benefit when living overseas here with the military.

when i was in germany we had to buy all our own transformers afn decoder and satellite...

whats the big deal...

[Daniela]

The "big deal" is that they told us that it's free to get the equipment to receive AFN off base at no charge. Now they've "taken it back" and are making us pay for what is part of the benefit when living overseas here with the military.

I find that a rather spoiled attitude.
For me the "benefit" of living here is to experience a different country/culture and being able to see things I would have never seen otherwise.
There are great websites for streaming TV shows btw.

[DoctorP]

Where the heck are they gettin that average?



Look in my post above. Four week US average...I included the link to the DOE site.

[uriel]

how is it spoiled when they tell you that's what you can get? it's not unrealistic, it's just holding them to their word. but I guess that's too much to hope for nowadays, eh?

[Daniela]

I am not expecting them to pay for my TV Stateside why would I expect them to here?
Everybody is always saying how crappy AFN is and now out of a sudden it is a benefit that we demand? Make up your mind people!

[hankypanky]

u guys watch too much tv, live life and get out. you'll grow old and die watching too much tv. wait till your on bedrest to watch the **** tube.

[uriel]

what i'm saying, and what you're missing, is that regardless of what people say about this service, since they tell us before we get here that they are giving it, then turn around and don't, people will be pissed. and rightfully so. you don't tell someone you will give them something and then don't. if they want us to pay, be straight. that's all we're asking.

[socalheart]

I've lived here for most of my life as a civilian unassociated with the US military. I'm hardly spoiled by the benefits of the US military, which I've only had for the last year and a half as a dependent. How long have you been spoiled by the US military, hmm? :rolleyes: I'm familiar with some websites that carry US tv shows that can be seen outside the US, but not everyone has internet. You assume that everyone has a computer or laptop with an internet connection. It's simple, they told the military member that s/he could get free AFN service and equipment while living off base here. Now s/he can't. They are still advertising it. It's very misleading and not right.


I find that a rather spoiled attitude.
For me the "benefit" of living here is to experience a different country/culture and being able to see things I would have never seen otherwise.
There are great websites for streaming TV shows btw.

[P_chan]

One might think it would be great if you could turn that dish back in and let someone else use it since you don't.

One might think that, but I still won't be turning it in until I PCS. I don't drive a huge car so it's a pain in the ass to try and fit it until my tiny ass car. Oh well, that's only one person who can't watch AFN.....oh no!:rolleyes:

[badkitty]

FYI yall its a funding issue. The money to fund the free sats and transformers was available buy the funding for the free stuff has stopped. It's costs alot to maintain the sats and stuff. Esp when people don't take care of the free stuff.

[DoctorP]

They don't advertise the Sats anymore anyway...not sure why you'd be pissed.

[Daniela]

I've lived here for most of my life as a civilian unassociated with the US military. I'm hardly spoiled by the benefits of the US military, which I've only had for the last year and a half as a dependent. How long have you been spoiled by the US military, hmm? :rolleyes: I'm familiar with some websites that carry US tv shows that can be seen outside the US, but not everyone has internet. You assume that everyone has a computer or laptop with an internet connection. It's simple, they told the military member that s/he could get free AFN service and equipment while living off base here. Now s/he can't. They are still advertising it. It's very misleading and not right.

I am pretty much aware of the benefits; I get my teeth fixed for free. That would have cost me thousands of dollars Stateside....I am living in a house on the beach.......so much more to list, but then I am NOT the one complaining that AFN isn't free either.

[P_chan]

One might think it would be great if you could turn that dish back in and let someone else use it since you don't.

One might think that, but I still won't be turning it in until I PCS. I don't drive a huge car so it's a pain in the ass to try and fit it until my tiny ass car. Oh well, that's only one person who can't watch AFN.....oh no!:rolleyes:

[SpaceGhost]

like i said.. i see no reason for anyone to complain about something as dumb as an AFN decoder...

the govt also told us that there was WMD in iraq...

IMO if you dont want to pay for the decoder, satellites, or transformers then dont... live without them...

[DoctorP]

btw...AFN is still free. You can still pick up the AFN Prime channel with just an ariel antenna.

[socalheart]

but then I am NOT the one complaining that AFN isn't free either.

They aren't complaining that AFN isn't free. AFN is free. They were saying that they were initially told the equipment to get AFN was free, but are now being told they have to pay for it. It's the principle of the thing. If it was for a limited time only or while supplies last, the military member should've been told that clearly.

[hankypanky]

don't think i could get it even if i paid for it, not sofa.

[DoctorP]

They aren't complaining that AFN isn't free. AFN is free. They were saying that they were initially told the equipment to get AFN was free, but are now being told they have to pay for it. It's the principle of the thing. If it was for a limited time only or while supplies last, the military member should've been told that clearly.

That was stated clearly when the program 1st started. People just were never turned away before, now people are just upset because some people have free dishes and decoders (because they have been here a while) and newcomers are not getting it.

It's just a case of "I deserve it because he/she has it":rolleyes:

don't think i could get it even if i paid for it, not sofa.

retired can get the dish/decoder from AAFES Hank...and pay the monthly fee...but not worth it if you pay for it IMO.

[SpaceGhost]

They aren't complaining that AFN isn't free. AFN is free. They were saying that they were initially told the equipment to get AFN was free, but are now being told they have to pay for it. It's the principle of the thing. If it was for a limited time only or while supplies last, the military member should've been told that clearly.

my point is that even if they were told it was free.. whats the big deal.. i dont think it is any reason so complain... if someone cant afford it maybe they ned to reevaluate their finances.. damn shame it takes an AFN decoder to do that though....

there are WAY more important things to be upset about IMO

[Old Timer]

The program was called DTH ( Direct to Home) program. The intent was to make AFRTS service free to off base residents because of the world threat (terroism) condition. The program is valid, and installations should be programming for it. That includes the asswipes in Kadena, who have probably let it slip based on fiscal inconveniences. Invoke the Commander and ICE the dogshit out of them. Somebody needs to say we did not "PLAN OR BUDGET FOR IT" in plain english. :old:

[DJ Tak]

my point is that even if they were told it was free.. whats the big deal.. i dont think it is any reason so complain... if someone cant afford it maybe they ned to reevaluate their finances.. damn shame it takes an AFN decoder to do that though....

there are WAY more important things to be upset about IMO


Apparently you are missing the big picture. This has nothing to do with finances. This has to do with the fact that there were things put into place, for the military, that is being undone due to possible corporate greed/influence.

I don't know how long you have been in the military or if you are in the military at all, but if you are, you would be aware of the numerous program cuts across the board.

[badkitty]

Okay, so i am trying to understand what the big deal is.... It was a program that lost its funding and people are complaining because?!?!?!?

[DoctorP]

It's the whole he's got it I want it kitty. It's not fair that they get it free and I have to pay.

Just let 'em compain...I got mine!!!!!

lol

[Asshat]

Apparently you are missing the big picture. This has nothing to do with finances. This has to do with the fact that there were things put into place, for the military, that is being undone due to possible corporate greed/influence.

I don't know how long you have been in the military or if you are in the military at all, but if you are, you would be aware of the numerous program cuts across the board.

Ya think it MIGHT have something to do with the trillions of dollars these wars are costing? The fact that something is funded this year does not gaurentee that it will be funded next year. That includes everything. Nothing in the DoD is outside of the realm of the budget axe.

And what corporate greed could AAFES have?

[navwifecom]

OK, now to get a new decoder box and satalite dish, you have to purchase the service from AMESS, but what about all these "free" housing dishes and converter boxes that will be returning to Housing Management from those leaving the island? Will they go out again to people as the are returned, or will they be dermo'ed?

[Old Timer]

OK, now to get a new decoder box and satalite dish, you have to purchase the service from AMESS, but what about all these "free" housing dishes and converter boxes that will be returning to Housing Management from those leaving the island? Will they go out again to people as the are returned, or will they be dermo'ed?


They are supposed to be re-issued. I can't answer for the Air Force in Okinawa. Items issued to CNFJ personnel are being micro-managed by the geographic housing offices, also activated there. If a memeber does not turn in, a DD139 is issued, the member is ganked, and a new one bought. I would bet the Kadena Housing Office screwed the pooch on this one......in fact no doubt in my military mind the Air Force botched it!! Read below: KEY WORD IS FREE!!!!

http://afrts.dodmedia.osd.mil/facts/5.pdf

[Old Timer]

Apparently you are missing the big picture. This has nothing to do with finances. This has to do with the fact that there were things put into place, for the military, that is being undone due to possible corporate greed/influence.

I don't know how long you have been in the military or if you are in the military at all, but if you are, you would be aware of the numerous program cuts across the board.

YES the program is still free. Yes...the Kadena housing office can get more decoders....if they have documented, organized and kept track of the ones issued...big if, probalby not!!! :old:

http://www.usfj.mil/dth_faq.pdf

[onebye]

go to www.gasbuddy.com and you can track the national average daily for regular gas and to each city or state if you want.

[SpaceGhost]

Apparently you are missing the big picture. This has nothing to do with finances. This has to do with the fact that there were things put into place, for the military, that is being undone due to possible corporate greed/influence.

I don't know how long you have been in the military or if you are in the military at all, but if you are, you would be aware of the numerous program cuts across the board.

i am not missing the big picture here at all.. i am well aware of the dod budget restraints.. it is part of my job to deal with it.. . my point is so the **** what if they dont give out free decoders... if you want one pay for it instead of whining about it cause it used to be free...

to be honest i would rather the GOVT spend that money elsewhere.. how about some nicer parks for my daughter to play on...

[Old Timer]

i am not missing the big picture here at all.. i am well aware of the dod budget restraints.. it is part of my job to deal with it.. . my point is so the **** what if they dont give out free decoders... if you want one pay for it instead of whining about it cause it used to be free...

to be honest i would rather the GOVT spend that money elsewhere.. how about some nicer parks for my daughter to play on...


DAMN!!.............................

[OtisPMerriweather]

I can easily see how this could be a VERY expensive program for the military to maintain, and actually I was surprised when I was told they gave out satellite dishes/decoders for free! I waited almost a year until I got mine, picked it up around this time last year, so the program has only recently been discontinued.

That being said, I can only imagine how much it costs because when I got mine, it was brand new, everything in the box with plastic. But I can see people complaining if they were to get a dish that was slightly damaged/rusty, the same way people bitch about the loaner furniture you get from the housing place. Then after 3 (or more) years of Okinawa weather, poor installs/takedowns, etc., I'm sure a large number of the dishes are not fit to issue to someone else.

And the cost for the dish and the decoder is relatively small compared to what you'd pay in the States. Not to mention, EVERYONE else on island pays for TV, whether you live in the barracks, or base housing, so it's really not fair t give it to us off base for free.

That being said, I have it and you only get 8 channels anyways, not counting the TV guide and the Pentagon channel. You're not missing much. I never understood why Kadena was footing the bill for all us Marines, anyways.

[socalheart]

Not to mention, EVERYONE else on island pays for TV, whether you live in the barracks, or base housing, so it's really not fair t give it to us off base for free.

I was told by people with cable on base that the basic AFN channels (Prime, Spectrum, etc.) were provided free of cost as well; that it's the other channels (History, Cartoon Network, etc.) for which they are charged. Can someone with cable on base please clarify this for sake of arguement please?

[OtisPMerriweather]

Yeah, I don't know about that. Since I'm your minion, I won't argue.

[Daniela]

I went on Mediatti's website and this what I found:
http://www.mediattisales.com/cable.html
If you go to pricing it gives the "Military Tier" that is free, but I can't find what channels would be included in that. It might have to do with the 2 glasses of wine I already had.
Somebody check for me please:)
Other than that I can find channel listings for tier 1 and 2, but not the military tier. Whatever that is.

[DJ Tak]

Before this gets blown way out of proportion, I already have off base cable so the cost isn't what made me post this. My gripe is not the fact that it's no longer free, my gripe is the reason I think it's no longer free.

I wonder what they are doing with the hardware that is being turned in. Are you telling me that the thousands of step down converters are all ruined when they are turned in? Are they giving boxes and sats to AAFES so they can now rent them out? If that's the case it will solidify my belief that AAFES had their hand in the programs being discontinued.

There's always going to be someone on this board that says "no one told you to move out in town", "budget accordingly", "you're just jealous I got mine and you didn't get yours" blah blah blah. To you I say kutabare. Get past the specifics of the post and look at the intent.

[DoctorP]

They are not giving them to AAFES. And I am sure you meant step-up transformers. I'm sure those are still good and sitting in a warehouse.

[Tyru]

I want to know why I can't buy a decoder in Japan but I could in Europe?

[OtisPMerriweather]

Yeah, I don't think they are reselling them, but they are not reissuing them either. Which again makes me ask the question, what happens if I don't turn mine in? Are they gonna dock my pay for something that they are just going to DRMO anyway?

[DJ Tak]

They are not giving them to AAFES. And I am sure you meant step-up transformers. I'm sure those are still good and sitting in a warehouse.

Thanks for catching that mistake. I'm used to the ones we had in Iraq....

[calibeatjunkie]

I see I applied for one and never got a respone...oh well

[badkitty]

Before this gets blown way out of proportion, I already have off base cable so the cost isn't what made me post this. My gripe is not the fact that it's no longer free, my gripe is the reason I think it's no longer free.

I wonder what they are doing with the hardware that is being turned in. Are you telling me that the thousands of step down converters are all ruined when they are turned in? Are they giving boxes and sats to AAFES so they can now rent them out? If that's the case it will solidify my belief that AAFES had their hand in the programs being discontinued.

There's always going to be someone on this board that says "no one told you to move out in town", "budget accordingly", "you're just jealous I got mine and you didn't get yours" blah blah blah. To you I say kutabare. Get past the specifics of the post and look at the intent.


Since I know what's going on, lemme give you a heads up. A good 60% of the stuff that is being turned back in they have to send tobe repaired becuse people don't take care of free shit. So 9/10 the stuff cannot be repaired. No boxes or sats are being given to AAFES nor are they purchasing anything from Housing. AAFES had ZERO to do with the budget being cut. The inital funds wre given for the program to get going and then when it bacame too costly to maintain the free stuff, the money was slashed.