An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

451st AEW facilities accept Eagle cash for purchases

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Renni Thornton
  • 451st Air Expeditionary Wing
Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan --  Members of the 451st Air Expeditionary Wing can access their checking accounts through a new Eagle Cash kiosk located in Camp Samek.

And now they can also purchase snacks and other items at the Morale, Welfare and Recreation tent in Camp Samek using the Eagle Cash card.

Until now, 451st AEW Air Force members were only able to access Eagle Cash machines elsewhere on base but now there will be two locations in the 451st AEW compounds.

"We installed a new kiosk in the 451st AEW headquarters building about a month ago.

Future locations will include the MWR facility in Camp Losano," said Capt. Doug Bauer, comptroller for the 451st AEW.

People can now purchase T-shirts, coins, snacks and other items using the card in the recreation tent, also located in Camp Samek. The snack bar, operated by 451st Expeditionary Force Support Flight staff, is open 24/7.

Co-sponsored by the Army and the Department of the Treasury, Eagle Cash is a financial management tool to support military members deployed in combat zones and on peacekeeping missions.

The program uses a type of payment card, referred to as a stored value card, along with automated kiosk devices located around the base.

Cardholders who are enrolled in the program can access their personal checking or savings accounts by swiping the card in the kiosk machine located at the 451st AEW headquarters building.

Other kiosk locations on Kandahar Airfield include Army Finance, the Base Exchange, Army MWR tent, the base post office and the French Base Exchange.

One of the best things about using the card, is people don't have to go to the ATM to get cash, they can load funds on the card and use it right here," said Senior Master Sgt.
Jeffery Mazur, 451st Expeditionary Force Support Squadron superintendent.

Military members who have Eagle Cash cards like the benefits of using it.

"The cool thing about using the card is it's like using a debit card but it's not directly linked to your bank accounts back in the states," said Tech. Sgt. Jim Sobokwiak, command post controller, 451st Air Expeditionary Wing.

"You don't have to bother with getting cash out of the ATMs, which are down a lot. And if I'm at work and want an energy drink or snack, I can just use my card to make the purchase instead of going to the base exchange," he said.

When the card's balance is low, individuals can go back to self-serve kiosks anytime and recharge the card with more cash, taking this money from their bank or credit union account.

Another key feature is the ability to transfer any unused funds back to a member's checking or savings account before leaving the AOR.

Eagle Cash cards are available at finance offices to service members and contractors whose companies have check-cashing agreements with the military.

For more information about the Eagle Cash program, contact the 451st AEW Finance staff at 451AEW.FM@kdab.afcent.af.mil or by calling 420-2147.