SHAW AIR FORCE BASE – Bree Dippold learned she had won the third-place prize in the Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s You Made the Grade sweepstakes in an unusual place—the family car.
“We were on a road trip to Florida when my mom found out and told me,” Bree said. “I was so excited.”
Col. Richard Brown, 20th Mission Support Group Commander, and Leatrice Peyton, Shaw Exchange main store manager, presented Bree with a $500 Exchange gift card during a ceremony July 30 at the Shaw Exchange.
“Bree is a bright student, and the Exchange is honored to recognize her academic achievement,” Peyton said. “Her resilience and determination make her an inspiration to military children around the world.”
First- through 12th-graders who maintain a B average or higher can enter the sweepstakes for a chance at a $2,000, $1,500 or $500 Exchange gift card. Bree was randomly selected from more than 1,000 entries.
Bree, who will turn 12 in August, is the oldest daughter of Tech Sgt. Darrell Dippold and his wife, Ashley. Tech Sgt. Dippold has served 15 years in the Air Force, the last three years at Shaw Air Force Base in the 20th EMF Squadron, and has deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan.
Bree and her two younger sisters entered the sweepstakes after their mom heard about it on Facebook.
“We’ve entered two or three times now,” Ashley Dippold said. “It was a pleasant surprise to find out Bree won.”
When she isn’t studying or doing homework, Bree loves playing video games, especially “The Sims” and “Minecraft.” She plans to use her prize money on more practical things, though.
“I’m probably just going to buy school supplies,” Bree said. “Maybe some shoes and clothes.”
For more information about the You Made the Grade program, students and guardians can contact the Shaw Air Force Base Exchange at 803-666-3050. Students can send You Made the Grade sweepstakes entry forms to:
You Made the Grade
PO Box 227398
Dallas, TX 75222-7398
Facebook-friendly version: Col. Richard Brown, 20th Mission Support Group Commander, and Leatrice Peyton, Shaw Exchange main store manager, presented You Made the Grade winner Bree Dippold with a $500 Exchange gift card July 30. Congratulations, Bree! Read more: https://wp.me/p9Q7PG-14O
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Since 1895, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service (Exchange) has gone where Soldiers, Airmen and their families go to improve the quality of their lives by providing valued goods and services at exclusive military pricing. The Exchange is the 62nd-largest retailer in the United States. Its earnings provided $2.3 billion in dividends to support military morale, welfare and recreation programs over the last 10 years. The Exchange is a non-appropriated fund entity of the Department of Defense and is directed by a Board of Directors. The Exchange is a 50th Anniversary Vietnam War Commemorative Partner, planning and conducting events and activities that recognize the service, valor and sacrifice of Vietnam Veterans and their families in conjunction with the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration. To find out more about the Exchange history and mission or to view recent press releases please visit our website at http://www.shopmyexchange.com or follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ExchangePAO.
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Media Notes:
For more information or to schedule an interview with an Exchange representative please contact Alexandra Pirkle, 214-312-2143 or [email protected].
Follow the Exchange:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/shopmyexchange
Twitter: https://twitter.com/shopmyexchange
Instagram: @shopmyexchange