FORT JACKSON – Peach Snapple, teriyaki beef jerky and gummy sharks.
Those are the snacks Army Pvt. Urian Morales wanted after finishing eight weeks of Basic Military Training at Fort Jackson, S.C.
“He sent me a letter with a little menu of everything he wanted to get on family day,” said Patricia Morales, Urian’s mother.
A week later, Patricia got word that families could not attend graduation because of the COVID-19 pandemic. She was heartbroken—but thanks to a new Army & Air Force Exchange Service program, she was able to make sure her son got his treats of choice on his big day.
The program, called My Fort Jackson Soldier, allows spouses, family members and friends to purchase Exchange gift cards for their Soldiers while graduations are temporarily closed to outside visitors. Through the program, each Soldier’s unit sends families a link to purchase gift cards, which the Soldier can pick up from the Fort Jackson Exchange after graduation. In return, the Exchange will snap a picture of their Soldier and send it back to them via email.
The Exchange is the Department of Defense’s oldest and largest exchange. The organization operates nearly 4,000 facilities, including department and convenience stores, restaurants, malls, movie theaters, gas stations, and other specialty retail businesses on military installations in 50 states, four U.S. territories and 33 countries.
“We really wanted to do something special for those family members and Soldiers who can’t connect in person right now,” said the Fort Jackson Exchange’s main store manager, Common Orris. “Their loved ones are still rooting for them. Even though they can’t be together in person, they still have the chance to send their love.”
Orris said response to the program, which was developed in conjunction with Fort Jackson command, has been overwhelming. Twenty-three gift cards were purchased within 24 hours of the program’s launch, and its second run of graduates received 118 gift cards.
“The smiles these Soldiers have coming through the door say it all,” Orris said.
With his gift card, Urian picked up his Snapple, jerky and gummy sharks, along with a hot meal from Arby’s.
Patricia, meanwhile, said she is happy to know her son was taken care of on graduation day—and to finally see his face again after eight long weeks apart.
“It was a huge treat to see that big, clear picture of him,” Patricia said. “That was a very nice feeling. I wasn’t able to be there physically, but I was definitely there spiritually.”
Facebook-friendly version: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, friends and family can only attend Fort Jackson’s Basic Military Training graduations virtually—but they can still show their support thanks to a new program from the Army & Air Force Exchange Service. Read more: https://wp.me/p9Q7PG-1lm.
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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 Conner Hammett, 214-312-2714 or [email protected].
Follow the Exchange:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/shopmyexchange
Twitter: https://twitter.com/shopmyexchange
Instagram: @shopmyexchange