{"id":11357,"date":"2025-05-22T17:37:53","date_gmt":"2025-05-22T17:37:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/publicaffairs-sme.com\/ExchangePost\/?p=11357"},"modified":"2025-10-28T18:12:56","modified_gmt":"2025-10-28T18:12:56","slug":"the-army-air-force-exchange-service-a-force-multiplier-for-veterans-and-military-spouses-during-military-appreciation-month","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/publicaffairs-sme.com\/ExchangePost\/2025\/05\/22\/the-army-air-force-exchange-service-a-force-multiplier-for-veterans-and-military-spouses-during-military-appreciation-month\/","title":{"rendered":"The Army & Air Force Exchange Service: A Force Multiplier for Veterans and Military Spouses During Military Appreciation Month"},"content":{"rendered":"

DALLAS \u2013<\/strong> During National Military Appreciation Month, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service is reaffirming its 130-year commitment to those who serve by spotlighting its efforts to hire, retain and support Veterans and military spouses<\/a> across the globe.<\/p>\n

With nearly 65,000 Veterans and military spouses hired since 2013, the Exchange remains a vital force multiplier\u2014offering meaningful careers that bring financial stability to military families and strengthen overall force readiness and retention.<\/p>\n

\u201cVeterans and military spouses are the heart of Team Exchange,\u201d said Exchange Director\/CEO Tom Shull, an Army Veteran. \u201cThey\u2019ve walked in the boots of our shoppers. Their dedication, resilience and experience help the Exchange deliver unmatched service to military communities worldwide.\u201d<\/p>\n

Veterans make up 10% of the Exchange\u2019s 25,000 associates. Veterans who join Team Exchange enjoy competitive pay, top benefits\u2014including paid time off, medical insurance, flexible work schedules and the ability to count their military service time toward Exchange retirement eligibility.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Exchange is more than just a workplace\u2014it\u2019s a mission with heart,\u201d said Marcia Rhodes, Exchange Headquarters strategic marketing manager and Air Force Veteran. \u201cFor Veterans, it offers the opportunity to continue serving and stay connected to the military community. It is a place where your experience matters, your purpose is renewed and your contributions make a lasting impact.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Exchange is a leader in the nonappropriated fund community, developing proactive programs to recruit and retain military spouses. With locations nationwide and in more than 30 countries, the Exchange\u2019s associate transfer program allows military spouses to advance professionally while retaining retirement benefits (when applicable) as they move from duty station to duty station with their service members.<\/p>\n

The Exchange maintains a consistent presence at job fairs at military installations worldwide to connect the military community with career opportunities and partners with several organizations, including Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, Wounded Warrior Project, Private Public Partnership (P3) with the U.S. Army Reserve, Still Serving Veterans, Applied Development, LLC., Veterati and Veteran Job Mission.<\/p>\n

The Exchange\u2019s focus on hiring Veterans and military spouses has been key to the organization being recognized as a:<\/p>\n