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DALLAS \u2013<\/strong> Since the Army & Air Force Exchange Service welcomed home all honorably discharged Veterans to ShopMyExchange.com one year ago, more than 62,000 Veterans<\/a> have used their new benefit to save on low-cost, name-brand merchandise while also saving nearly $3.4 million in sales tax.<\/p>\n \u201cIn its first year, the Veterans online shopping benefit has brought significant savings to all who raised their right hand and vowed to defend our Nation,\u201d said Exchange Director\/CEO Tom Shull, a Vietnam-era Army Veteran who worked to secure the change in Department of Defense policy to give all honorably discharged Veterans shopping privileges at military exchanges online. \u201cThis benefit acknowledges sacrifices and makes a real difference to them and their families.\u201d<\/p>\n Since Veterans Day 2017, Veterans have been eligible to shop their military exchanges online tax-free for life. Veterans have placed more than 200,000 tax-free orders<\/a> at ShopMyExchange.com, which offers more than 2 million items\u2014including name brands\u2014with military-exclusive pricing.<\/p>\n With 100 percent of Exchange earnings supporting the military community including Quality-of-Life programs like Army Child Development Centers and fitness centers and Air Force Outdoor Recreation activities, Veterans are reconnecting to the military community, remaining Soldiers and Airmen for life.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Exchange helps save money, and we feel good about it,\u201d said Matthew Garnes, an Army Veteran from Bluffton, S.C., who served in the Army Reserve from 2010 to 2014. \u201cEveryone is on a budget, and this is a great way to save a couple bucks and give back to those who are still serving.\u201d<\/p>\n Garnes and his wife, Carissa, shop at ShopMyExchange.com for everything from name-brand clothing and electronics to coffee and gifts for family.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have our dog food on an online subscription,\u201d Garnes said. \u201cI don\u2019t even have to carry it out of the store.\u201d<\/p>\n Michael Beaudoin, from Concord, N.H., appreciates the benefit, saying it serves as a thank-you for his time in Army.<\/p>\n \u201cI served from 1975 to 1978,\u201d he said. \u201cBecause I didn\u2019t retire, I didn\u2019t get any benefits. It\u2019s huge to be able to shop with the Exchange again.\u201d<\/p>\n Beaudoin volunteers with Pease Greeters, a group that welcomes troops home from deployment at Portsmouth (N.H.) International Airport. He connects with other Veterans and reminds them they are welcomed home to ShopMyExchange.com.<\/p>\n \u201cWe had a Korean War Veteran who wasn\u2019t aware he could shop online,\u201d he said. \u201cI walked him through it. I love spreading the word about this.\u201d<\/p>\n Veterans can determine their eligibility to shop at ShopMyExchange.com\/veterans.<\/p>\n Facebook-Friendly Version<\/strong>: One year ago, military exchanges welcomed home all honorably discharged Veterans with an online lifelong shopping benefit. How\u2019s the first year gone on ShopMyExchange.com? Read more:\u00a0https:\/\/wp.me\/p9Q7PG-Mo<\/a><\/p>\n — 30 —<\/p>\n 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 61st-largest retailer in the United States. Its earnings provided $2.4 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\u00a0http:\/\/www.shopmyexchange.com<\/a>\u00a0or follow us on Twitter at\u00a0https:\/\/twitter.com\/ExchangePAO<\/a>.<\/p>\n ###<\/p>\n Media Notes:<\/strong><\/p>\n For more information or to schedule an interview with an Exchange representative please contact Alexandra Pirkle, 214-312-2143 or pirkleac@aafes.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n Follow the Exchange:<\/p>\n Facebook:\u00a0 www.facebook.com\/shopmyexchange<\/a><\/p>\n Twitter:\u00a0 https:\/\/twitter.com\/shopmyexchange<\/a><\/p>\n