DALLAS – As the Department of Defense’s military exchange services prepare to welcome potentially 13 million honorably discharged Veterans back to their military families this coming Veteran’s Day, VetVerify.org has launched to confirm eligibility to receive a lifelong military exchange online shopping.

Veterans may log onto VetVerify.org, which will use information from DoD’s Defense Manpower Data Center’s records and inform them of their ability to access this new benefit. If a Veteran’s record has character of service data and that data meets the criteria for the online benefit, the Veteran will be verified to shop. Then, beginning on Nov. 11, the Veteran can log onto to the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps and Navy Exchange websites at shopmyexchange.com, shopcgx.com, mymcx.com and mynavyexchange.com for tax-free shopping. If a Veteran’s information is incomplete, VetVerify.org will provide guidance on next steps.

Extending online shopping privileges to all honorably discharged Veterans will directly improve family and support programs for Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors, Marines and Coast Guard members as well as their families. Increased sales and earnings as a result of Veterans online shopping benefit have the potential to generate tens of millions of dollars in additional dividends to Quality-of-Life programs. These funds decrease taxpayers’ burden to support services and programs on military installations around the world. The Army & Air Force Exchange Service, Coast Guard Exchange Marine Corps Exchange and Navy Exchange currently provide more than $300 million in support for military Quality-of-Life programs annually.

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The Army & Air Force Exchange Service goes where Soldiers, Airmen and their families go to improve the quality of their lives through goods and services provided. Exchange earnings provide dividends to support military morale, welfare and recreation programs. The Exchange is part of the Department of Defense and is directed by a Board of Directors, responsible to the Secretaries of the Army and Air Force through the Chiefs of Staff. To find out more about the Exchange history and mission or to view recent press releases please visit our Web site at http://www.aafes.com/about-exchange/public-affairs/press-releases.htm or follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ExchangePAO.

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DALLAS – Army & Air Force Exchange Service shoppers have the chance to get their paws on $3,000 in Exchange gift cards during the Patriot Pet Photo Contest.

From May 19 to June 1, Exchange shoppers worldwide can submit a cute, creative photo of their pet at shopmyexchange.com/sweepstakes. One grand prize winner will receive a $1,000 Exchange gift card. Two second place winners will receive a $500 gift card, and four third place winners will receive a $250 Exchange gift card.

“Owners of pets of all kinds are invited to showcase their furry, feathered and even scaly friends,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Luis Reyes, the Exchange’s senior enlisted advisor. “Who knows, your pet may fetch you the shopping spree of a lifetime.”

Authorized shoppers 18 and up may enter the Patriot Pet Photo contest at shopmyexchange.com/sweepstakes. No purchase is necessary to enter or win. Winners will be drawn on or about June 9.

Facebook Friendly Version:

Enter the Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s Patriot Pet Photo Contest for the chance to win a $1,000, $500 or $250 Exchange gift card! Snap a photo of your pet and submit it at shopmyexchange.com/sweepstakes from May 19 to June 1 and you could be one of seven lucky winners. Authorized shoppers 18 and up are eligible to enter.

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The Army & Air Force Exchange Service goes where Soldiers, Airmen and their families go to improve the quality of their lives through goods and services provided. Exchange earnings provide dividends to support military morale, welfare and recreation programs. The Exchange is part of the Department of Defense and is directed by a Board of Directors, responsible to the Secretaries of the Army and Air Force through the Chiefs of Staff. To find out more about the Exchange history and mission or to view recent press releases please visit our Web site 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

DALLAS – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service will give Exchange shoppers the chance to party like a Yeti and win $7,500 in prizes during the Memorial Day Pepsi & Tostitos Sweepstakes.

From May 19 to June 2, Exchange shoppers in the continental United States will have the chance to win one of 25 Yeti Roadie cooler and 20-ounce tumbler combos. Shoppers outside of the continental United States can enter to win a $300 gift card.

“This sweepstakes will make for 25 very happy campers,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Luis Reyes, the Exchange’s senior enlisted advisor. “Enter today—your summer adventure is just beginning.”

Authorized shoppers 18 and up may enter the Memorial Day Pepsi & Tostitos Sweepstakes at shopmyexchange.com/sweepstakes. No purchase is necessary to enter or win. Winners will be drawn on or about June 9.

Facebook Friendly Version:

Enter the Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s Memorial Day Pepsi & Tostitos sweepstakes for the chance to party like a Yeti! From May 19 to June 2, Exchange shoppers in the continental United States will have the chance to win one of 25 Yeti Roadie cooler and 20-ounce tumbler combos. Shoppers outside of the continental United States can enter to win a $300 gift card. To enter, visit shopmyexchange.com/sweepstakes. Authorized shoppers 18 and up are eligible to enter.

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The Army & Air Force Exchange Service goes where Soldiers, Airmen and their families go to improve the quality of their lives through goods and services provided. Exchange earnings provide dividends to support military morale, welfare and recreation programs. The Exchange is part of the Department of Defense and is directed by a Board of Directors, responsible to the Secretaries of the Army and Air Force through the Chiefs of Staff. To find out more about the Exchange history and mission or to view recent press releases please visit our Web site 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

REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. – Army & Air Force Exchange Service associates at Redstone Arsenal received a once-in-a-lifetime honor—a challenge coin and sincere words of thanks from GEN Gustave Perna, commander, U.S. Army Materiel Command.

The four-star general gave challenge coins to several associates during an April 18 presentation. Perna shook hands with and congratulated associates by name, showing sincere appreciation for their dedication to excellence.

“I wish I had time to recognize the entire team because what all of you do is truly about taking care of Soldiers and families,” Perna said. “You are a great team, and I am very grateful for what you do.”

Not long after he arrived as AMC commander in late 2016, Perna met Express associate Beatrix Rivera. He was wearing civilian clothes—so Rivera wasn’t aware she was serving a four-star general. Her can-do attitude impressed him so much that when Exchange Director/CEO Tom Shull reached out to coordinate a face-to-face meeting with Perna, he suggested they partner to recognize the work of several Redstone Exchange associates.

Perna understands the importance of the Exchange, having served on the Exchange Board of Directors from January 2015 to September 2016, including about a year as board chairman. Shull was so moved by the four-star general’s willingness to acknowledge the contribution of Exchange associates at Redstone that he presented Perna with a plaque.

“GEN Perna is a Soldier’s Soldier,” Shull said. “He’s a lead tank—he sets the example and raises the bar for all who know him. The Exchange deeply appreciates GEN Perna’s leadership, and we are privileged to have him here to thank our Redstone associates in person. It’s a true honor!”

Exchange Central Region East Vice President Paula Gunderson said Perna’s recognition of the Redstone team will leave a lasting impact. Redstone associates were elated, and many shared photos of the coin and the recognition on their social media accounts, receiving positive reaction and phone calls from family and friends.

“GEN Perna’s comments resonated with all of our team members,” Gunderson said. “I’ve heard many say, ‘Even a four-star general truly appreciates what we do each and every day.’ ”

The associates coined by Perna were:

• Michael Bates, Burger King manager
• Phillip Bounds, warehouse worker
• Dorothea Cox, shift supervisor
• Lili Gilbert, operations manager
• Gary Houston, laborer
• Kathryn James, services business manager
• Rita King, restaurant manager
• Latonya Loadholt, food service foreman
• Lianne Mawabi, food service worker
• Tracy Mitzelfelt, store associate
• Bernadeth Proctor, restaurant manager
• Beatrix Rivera, sales associate
• Bernice Rogers, Express manager
• Jo Robinson warehouse worker
• Silvia Sasan, office assistant
• Michael Shelton, food service foreman
• Guy Sikes, warehouse worker
• Wendy Smith, Military Clothing store manager
• April Vaughn, custodian

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The Army & Air Force Exchange Service goes where Soldiers, Airmen and their families go to improve the quality of their lives through goods and services provided. Exchange earnings provide dividends to support military morale, welfare and recreation programs. The Exchange is part of the Department of Defense and is directed by a Board of Directors, responsible to the Secretaries of the Army and Air Force through the Chiefs of Staff.  To find out more about the Exchange history and mission or to view recent press releases please visit our Web site at http://www.aafes.com/about-exchange/public-affairs/press-releases.htm 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 Julie Mitchell, 214-312-3327 or [email protected].

Follow the Exchange:

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/shopmyexchange

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/shopmyexchange

Instagram: @shopmyexchange

DALLAS – According to the University of Southern Indiana, the amount of paper thrown away in the United States every year is equivalent to about 1 billion trees. Much of this waste is from paper receipts.

To help reduce paper usage, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service offers shoppers the option to receive an electronic receipt instead of a printed one. Shoppers simply select “eReceipt” when prompted and provide the email address to which they would like their receipt delivered.

“In addition to the environmental benefits, eReceipts save the Exchange on paper costs, meaning more earnings to fund critical military Quality-of-Life programs such as Army Child Development, youth and fitness centers and Air Force Outdoor Recreation programs,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Luis Reyes, the Exchange’s senior enlisted advisor. “The Exchange is happy to empower military shoppers to make a difference in their communities.”

The Exchange’s eReceipt program has saved more than 4.4 million receipts worldwide from going into the landfill since its launch in 2013.

Facebook Friendly Version:

Help save a tree! The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is empowering shoppers to reduce paper waste by offering electronic receipts. To participate, shoppers simply select eReceipt when prompted and provide the email address to which they would like their receipt delivered. Since 2013, the Exchange’s eReceipt program has saved more than 4.4 million receipts worldwide from going into the landfill.

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The Army & Air Force Exchange Service goes where Soldiers, Airmen and their families go to improve the quality of their lives through goods and services provided. Exchange earnings provide dividends to support military morale, welfare and recreation programs. The Exchange is part of the Department of Defense and is directed by a Board of Directors, responsible to the Secretaries of the Army and Air Force through the Chiefs of Staff. To find out more about the Exchange history and mission or to view recent press releases please visit our Web site 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

DALLAS – Army & Air Force Exchange Service shoppers can put green on their plates while keeping some green in their wallets with Salad Wednesdays at their Exchange food court.

Every Wednesday, diners can take $2 off any salad priced $4 or more at participating Exchange direct-operated restaurants. Salad Wednesday is part of the Exchange’s BE FIT initiative, designed to promote healthy lifestyles for Soldiers, Airmen, retirees and military families.

“Eating healthy is essential to not only force readiness and resiliency but the development of healthy, happy military children,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Luis Reyes, the Exchange’s senior enlisted advisor. “The Exchange wants to help military families get the nutrition they need—without breaking the bank.”

In addition to Salad Wednesday savings, diners who use their MILITARY STAR card will receive the everyday additional 10 percent discount at Exchange restaurants.

Exchange restaurants are open to anyone – whether military, civil service, contractor or visitor – per Army Regulation 215-8 and Air Force Instruction 34-211 (I).

Facebook Friendly Version:
Every Salad Wednesday, Army & Air Force Exchange Service diners can take $2 off any salad priced $4 or more at participating direct-operated restaurants. Shoppers can also use their MILITARY STAR card to receive an additional 10 percent discount at Exchange restaurants!

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The Army & Air Force Exchange Service goes where Soldiers, Airmen and their families go to improve the quality of their lives through goods and services provided. Exchange earnings provide dividends to support military morale, welfare and recreation programs. The Exchange is part of the Department of Defense and is directed by a Board of Directors, responsible to the Secretaries of the Army and Air Force through the Chiefs of Staff. To find out more about the Exchange history and mission or to view recent press releases please visit our Web site 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

DALLAS – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is giving away $16,750 worth of motocross gear this spring during the Monster Kawasaki Motorcycle Sweepstakes.

From April 15 through May 31, authorized shoppers worldwide can enter for a chance to win one of two Kawasaki KX™250F motorcycles, each valued at $7,500, or one of five Monster Motorcycle helmets, each valued at $350.

“The rev of an engine, the spinning of tires, the adrenaline rush—all this and more is up for grabs in the Exchange’s latest sweepstakes,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Luis Reyes, the Exchange’s senior enlisted advisor. “Enter today—it may be you who gets to tear up the track on a brand-new dirt bike.”

Authorized shoppers 18 and older may enter the Monster Kawasaki Motorcycle Sweepstakes at www.shopmyexchange.com/sweepstakes. No purchase is necessary to enter or win. Winners will be drawn on or about June 7.

Facebook Friendly Version:
The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is giving away $16,750 worth of motocross gear this spring during the Monster Kawasaki Motorcycle Sweepstakes! From April 15 through May 31, authorized shoppers worldwide can enter for a chance to win one of two Kawasaki KX™250F motorcycles, each valued at $7,500, or one of five Monster Motorcycle helmets, each valued at $350. Shoppers 18 and older may enter the Monster Kawasaki Motorcycle Sweepstakes at www.shopmyexchange.com/sweepstakes. No purchase is necessary to enter or win.

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The Army & Air Force Exchange Service goes where Soldiers, Airmen and their families go to improve the quality of their lives through goods and services provided. Exchange earnings provide dividends to support military morale, welfare and recreation programs. The Exchange is part of the Department of Defense and is directed by a Board of Directors, responsible to the Secretaries of the Army and Air Force through the Chiefs of Staff. To find out more about the Exchange history and mission or to view recent press releases please visit our Web site 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

DALLAS – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service will recognize military children on April 21 by offering a free treat to any child who wears purple to a participating Exchange restaurant.

The Exchange is holding the global event in recognition of Purple Up Day, when military families worldwide don purple in celebration of Month of the Military Child. The color purple symbolizes the combined colors of all military branches: Army green, Navy blue, Marine red, Coast Guard blue and Air Force blue.

Any child 18 or younger can participate while supplies last. Free treats vary by location and may come in the form of a side item, fountain drink or dessert. Shoppers can contact their local Exchange for details.

“The children of service members will always remember the unique experiences they share with their fellow military children,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Luis Reyes, the Exchange’s senior enlisted advisor. “Now they can add going to their local Exchange restaurant for a free treat to that list of memories.”

April is designated as Month of the Military Child, a worldwide celebration of their contributions to the Armed Forces community sponsored by the Department of Defense Military Community and Family Policy.

Throughout the month of April, the Exchange will celebrate Month of the Military Child with in-store events, a social media campaign and exclusive sweepstakes in recognition of the commitment and loyalty of military children. For more information, visit facebook.com/shopmyexchange and shopmyexchange.com/sweepstakes.

Facebook Friendly Version:

The Army & Air Force Exchange Service will celebrate Purple Up Day on April 21 by offering a free treat to any child who wears purple to a participating Exchange restaurant! Purple Up Day is held every year in April in recognition of Month of the Military Child. Any child 18 years of age or younger may participate in the event. #MCStateofMind

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The Army & Air Force Exchange Service goes where Soldiers, Airmen and their families go to improve the quality of their lives through goods and services provided. Exchange earnings provide dividends to support military morale, welfare and recreation programs. The Exchange is part of the Department of Defense and is directed by a Board of Directors, responsible to the Secretaries of the Army and Air Force through the Chiefs of Staff. To find out more about the Exchange history and mission or to view recent press releases please visit our Web site 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

U.S. ARMY GARRISON YONGSAN – From a tiny room on the second floor of the Combined Forces Command headquarters building at U.S. Army Garrison Yongsan, Ms. Kim, Man-So doles out hot dogs, drinks and friendly smiles, just as she’s done for decades.

Ms. Kim, the lone food service worker at the Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s snack shop, has taken care of U.S. and Korean Soldiers at the CFC headquarters since September 1979. She began her Exchange career in 1964, at age 19. For a time, she served as a waitress, delivering food on her bicycle to troops stationed near the Exchange’s distribution center in Korea.

Now at age 71 and in her 52^nd year with the Exchange, Ms. Kim still works 40 hours a week and exemplifies the Department of Defense retailer’s core value of family serving family. Ms. Kim speaks Korean and some English, but her spirit transcends any language barrier. Each day, Ms. Kim serves up smiles while remembering what her customers like to order.

The best part of her job, Ms. Kim says, is getting to know the service members who stop in daily. She serves them faithfully, remembering what her customers like to order each day.

“In our office, we call it the ‘Ms. Kim Special’ – two hot dogs and a drink,” said Sgt. 1^st Class William Brown, who serves in the Eighth Army and stops in a few times a week for a bite to a eat and an energy drink. “She has a memory like an elephant. She’s awesome.”

One wall of the tiny shop is covered with pictures, certificates of appreciation and challenge coins Ms. Kim has received over the years. In the photos, she smiles alongside U.S. and Korean commanders who appreciated her service.

Ms. Kim’s friendliness and attention to detail win everyone over, says her supervisor, Yongsan Exchange Food Court Manager Mr. Son, Chung-Yun.

“No matter their rank, she says, ‘Good morning! How are you?’ ” Mr. Son said. “Every single Soldier—she greets them the same. She’s the mascot of this building. She knows everybody and what they need.”

Yongsan Exchange General Manager Steve Pena applauded Ms. Kim’s long tenure of service and support.

“She’s very friendly,” Pena said. “She’s always smiling—just very happy.”

Though she’s worked for 52 years, Ms. Kim says she has no plans to slow down.

“As long as this space is here and she has her health, she’ll keep working,” Pena said. “She knows she has a place here and a job to do.”

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The Army & Air Force Exchange Service goes where Soldiers, Airmen and their families go to improve the quality of their lives through goods and services provided. Exchange earnings provide dividends to support military morale, welfare and recreation programs. The Exchange is part of the Department of Defense and is directed by a Board of Directors, responsible to the Secretaries of the Army and Air Force through the Chiefs of Staff.  To find out more about the Exchange history and mission or to view recent press releases please visit our Web site at http://www.aafes.com/about-exchange/public-affairs/press-releases.htm 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 Julie Mitchell, 214-312-3327 or [email protected].

Follow the Exchange:

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/shopmyexchange

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/shopmyexchange

Instagram: @shopmyexchange

DALLAS – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service has recognized three Exchanges for not only being the best military shopping sources in their respective communities, but the best in the world.

The UK East Consolidated, Barksdale Air Force Base and Selfridge Air National Guard Base Exchanges were each named the winners of its most coveted award for operational excellence, the Director/CEO Cup. The three stores were awarded trophies recognizing this achievement during the worldwide Main Store Managers/General Managers Conference in Frisco, Texas, in March.

The award honors one store in each size category (Small, Medium, Large) each year. The Selfridge Exchange won in the Small store category, Barksdale won among Medium-sized stores and UK East Consolidated was the top Large store.

“All Exchanges go above and beyond for military shoppers, but these Exchanges truly stand out for their ability to serve the best customers in the world,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Luis Reyes, the Exchange’s senior enlisted advisor. “These teams set the standard for how the Exchange can best serve Soldiers, Airmen and families.”

Winning stores are selected based on criteria including expert customer service, leadership, business results, community support and command validation for partnerships and engagement.

Facebook Friendly Version:
The Army & Air Force Exchange Service has named the winners of its most coveted award for operational excellence, the Director/CEO Cup. Every year, the Director/CEO Award honors one Exchange in each size category (Small, Medium, Large) for expert customer service, leadership, business results, community support and command validation for partnerships and engagement. This year, the Selfridge Exchange won in the Small store category, Barksdale won among Medium-sized stores and UK East Consolidated was the top Large store.

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The Army & Air Force Exchange Service goes where Soldiers, Airmen and their families go to improve the quality of their lives through goods and services provided. Exchange earnings provide dividends to support military morale, welfare and recreation programs. The Exchange is part of the Department of Defense and is directed by a Board of Directors, responsible to the Secretaries of the Army and Air Force through the Chiefs of Staff. To find out more about the Exchange history and mission or to view recent press releases please visit our Web site 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