DALLAS – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is putting some muscle into its efforts to ensure Soldiers, Airmen and families have access to the products they need to maintain healthy lifestyles. At Exchanges across the world, new BE FIT centers are opening, stocked with athletic clothing and footwear from name brands shoppers know and trust. 

“The Exchange is committed to meeting the needs of Soldiers and Airmen, and part of this dedication is giving them product choices to ensure they stay healthy,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Sean Applegate, the Exchange senior enlisted advisor. “The Exchange’s BE FIT areas are one-stop shops for products that contribute to readiness and resiliency.”

The Exchange implemented the BE FIT concept shop in late 2014 at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph. Since then, the effort has grown, with 38 shops completed in 2015. This year, 19 BE FIT shops are set to roll out. Barksdale Air Force Base and Kirtland Air Force Base debuted their shops this spring, and others are set to open this year, including at Fort Polk, Keesler Air Force Base and Fort Drum.

The BE FIT shops, located inside main Exchanges, look and feel like major sporting goods stores, with athletic apparel and footwear for men and women all in one convenient spot. BE FIT aisles are stocked with clothing and shoes from name brands including Nike, Under Armour, Adidas, New Balance, Saucony and more.  

The shops are part of a strategic initiative to bring top national brands to Soldiers, Airmen, families and retirees at competitive prices.  

“We’re listening to our shoppers and bringing them the products they’re asking for,” Applegate said. “With the BE FIT shops, the Exchange helps Soldiers and Airmen sustain a healthy lifestyle while bringing them the value and convenience they deserve.”

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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.htmor 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].

DALLAS – Military shoppers looking to ride into adventure can get the chance to take the keys to their very own Harley thanks to a sweepstakes from the Army & Air Force Exchange Service and Dr Pepper.

With the Dr Pepper Refresh, Win & Ride Sweepstakes, one lucky winner will take home a Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight motorcycle valued at $11,199. Authorized Exchange shoppers can enter from June 3 through June 30 at www.shopmyexchange.com/sweepstakes. 

“Soldiers, Airmen, family members and retirees can heat up their summer just by visiting the Exchange’s sweepstake page online,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Sean Applegate, Exchange senior enlisted advisor. “The open road awaits—and this Harley is the perfect ticket to adventure.”  

The Dr Pepper Refresh, Win & Ride drawing will take place around July 7. No purchase is necessary to enter or win.

— 30 —

 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.htmor 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].

DALLAS – As Soldiers, Airmen and military families around the world prepare for permanent changes of station this summer, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service is easing the strain on their wallets with special offers from a new MILITARY STAR promotion. 

Starting June 1, the Operation PCS Benefit Card unlocks savings for Soldiers and Airmen who reach for their MILITARY STAR cards at Army and Air Force Exchange locations worldwide. To receive the special card and get in on the savings, Soldiers and Airmen should present their orders at their local Exchange’s customer service desk.

When shoppers present the benefit card at Exchange facilities and pay with their MILITARY STAR card, they’ll receive: 

• $10 off purchases of $100 or more.
• No interest or payment for six months on single transactions from $500-$999.
• No interest or payment for 12 months on single transactions of $1,000 or more.

Benefit cards are valid for 90 days once they’ve been received. Shoppers can pick up their cards through Aug. 15. The card can be used multiple times but only once per day. 

“The Exchange understands the stress of PCS’ing and the toll it can take on service members and their families,” said Jami Richardson, Exchange Credit Program senior vice president. “The benefit card is the Exchange’s way of giving MILITARY STAR cardholders extra peace of mind this PCS season.” 

The benefit card is also valid at shopmyexchange.com. Shoppers should call 800-527-2345 before placing an online order to redeem their savings. Shoppers can check out www.shopmyexchange.com/PCS for products to help during a move, information on phone and Internet hookup, links to moving checklists, special offers and more. 

Benefit cards savings exclude purchases for fuel, gift cards and uniforms and at the Exchange Online Mall, restaurants and concessions.  

To apply for a MILITARY STAR card, authorized shoppers can visit www.MyECP.com. The card’s benefits include: 

• Competitive 10.49 percent interest rate—one of the best retail rates.
• No annual, late or over-limit fees.
• 10 percent off first-day purchases.
• 10 percent off Exchange food court purchases.
• 5 cents per gallon savings at Exchange gas stations.
• Free standard shipping at shopmyexchange.com.

With every purchase, MILITARY STAR cardholders earn points as part of a rewards program, which launched in 2015. Cardholders earn 2 points for every $1 spent wherever the MILITARY STAR card is accepted. For every 2,000 points earned, shoppers automatically receive a $20 rewards card. 

— 30 —

 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].

DALLAS – Shoppers with the Army & Air Force Exchange Service can really clean up this summer by winning one of 30 $500 Exchange gift cards courtesy of Unilever and the Exchange.

Authorized shoppers 18 and older can enter the Unilever Salute to Clean Sweepstakes through June 23 at http://www.shopmyexchange.com/sweepstakes. Thirty winners will be drawn at random on or about June 30.

“Military families sacrifice so much to ensure the safety and security of this country, and that’s why we want to share a combined total of $15,000 in spending money with them,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Sean Applegate, Exchange senior enlisted advisor. “The Exchange hopes this small token of our appreciation brings just a little bit more sunshine to our lucky winners’ summers.”

No purchase is necessary to enter or win the Unilever Salute to Clean Sweepstakes.

— 30 —

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 Conner Hammett, 214-312-2714 or [email protected]

FORT GORDON – After nearly 30 months of construction, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service officially unveiled a $36 million expansion at its Fort Gordon Exchange shopping center, bringing national brands, mall stores and restaurants under one roof for Soldiers, families and retirees.

To celebrate the renovation with the community, Fort Gordon Exchange General Manager Stefan Marks and Garrison Commander Col. Samuel Anderson cut the ribbon on the renovated 167,000-square-foot Exchange shopping center during a ceremony May 20. 

“The Exchange is ‘family serving family,’ and this updated shopping center is a symbol of the Exchange’s dedication to the Fort Gordon community,” Marks said. “Soldiers and families have waited a long time for this—a convenient one-stop shop for all their needs.”

The $36 million expansion, which began in late 2013, added 80,000 square feet to the 20-year-old shopping center. The main Exchange alone grew by 38,000 square feet, allowing for an improved layout with a strong national brand presence. That presence is seen throughout concept shops, including BE FIT, which has the look and feel of a sporting goods store, stocked with apparel and shoes for men and women from brands like Nike, Adidas, New Balance and more.

The store’s Chef Shop caters to shoppers who feel at home in the kitchen, with cookware and more from Rachael Ray, Emeril and Cake Boss, among others. Disney, Ashley furniture, Philosophy, Apple and Kuhl can also be found in the main store. Merchandise selection from Michael Kors, Vera Bradley, The North Face and Columbia has expanded as well. 

Military Clothing and Class Six have been relocated to the shopping center’s mall, allowing for Firestone to move into the old Class Six building. The mall also welcomed a Paul Mitchell salon, Fan Zone store and Starbucks. An optometry clinic with an optical shop moved to a new location near the food court, and the mall has space for additional vendors as well. 

The food court expanded as well, bringing Arby’s, Boston Market and Subway to the restaurant lineup. Roughly 110 seats were added, ensuring there’s plenty of room for Soldiers, families and retirees to grab a meal. 

Fort Gordon shoppers flocked to the shopping center for the unveiling, searching for deals and enjoying the modern shopping experience, complete with polished concrete floors, fresh paint and updated signing.

“I like how open it is,” said Capt Ryan Nehus. “Everything is easier to find. It now looks nicer, cleaner, brighter.”

The selection of merchandise in the BE FIT area impressed Pvt. Leroy Blake. 

“This store has everything I want and need for any athletic activity,” Blake said. “I can find it all in this store. The variety of brands with the clothing and shoes is the best.”

For 1^st Sgt. Eric Terrell, the shopping center isn’t only bigger, it’s better. 

“Before, the Soldiers would have to go from one building to another getting what they needed at Military Clothing and then at the PX,” Terrell said. “But now they can get food, a haircut and go to Military Clothing all in the same spot.” 

— 30 —

 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.htmor 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].

DALLAS – Military shoppers who reach for their MILITARY STAR card at Army & Air Force Exchange Service facilities worldwide are helping to reduce credit-card processing expenses and ultimately improving their military communities.

During fiscal 2015, bank-issued credit card processing expenses at Exchange facilities cost the military community more than $76 million. When shoppers use their MILITARY STAR cards, however, the Exchange avoids these costly fees – a savings of more than $19 million last year.

“A significant portion of earnings generated from the MILITARY STAR card is returned to military communities to fund quality-of-life programs,” said Jami Richardson, Exchange Credit Program senior vice president. “Avoiding costly merchant and bank fees allows us to return an even greater amount to the military community.”

Over the last 10 years, the Exchange Credit Program has returned $696 million to quality-of-life programs worldwide.

“Paying with a MILITARY STAR card is a simple way for Exchange shoppers to support their military community directly,” Richardson said. “Using the card not only benefits the cardholder, but every member of the military family.” 

The MILITARY STAR card is accepted at Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy and Coast Guard exchange facilities and online at shopmyexchange.com. Cardholders receive benefits including: 

• Competitive 10.49 percent interest rate – one of the best retail rates.
• No annual, late or over-limit fees.
• 10 percent off first-day purchases.
• 10 percent off Exchange food court purchases.
• 5-cents-per-gallon savings at Exchange gas stations.
• Free standard shipping at shopyexchange.com.

With every purchase, MILITARY STAR cardholders earn points as part of a rewards program, which launched late last year. Cardholders earn 2 points for every $1 spent wherever the MILITARY STAR card is accepted. For every 2,000 points earned, shoppers will automatically receive a $20 rewards card.

For more information, shoppers can visit www.MyECP.com.  

— 30 —

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.htmor follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ExchangePAO.

###

 Media Notes:

 For more information or to schedule an interview with an Exchange representative please contact Julie Mitchell, 214-312-3327 or [email protected].

DALLAS – One lucky military shopper will win a trip for two to the 2016 Ironman World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii this fall courtesy of the Army & Air Force Exchange Service and Foster Grant.

From May 27 to June 30, authorized Exchange shoppers worldwide can enter to win at www.shopmyexchange.com/sweepstakes. The winner will be awarded a $4,700 prize package including round-trip airfare, two nights of hotel accommodation, round-trip transportation to the hotel and airport and $500 in spending money during the Ironman World Championship on Oct. 8. Travel to Hawaii must originate in the continental United States unless the winner already resides in or is stationed in Hawaii.

“Taking some of the burden off military families is at the core of the Exchange’s mission,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Sean Applegate, Exchange senior enlisted advisor. “What better way to melt away the stresses of military life than to fly to the beautiful seaside village of Kailua-Kona, Hawaii to watch some of the world’s best athletes go head to head in a battle for the title of Ironman?”

Authorized shoppers age 18 and older may enter. The winner will be drawn at random on or about July 7. No purchase is necessary to enter or win.

— 30 —

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 Conner Hammett, 214-312-2714 or [email protected]

DALLAS – Military kids will have the chance to fill their toy boxes with something special this summer thanks to the Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s 2016 Toyland Sweepstakes.

From May 20 to June 17, children of authorized Exchange customers can submit in 10 words or less what it means to them to be a “military brat” at www.shopmyexchange.com/sweepstakes. Children who enter must be between ages 3 and 12.

One first-place winner will receive a $500 Exchange gift card and a caricature drawn by the Exchange’s in-house artist. The caricature of the winner will be placed in the 2016 Toyland toy book, promotional materials for Month of the Military Child in April and various other 2017 marketing materials. A second-place winner will receive a $250 Exchange gift card, and third place will receive a $100 Exchange gift card.

The Exchange’s 2016 Toyland toy book, the Exchange’s own holiday toy guide, is chock-full of Military Brat-Approved toys available both in-store and online.

“Changing schools, friends and surroundings so often isn’t easy for military children,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Sean Applegate, Exchange senior enlisted advisor. “One of the few constants in their lives are the toys they carry with them from duty station to duty station. That’s why we want our smallest shoppers to have the opportunity to participate in this worldwide event to celebrate summer savings, fun and of course, toys.”

An in-house panel will judge the written submissions on or by July 22. No purchase is necessary to enter or win.

— 30 —

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 Conner Hammett, 214-312-2714 or [email protected]

DALLAS – Military shoppers can savor the sweet taste of victory with the Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s latest sweepstakes, which puts $3,000 in prizes in winners’ hands.

From May 20 through July 7, authorized shoppers worldwide can enter the Airheads/Mentos Sweepstakes at www.shopmyexchange.com/sweepstakes. Prizes include:

• A $1,000 Exchange gift card
• Two $500 Exchange gift cards
• Four $250 Exchange gift cards

“Seven lucky shoppers will walk away winners this summer—and that’s a pretty sweet deal,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Sean Applegate, the Exchange’s senior enlisted advisor. “Treating our Soldiers, Airmen, families and retirees to prizes is our way of acknowledging all they do for our country.”

No purchase is necessary to enter the Airheads/Mentos Sweepstakes. Winners will be drawn on or about July 14.

— 30 —

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.htmor 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].

DALLAS – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service and the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) have teamed up to offer frozen meat to service members and others serving in Iraq.

Exchanges at the Baghdad Diplomatic Support Center and Baghdad Embassy Complex started carrying the meat in early April. The initiative lets the Exchange offer U.S. meat at U.S. prices, a benefit that had been unavailable in the area since 2013, and allows those serving at the locations to engage in morale-boosting activities such as cookouts.

“This joint effort between the Exchange and DLA brings yet another taste of home to authorized patrons in Iraq, including Soldiers, Airmen, diplomats and contractors,” said Roger Neumann, Exchange vice president of contingency plans. “With the Exchange, DLA and departments of Defense and State working in conjunction to make it happen, this is truly a ‘whole of government’ effort to bring the old-fashioned, American-style cookout back to Iraq.”

The Exchange has been serving authorized shoppers in Iraq with dry goods since returning to the country last year. However, the Exchange’s primary means of moving goods into the country are not currently set up to transport frozen goods. The new cooperative arrangement with DLA allows the meat to be transported using DLA Troop Support subsistence prime vendor contractor ANHAM, LLC’s normal support lines for dining facilities, requiring no additional transport infrastructure to bring the frozen goods into Iraq.

“DLA Troop Support and the Exchange worked together to find the best solution to deliver frozen meat to Iraq for Exchange customers,” said Anthony Amendolia, DLA Troop Support – Subsistence’s customer operations chief for the Europe & Middle East Region. “We feel a great sense of accomplishment and look forward to continue working with the Exchange to support the warfighter and other customers in Iraq.”

Meanwhile, the availability of the meat has already spurned cookouts among Soldiers, Airmen, diplomats and contractors.

“It was really nice that we could have a barbecue in the middle of Iraq,” said Sgt. 1st Class Edwin Lauderback. “I didn’t even think that would ever be possible, but the Exchange and DLA made it happen. Nothing brings people together like a nice barbecue.”

— 30 —

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 Conner Hammett, 214-312-2714 or [email protected].