Winners, including a Vietnam veteran, have their MILITARY STAR accounts paid in full

DALLAS – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service made wishes come true for three grand-prize winners of the worldwide MILITARY STAR Your Holiday Bill Is On Us sweepstakes—and for one retiree, the prize was a way of saying “thank  you” for sacrifices made decades ago. 

Retired Air Force Chief Master Sgt. James Jones, retired Air Force Master Sgt. Catherine Lawrence and Texas Army National Guard Sgt. Clayton Anders were grand-prize winners out of 4.7 million entries worldwide. The winners, who bought holiday gifts at the Exchange, all had their MILITARY STAR accounts paid in full. 

“These three grand-prize winners prove real heroes win our sweepstakes,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Sean Applegate, Exchange senior enlisted advisor. “The Exchange is honored to pay it forward to these individuals, and we’re looking forward to bringing this sweepstakes back for 2016.”

The prize presentation to Jones, who served at Ubon Air Base, Thailand, during the Vietnam War, was especially poignant. 

“So few who served during this time were thanked for their sacrifices when they returned home,” Exchange Director/CEO Tom Shull said during the presentation to Jones at Barksdale Air Force Base. “It’s so important to honor his service. What he did so many years ago for all of us is a true sacrifice.”

At the end of the presentation, Jones ripped an oversize statement, symbolizing his $2,339 bill being wiped clean. Because his bill was less than the $2,500 minimum prize, he also received a statement credit. 

“When I first heard I’d won, I thought it was a hoax,” said Jones, who lives in Shreveport, La. “It was a wonderful surprise. Having this bill paid does take a load off my mind.”

Lawrence, too, had her mind eased by having her $3,305.70 balance paid off during a presentation at McConnell Air Force Base. She opened her MILITARY STAR card in November and used her card at shopmyexchange.com to buy Christmas gifts for her teenage son and nieces. She also splurged on herself—buying a 55-inch TV she had been wanting for years.

“I have to stretch my budget,” said Lawrence, whose 23-year military career ended when she suffered permanent nerve damage after shattering two vertebrae in her neck while exercising to prepare for deployment. “I’m a single mom, and I take care of my disabled dog, too. Having this bill paid means less stress on me, especially since I’m disabled.”

For Anders, who serves in the Texas Army National Guard, having his $3,735 MILITARY STAR account wiped clean has brought his family peace of mind, too. He used his card over the holidays at the Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base Exchange in part to buy gifts for his teenage daughters. Anders was honored during a presentation at Exchange Headquarters in Dallas. 

“Winning this prize means my family will be better prepared when I deploy to Kuwait next year,” said Anders, who serves with D Co. 2-149th General Support Aviation Battalion. 

The MILITARY STAR card is an exclusive line of credit for the military and their families to use at the Exchange—no matter where military members serve. During November and December, shoppers were automatically entered in the Your Holiday Bill Is On Us sweepstakes each time they used their MILITARY STAR card to pay for purchases at any Army or Air Force Exchange location or on shopmyexchange.com. The 2015 holiday season marked the sweepstakes’ second year.

Authorized shoppers can learn more about the MILITARY STAR card at www.MyECP.com.

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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 – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is giving military shoppers a reason to look forward to Tax Day by doubling the discount MILITARY STAR_® cardholders receive on gas.

From April 15 through April 17, drivers fueling up with a MILITARY STAR card at Army and Air Force gas stations will receive 10 cents off per gallon instead of the everyday 5-cents-per-gallon discount.

“To take some of the stress out of filing taxes, we’re giving shoppers an extra reason to come on the installation to discover what the Exchange has in store this spring,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Sean Applegate. “The extra savings at the pump are just one way the Exchange gives back to the military community.”  

When drivers use their MILITARY STAR card at the pump, they’ll also earn points as part of the new rewards program, which launched this fall. Cardholders earn 2 points for every $1 spent in Army, Air Force, Marine Corps and Navy exchange stores, and wherever else the MILITARY STAR card is accepted. For every 2,000 points earned, shoppers will automatically receive a $20 rewards card.

Every day, shoppers benefit from paying with their MILITARY STAR card. Besides the usual 5-cents-per-gallon discount on gas purchases, cardholders enjoy a 10 percent discount on all Exchange food court purchases year-round and free standard shipping at shopmyexchange.com. 

For information about the features and benefits of the MILITARY STAR card, shoppers can visit www.MyECP.com.   

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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 – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service will make tying the knot extra special for two lucky couples this summer with the Demetrios Bridal Gown Sweepstakes.

Through June 30, brides, grooms and any Exchange shopper can enter for a chance to win one of two Demetrios bridal gowns courtesy of Demetrios Bridal, Asia Pacific and The Exchange.

“Almost every bride wants a dress that will take everyone’s breath away with its class, elegance and beauty,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Sean Applegate, Exchange senior enlisted advisor. “Now, two lucky winners will have the chance to walk down the aisle in a dress with all that ‘wow’ factor and then some – free of charge.”

Authorized shoppers 18 and older may enter the Demetrios Bridal Gown Sweepstakes at www.shopmyexchange.com/sweepstakes. No purchase is necessary.

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

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service cut the ribbon on its revamped main store at Barksdale Air Force Base, bringing a modern shopping experience complete with a strong national brand presence to Airmen, families and retirees in the community.

“The Exchange is family serving family—we are all in to support you,” Exchange Director/CEO Tom Shull told the Barksdale community during the grand reopening ceremony March 31. “We are grateful to be part of your community.”

The $8.8 million face-lift, which took roughly nine months to complete, includes polished concrete floors, fresh paint, updated signing and a customer-friendly layout featuring name-brand merchandise in the main store. That contemporary look is carried into the mall and food court, which welcomed a Subway as part of the renovation.

The Exchange contributed $6.6 million toward the renovation, while the 2d Bomb Wing allocated $2.2 million, which helped pay for the roof, pharmacy expansion, moving the post office to the front of the store and an updated heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.

“This is a prime example of what partnership can mean and a wonderful example of what I like to call integrated readiness,” Shull said. “We want to be a partner in family readiness. As long as there are families to take care of, we will always want to be there.”

Col. Brandon Parker, 2d Bomb Wing vice commander, lauded the Exchange’s strong relationship with the installation.

“The Exchange has served for 120 years,” he said, noting the organization’s long history. “What you see here today carries on that tradition.”

Throughout the store, shoppers are treated to a strong national brand presence, including a BE FIT section with athletic wear and footwear for men and women from name brands such as Under Armour, Nike, Adidas, Brooks and Asics.

National brands ensure the 103,640-square-foot main store, which was built 20 years ago and updated in 2004, has a modern look and feel. On grand-opening day, Barksdale shoppers were impressed with the contemporary experience.

“The BE FIT area is awesome,” said Senior Master Sgt. Katrina McNutt. “It looks just like a sporting goods store—it’s remarkable.”

In store’s new Chef Shop, Senior Airman Mark Clifton and his wife browsed name-brand kitchen goods from Paul Deen, Pioneer Woman, Emeril and Wolfgang Puck.

“I could go crazy in this section,” Brittany Clifton said. “I’m a total foodie—and it’s nice to have so much to choose from.”

National brands, including Lucky, Columbia and Kuhl, in the menswear section won her husband over.

“I didn’t think I could find these brands at these prices here,” Airman Clifton said. “Now that I know, I’ll be back to shop more often.”

Master Sgt. Natasha Bryant hunted for deals in the children’s section, where she was shopping for her 4-month-old son. The section features fashionable clothing at affordable prices: $5, two for $15, $10, $15 and $20.

“I came in looking for steals and deals, and I found some,” she said, holding infant boys shirts from Nautica and Carter’s. “The children’s section is customer-friendly—and it looks bigger, more open.”

For Barksdale Exchange General Manager Ellen Henderson, seeing the store filled with satisfied shoppers made her team’s hard work pay off.

“This updated store really shows how much the Exchange cares,” Henderson said. “The Exchange is truly part of this community—and we want to make Barksdale the best it can be.”

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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].

DALLAS – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is teaming up with Ford Gum, maker of Big League Chew, to take one lucky winner out to the ballgame to root, root, root for the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field.

The worldwide Ford Gum Sweepstakes’ prize, worth $5,000, includes airfare for four to Chicago (trip must originate in the contiguous United States), lodging for three nights, hotel transportation, four tickets to a Cubs game and spending money. Authorized military shoppers 18 and older can enter online at www.shopmyexchange.com/sweepstakes from April 1 through June 16.

“This prize is a home run for military families looking to spend time together this baseball season,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Sean Applegate, Exchange senior enlisted advisor. “Nothing beats enjoying our national pastime at a legendary ballpark. And all it takes is a couple of clicks online to enter and win.”

The Ford Gum sweepstakes drawing will take place on or about June 23. 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.aafes.com/about-exchange/public-affairs/press-releases.htm or follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ExchangePAO.

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DALLAS – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is celebrating the Month of the Military Child in April by kicking off its first Because of You sweepstakes for 2016, giving authorized shoppers a chance at $10,000 in gift cards.

With the worldwide $10K Shopping Spree Giveaway, one grand-prize winner will take home a $5,000 Exchange gift card. Five runners-up will each win $1,000 gift cards. The Exchange is teaming up with Oberto to offer the prizes.

The sweepstakes is part of the Exchange’s Because of You program, which has expanded in 2016 to celebrate military families as well as honor active-duty troops, allowing the Exchange to express gratitude for their service and sacrifice.

“April, being the Month of the Military Child, is the perfect time to unveil the Exchange’s yearlong campaign to celebrate military families,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Sean Applegate, the Exchange’s senior enlisted advisor. “Military families—especially children—face unique challenges. It’s a privilege to recognize the dedication of these families along with the sacrifices of active-duty service members.”

Authorized shoppers 18 and older can enter the $10K Shopping Spree Giveaway online from April 1-30 at www.shopmyexchange.com/becauseofyou. Winners will be chosen at random and notified no later than May. 19. 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.aafes.com/about-exchange/public-affairs/press-releases.htm or follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ExchangePAO.

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DALLAS – With the weather warming up to ideal outdoor activity temperatures this spring, many Soldiers and Airmen are taking to motorcycles as their recreational activity of choice.

But riding a motorcycle isn’t without its dangers: According to a 2015 study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 4,668 fatal motorcycle crashes on United States roads in 2013.

That’s why, as a partner in readiness, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service provides service members with a wide selection of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), which could make the difference between life and death when riding on two wheels.

“Getting on a motorcycle without protective equipment isn’t just risking a little road rash – it could mean loss of life or limb,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Sean Applegate, Exchange senior enlisted advisor. “The Exchange carries a full range of gloves, jackets and visibility gear to make sure those who protect our nation’s freedoms – and their families – are covered each time they get on a motorcycle.”

Exchange PPE includes the latest motorcycle gear and an assortment of reflective products designed to increase survival and prevent injuries. Motorcyclists can browse the Exchange’s PPE selection in store or online at www.shopmyexchange.com.

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

DALLAS – For military students, making multiple moves with their active-duty parents is just a part of life. In fact, military children typically move six to nine times by the time they’ve completed 12^th grade, according to the Military Child Education Coalition.

The Army & Air Force Exchange Service appreciates the sacrifices military students make and is rewarding young scholars who excel in the classroom with its You Made the Grade program, now in its 16^th year. Students in first through 12^th grades who maintain a B average or better are eligible to receive a coupon book filled with free offers and discounts from the Exchange. 

“Military students face greater challenges than their civilian counterparts, including coping with separation from parents who are deployed and switching schools during moves to new duty stations,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Sean Applegate, Exchange senior enlisted advisor. “These students deserve to be rewarded for their hard work, and for 16 years, the You Made the Grade program has been a favorite among military families.”

The You Made the Grade booklet includes coupons for free food such as a Burrito Supreme or Taco Supreme from Taco Bell; a small chicken Philly sandwich at Charleys; a Chicken Po’Boy at Popeyes; and a bacon double cheeseburger and small fry from Burger King. 

Students who make the grade will also score Snack Avenue coupons for a free fountain drink, including the Yeti frozen carbonated beverage, and a complimentary hot dog or roller grill item. Other offers include discounts on backpacks, shoes and more. Offers are valid through July 30. 

The booklet also includes an entry form for  the You Made the Grade semiannual sweepstakes. Scholars can enter to win Exchange gift cards worth $2,000, $1,500 or $500. Entries can be submitted twice a year, with drawings typically held in June and December. The most recent sweepstakes winners were students from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio; Camp Casey, South Korea; and Joint Base Andrews, Md. 

Students, including those who are home schooled, can receive a You Made the Grade coupon booklet by presenting a valid military I.D. and proof of an overall B average at their nearest Exchange customer service area. Eligible students can pick up one booklet for each qualifying report card. 

Students and guardians can check with their local Exchange store manager for more information about the Exchange’s You Made the Grade program.

Students can send You Made the Grade sweepstakes entry forms, which are included in the coupon booklets, to:

You Made the Grade

PO Box 227398

Dallas, TX 75222-7398

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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 – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service has been named a ‘Best for Vets’ employer for the third straight year by Military Times.

The designation recognizes the Exchange as having a company culture and policies that cater to military veterans. The Exchange was also named a Best for Vets employer in 2014 and 2015.

“We value the talent, skillset and unique perspectives veterans bring to the Exchange and this award reaffirms our commitment to our core value of ‘family serving family,’” said Leigh Roop, executive vice president and chief human resources officer for the Exchange. “It’s about giving back not only through providing great products and services, but to provide career opportunities to those who sacrifice so much to protect our freedoms. It’s the least we could do.”

In 2015, the Exchange made nearly 1,300 new hires of veterans. In addition, the organization employed more than 3,400 United States Armed Forces veterans last year, which comprised 10 percent of the organization’s overall workforce.

Sightline Media Group, which encompasses Military Times, Army Times, Navy Times, Air Force Times and Marine Corps Times, based the rankings on a more than 90-question analysis of a company’s efforts to connect with veterans and provide an environment for their success. The Exchange ranked No. 54 on this year’s list.

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

DALLAS – Military shoppers can “think spring” with an extra discount on first-day purchases with a new MILITARY STAR card at the Army & Air Force Exchange Service.

Shoppers who use a new card for the first time from March 18 to March 24 will receive a 15 percent discount on all purchases instead of the standard 10 percent discount that is regularly offered.

The discount is valid in-store at Army and Air Force Exchange Service, Marine Corps and Coast Guard facilities and online at shopmyexchange.com and can be combined with other promotions. The discount will appear as a credit on shoppers’ billing statements.

Each time cardholders make a purchase with their MILITARY STAR card, they earn points as part of a rewards program. Cardholders earn 2 points for every $1 spent in Exchange stores, food courts, mall vendors and on shopmyexchange.com. Shoppers automatically receive a $20 Exchange rewards card for every 2,000 points earned. The card can be redeemed anywhere Exchange gift cards are accepted. 

Other benefits of the card include:

• Competitive interest rate of 10.49 percent—an industry-leading interest rate.
• No annual, late or over-limit fees.
• 10 percent off Exchange food court purchases.
• 5-cents-per-gallon savings at Exchange gas stations.
• Free standard shipping at shopyexchange.com.

To apply for a MILITARY STAR card, authorized shoppers can visit their local Exchange or log on to www.myecp.com.

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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].