DALLAS – While Army & Air Force Exchange Service shopping privileges are only open to Soldiers, Airmen and their families, anyone can dine in Exchange restaurants or pick up grab-and-go fare from Express locations.

Army Regulation 215-8/Air Force Instruction 34-211 (I) lets anyone— including visitors, contractors and Department of Defense civilians—dine at the Exchange’s more than 1,600 restaurants worldwide. The regulation also authorizes anyone to buy grab-and-go food and beverages from one of the Exchange’s 300-plus Express locations as long as the items are consumed on the installation.

“Whether you work on the installation or are just visiting a military family member, the Exchange has you covered with a variety of satisfying meal options,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Luis Reyes, the Exchange’s senior enlisted advisor. “With numerous better-for-you options in both the food court and Express, the Exchange proves you don’t have to wait until you’re off-post to eat a hearty, healthy meal.”

Guidelines on who is authorized to use Exchange operations are prescribed by Army Regulation 215-8/Air Force Instruction 34-211 (I) and the Armed Services Exchange Regulations, Department of Defense Instruction 1330.21.

Anyone who believes they qualify for full Exchange benefits, including access to main stores, should contact their local Exchange manager for additional guidance. Contact information for your nearest store can be found at shopmyexchange.com/exchange-stores/.

Facebook Friendly Version:

Did you know that installation visitors, contractors and Department of Defense civilians can dine at the Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s 1,280 restaurants and 330 Exchange Expresses? While Exchange shopping privileges are only open to Soldiers, Airmen and their families, Army Regulation 215-8/Air Force Instruction 34-211 (I) lets anyone dine at Exchange restaurants and pick up grab-and-go far from Express locations.

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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 price for school lunches at all Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) schools outside the continental United States (OCONUS) will increase $0.25 for the 2017 – 2018 school year. The price increase is due to the rising operational costs and to comply with federal law.

The lunch price will increase $0.25 each for elementary and secondary students’ meals, making the new prices $2.75 and $3.00 respectively. Families qualifying for the Free and Reduced Meal Program will not see a cost increase. Per federal guidelines, the cost of a reduced-price meal will remain $0.40 per meal.

The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act (Public Law 111-296) requires DoDEA schools, as participants in the USDA meal program, to raise paid student lunch prices to a level comparable to the rates used for USDA reimbursement. To meet this requirement, prices in OCONUS schools will be gradually increased over the coming years.

The DoD School Meal Program meets the same USDA guidelines as schools in the continental United States by providing meals that have the required nutrients for children.

For more information on the School Meal Program, visit http://www.aafes.com/about-exchange/school-lunch-program

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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 – For military children, there is no “hometown,” only home: the United States Armed Forces.

Despite constant moves, school changes and goodbyes to best friends, military children stand resilient in the face of challenge. To honor this sacrifice and dedication, the Exchange is offering three sweepstakes in celebration of Month of the Military Child.

Through April 29, the Exchange will be putting $4,000 in gift cards up for grabs during the Month of the Military Child Giveaway. Four $250 gift cards will be given away each week at shopmyexchange.com/sweepstakes. Winners will be notified no later than April 10, 17, 24 and May 1.

The Exchange will also give away a Britax BOB 2016 Revolution Flex jogging stroller, a $449 value, in the Month of the Military Child Stroller Sweepstakes. Shoppers can enter at shopmyexchange.com/sweepstakes through April 30 for a chance to become one of five lucky winners. Winners will be notified no later than May 8.

From April 15 to May 15, the Exchange will be giving away $5,000 in gift cards to military children as part of the the Month of the Military Child Essay Contest. One $1,000 Exchange gift card will be awarded to each winner from five age groups.

Essays may be submitted to [email protected] and must be 250 words or shorter in length. Visit shopmyexchange.com/sweepstakes for essay topics and rules. Winners will be notified no later than August 15. Children under the age of 13 must have a parent submit their entry.

“The Exchange is honored to recognize the commitment and loyalty of the military child, as well as their willingness to accept and navigate what isn’t familiar to them,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Luis Reyes, the Exchange’s senior enlisted advisor. “The Exchange honors and celebrates the resiliency of the military child throughout April as a gesture of gratitude and respect.”

The Month of the Military Child Giveaway and stroller sweepstakes are open to authorized shoppers 18 and older. No purchase is necessary to enter or win. Rules can be found at shopmyexchange.com/sweepstakes.

Facebook Friendly Version ($250 gift card):
The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is celebrating Month of the Military Child by putting $4,000 in Exchange gift cards up for grabs. Through April 29, visit shopmyexchange.com/sweepstakes for a chance to win one of four $250 gift cards each week. Authorized shoppers age 18 and older worldwide may enter. #MCStateofMind

Facebook Friendly Version (stroller):
The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is recognizing the hard work and dedication of military children this Month of the Military Child with a chance to win a Britax BOB 2016 Revolution Flex jogging stroller, a $449 value. One lucky winner will be selected every week through April 30. Authorized shoppers age 18 and older worldwide may enter at shopmyexchange.com/sweepstakes. #MCStateofMind

Facebook Friendly Version (essay):
The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is giving military children the chance to win big by sharing the stories of their military upbringing during Month of the Military Child. From April 15 to May 15, military students can submit an essay to win one of five $1,000 Exchange gift cards. See shopmyexchange.com/sweepstakes for essay requirements and submission guidelines. #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

DALLAS – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service paid off the MILITARY STAR card accounts of a young Soldier and two Vietnam Veteran Airmen as part of its third annual Your Holiday Bill Is On Us sweepstakes.

The grand prize winners, Army Staff Sgt. Joshua Graser of Tucson, Ariz., retired Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Ralph Barrett of Lakeland, Fla., and retired Air Force Master Sgt. Ronald Adams of Fort Walton, Fla., were selected randomly out of nearly 5 million entries worldwide to have their MILITARY STAR card accounts paid in full up to $8,200.

All three winners, who used their MILITARY STAR cards at Exchange during the holiday shopping season, had balances less than the prize $2,500, so they received statement credits as well.

“It’s a privilege to honor these deserving MILITARY STAR cardholders by paying their account in full,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Luis Reyes, Exchange senior enlisted advisor. “Sgt. Graser, Chief Barrett and Sgt. Adams are proof real heroes win at the Exchange. We’re looking forward to bringing this sweepstakes back for the fourth time during the 2017 holiday season. Just like in previous years, every swipe will be a grand-prize entry.”

Graser, a recruiter assigned to U.S. Army Recruiting Battalion Phoenix, received his prize during a presentation March 24 at the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base Exchange, where he took scissors to an oversize MILITARY STAR card statement to symbolize his account being wiped clean.

“Winning this prize has taken a load off,” said Graser, who also received a statement credit of roughly $700. “This really means a lot to me.”

For Barrett, who served for 30 years, including in Vietnam, the win was a welcome surprise. He travels 100 miles round trip to shop the MacDill Air Force Base Exchange a couple times a month—sometimes more. He had his small balance paid and received a statement credit of more than $2,400.

“This is amazing,” the 78-year-old said during his prize presentation at the MacDill Exchange.

Adams, 67, also served in the Air Force during Vietnam. He spent 24 years in the military, spending most of his career maintaining C-130s. He had his small balance paid in full and received a statement credit of more than $2,200 during a ceremony at the Hurlburt Field Exchange.

“I was skeptical when I got the call,” said Adams, who shops the Exchange weekly with his wife, Kathy. “I had to trust but verify. When you see these contests, you say, ‘That’s someone else. It’ll never be me.’ It really was a surprise.”

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 sweepstakes had 10 second-place winners, who each received $1,000 MILITARY STAR statement credits. Twenty-five third-place winners, including 95-year-old Helene Gonzalez, a widow of a Vietnam Army Veteran, received a $500 credit. Gonzalez received her prize alongside Graser at Davis-Monthan.

Each holiday season the Exchange gives away a minimum of $30,000 to MILITARY STAR cardholders who utilize their exchange benefit using a MILITARY STAR card during November and December. In addition to the annual sweepstakes, the MILITARY STAR card offers exclusive savings year round with 5 cents off per gallon when filling up at Exchange Expresses and 10 percent off food purchases at Exchange-operated fast food restaurants. Authorized shoppers can learn more about the MILITARY STAR card at www.MyECP.com.

Facebook Friendly-version: Their holiday bills were on us! The Army & Air Force Exchange Service paid off the MILITARY STAR card accounts of a young Soldier and two Vietnam Veteran Airmen as part of its third annual Your Holiday Bill Is On Us sweepstakes. Read more and view photos here.

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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 – For 17 years, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s You Made the Grade program has been a cornerstone of military life.

Now, students who participated in the program as children are passing it on to another generation of military students—and the Exchange is ready to honor their achievements.

In recognition of military students who excel, the Exchange is rewarding high-achieving scholars in first through 12th grades who maintain a B average or better with a coupon book filled with free offers and discounts.

“The Exchange appreciates the strength and resiliency of all military children,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Luis Reyes, the Exchange’s senior enlisted advisor. “To excel academically while dealing with frequent moves, deployments and parents’ long working hours is a significant achievement. That’s why the Exchange has rewarded military students for 17 years running with the You Made the Grade program.”

The You Made the Grade booklet includes coupons for free food such as a classic 6-inch sub at Subway; bacon double cheeseburger and small fry from Burger King; a small chicken Philly sandwich at Charleys; Burrito Supreme or Taco Supreme from Taco Bell; and a Chicken Po’Boy at Popeyes.

Students who made the grade will also score Snack Avenue coupons for a free fountain drink, including the Yeti frozen carbonated beverage; a complimentary hot dog, Tornado or Rollerbite; and a free 14-ounce Crystal Cool Cow milk or chocolate milk. Other offers include 10 percent off any pair of footwear and $5 off any one piece of Under Armour apparel. Offers are valid through July 31.

The booklet also includes an entry form for the You Made the Grade semiannual sweepstakes. Students can enter to win Exchange gift cards worth $2,000, $1,500 or $500. Entries can be submitted twice per year, with drawings typically held in June and December. The most recent sweepstakes winners were from Fort Gordon, Ga.; Fort Lee, Va.; and Fort Belvoir, Va.

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 local Exchange’s customer service area. Eligible participants can pick up one booklet for each qualifying report card.

Students and guardians can contact their local Exchange for more information about the Exchange’s You Made the Grade program. Contact information for your nearest store can be found at shopmyexchange.com/exchange-stores/.

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

Facebook Friendly Version:

The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is rewarding high-achieving scholars with special food court, Express and apparel deals during the 17th annual You Made the Grade program! Students in first through 12th grades who maintain a B average or better can bring a valid military I.D. and proof of an overall B average to your local Exchange’s customer service area for a coupon book filled with free offers and discounts. The booklet also includes an entry form for the You Made the Grade semiannual sweepstakes. Students can enter to win Exchange gift cards worth $2,000, $1,500 or $500. Entries can be submitted twice per year, with drawings typically held in June and December.

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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].

DALLAS – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is celebrating March Madness by giving its shoppers the chance to score $15,000 in gift cards.

Through April 6, authorized shoppers can enter the Unilever NCAA Sweepstakes for a chance to win one of 30 $500 Exchange gift cards. Winners will be chosen by random drawing on or about April 13.

“The Exchange and Unilever are giving Soldiers, Airmen and their families the opportunity to really clean up this spring,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Luis Reyes, the Exchange’s senior enlisted advisor. “Go ahead, take the shot—it may be you who scores big and wins a $500 Exchange gift card.”

Authorized shoppers 18 and older may enter at www.shopmyexchange.com/sweepstakes. No purchase is necessary to enter or win.

Facebook Friendly Version:

Clean up this spring with the Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s Unilever NCAA Sweepstakes! Through April 6, authorized shoppers can enter for a chance to win one of 30 $500 Exchange gift cards. Authorized shoppers 18 and older may enter 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].

DALLAS – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is giving shoppers a chance to witness all the falls, feuds and finishes of WrestleMania 33—for free.

Through March 30, Soldiers, Airmen and their families can enter the Mars WWE Sweepstakes for a chance to win one of 10 WWE pay-per-view codes, each valued at approximately $60, to watch WrestleMania 33 on April 2. Ten other winners will receive a $50 merchandise certificate redeemable at shop.wwe.com.

“Imagine, all the action of the squared circle during the biggest WWE event of the year—right in your living room,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Luis Reyes, the Exchange’s senior enlisted advisor. “Enter today—this could be your chance to stage the WrestleMania party of a lifetime.”

Authorized shoppers 18 and older may enter the Mars WWE Sweepstakes at shopmyexchange.com/sweepstakes. A drawing to select the winner will take place March 31. No purchase is necessary to enter or win.

Facebook Friendly Version:

The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is giving shoppers the chance to win one of 10 pay-per-view codes to watch WWE WrestleMania 33 for free. Authorized shoppers 18 and older may enter the Mars WWE Sweepstakes at shopmyexchange.com/sweepstakes. Ten other winners will receive a $50 merchandise certificate redeemable at shop.wwe.com. 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].

DALLAS – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is giving shoppers the chance to get extreme this spring with a brand-new motocross machine.

From March 1 to 30, shoppers can enter the Rockstar Motorcycle Sweepstakes for an opportunity to win a Rockstar Husqvarna FC 350 motorcycle, valued at $9,299. One lucky winner will be drawn at random on or about April 7.

“The Exchange is all geared up to make one lucky motocross maniac’s dreams come true,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Luis Reyes, the Exchange’s senior enlisted advisor. “Enter today—who knows, it may be you who’s riding like a Rockstar this spring.”

Authorized shoppers 18 and older may enter the Rockstar Husqvarna Motorcycle Sweepstakes at www.shopmyexchange.com/sweepstakes. No purchase is necessary to enter or win.

Facebook-Friendly Version

The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is giving shoppers the chance to get extreme this spring with a Rockstar Husqvarna FC 350 motorcycle! Authorized shoppers 18 and older may enter the Rockstar Husqvarna Sweepstakes March 1 through 30 at www.shopmyexchange.com/sweepstakes. No purchase 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].

DALLAS – After an extended technical challenge, cash back at the Army & Air Force Exchange Service has returned.

Shoppers using a debit card at Exchanges can get cash back in increments of $10, $20 or $50. Cash back options at the Express, troop store and Military Clothing include $5, $10 and $20.

The cash back option was temporarily unavailable while bank card vendors worked to correct functionality and security issues associated with certain chip cards during cash back transactions. The issue, which affected several other retailers, was resolved in January.

“There’s never an ATM fee when you get cash back at the Exchange,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Luis Reyes, the Exchange’s senior enlisted advisor. “We appreciate the community’s patience and are so happy to once again offer this service to the military community.”

For more information, shoppers can contact their local Exchange. For a directory of Exchange stores, visit shopmyexchange.com/exchange-stores.

Facebook-Friendly Version

Cash back is back at the Exchange! Shoppers using a debit card can get cash back in increments of $10, $20 or $50. Cash back options at the Express, troop store and Military Clothing include $5, $10 or $20.

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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].

DALLAS – An individual or individuals using the “Exchange Inc.” name to handle vehicle purchases has once again been placing advertisements in auto magazines and commercial newspapers, leading Army & Air Force Exchange Service shoppers to believe they’re purchasing a vehicle through the Department of Defense (DoD) retailer.

“This has been an ongoing issue for several years now, and it has surfaced once again where someone is using the Exchange’s trademarked logo and name without permission to purportedly handle vehicles transactions in the United States on behalf of private sellers,” said Eric Stewart, the Exchange’s loss prevention vice president. “Unfortunately, some have sent money only to receive nothing in return.”

Despite the fact that military exchanges do not have the authority to sell vehicles or represent private sellers in completing transactions in the continental United States, the individuals responsible for these advertisements have left consumers with the impression they are doing business with the DoD’s oldest and largest exchange service.

“This type of fraud has proliferated with the use of the Internet and continues to be a challenge because oftentimes the perpetrator cannot be identified as the methods they utilize are not traceable back to any individual,” Stewart said. “In fact, in one case, money wired by an individual was picked up in Bangladesh, indicating this crime goes well beyond U.S. borders.”

Shoppers who believe that they may have been taken advantage of can file a complaint through the Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.

Exchange facilities are located solely on military installations. While the Exchange does have mail order and Internet offerings, the Exchange does not advertise in civilian outlets such as metropolitan newspapers or automobile sales magazines. All advertisements for legitimate Exchange offerings are published in outlets whose audiences are mostly composed of military members.

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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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