DALLAS – Students who go above and beyond in making a difference in their community could reap a handsome reward for their service in the Army & Air Force Exchange Service Unilever Rewards of Caring Scholarship contest.

To enter, authorized students in grades six through 12 with a 2.5 or higher grade-point average can submit an essay in English of 500 words or less explaining their involvement in community service projects and why their community is important to them. Four winners worldwide will each be awarded a $5,000 scholarship.

“Giving back and serving the community are important at any age,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Sean Applegate, the Exchange’s senior enlisted advisor. “This contest gives us the opportunity to recognize and reward those students who are truly making a difference.”

Essays are due by Oct. 1 and should be mailed to:

Exchange Rewards of Caring Scholarship Contest

P.O. Box 7837

Melville, NY 11775-7837

Winners will be chosen by Nov. 10.

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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 – To better serve military families, the Exchange Credit Program’s MILITARY STAR^® card will soon offer an updated rewards program along with a new look and enhanced card security features.

When the updated rewards program launches in October, all MILITARY STAR^® cardholders will 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 Exchange rewards card.

The updated MILITARY STAR^® card, which will arrive in cardholders’ mailboxes in mid-September, will have enhanced features to protect service members and their families from becoming victims of fraud. A security code on the back will provide extra protection when shopping online. The card will also include expiration and “member since” dates on the front.

The new MILITARY STAR^® card reflects a patriotic look that includes an image of the Statue of Liberty and branch of service seal, something customers voiced as important in focus groups.

Though its look is changing, the MILITARY STAR^® card’s benefits will continue, including:

• Competitive interest rate of 10.24 percent—an industry-leading interest rate.
• 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.

In addition to advantages for customers, the entire military community benefits when shoppers use a MILITARY STAR^® card.

“Because MILITARY STAR^® card transactions are processed in-house, costly merchant fees are avoided,” said Exchange Credit Program Senior Vice President Jami Richardson. “Instead of paying bank fees for credit card processing, the exchanges can better support Army Morale, Welfare and Recreation and Air Force Services programs. That’s why using a Military Star card not only benefits the cardholder, but every member of the military community.” 

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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 – Military shoppers can exercise their right to win with the Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s $11K Get Fit Giveaway. 

The giveaway is part of the Exchange’s Because of You program, a yearlong effort to recognize and reward service members for their sacrifice and dedication to America. With the giveaway, six winners will take home a fitness prize package valued at nearly $2,000 each.  

Each prize package includes:

• $500 GNC gift card
• GNC duffle bag stocked with GNC Total Lean products—a $300 value
• Nautilus Schwinn 170 upright bike worth $379
• Xbox 360 gaming system valued at $350
• Schwinn 1.0 700c hybrid bicycle worth $240
• Fitbit Charge wristband valued at $129.95
• Champion athletic wear worth $100 

Authorized shoppers 18 and older can enter the $11K Get Fit Giveaway at www.shopmyexchange.com/BecauseOfYou from Sept. 1 to Sept 30. Winners will be chosen at random and notified no later than Oct. 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.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 paid a dividend of $224 million in 2014 to morale, welfare and recreation efforts for the Army, Air Force, Marine Corps and Navy. In the past 10 years, the Exchange has provided more than $2.4 billion in dividends to military programs such as youth services, family counseling and other activities that make life better for military members and their families.

“Roughly two-thirds of Exchange earnings are paid to the Services’ morale, welfare and recreation programs, while the other third goes toward building new stores and renovating facilities,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Sean Applegate, the Exchange’s senior enlisted advisor. 

In 2014, the Exchange opened a new shopping center and Express at Fort Meade, Md. In addition, Expresses were opened at Homestead Air Reserve Base, Fla., Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., and Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. The Exchange also opened one troop store in Moon Township, Pa., serving Soldiers, Airmen, Reservists and Guardsmen in Western Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia.

Exchange support to the military goes beyond Soldiers and Airmen. Because the Exchange operates at Marine and Navy locations, funds are also returned to Marines and Sailors. The FY 2014 dividend of $224 million was distributed as follows: 

Army:                                      $125.3M

Air Force:                                    74.1M

Marines:                                      19.5M

Navy:                                             5.1M

Total:                                      $224.0M

The Exchange’s mission of providing quality goods and services at competitively low prices while generating earnings to support quality-of-life efforts means that the Exchange benefit is more than finding a good price on merchandise. This structure ensures that shoppers who take advantage of their Exchange benefit at brick-and-mortar stores or online at www.shopmyexchange.com are working to better their communities. 

“100 percent of Exchange earnings serve Soldiers, Airmen and their families,” Applegate said. “When service members shop or dine at their Exchange, they’re investing in their own community, making it a better place to live and work.”

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The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is a joint nonappropriated fund instrumentality of the Department of Defense and is directed by a Board of Directors which is responsible to the Secretaries of the Army and the Air Force through the Service Chiefs of Staff.  The Exchange has the dual mission of providing authorized patrons with quality merchandise and services at competitively low prices and generating non-appropriated fund earnings as a supplemental source of funding for military morale, welfare and recreation programs. 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.

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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 – Through an agreement with the Army & Air Force Exchange Service, Freshëns Fresh Food Studio is joining the Exchange restaurant portfolio, bringing another healthy option to diners on military installations. 

Freshëns is known for health-conscious offerings such as hand-crafted crepes, salads, rice bowls, artisan flatbreads, smoothies and yogurt. The number of locations and opening dates are being finalized, but the Exchange plans to open at least four Freshëns restaurants within a year.

“The Exchange knows it’s vital to deliver fresh food options to Soldiers and Airmen, who must sustain a healthy lifestyle,” said Nalan Howard, Exchange restaurant program planner. “Offering a variety of choices is important, and restaurants such as Freshëns bring several new healthy options to the table.”

Offering name brands has become a priority for the Exchange. Freshëns is the latest in a series of announcements concerning national-brand introductions at Army posts and Air Force bases around the world. As more brand names are offered, the Exchange monitors the reaction of shoppers to ensure their needs are being met.

“Freshëns is ‘fast casual,’ which is desired by millennials,” said Rich Pickering, Exchange vice president of food and fuel. “This age group—those ranging in age from 18 to 29—is a key part of the Exchange’s customer base.”

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About the Exchange

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.

 About Freshëns Fresh Food Studio

Freshëns Fresh Food Studio is a healthy “fast casual” concept, which offers prepared to order food inspired by fresh ingredients, as well as our signature fresh blended smoothies and frozen yogurt.

Freshëns is a privately held company headquartered in Atlanta. They have been in operation for over 29 years with 500 locations, including 30 airports and 300 college and universities.

By adapting to industry trends and ever-changing customer needs, Freshëns is poised for continued growth. Locations offer an all-day menu of unique, craveable, and low calorie choices for key meal occasions. Discover how Freshëns defines “Healthy Eating, Better Living” as the industry’s most compelling concept!

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DALLAS – Every time military shoppers swipe their MILITARY STAR^® card with the Army and Air Force Exchange Service, they are earning a chance to win big with the MILITARY STAR^® and Ashley Gives Back Sweepstakes.  

Through December, authorized shoppers will automatically earn one entry into the sweepstakes every time they use a MILITARY STAR^® line of credit at an Exchange. Each month, one grand-prize winner will be chosen to receive a $1,000 Exchange gift card. Entries will be limited to purchases made that specific month. 

“This contest is another way we’re partnering with the vendor community to thank military shoppers for their service,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Sean Applegate, the Exchange’s senior enlisted advisor. “Winning is as easy as swiping a MILITARY STAR^® card.” 

In addition to contest entries, shoppers can reap the benefits of paying with their MILITARY STAR^® card every day. Cardholders save 5 cents per gallon on all gas purchases and enjoy a 10 percent discount on all Exchange food court purchases year-round when using their MILITARY STAR^® card.

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.

DALLAS – Military shoppers can rest easy with the selection of mattresses, pillows, comforters and bedroom furniture available in the Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s Sleep 2015 catalog.

The 36-page catalog features mattresses from Beautyrest, ComforPedic, Serta and more. Bedroom essentials such as mattress pads, pillows and sheets, including selections from the Martha Stewart Collection, can be found as well.

Those looking to update their bedroom, whether it’s for a nursery, a teen or an adult, can browse Ashley, Bassett and Sauder furniture collections. Shoppers can give their rooms some personality with bedding sets, lamps and other accessories.

“The Exchange understands that having a comfortable place to come home to is important for service members and their families,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Sean Applegate, the Exchange’s senior enlisted advisor.

The 2015 Sleep Catalog is available at all main stores and online at shopmyexchange.com, under the “Interactive Product Catalogs” link on the menu at the bottom of the page.

Prices in this all-services catalog are valid from Aug. 14 through Dec. 31 for any authorized Exchange customer. Active-duty military members of the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines and Coast Guard, as well as military retirees, reservists, National Guardsmen, Department of Defense civilians stationed overseas, Exchange employees and their family members are all authorized Exchange privileges.

Orders can be placed in stores, online, or by phone. Toll-free orders can be placed from the United States, Puerto Rico or Guam at 800-527-2345. The Exchange Catalog center is open around the clock, seven days a week. Complimentary international access calling is also available from several countries. Those numbers are:

• Germany 0800-82-16500
• Japan/Okinawa 00531-11-4132
• Korea 00308-13-0664
• Italy 8008-71227
• Guam 01800-636-3297
• Belgium 0800-7-2432
• Netherlands 0800-022-7129
• United Kingdom 0800-96-8101
• Spain 900-971-391
• *Turkey 00800-18-488-6312

* Calls cannot be placed from phones on base. Use off-base commercial lines.

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Military exchanges have the dual mission of providing authorized patrons with articles of merchandise and services and of generating non-appropriated fund earnings as a supplemental source of funding for military Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) programs. To find out more about the military exchanges’ history and missions or to view recent press releases please visit shopmyexchange.com.

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DALLAS – Three young scholars have turned good grades into a big payday thanks to the Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s You Made the Grade sweepstakes. 

Andrea Forrester, 11, took home the grand prize in the semiannual sweepstakes. Andrea, a sixth-grader at John O. Arnn Elementary School at Camp Zama, Japan, was awarded a $2,000 Exchange gift card during a surprise presentation at the Camp Zama Exchange in July.

“I was very surprised about winning because the secret was kept from me by my parents for two weeks,” said Andrea, who used part of her winnings to buy a computer. “I was almost in tears from the surprise of winning that amount of money.”

Andrea’s father, Sgt. 1^st Class Matthew Forrester, has served in the Army for 13 years. As a result, Andrea is used to frequent moves. Besides Japan, she’s attended school at Fort Irwin, Calif., and Fort Riley, Kan. 

Despite changing schools often, Andrea has worked hard to keep her grades up. 

“I want to work hard in school so that in the future I am able to attend college and get my degree and start a great career,” said Andrea, who enjoys studying science, especially astronomy. 

Her mother, Courtney Forrester, applauded the You Made the Grade program and Andrea’s commitment to excellence. 

“She studies instead of going to play like the rest of the kids,” Forrester said. “She is really dedicated to making sure that her grades are up to par.”

The worldwide sweepstakes also awarded second- and third-place prizes. The second prize, a $1,500 Exchange gift card, was awarded to a student at Nellis Air Force Base.  

Third prize, a $500 Exchange gift card, went to Anya Forma, a high school junior who entered the contest at the Fort Huachuca Exchange. Anya’s mother, Sunny, a former Army sergeant, has been entering her in the sweepstakes since Anya was in the second grade. At the end of 10^th grade, her persistence paid off.  

“(Entering the sweepstakes has) always been a big thing, and I’ve always had straight A’s,” Anya said. “My parents do encourage me, but I know that your grades are important because that’s your future.” 

Through the You Made the Grade program, first- through 12th-graders with a B average or higher are eligible to receive a coupon book filled with Exchange discounts and a sweepstakes entry form for a shot at a $2,000, $1,500 or $500 prize. Drawings are typically held in June and December.  

“These students have proved that commitment to academic excellence pays off,” said U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Sean Applegate, Exchange senior enlisted advisor. “The Exchange appreciates the sacrifices military families—including military children—make for our country.” 

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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 partnering with Unilever to offer military shoppers a high-tech upgrade in the form of $12,600 worth of electronics.

Just in time for back-to-school, six Exchange winners will take home a laptop, tablet, portable digital music player and a $25 gift card. Eligible shoppers simply need to enter at www.shopmyexchange.com/sweepstakes for a chance to win.

“Each prize package is worth $2,100 and comes with enough processing power to support every facet of an active lifestyle,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Sean Applegate, the Exchange’s senior enlisted advisor. “From streaming music and videos to surfing the web, this sweepstakes has something for everyone.”

Authorized shoppers 18 and older can enter the sweepstakes from Aug. 7 through Sept. 3 and the drawing will take place on or about Sept. 9.

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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 shoppers can get their thrills on land or sea with the latest Because of You contest. Three authorized shoppers will win a trip for four to the SeaWorld or Busch Gardens park of their choice.

The giveaway, sponsored by SeaWorld and Coca-Cola, is part of the Exchange’s Because of You program, a yearlong effort to recognize and reward service members for their sacrifice and dedication.

Winners can choose to visit Busch Gardens locations in Tampa, Fla. or Williamsburg, Va. or SeaWorld locations in Orlando, Fla., San Antonio or San Diego with three guests. Winners will receive round-trip airfare and accommodations worth $4,450.

Authorized shoppers can enter at www.shopmyexchange.com/BecauseOfYou from Aug. 1 to Aug. 31. Three entries will be chosen at random to receive the prizes.

The winners of the Because of You giveaway will be notified no later than Sept. 19. No purchase is necessary to 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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