DALLAS – In honor of the 120^th anniversary of the Army & Air Force Exchange Service, a sweet scavenger hunt will give military shoppers the chance to search the candy aisles of their local Exchange for clues to win $7,000 in prizes.

July 3 through July 25, authorized shoppers can find the five missing words from the Patriot Family 120^th Anniversary Scavenger Hunt using clues located in their Exchange candy department. A grand prize of $3,000 will be awarded to one winner, $1,000 to two second place winners and $500 will go to four third place winners.

“The Army & Air Force Exchange Service has always been about giving back,” said Army Col. Karen Fleming, the Exchange’s Deputy Director of logistics, “and on its anniversary it’s only fitting that we give back something extra with this scavenger hunt.”

To find out more about the contest and how to enter, visit www.shopmyexchange.com/patriot-family. The seven winners will be selected at random from a pool of all eligible entries.

No purchase is necessary to win, and all winners will be notified by email once they have been chosen.

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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 – During July, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service and Mars are going for a ride to give military shoppers a chance at a share of $10,000 in prizes with the M&M Road Trip Sweepstakes.

From July 1 to 31, authorized shoppers worldwide can enter for their chance to win. Ten grand prize winners will be chosen to win $500 Exchange gift cards, and each week 25 winners will be chosen to win $50 gift cards.

“Be it $50 or $500, a little extra during the summer can go a long way,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Sean Applegate, the Exchange’s senior enlisted advisor. “These prizes should help make military shoppers’ summer a little more fun.”

To enter, shoppers can visit shopmyexchange.com/sweepstakes.

No purchase is necessary to enter, and entrants do not need to be present to win. The M&M Road Trip Sweepstakes prize drawings will take place on or about Aug. 14.

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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 wants to know how satisfied military shoppers are with their service and  is giving away more than $2,000 in Exchange gift cards to find out.

From July 1 to Aug. 31, Exchange shoppers who fill out a Satisfaction Survey from either their register or e-receipt will be entered to win a $250 Exchange gift card. One weekly winner will be randomly chosen from all authorized shoppers who complete the survey in a given week, for a total of nine winners.

“2015 is the year of the customer at the Exchange,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Sean Applegate, the Exchange’s senior enlisted advisor. “We want to hear from all of the customers so we can offer them the best service possible.”

To be eligible to win, shoppers must complete the survey and provide their name and contact information. Winners will not be eligible to win more than once during the event.

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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 has awarded the Director/CEO Cup—its highest honor—to three Exchanges worldwide. 

One large, medium and small location were tops among 127 locations. The Fort Hood Exchange, the Korea Northern Exchange and the Offutt Air Force Base Exchange won for large, medium and small Exchange, respectively. 

In June, Exchange senior leaders visited the installations to present a trophy to the winning teams. Exchange Director/CEO Tom Shull, President and Chief Operating Officer Mike Howard and Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Sean Applegate, the Exchange’s senior enlisted advisor, honored teams at Fort Hood and Offutt AFB. Applegate traveled to Camp Casey in Korea to present the award there on the Exchange Director/CEO’s behalf. 

“During my Army service, I commanded C Company, 1-22 Infantry Regiment,” Shull said. “The regiment’s motto, ‘deeds not words,’ exemplifies these teams’ service to those who serve. The teams at Hood, Korea Northern and Offutt set the gold standard for how the Exchange can best serve Soldiers, Airmen, retirees and their families.”

Among other contributions, the winning teams excelled at forging personal bonds with installation leadership and keeping their shopping destination exciting with regular customer contests and prizes.

The Exchange Director/CEO Cup is an annual award that recognizes operational excellence in leadership, customer service, innovation, and business results. 

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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 can ride in style this summer with a new Harley-Davidson motorcycle from the Army & Air Force Exchange Service and Dr Pepper in the Refresh-Win-Ride Sweepstakes.

From July 3 through 31, authorized shoppers worldwide can enter to win one of two 2015 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eights valued at $11,900 each. 

“There aren’t many things more fun than a new Harley,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Sean Applegate, the Exchange’s senior enlisted advisor. “This is a great way to kick start the summer off right.”

No purchase is necessary to enter and entrants do not need to be present to win. Prize drawings will take place on or about Aug. 14. 

To enter, shoppers can visit harley.exchangeentry.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 Amanda Hargett-Granato, 214-312-6048 or [email protected].

DALLAS – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is known for its mission to serve troops worldwide. But, this spring, an Offutt Air Force Base Exchange associate made it his duty to serve a fellow associate after a life-threatening, on-the-job health scare.

While at her cubicle in the administration area of the Main Exchange, Linda McQueen, the Exchange general manager’s office assistant, suffered a blood clot in her sinus cavity, a rare condition called sinus thrombosis. The clot caused her to have a seizure, and as McQueen’s body stiffened, she hit her neck on the edge of her desk and collapsed.

McQueen fell face-first and landed under her desk with her head covered by a box. She began to shake. She couldn’t respond, but she could hear the commotion going on around her after she fell.

“I wasn’t sure what my body was doing,” McQueen said. “I heard a huge bang—it was like a bomb. Apparently, that was me.”

From his desk close by, Hal Ergin, Exchange Human Resources learning manager, heard other associates scream for help. Ergin sprang into action. As another associate dialed 911, Ergin swiftly pulled McQueen from under her desk. He turned her face forward, to aid her breathing, and cradled her head in his lap, offering words of comfort.

“I was shocked, but instinct kicked in,” Ergin said. “I held her hand until she responded. It was just a few minutes, but it felt like a year.”

Offutt’s emergency medical technicians responded to the 911 call, and Ergin provided vital details, which aided the team treating McQueen. She was taken to an Omaha hospital, where she recovered from brain swelling, head trauma and hemorrhaging. Doctors told her she was lucky that Ergin had helped her so quickly—McQueen’s condition is rare and typically causes fatal strokes. 

“I got a second chance,” McQueen said. “God was looking out for me that day. And so was Hal. He was my angel.”

Though she is still recovering, McQueen returned to the Exchange to work full time. 

Because of Ergin’s quick actions, Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Sean Applegate, the Exchange’s senior enlisted advisor, presented him with his coin during a recent visit to Offutt. 

“I believe anyone in my shoes would have done the same thing,” Ergin said. “The important thing is that Linda is still with us and she’s OK.”

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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 – This Fourth of July Americans can celebrate their independence by giving back to those who defend it for them with an Army & Air Force Exchange Service gift card.

Exchange gift cards can be sent to Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors and Marines deployed to Afghanistan, Kuwait and other contingency locations to redeem through the Department of Defense’s largest exchange service.

These cards can be used by service members and their families for all the products they have available at home in the US, such as electronics, apparel, food and drinks. With nearly $1.5 million donated since 2008, Exchange gift cards have proven to be a popular way for the American public to show support for the Armed Forces.

“Having access to some comforts of home is very important for the over 150,000 service members stationed overseas,” said Army Col. Karen Fleming, the Exchange’s Deputy Director of logistics. “Exchange gift cards remind our troops that the American people want to take care of them while they work to protect our freedom.”

Redeeming an Exchange gift card is reserved for authorized military shoppers, however, any American can give their support by visiting www.shopmyexchange.com/scs/ and sending a card from as little as $10 up to $500.

The gift cards can be addressed to a specific Soldier, Airman, Sailor or Marine or sent to “any service member” through the Fisher House Foundation, Air Force Aid Society, Warrior and Family Support Center or Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society.

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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 time for spring cleaning may be over, but the Army & Air Force Exchange Service and Unilever are starting summer off by giving away $15,000 in prizes with the Salute to Clean Sweepstakes.

Beginning June 19, military shoppers worldwide will have the opportunity to win one of 30 Exchange gift cards worth $500 by entering the contest at shopmyexchange.com/sweepstakes.

“With summer beginning, an extra $500 is always good to have around,” said Army Col. Fabian Mendoza, the Exchange Command Engineer. “The prize should help make military shoppers’ summer plans even more enjoyable.”

No purchase is necessary to enter. The Salute to Clean Sweepstakes closes July 17, and prize drawings will occur on or about July 21.

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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 mark 120 years of support to America’s service members and their families, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service is giving military shoppers a chance at $25,000 in account credits with the MILITARY STAR^® Because of You sweepstakes.

From July 1 to July 31, military shoppers will be automatically entered in the sweepstakes each time they use their MILITARY STAR^® card to pay for purchases at any Army or Air Force Exchange location or on shopmyexchange.com. Each purchase counts as one entry.

One grand-prize winner will receive a $5,000 MILITARY STAR^® account credit, and 20 first-prizes winners will receive $1,000 credits. If the winners’ balance is less than prize amount, the remainder will be added as a credit.

“As the Exchange celebrates 120 years of support, this sweepstakes is a way to thank service members and their families for shopping with us,” said Army Col. Fabian Mendoza, Exchange command engineer. “Just by using their MILITARY STAR^® card, shoppers can take home their share of $25,000.”

The contest, sponsored by the Exchange Credit Program, is part of the Exchange’s Because of You campaign, a yearlong effort to recognize and reward service members for their sacrifice and dedication to America.

MILITARY STAR^® Because of You sweepstakes winners will be announced on or about
Sept. 30. This sweepstakes offer applies only to the MILITARY STAR^® card Gold line of credit.

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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 – A recent audit of the Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s Water Plant in Gruenstadt, Germany, shows military families in Europe enjoy some of the cleanest water around. The Exchange’s plant recently earned a 100 percent score on its annual NSF International audit. Of approximately 800 NSF audits conducted annually around the world, only around 10 percent receive a perfect score.

The May 5-6 audit evaluated the facility based on criteria including proper documentation and filling operations, food safety and defense, good manufacturing practices, sanitation, container manufacturing and storage as well as the state of the facility’s interior and exterior.

The hazard analysis and critical control points program, pest control program and customer evaluations are also key areas of the audit which are handled by Margret Knopf, a quality assurance supervisor at Exchange European Industrial Activities in Gruenstadt. Knopf is head of the quality control department, an on-site, independent certified laboratory used to verify the quality of products.

“With Maggy in the background we feel safe, secure and protected at all times,” said Sabine Adair, Water Plant Manager. “She is meticulous when it comes to complying with U.S. Army, U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Environmental Protection Agency regulations.”

The Germany plant has been open since 1996 and provides a simple taste of home for personnel stationed overseas. The plant isn’t alone either, with a smaller one in operation since 2002 in Vicenza, Italy, which produces 5 gallon bottles for home delivery. That plant scored a 99.4 percent on its audit conducted May 7.

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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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