DALLAS – Military shoppers can find a winter wonderland of savings at the Army & Air Force Exchange Service simply by shopping Dec. 21 and 22. 

When shoppers make a purchase those two days, they will receive a coupon to save 10 percent off from Dec. 26 through Jan. 5, with a maximum discount of $200. The coupon is available at the registers while quantities last.

“The holidays, while joyous, can also be expensive,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Sean Applegate. “Saving up to $200 can come in handy for military shoppers.”

The coupon is valid in-store or at 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.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 Julie Mitchell, 214-312-3327 or [email protected].

FORT MEADE – The brand-new Fort Meade Exchange has opened its doors, bringing a modern shopping experience to the community just in time for the holiday gift-giving season.

The $37.2 million Exchange welcomed shoppers for the first time Nov. 25. The new main store has been under construction since 2012 and replaces a 40-year-old facility. 

At the 166,869-square-foot-store, Soldiers, retirees and their families will find special concept shops for top brands, including Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren, The North Face, Columbia and Victoria’s Secret. 

The new store will also sell major appliances and furniture, including Ashley. A special Operation: Be Fit section has been added as well. Military Clothing, previously housed in a separate building that was built in 1953, has been relocated inside the Main Exchange. 

In the mall, military shoppers will find new businesses, including a tactical shop, floral shop, Paul Mitchell salon and Pro Image Sports, which sells jerseys, caps and other memorabilia. As another convenience to military shoppers, Fort Meade’s pharmacy has also moved inside the mall. 

The new food court is serving up something for everyone. Denny’s Fresh Express and Boston Market represent each of those chain’s second locations on military installations. Domino’s, Starbucks, Charley’s and Subway round out the offerings. 

Regular hours of operation are Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. A grand opening ribbon-cutting ceremony will be planned in 2015.

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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 Julie Mitchell, 214-312-3327 or [email protected].

DALLAS – With the busy, and expensive, holiday shopping season upon us, Army & Air Force Exchange Service gas stations worldwide are helping to make sure that filling up doesn’t empty the wallet.

From Dec. 19 to Dec. 21, the MILITARY STAR^® card is doubling the everyday 5-cents-per-gallon gas discount cardholders receive when fueling up at an Exchange gas station. On those three days, drivers paying for gas with their MILITARY STAR^® card will receive 10 cents off per gallon.

“As we head into the final holiday shopping weekend, we are providing an added incentive for last minute shoppers to come on base or post to see what the Exchange has in store,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Sean Applegate, Exchange senior enlisted adviser.  “The savings at the pump are just the beginning of the value authorized shoppers will find at their Exchange.”

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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 Chris Ward, 214-312-2714 or [email protected].

DALLAS – The Exchange’s already stuffed awards case got another one: the Subway Award for Business Excellence.

The Exchange is the flagship recipient of the award from the corporation, presented to managers at a national convention in San Diego, Calif.

The Exchange qualified for the Subway Award for Business Excellence after ranking in the top 10 in six categories for restaurant development, customer satisfaction, financial strength and other areas. In addition, the Exchange ranked in the top 10 for multi-unit owner franchisee of the year in the Asia, Europe and USA West Plains areas.

The Exchange operates 207 Subway restaurants around the world and has opened 16 Subways in 2014, including one in the Eastern European country of Kosovo.

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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 Chris Ward, 214-312-2714 or [email protected].

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND – Holiday spirit filled the air at Joint Base San Antonio- Lackland’s Exchange as 2,000 Air Force Basic Military Training recruits were treated to a special shopping event Dec. 6. 

The Exchange opened extra early at 6 a.m., allowing busloads of recruits, who will spend their holidays in basic training, to shop for gifts for their family and friends without interrupting their busy training schedule. A DJ, dance and trivia contests as well as giveaways kept the mood merry and bright. Recruits picked up free items from YourSoles Insoles, M&M Mars, Coca-Cola, Jack Black Cosmetics, Hershey’s and other vendors. 

After shopping, recruits rode buses back to JBSA’s Basic Military Training reception center, where volunteers helped wrap their gifts. Recruits were then taken to the Exchange’s The UPS Store to have gifts shipped back home.

“Basic training is stressful, and this event has been a nice experience,” said Dominick Newland from Hockamo, Ind. 

Lackland Exchange Store Manager John Burk called the event a success. 

“These young men and women are missing the holidays with their families—often for the first time in their lives,” Burk said. “Doing something special for them helps us embrace the true spirit of the holidays.”   

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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 Julie Mitchell, 214-312-3327 or [email protected].

DALLAS – As Soldiers, Airmen and their families tackle their holiday shopping, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service is offering special deals every Saturday until Christmas, with up to 50 percent off select items.  

Deals on Dec. 13 include 50 percent off assorted accent furniture, 30 percent off a DeWalt 156-piece mechanics tool set and 25 percent off Skullcandy gaming headsets. On Dec. 20, shoppers save 30 percent on a Lifetrak Zone activity watch and 25 percent on a Canon PowerShot digital camera bundle with SD card and case.

“From deals on Russell Stover chocolates and Yankee candles to holiday home décor, military shoppers are sure to find something special for everyone on their lists,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Sean Applegate, Exchange senior enlisted advisor.

To view the specials, shoppers can visit www.shopmyexchange.com/savings-center/weekly-ads.

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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 Julie Mitchell, 214-312-3327 or [email protected].

DALLAS – According to a recent National Retail Federation survey, gift cards will be the most requested gift this year with 62 percent preferring a gift card over any other item. For Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines, their gift card of choice is the one that can be redeemed at military exchanges from Okinawa to Oklahoma.

The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is making it easy for any American to send their support with an Exchange gift card that service members can use for electronics, snacks or a good book.

“An Exchange gift card empowers troops to choose items that make their lives easier wherever they are called to serve,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Sean Applegate, the Exchange’s senior enlisted advisor. “The needs of an Airman in Greenland are different from the Soldier in Afghanistan. An Exchange gift card allows troops to get exactly what they need to make the holidays brighter.”

While only authorized military shoppers can redeem Exchange gift cards, any American can send one by simply calling 800-527-2345 or logging on to www.shopmyexchange.com and clicking “Purchase Gift and Phone Cards” at the bottom of the page.

From there, Exchange gift cards, ranging in values from $10 to $500, 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. The gift cards can be redeemed at Exchanges in all 50 states and more than 30 countries.

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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.

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Media Notes:

For more information or to schedule an interview with an Exchange representative please contact Chris Ward, 214-312-2714 or [email protected].

DALLAS – After an exhaustive analysis, Victory Media, publisher of G.I. Jobs magazine, has named the Army & Air Force Exchange Service to the 2015 Top 100 Military Friendly® Employer list.   

More than 5,000 eligible companies were ranked based on their long-term commitment to hiring former military service members, recruiting and hiring efforts as well as policies for National Guard and Reserve employees called to serve on active duty.

“We are very proud of our commitment to hire veterans. In fact, more than 10 percent of our workforce is comprised of veterans,” said Air Force Maj. Gen. Joseph Ward, Exchange Deputy Director. “Veterans serving veterans is a recipe for success – our associates truly know their customers, they want to stay connected with the military, and they are fully committed to our mission – we go where the troops go.”

Since February 2014, the Exchange has hired 797 veterans and is proud to partner with the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, Wounded Warrior Project, Operation Warfighter Program and Feds Hire Vets.

“The Exchange looks forward to our continued partnership with programs designed to assist veterans in finding jobs that allow them the privilege of continued service to our nation,” Ward added.

To view current Exchange job and management trainee postings, visit the Apply My Exchange website at www.applymyexchange.com.

The Exchange, which was ranked No. 71, will be featured along with other companies earning the Military Friendly® Employer designation in the December edition of G.I. Jobs magazine.

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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 Sgt. 1st Class Aaron Eastman at 214-312-2132 or [email protected].

DALLAS – With a quarter of its work force comprised of military family members, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service is a true example of family serving family. As such, the focus on Thanksgiving will be on family.

“Exchange Main Stores in the Continental United States will be closed Thanksgiving, but open early Black Friday to help shoppers find everything they need for the holidays,” said the Exchange’s Chief Merchandising Officer Ana Middleton. “As part of the military family, we understand how precious time together can be and hope that customers and associates will give thanks on Thursday and go shopping early, at their Exchange, on Friday.” 

Exchange doors open at 4 a.m. in the United States the day after Thanksgiving, stores in the Pacific region will open at 7 a.m. (except Guam which will open at 5 a.m.), while European Exchanges will welcome shoppers at 8 a.m.

Service members who are on an installation on Thanksgiving Day will still have access to convenience items as approximately 156 Express locations will be open worldwide.  In addition, many OCONUS Exchanges will be open on Thanksgiving Day.   Shoppers can contact their local Exchange for Thanksgiving hours through the “Store Locator” link at www.shopmyexchange.com.   

Complete details on Exchange “Black Friday” weekend sales and specials are available at shopmyexchange.com on the Weekly Ads tab.

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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 Chris Ward, 214-312-2714 or [email protected].

DALLAS – According to the First Command Financial Behaviors Index, 82 percent of military families indicated the economy is impacting their Thanksgiving plans. To improve their economic outlook, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service is serving up a host of Thanksgiving weekend sales.

The feast of savings on “Black Friday” include Sharp 70” LED TVs for $999, HP Pavilion Notebooks for $168, 20 percent off regularly priced luggage, Black and Decker gas grills with a 3-piece tool set for $189.99 as well as 20 percent off all Coach and Dooney and Bourke handbags and accessories.

The bounty of deals continues on Saturday as Sony 70” TVs will be marked down to $1,499, Dyson vacuums 20-30 percent off, 25 percent off all The Body Shop merchandise and much more.

The smorgasbord of savings continues Cyber Monday at www.shopmyexchange.com with deals including Samsung 55” Curved 4K TVs marked down $1,000 to $1199, 50 percent off Coach Signature Logo collection handbags and 25 percent off the entire stock of Calvin Klein fragrance gift sets.

“The Thanksgiving weekend specials are just the beginning of what will be a huge season of sales and savings at Exchanges around the world,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Sean Applegate, Exchange senior enlisted adviser. “From electronics to handbags to toys, Exchanges will have everything military families need, at the right price.”

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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 Chris Ward, 214-312-2714 or [email protected].