LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE – An Army & Air Force Exchange Service associate received the Department of Defense Outstanding Individual With a Disability Award for 2014 during a presentation Nov. 14 at the Little Rock Air Force Base Exchange.

John Perry, senior store associate in the electronics department, was honored for his strong job performance and steadfast commitment to serving Airmen, retirees and their families at Little Rock AFB. Perry, who has been paralyzed from the neck down since birth, provides technical answers to shoppers’ electronics questions, and his positive disposition has helped him forge a bond with the community. 

“Getting to know our customers and taking care of them are the best parts of my job,” Perry said. “I get to know some of them personally, too. Sometimes we talk about electronics. Sometimes we talk about sports or something else on their mind. It’s just an honor to serve them.”

Exchange Deputy Director Maj. Gen. Joseph Ward and Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer Michael Immler honored Perry at the presentation, praising him for his tireless work ethic and passion for serving those who serve.

“John brings his ‘A’ game each and every day to the Airmen assigned to Little Rock and to his fellow Exchange associates,” Gen. Ward said. “His warmth and enthusiasm shine through in all he does.” 

Immler agreed, citing Perry’s tenacity during his 14-year career at the Exchange.

“John started at the Exchange as a greeter and has worked his way up to senior store associate in the electronics department,” Immler said. “Today, he helps educate shoppers of all ages about the latest technology. Both the Exchange and Little Rock AFB are better for having John on our team.”

Perry commended the Little Rock AFB Exchange team, crediting his fellow associates with always being there for him.

“I appreciate my co-workers and the help they give me,” Perry said. “They deserve praise also.”

Exchange Assistant Store Manager Shannon Koder, who nominated Perry for the award, called him an inspiration to fellow associates, shoppers and community members. 

“John has taught us all how the human spirit can ignite an internal flame to achieve more than we thought possible,” Koder said. “He truly embodies the Exchange motto of family serving family.” 

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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 – At military installations across the globe, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service provides a taste of home to Soldiers, Airmen and their families. While rules governing who can buy merchandise at Exchanges often apply to a select few, anyone can dine in Exchange restaurants or pick up grab-and-go fare from Express locations.

The Exchange’s more than 1,280 restaurants and 330 Expresses worldwide are open to anyone looking for a bite to eat. Army Regulation 215-8/Air Force Instruction 34-211 (I) lets anyone— including visitors, contractors and DoD civilians—dine at Exchange restaurants. What’s more, anyone can buy grab-and-go food and beverages from an Express as long as the items are consumed on the installation.

“Enjoying a quick meal at an Exchange restaurant is a valuable convenience for civilians who are visiting service members or need be on the installation for business reasons,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Sean Applegate, Exchange senior enlisted advisor. “For those wanting a bite on the run, most Express locations offer a broad selection of single-serve healthy snacks, beverages and light meals.”

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 may qualify for Exchange benefits, including access to main stores, should contact their local Exchange manager for additional guidance. Installation-specific contact information is available online at shopmyexchange.com-exchange-stores/.

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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 – To make gift giving easier, the Army & Air Force Exchange service is extending its return policy for items purchased from Nov. 1 to Dec. 24, 2014.

The Exchange’s standard policy allows returns anywhere from up to 15 to 90 days of purchase with a sales receipt.  The holiday return/exchange policy extends these terms through Jan. 31, 2015.

“The Exchange knows that sometimes a gift can be the wrong color, size or brand,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Sean Applegate, the Exchange’s senior enlisted advisor. “The Exchange’s extended return policy goes the extra mile to make sure everyone gets the perfect gift this year.”

Refunds with sales receipts are processed as forms of payment (cash for cash, credit for credit card).  Refunds without sales receipts receive an Exchange gift card.

Shoppers can also return items purchased through shopmyexchange.com at their closest brick-and-mortar Exchange.  For more information about the extended refund policy, shoppers can visit customer service at their nearest 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.

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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 retired Air Force veteran beat out 37,000 other entrants to win a new Smart Car in a worldwide Army & Air Force Exchange Service contest held in conjunction with Welch’s/Sour Jacks.

72-year-old Michael Mauldwin was presented the keys to his new ride in a ceremony at the Sheppard AFB Exchange on Nov. 6.

“I think it’s just wonderful that the Exchange offers military members, retirees and their families an opportunity to win prizes such as this car,” said Mauldwin. “You might say that I’m happy to have won.”

Upon receiving his car, Mauldwin expressed his appreciation for the Exchange, not only for the opportunity to win the car but for what it has meant to him throughout his military career.

“I’ve been associated with the Air Force for 43 years,” he said. “I’ve always used the Exchange and always will. They provide a great service to the military and their families.”

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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 – As the holidays approach, Soldiers, Airmen, retirees and their families can find extra savings at the Army & Air Force Exchange Service later in November just by shopping from Nov. 15 to Nov. 16. 

When shoppers make a purchase during those two days, they will receive a coupon, while quantities last, to save up to $50 from Nov. 19 through Nov. 23.

“Whether military shoppers are just beginning their holiday gift buying or picking up the last items on their lists, this coupon provides a great opportunity to save,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Sean Applegate, the Exchange’s senior enlisted advisor.

This coupon is valid in-store or online at shopmyexchange.com. See coupon for minimum purchase requirements.

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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 the hectic—and sometimes pricey—holiday shopping season approaches, Army & Air Force Exchange Service Express locations worldwide are doubling the discount MILITARY STAR^® cardholders receive on fuel, helping to keep shoppers’ wallets from running on empty.

From Nov. 14 through Nov. 16, drivers fueling up with their MILITARY STAR^® card at Army and Air Force fuel locations will receive 10 cents off per gallon of gas instead of the everyday 5-cents-per-gallon discount.

“The savings at the pump are just the beginning of the value authorized shoppers can find at the Exchange,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Sean Applegate, Exchange senior enlisted adviser. “With the holidays arriving, the extra MILITARY STAR^® card gas discount gives military shoppers another reason to come on post or base and see what the Exchange has in store for them.”

Every day, shoppers can reap the benefits of using their MILITARY STAR^® card. Besides the everyday discount of 5 cents per gallon on all gas purchases, cardholders enjoy a 10 percent discount on all Exchange food court purchases year-round.

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.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 – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service and Popeyes restaurants will thank veterans and active duty troops on Wednesday, Nov. 12 with its third annual Military Appreciation Day Event by offering eight pieces of BONAFIDE® Chicken or Handcrafted Tenders for only $5.99.

“Just one day after the nation honors its veterans, the Exchange and Popeyes will pay tribute to all those who have, and currently do, wear the uniform with this unique offer,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Sean Applegate, Exchange senior enlisted advisor.

Seventy-three Exchange-operated Popeyes restaurants in six countries will participate in this one-day-only Military Appreciation 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.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 – Around the globe, Army & Air Force Exchange Service distribution centers buzz with the hum of forklifts, turret trucks and conveyor belts as carton after carton of merchandise moves to military installations around the world.

For service members to get the goods they need and want, an efficient supply chain is more than a necessity—it is the linchpin of Exchange’s mission to improve the quality of life for Soldiers, Airmen, retirees and their families. With this in mind, the Exchange’s Logistics Directorate is increasing efficiencies in the supply chain through collaboration with technology groups, buying staffs and vendors.  

The organization’s West Coast Distribution Center at Sharpe Army Depot in Lathrop, Calif., is playing a major role in efficiency efforts. The 850,000-square-foot facility has rolled out new warehouse management software to speed up the merchandise flow of 35,000 cases per day to Exchanges and reduce carton-handling expenses by 37 percent.

Plans call for the supply chain management software to be implemented at other facilities, with the Germersheim Distribution Center in Germany targeted for 2015, Dan Daniel Distribution Center in Newport News, Va., in 2017 and Waco Distribution Center in Texas in 2018. Based on current results, the Exchange is considering expanding the implementation to other centers in the U.S. and overseas.  

“The warehouse management software is a launching pad to even more customer service improvements,” said Vice President of Logistics Operations Alan French, who has led the charge in improving efficiencies at the distribution centers. “We expect even greater savings as cartons at our facilities continue to be handled more efficiently, allowing us to better meet the needs of our stores, which ultimately allows the Exchange to better serve Soldiers, Airmen, retirees and their families.”

Partnerships between Logistics headquarters personnel and those who work in the distribution centers are essential to ensuring merchandise flows efficiently, French said. In fact, Logistics isn’t working alone in the mission to reduce expenses and improve the Exchange’s supply chain.  

“The Exchange’s accomplishments aren’t possible simply by adjusting logistics,” he said. “It’s a collaborative effort throughout the organization to align objectives and goals to produce successful outcomes.”

Distribution center improvements benefit not only the Exchange but also the vendors it does business with. Better visibility and communication between the JDA software and the Exchange’s order management system improves economic order quantities, allowing vendors to optimize shipments to ensure products reach shoppers faster and reduce out-of-stock occurrences. 

“It’s a win-win and shared goal for all parties in the supply chain,” French said.

Besides software enhancements, Logistics has other initiatives to improve customer service and reduce costs, French said. 

“For Logistics, 2014 has been a year of transformation with much more to come,” he said. “Efficient merchandise movement increases customer service while decreasing expenses.”

Since 2013, the Exchange’s Logistics Directorate has taken $34 million out of the supply chain by partnering with stakeholders. 

And, French said, a more efficient supply chain that improves the amount of time it takes to get merchandise from the warehouse to the stores ultimately leads to happier shoppers and better merchandise availability.

“Serving Soldiers, Airmen, retirees and their families is a privilege and an honor,” French said. “We’re looking always to improve customer service, and an efficient supply chain is where the rubber meets the road.”   

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

DALLAS – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is putting some jingle back in military shoppers’ pockets by picking up their private-label MILITARY STAR^® card tab up to $8,200 with the “Your Holiday Bill Is On Us” Sweepstakes.

Through Dec. 31, 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.

Three grand-prize winners will receive their MILITARY STAR^® card bill paid in full up to $8,200. If the winners’ balance is less than $2,500, the remainder will be added to their account as a credit.

Ten second-prize winners will be awarded a $1,000 credit on their MILITARY STAR^® card statement, while 25 third-place winners will earn a $500 credit.

“Just by using your MILITARY STAR^® card, you could take home your share of $47,000,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Sean Applegate, Exchange senior enlisted advisor. “One swipe could go a long way toward paying for your holiday gifts this year.”

Winners will be announced on or about Jan. 30, 2015. 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.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 – Army & Air Force Exchange Service shoppers can save money on holiday gifts by using a MILITARY STAR^® card.  From Nov. 7 through Nov. 9, cardholders save an extra 5 percent on MILITARY STAR^® card purchases at Army and Air Force Exchange stores.

“MILITARY STAR^® cardholders will want to take advantage of this discount,” said U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Sean Applegate, Exchange senior enlisted advisor. “The weekend of savings is an ideal time to finish off your holiday shopping before crunch time.”

The offer is valid at Army and Air Force Exchange stores only. The MILITARY STAR^® card 5 percent discount is not applicable to fuel, tobacco, uniforms/accessories, Exchange Protection Plans, food court or gift card purchases. The MILITARY STAR^® card everyday discounts of 10 percent off fast food and 5 cents off per gallon of gas will be applicable but cannot be combined with the 5 percent discount offer.

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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].