DALLAS – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service, along with Procter & Gamble, are commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War with an essay contest that provides Vietnam veterans and family members an opportunity to share memories of their local PX/BX experience overseas or back home during the Vietnam War.

“We invite customers to write essays about how the Exchange provided comfort to our troops and brought a bit of home to their long days during the Vietnam War,” said Ray Lamy, the Exchange’s military outreach coordinator and retired Air Force major. “Many Exchange customers served in Vietnam or have family members who did.”

Exchange gift cards totaling $4,000 will be awarded to four winners. One grand-prize winner will receive a $2,000 gift card, one second-place winner will receive a $1,000 gift card and two third-place winners will each receive $500 gift cards.

From now until Nov. 21, authorized Exchange customers 18 years or older can submit their essay of 300 words or less by email to [email protected]. Entries must include full name (including middle initial), mailing address, email address and telephone number.

For complete rules and details, visit https://www.shopmyexchange.com/patriot-family.

— 30 —

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.

###

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 – The holidays evoke fond memories of family gatherings, delicious food and fun. Those memories could be worth $1,000 in the Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s “Sweet Holiday Story” contest.

From Oct. 31 – Dec. 25, authorized shoppers 18 years old or older can submit an essay of 500 words or less about one of their favorite holiday memories. The winning entry will receive a $1,000 Exchange gift card with second and third place receiving $500 and $300 gift cards, respectively.

“From the Soldier coming back from deployment to spend his first holiday with a newborn to the Airman receiving a promotion in front of his family, there’s no doubt we’re going to receive many heartwarming stories,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Sean Applegate, the Exchange’s senior enlisted advisor.

Essays can be sent to [email protected] and will be judged on creativity and the ability to inspire. Winners will be notified no later than February 7, 2015.

Complete rules and details can be found at www.shopmyexchange.com/patriot-family. 

— 30 —

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.

###

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 – Leigh Roop, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s Executive VP and Chief Human Resources Officer, is one of 160 executive trailblazers named to the Profiles in Diversity Journal’s 13^th annual “Women Worth Watching” for 2015.

Nominated by their employers for their passion, potential and positive influence both inside and outside the workplace, the winners represent corporations, government agencies and nonprofits from across North America and Europe.

“In her 25 years with the Exchange, Leigh has served in many different roles in places all around the world,” said the Exchange’s President and COO Mike Howard. “Her diverse experiences and passion for serving Soldiers and Airmen have enabled her to become an extremely effective leader and very deserving of this recognition.”

The “Women Worth Watching” profile will be in the September/October 2014 Profiles in Diversity Journal issue.

— 30 —

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.

###

Media Notes:

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

REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service welcomed a modern era of shopping for military families at Redstone Arsenal when the ribbon was cut Oct. 17 on a renovated Exchange, its first remodel in 14 years.

The remodeled 65,000-square-foot Exchange features an updated brick façade and food court, with a brand-new Subway, at the front of the building. Other features include updated signage, new finishes and polished concrete floors.

“This face-lift is proof of the Exchange’s commitment to the Redstone community,” said Exchange General Manager Roberto Montalvo. “But, this Exchange is more than just a pretty face. Everything inside has been designed with convenience in mind.”

The Exchange’s makeover includes updated shopping sections for Michael Kors, Ellen Tracy, The North Face and Under Armour. The electronics section has been amped up with name brands like Bose, Samsung and Sony. The cosmetics department has been expanded, too, and shines with a beauty bar and nail bar with top-of-the-line brands like Smashbox, Too Faced and Essie.

 Garrison Commander Col. William Marks heralded the new look, saying the store was just one more reason to be proud of Redstone.

“This newly renovated facility can compete with any other retailer in our area as it has updated the brand names, the store look, and the overall atmosphere for the customer,” Marks said.

Shoppers like what they see.  

“The aesthetics are very remarkable,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Angel Clark, who said she first shopped at the Redstone Exchange in 1983. “This renovation is significant. The store looks bigger and more organized, and I really like the variety of designer brands.”

— 30 —

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.

###

Media Notes: 

For more information or to schedule an interview with an Exchange representative please contact Julie Mitchell, 214-312-3327 or [email protected].

MOON TOWNSHIP, Pa. – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service ushered in a new era of service and support for military families near Western Pennsylvania as the ribbon was cut on a state-of-art Express store Tuesday, marking the end of years of work to bring an updated facility to the area.

“This day has been a long time coming, and it’s a thrill to finally make it official,” Exchange Eastern Region Vice President Ronny Rexrode told the crowd of service members, veterans and their families who gathered to celebrate the grand opening of the Express and next-door commissary.

The ribbon-cutting marked the final phase in a years-long process to open a new Express and commissary after the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure recommendation to close the Charles E. Kelly Support Facility in nearby Oakdale. The Exchange’s Kelly facility remained open until the Moon Township store “soft” opened in August

The Oct. 21 grand opening officially kicked off an updated shopping experience for military families. Pennsylvania lawmakers including U.S. Sen. Robert Casey, U.S. Rep. Tim Murphy, U.S. Rep. Mike Doyle and State Sen. Matt Smith were on hand for the event, thanking all those who worked to make the new store a reality.

The 10,741-square-foot Express houses Military Clothing, an outdoor living section and electronics with name brands such as Samsung, Sony and Beats. A barber shop and Class Six facility with a walk-in cooler round out the $4.3 million facility, which supports 168,000 Soldiers, Airmen, Reservists, Guardsmen, military retirees and their families in Western Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Maryland and New York.

Retired Air Force Master Sgt. John Brice and his wife, Bonnie, said they drive 70 miles from their Bellaire, Ohio, home to shop each week. They attended the grand-opening celebration, and Brice took a seat in the barber shop and let the barber work his magic.

“I get my hair cut at the Exchange all the time,” Brice said. “I appreciate the support the Exchange gives to our military and our military families.”

Brice and his wife said they enjoyed the store’s fresh look and planned to continue their weekly trek to stock up on supplies for their garden.

For Tech Sgt. Nicole Bochter with the 171^st Air Refueling Wing of the Pennsylvania National Guard, shopping at the Express means saving money on items for her young family.

“I’m a frequent shopper, and we’ve waited for years for a store like this,” Bochter said while browsing Beats Pill speakers for her mother-in-law’s birthday. “You can’t beat the tax-free savings, especially on electronics. Our community is better off for having this facility.”

Lt. Col. Stephanie Wellhouse of the 911^th Airlift Wing said she welcomed the convenience.

“I’m so happy to have this store so close,” Wellhouse said, especially so she could shop for military clothing. Before the store opened, she would drive several hours to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base to purchase items for her uniform. “Instead of going to Wright-Patterson, I can come here on my lunch break. It’s been a long time coming, and I’m glad we have such a nice facility right in our own backyard.”

— 30 —

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.

###

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 who price matched in 2013 saved $6.4 million. Whether shopping in stores or online, Soldiers, Airmen, retirees and their families get the lowest price at the Exchange.

At brick-and-mortar locations, price differences of $10 or less are matched on the spot—no ad required. For price differences of $10 or more, shoppers can show a competitor’s current ad with a lower price for an identical product.

The Exchange’s online shopping site, shopmyexchange.com, also matches lower prices from other online retailers on identical items available for sale and delivery in the customer’s area.  

Besides matching prices, Exchange stores worldwide have a 14-day price guarantee on any item originally purchased from the Exchange and sold at a lower price by the Exchange or any local competitor. The 14-day guarantee is valid also on any item originally purchased through shopmyexchange.com and later sold at a lower price at the Exchange’s online store or any online competitor.

“With the price match policy and 14-day price guarantee, shopping the Exchange makes sense,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Sean Applegate, the Exchange’s senior enlisted advisor. “The Exchange will work with shoppers to make sure they get the best price – at the time of their purchase or after.”

More details about the Exchange’s price matching policy and its exceptions can be found at http://www.aafes.com/exchange-stores/price-match/.

— 30 —

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.

###

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 fall for even more savings at the Army & Air Force Exchange Service simply by shopping from Oct. 18 to Oct. 19. 

When shoppers make a purchase during those two days, they will receive coupons to use while shopping from Oct. 22 to Oct. 26. Shoppers can save $10 on a purchase of $100 or more or $20 when spending $200 or more.

“The coupons are the perfect way to get a jump-start on savings while shopping for the holidays,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Sean Applegate, the Exchange’s senior enlisted advisor. “This is a great opportunity for military shoppers to get the most for their money.”

The coupons are valid in-store or online at shopmyexchange.com. 

— 30 —

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.

###

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 first Boston Market restaurant located on a military installation had its official grand opening Oct. 10 at the Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s Freedom Crossing at Fort Bliss, Texas.

Originally founded as Boston Chicken in 1985 in Newtonville, Mass., today’s Boston Market has more than 450 locations nationwide featuring all-natural, never frozen signature rotisserie chicken and home-style sides.

“We are pleased to welcome Boston Market and their homestyle foods to the Exchange portfolio of restaurants,” said U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Sean Applegate, Exchange Senior Enlisted Advisor. “Boston Market offers a great way for families to enjoy a traditional, home-cooked style meal, either dining in or at home around the dinner table.”

Boston Market’s menu also has a health-conscious side to it, offering more than 100 different meal combinations totaling 550 calories or less to support today’s healthy lifestyle.

The Exchange has plans to open additional Boston Market restaurants at Fort Meade, Md., and Fort Hood, Texas, in the next six months.

— 30 —

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.

###

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 – Military shoppers hunting for the hottest toys of the season will find holly jolly savings in-store and online with the Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s Toy Book, filled with gifts ideas for kids of all ages.

The 24-page shopping guide, available Oct. 17 in the continental United States and Oct. 29 overseas, is packed with Military Brat-Approved toys, including Lalaloopsy dolls, Kidzoom Smart Watches and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles action figures. Shoppers will find the Military Brat-Approved seal of approval throughout the shopping guide highlighting the hottest kid-tested toys.

“The Toy Book and Military-Brat Approved logos make it easy for shoppers to choose must-have gifts for every child on your list,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Sean Applegate. “Plus, the Exchange’s tax-free savings and fee-free layaway can help stretch your toy budget this holiday season.”

For those who want to shop online, the Exchange’s site, shopmyexchange.com, is brimming with this season’s best toys, too. Online purchases ship for free when shoppers use their MILITARY STAR^® card.

The Toy Book is available at Exchange locations worldwide. To find the nearest Exchange, shoppers can visit www.shopmyexchange.com/exchange-stores.

— 30 —

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.

###

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 recently welcomed a new member to the team as U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Sean Applegate assumed duties as Senior Enlisted Advisor on Oct. 4.

As Senior Enlisted Advisor, Applegate will serve as the focal point for communications between Exchange leadership and Army and Air Force active duty, Guard, Reserve, family members and retired patrons, traveling to installations worldwide to present updates on Exchange activities and provide feedback on issues affecting customers.

“I’m very excited to join the Exchange team,” said Applegate. “I look forward to meeting with Soldiers, Airmen and their families in person to find out how the Exchange can better serve them.”

Raised in Cape Coral, Fla., Applegate joined the U.S. Air Force in August 1989 and has held a variety of Services assignments. He has earned an associate degree in restaurant and hotel management from the Community College of the Air Force and a bachelor of arts with honors in management from American Military University.

In his most recent assignment prior to joining the Exchange, Applegate served as the chief enlisted manager for Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations at Dover Air Force Base, Del.

Applegate replaced U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Tony Pearson, who retired after 30 years of military service.

— 30 —

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.

###

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].