DALLAS – Just in time for the holiday shopping season, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service is stocking its shelves with Military-Brat Approved toys, a kid-tested collection of the hottest dolls, actions figures, play sets and more.

More than 150 Military-Brat Approved toys will be featured in special Toyland sections, opening Sept. 17 at Exchanges worldwide. Military-Brat Approved toys can also be found online at www.shopmyexchange.com.

To give toys the military brat seal of approval, dozens of service members’ children at Fort Hood were asked to test products this summer. The Exchange took note of which toys got the most interest and created the special Military-Brat Approved list.

The Exchange offers Military-Brat Approved toys for young children through tweens. For preschoolers, LeapFrog Medical Kit and Thomas the Tank Engine Avalanche Escape Set for preschoolers made the cut. Lalaloopsy dolls, Monster High Hairfitti and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles classic collection appealed to 6- to 9-year-olds, while tweens enjoyed the Nerf Zombie Strike Crossfire blaster.

“This year, the Exchange went straight to the experts to hear about the hottest toys—the kids themselves, “said Exchange Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Tony Pearson. “With Military-Brat Approved toys, tax-free savings and fee-free layaway, the Exchange makes holiday shopping merry and bright.”

Shoppers can identify which toys are Military-Brat Approved by special logos on store shelves and shopmyexchange.com. Each page of the Toy Book, which launches Oct. 17, will feature the kid-tested toys as well. Starting Sept. 12 through Dec. 24, shoppers can use fee-free layaway at the Exchange to hold purchases of $25 or more, including Military Brat Approved toys.

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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.

DALLAS – As the summer ends and temperatures cool down, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s Homeward Bound campaign is heating up with a wide variety of giveaways to celebrate the homecoming of America’s warfighters and those who serve.

Military shoppers who visit the Exchange’s Facebook page at  www.facebook.com/AAFES.BX.PX can enter to win prizes throughout the month.

From Sept. 5-11, 10 authorized shoppers can register to win a $250 Exchange gift card courtesy of Slim Jim. Additionally, one lucky military shopper will be awarded a trip to the 2014 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion’s Week in Las Vegas.

Then, from Sept. 5-18, five lucky winners will take home a $500 Exchange gift card courtesy of Ruiz Foods. From Sept. 19-25, Dish Network is giving away a Sony PS4 game system while Deli Express will award three $500 Exchange gift cards.

Finally, from Sept. 26-Oct. 2, Sony is offering shoppers a shot at three great prizes: a $3,000 Exchange gift card for the grand prize winner, $2,000 Exchange gift card for the runner-up with third place taking home a PS4 system, DualShock controller, two software titles and a PlayStation Vita.

For more information about Homeward Bound, including additional upcoming promotions, can be found at www.shopmyexchange.com/homewardbound.

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The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is a joint non-appropriated 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 Chris Ward, 214-312-2714 or [email protected].

DALLAS – LATINA Style magazine has named the Army & Air Force Exchange Service one of the 50 best companies for Latinas to work, further highlighting the Exchange’s commitment to diversity in the workplace.

 The Exchange’s selection to the 2014 LATINA Style 50 will be published in the magazine’s special August issue, and the Exchange will be recognized at the magazine’s awards ceremony and diversity conference early in 2015.

 “The Exchange consistently champions diversity, and this national award is a testament to our strong commitment to excellence,” said Exchange Executive Vice President & Chief Merchandising Officer Ana Middleton, one of the Exchange’s highest-ranking Hispanic women. “Diversity in the workforce is essential to ensuring the Exchange serves Soldiers, Airmen, their families and retirees in the best way possible.”

The Exchange was chosen for LATINA Style 50 after evaluation of more than 800 companies. The magazine’s annual rankings are considered a respected source of information for Hispanic women across the country.

 LATINA Style 50 highlights companies that have a dedicated effort to diverse recruiting and promotion initiatives. The report also highlights companies that have programs to recruit veterans and military personnel.  

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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 – As has been widely reported, a data breach has affected 51 The UPS Store locations in 24 states—or about 1 percent of stores. Customer data, including names, addresses and payment information, may have been exposed because of malware hacking from Jan. 20 to Aug. 11. 

Military shoppers who have made purchases or shipped packages at The UPS Store locations operated through the Army & Air Force Exchange Service have not been affected by this breach.  

The Exchange offers The UPS Store at 33 locations. Customer information was not compromised at The UPS Store’s military locations. 

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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 – Army & Air Force Exchange Service restaurants are helping Soldiers, Airmen and their families eat healthy while saving money with “Salad Wednesdays.”

Every Wednesday, guests can take $2 off any salad priced $4 or more at participating Exchange direct-operated restaurants. “Salad Wednesdays” are part of the Exchange’s Operation BEFIT initiative, designed to promote health and wellness. 

“Saving money while eating right is good for the body—and the wallet,” said Exchange Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Tony Pearson. “The Exchange wants to do its part by ensuring Soldiers and Airmen have a wide selection of healthy and affordable food.”     

Besides saving $2 on salads each Wednesday, customers who pay with their MILITARY STAR^® card receive an additional 10 percent off at Exchange restaurants.

Exchange restaurants are open to anyone – whether military, civil service, contractor or visitor – per Army Regulation 215-8 and Air Force Instruction 34-211 (I).  

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The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is a joint non-appropriated 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 – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service announced it paid a dividend of $208 million in 2013 to morale, welfare and recreation efforts for the Army, Air Force, Marine Corps and Navy. Over the past 10 years, the Exchange has provided more than $2.4 billion in dividends to military programs.

“Roughly two-thirds of Exchange earnings are paid to the Services’ morale, welfare and recreation programs, while the other third is used to build new stores or renovate facilities,” said Exchange Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Tony Pearson. “For example, in 2013 we built new main stores at Fort Belvoir and Kirtland Air Force Base. The Exchange also constructed new Expresses at Fort Wainwright, Edwards Air Force Base and Fort Bliss and six other locations around the world last year.”  

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 2013 dividend of $208 million was distributed as follows:

Army:                                      $116.5M

Air Force:                                $  69.4M

Marines:                                  $  19.2M

Navy:                                      $    3.2M

Total:                                     $208.3M

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.

“When customers shop and dine at the Exchange, they are investing in their own community, making it a better place to live and work,” Ockenfels said. “100 percent of Exchange earnings serve Soldiers, Airmen and their families.”

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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 – As a new school year kicks off, Army & Air Force Exchange Service shoppers can send their students to the head of the class with an Apple prize package thanks to the Unilever Back to School Axe Sweepstakes.

Six grand-prize winners will each receive Apple prizes with an approximate retail value of $2,000. Each winner will take home a MacBook, an iPad, an iPod Touch and a $25 iTunes gift card.

“The grand prize will help six lucky winners stay connected, whether they’re at home or on the go,” said Exchange Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Tony Pearson. “Entering is as easy as stopping by the local Exchange.”

Unilever Back to School Axe Sweepstakes entry forms are available at Exchange stores worldwide from Aug. 8 through Sept. 4. Authorized shoppers 18 years and older with a valid driver’s license can enter, and no purchase is necessary. The drawing will take place on or about Oct. 14.

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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 – As military shoppers load up their students’ backpacks with pencils, notebooks and other back-to-school gear, MILITARY STAR^® card users can fill up on savings at pumps at Army & Air Force Exchange Service Express locations worldwide.

From Aug. 8 to Aug. 10, the Exchange is doubling the everyday 5-cents-per-gallon gas discount MILITARY STAR^® cardholders receive when fueling up. On those three days, drivers paying for gas with their MILITARY STAR^® card will receive 10 cents off per gallon.

“With back-to-school season in full swing, the MILITARY STAR^® gas discount gives military shoppers another reason to see how the Exchange makes the grade,” said Chief Master Sgt. Tony Pearson, the Exchange’s Senior Enlisted Advisor. “The extra savings at the pump are just the beginning of the value shoppers will find at their Exchange.”

No matter the season, shoppers can reap the benefits of paying with 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.shopmyexchange.com/ExchangeCredit.

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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 – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service continues its celebration of returning combat troops this August with a variety of prizes available during its weekly Homeward Bound giveaways.

Shoppers who visit the Exchange’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/AAFES.BX.PX have a chance to win various prizes throughout the month, including:

• Through Aug. 7, one entrant will win an Exchange gift card worth $1,000 courtesy of ASICS. Two runners-up will each receive Exchange gift cards worth $250.
• Aug. 8-14, five winners will receive a Serta adjustable mattress set worth $3,000.
• Aug. 15-21, ten entrants will receive Exchange gift cards each worth $250 courtesy of David Sunflower seeds
• Aug. 22-28, two winners will receive a $3,000 Samsung entertainment package including a 55-inch 3D LED Smart TV, 3D Wi-Fi Blu-ray player, Sound Stand, 10.1-inch Galaxy Pro tablet and Galaxy Camera 2.

To enter the Homeward Bound contests and for more information about upcoming promotions, authorized shoppers can visit www.shopmyexchange.com/homewardbound.

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The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is a joint non-appropriated 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 Conner Hammett, 214-312-4566 or [email protected].

DALLAS – Whether stationed at home or abroad, servicemembers can expect to find the same, or very similar, prices at Army & Air Force Exchange Service facilities worldwide.   

Known as pricing parity, this practice ensures Exchange prices are established centrally.

“While there may be some slight price differentiations that occur with items purchased locally overseas, per Department of Defense policy the Exchange doesn’t increase prices in order to cover shipping or other higher operational costs,” said Exchange Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Tony Pearson. “No matter where they are called to serve, it is our goal to bring Soldiers, Airmen and their families the same products, at the same cost.”

Despite the Exchange’s efforts to price consistently, a few exceptions can occur.

“There may be some price differences between locations in the continental United States and overseas for categories such as gasoline, alcohol and tobacco,” said Pearson. “These prices are set based on Department of Energy benchmarks, or local surveys, established by DoD directives.”

Additionally, prices for some convenience and frequently purchased items may be lower at different locations based on local promotions or surveys. To ensure prices on these same items overseas are consistent with those servicemembers would expect to see at home, overseas prices are set at the average surveyed CONUS price.

Servicemembers and their families worldwide can learn more about Exchange policies by visiting http://www.shopmyexchange.com/CustomerService/ .

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The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is a joint non-appropriated 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 Chris Ward, 214-312-2714 or [email protected].