DALLAS – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s Homeward Bound campaign is sizzling in June with a variety of giveaways to celebrate the homecoming of America’s warfighters and honor those who serve.  

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:

• One of three $100 Stylique gift cards from May 30 through June 5.
• One of seven Apple MacBook Air computers from June 13-19.
• An MWR Vacations trip for two valued at $999 or a 65-inch LG SMART television valued at $1,699 from June 27-July 10.

 “The Homeward Bound giveaways are really heating up for June,” said Exchange Chief of Staff Col. Tom Ockenfels. “Several military shoppers will have the chance to walk away winners.”   

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

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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 – Military shoppers can dive into savings on name-brand outdoor gear, appliances, sportswear and more with Summer 2014, the latest catalog from the Army & Air Force Exchange Service. Every item in the catalog is available on the Exchange’s online shopping site, shopmyexchange.com.

The 36-page catalog has everything needed to make summer sizzle, including patio furniture, Weber and Char-Broil grills as well as outdoor storage. Military shoppers can add a sunny touch inside their homes, too, with a wide selection of area rugs, lamps, linens and other decor.  For those who enjoy working out in the great outdoors, the catalog offers name-brand sportswear, including Nike, Under Armour and Adidas.

“From Oakley eyewear and Coach handbags to the latest electronics from Samsung and Bose, the Summer 2014 catalog makes a splash with style and value,” said Exchange Chief of Staff Col. Tom Ockenfels. “The Exchange makes it easy for Soldiers, Airmen and their families to find everything needed to make memories this summer.” 

Summer 2014 is available at all main stores and online at shopmyexchange.com. Exchange purchases are always tax free. Online orders of $49 or more and orders placed with a Military Star^® card qualify for free standard shipping.

Prices in this all-services catalog are valid through June 30 for any authorized exchange customer. Active-duty military members of the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines and Coast Guard, as well as military retirees, reservists, National Guardsmen, Department of Defense civilians stationed overseas, Exchange employees and their family members are all authorized Exchange privileges.

Orders can be placed by mail, fax or phone. Toll-free orders can be placed from the United States, Puerto Rico or Guam at 800-527-2345. The Exchange Catalog center is open around the clock, seven days a week. Complimentary international access calling is also available from several countries. Those numbers are:

Germany                 0800-82-16500

Japan/Okinawa        00531-11-4132

Korea                      00308-13-0664

Italy                         8008-71227

Belgium                   0800-7-2432

The Netherlands      0800-022-1889

United Kingdom     0800-96-8101

Spain                       900-971-391

Turkey*                   00800-18-488-6312

* Calls cannot be placed from phones on base. Use off-base commercial lines.

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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 Armed Forces Day and Memorial Day draw near, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service will honor Vietnam War veterans by giving shoppers a chance to share memories and stories of sacrifice with a virtual Wall of Gratitude and Remembrance.

“The Wall of Gratitude and Remembrance will give Exchange shoppers a special opportunity to express sincere thanks to Vietnam veterans for their valor or to share their own stories of service,” said Exchange Chief of Staff Col. Tom Ockenfels. “The virtual wall will have a worldwide reach, uniting veterans and their loved ones through messages of peace and respect.”

From May 16 through May 30, Exchange shoppers are invited to share memories of their service in Vietnam or recognize the sacrifices of friends and families through the Exchange’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/AAFES.BX.PX or Twitter at twitter.com/exchange_STYS. The Exchange will kick off the conversation on May 16 and again on May 26. Current and former military members and their families and friends can add their stories and remembrances to create the virtual wall.

The Wall of Gratitude and Remembrance is part of the Exchange’s participation in the 50^th Anniversary Vietnam War Commemorative Partner Program, designed for federal, state and local agencies to thank and honor Vietnam veterans and their families.

Additional information and instructions can be found at the Exchange’s Patriot Family Connection site at www.shopmyexchange.com/Community/patriotfamily/.

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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 – Facebook, Twitter and even your inbox. The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is making it easier than ever for shoppers to exercise their Exchange benefit via the Internet.

The Exchange’s Buddy List enables military shoppers to be among the first to find out about exclusive savings, promotions, events and special offers at their local Exchange.

“We’re bringing the deals directly to you,” said the Exchange’s Chief of Staff Col. Tom Ockenfels. “It’s as simple as signing up and receiving emails that are chock-full of exclusive offers. And the Exchange assures that all emails will remain private and not be shared or sold to anyone else.”

The weekly Buddy List delivers emails about worldwide and local promotions to approximately 233,000 authorized Exchange shoppers. Customers interested in receiving these messages can sign up at their local Exchange or online at www.shopmyexchange.com/ExchangeStores/buddy.htm.

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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 – Military shoppers whose love of candles burns bright can win big with the Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s latest giveaway in celebration of Mother’s Day.

From May 5 through May 16, Exchange shoppers can enter the Colonial Candle Mother’s Day Giveaway by submitting a review of their favorite Colonial Candle scent in 50 words or less. Entries should be emailed to [email protected] with “Colonial Candle Mother’s Day Giveaway” in the subject line. Entries must include contestant’s name, address, nearest Exchange, daytime phone number and rank or occupation of sponsor.

Five winners will each receive a Colonial Candle gift bag, which includes a 22-oz. jar candle, an 8-oz. jar candle, electric warmer, snap wax melt, candle kit and travel tin.

“The Exchange makes it easy for shoppers to win,” said Col. Tom Ockenfels, Exchange Chief of Staff. “It’s as simple as sending an email.”

Exchange shoppers can visit www.shopmyexchange.com/patriotfamily for complete contest rules. Winners will be selected on or about May 30.

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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 customers and vendors have expressed concern about security of their information in light of reports about the Heartbleed security flaw.

The Exchange’s online shopping site, shopmyexchange.com, and business partner site, partners.aafes.com, have not been compromised by the Heartbleed security flaw, a vulnerability found in servers that allows hackers to see and collect traffic passing between a server and a web browser once a secure connection is established.

“Because of proactive updates and monitoring, all our systems have been protected,” said Philip Stevens, Exchange Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer. “The Exchange is continually updating its systems to protect against security flaws such as Heartbleed, and protecting military shoppers’ personal information remains a priority.”

If Exchange shoppers are concerned about the safety of their data on other web sites, they can protect themselves from the security flaw by changing online passwords for personal banking, shopping, email and social networks. Shoppers are also advised to closely monitor credit cards and bank statements for unknown or fraudulent transactions.

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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 – Military shoppers who think their pet is the cat’s meow can take a shot at a $500 grand prize in the Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s online “Just Say Treat” Pet Photo Contest.

From May 2 through May 24, authorized Exchange shoppers can send in photos of their household or outdoor pets for a chance at the grand prize—a $500 Exchange gift card. Two second-place winners will each be awarded a $100 gift card and four third-place winners will each take home $50 Exchange gift cards.

“From loyal pups to cuddly kittens to scaly reptiles, pets are important members of the family,” said Col. Tom Ockenfels, Exchange Chief of Staff. “Exchange shoppers can win big just by showing off a photo of their pride and joy.”   

To complete an entry form, Exchange shoppers can visit shopmyexchange.com/patriotfamily or the Exchange’s Facebook page at facebook.com/AAFES.BX.PX. Contestants can also email their pet’s photograph plus a description of the pet in 50 words or less to [email protected]. In the email, entrants must include their name, address, closest Exchange, daytime phone number, rank and branch of service, or their sponsor’s. Pet information, such as name, breed and type of pet, must also be included.

“Just Say Treat” winners will determined on or about June 6.

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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—Military students can turn good grades into rewards with the Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s You Made the Grade program. From first-graders to high school seniors, pupils who maintain a B average or higher are eligible for the program that recognizes academic excellence.

The You Made the Grade program rewards military students with a coupon booklet filled with free offers and discounts, including a free regular 6-inch Subway sandwich and a Burger King Tendergrill chicken sandwich. Those who make the grade will also score Snack Avenue coupons for a free 16-ounce drink, a complimentary hot dog and more.

Other offers include $5 off a $25 iTunes gift card as well as discounts on clothing and shoes, among others. Students with a B average or better can also enter the You Made the Grade semiannual sweepstakes to receive gift cards worth $2,000, $1,500 or $500.

“The Exchange is proud to reward military students who make it their mission to do well in school,” said the Exchange’s Chief of Staff Col. Thomas Ockenfels.

“Servicemembers’ children face unique challenges inside and outside the classroom,” he said, noting MilitaryFamily.org reports that most military children will attend nine different schools from kindergarten through 12th grade. “The Exchange recognizes these students’ challenges, and they deserve to be rewarded.”

Students, including those who are home schooled, can receive a You Made the Grade coupon booklet by presenting a valid military I.D. and proof of an overall B average at their nearest Exchange customer service area. Eligible students can pick up one coupon booklet for each qualifying report card. Entries for the gift card sweepstakes drawing can be submitted twice a year, with drawings typically held in June and December.

Students and guardians can visit their local Exchange for more information about the Exchange’s You Made the Grade program.

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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 nonappropriated 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 is committed to providing servicemembers and their families access to the products they want, when they want them.  When timely delivery is the objective, the organization relies on logistics to ensure customer satisfaction for military shoppers around the world. The Exchange’s logistics team’s efforts have not gone unnoticed as the Defense Transportation System (DTS) has ranked the Exchange top amongst its peers.

In fact, the Exchange recently received three Surface Deployment Distribution Command (SDDC) Shipper Compliance Awards for medium, large and extra-large volume of cargo moved through the DTS.

These SDDC Shipper Compliance Awards recognize the Exchange for its timely and accurate submissions of documentation. Beyond making the shipping process of transporting everyday necessities more efficient, accurate paper work also allows the Exchange to provide on time delivery of seasonal and top-selling products.  

All three SDDC awards are based on the Exchange’s report card, which monitors the effectiveness of the organization’s shipping capabilities. Each year, the Exchange and more than 2,000 other organizations are rated according to timeliness and accuracy. The SDDC reviews the reports and awards the top 15 shippers who submitted error-free shipping instructions (also known as bookings).

The Exchange’s Dan Daniel Distribution Center booked a total of 5,771 shipments with 100 percent accuracy and was awarded the SDDC’s Shipper Compliance award in the extra-large category.

With 1,035 shipments, the Konoike Pacific Consolidated Center won the large category while the Coastal Pacific Food Distribution Center booked 373 shipments and was top rated in the medium category.

All three centers were recognized for their 100 percent accuracy, timeliness and effectiveness. 

“It’s a great honor for the Exchange to receive three Shipper Compliance Awards from the SDDC,” said the Exchange’s Deputy Director of Logistics Col. Colice Powell. “A lot of hard work from a lot of different people goes into ensuring the right products arrive where they need to, when they need to. These awards recognize the commitment Exchange associates have for Soldiers, Airmen and their families.” 

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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 Staff Sgt. Mark Matthews, 214-312-4273 or [email protected].

DALLAS –When a Columbia, S.C., family reached out to the Fort Jackson Exchange to track down jewelry purchased by their son, a soldier who was killed in action in Iraq in 2007, several members of the Army & Air Force Exchange Service team came together to make sure the family would have a lasting memory.

Harry and Kum White’s son Pfc. Anthony James White, 20, served in Iraq with the 82^nd Airborne Division from Fort Bragg, N.C. Pfc. White died in Iraq in March 2007, just days after placing a deposit on two engraved necklace gold charms from Camp Warhorse.

Harry White, a retired sergeant major who served in the Army for 30 years, had held off going through his son’s belongings for years and had recently found the receipt showing an unpaid balance for the charms. He turned to the Fort Jackson Exchange to help him get in touch with the vendor so he could recover one last memory of his son.

“I went to the Exchange at Fort Jackson and asked, ‘Can anyone help me?’” he said. “I was shocked the Exchange went out on a limb to do this for us.”

White was put in touch with Carol Lamb, a services operations assistant at the Fort Jackson Exchange, and her supervisor, Della Hannah. They immediately began tracking down the jewelry vendor in Iraq.

“He so desperately wanted that jewelry because of the connection to his son,” Lamb said. “I told him I’d do everything I could to help him.”

To try to find the jewelry vendor, Lamb and Hannah reached out to Hannah Kaetterhenry, an Exchange services business tech in Afghanistan. Kaetterhenry, in turn, contacted Camisha Smith, an Exchange services business manager in Kuwait to find the vendor, Lone Star.

“I made this one of my top priorities,” Smith said. “I was just doing my job, helping to make sure the family could have a piece of their son’s history—something their son wanted.”

Based on the receipt information, Smith contacted Lone Star’s headquarters in Fahaheel, Kuwait, and confirmed it sold jewelry in Iraq from 2003-11. Smith sent Lone Star a copy of the Soldier’s receipt, and the vendor offered to remake the charms for White for free.

The charms were sent to Smith, who mailed them to White. One charm bears the name “Alecia” on one side, with the Arabic equivalent on the other. The second charm reads “Cierra” in English and Arabic. Both charms were meant to be gifts for friends of Pfc. White. The charms are now on display in the Whites’ home, with other mementos of their son.

For White and his wife, receiving the mementoes of their son’s time in Iraq was bittersweet.

“We’re happy that the jewelry was re-created, but we’re sad he’s not here to spend time with us. My son was a joyful young man who left this world too soon.”

For the Exchange team, the ability to help a slain Soldier’s parents reinforces the Exchange’s mission to serving customers and treating them like family.

“I’m just really glad we were able to help Mr. White,” Lamb said. “Helping someone preserve the memories of a lost child is an awesome thing to be able to do.”

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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].