DALLAS – Service members and their families continually make sacrifices. Multiple deployments, long training exercises and constant states of readiness can add to the stress of not just being a servicemember, but a spouse or family member as well.

In 2014, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service is joining military communities around the world to celebrate the homecoming of America’s brave warfighters by hosting a yearlong “Homeward Bound” campaign to honor those who serve.

“We understand the hardships and sacrifices military families go through,” said the Exchange’s Chief of Staff Col. Thomas Ockenfels. “2014 will be a year to celebrate the return of so many. The ‘Homeward Bound’ campaign is our way of saying ‘thank you’ to service members, and their families, for everything they have done and continue to do.”

The “Homeward Bound” campaign will be a year of discounts, contests and great prizes. To kick off the year, shoppers can enter the Ashley Furniture giveaway from, Jan. 10 –Feb. 6. Three winners will receive a room of furniture valued at $1,500 each. To enter, shoppers can ‘Like’ the Exchange on Facebook and follow the contest rules.

In addition to the contest, Ashley furniture will take 15% off any in-store and online item during the contest period. 

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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 –Servicemembers can now enjoy instant access to current hit TV shows like Modern Family, Sleepy Hollow, Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and more with an exclusive discounted subscription to Hulu Plus through the Army & Air Force Exchange Service.

“Through this new offering, troops and their families in CONUS and at select OCONUS locations (Afghanistan, Italy and Kuwait to start) can view the latest and best of U.S. programming, wherever they are called to serve,” said the Exchange’s Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Tony Pearson.

To get the Exchange’s exclusive Hulu Plus offer and a 10% savings for the first year of service, authorized shoppers can subscribe through www.shopmyexchange.com/hulu. In the continental United States, Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico and Guam, this program is available to on- and off-base subscribers.

Hulu Plus is an online video subscription service that offers current hit TV shows, classic series, award-winning movies and more. Hulu Plus subscribers can access premium programming anytime on internet-connected TVs, smartphones, game consoles, set top boxes and additional devices, in HD (when available). 

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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 – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service continues to support the Office of the Secretary of Defense’s Healthy Base Initiative through the Exchange’s Operation Be Fit effort.

Operation Be Fit is a program that offers healthier choices to authorized shoppers in the Exchange’s Main Stores, Expresses, vending machines, food courts and school meal program. It also covers athletic apparel and workout equipment in an effort to promote a healthier mind and body.

The Fort Bragg Exchange partnered with the installation for a week long Healthy Base Initiative kick-off event where Chef Jerome Brown, Celebrity Chef to the stars, head chef for the President’s Inaugural Ball and author of the cookbook “Eat Like a Celebrity” conducted a cooking demo at the North Post Main Store.

“Events like these are a great way to emphasize the importance of being healthy and staying fit not only to troops, but their families as well,” said the Exchange’s Senior Enlisted Advisor Tony Pearson. “Operation Be Fit is great because it focuses on all aspects of health such as eating right, exercise and overall physical and mental health.”

Throughout 2014, the Exchange will continue its charge in helping shoppers make healthier choices by offering themed events throughout the year at select locations. These themes will focus on developing healthy workout routines, preparing food, encouraging shoppers to enjoy the outdoors and overall healthy living.

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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 – The Exchange is making it easy for shoppers to say “I do” to diamond jewelry that will be cherished for a lifetime. The Bridal 2014 catalog shines with the best selection of diamond engagement rings, bridal sets, wedding bands and other jewelry to make a wedding day complete.

In the 16-page catalog, shoppers will find breathtaking diamonds in a variety of carat weights, shapes and colors, including black and aqua. Jewelry collections include My Diamond Story, Expressions of Love, Sirena, Mikimoto and more.

“The Exchange vows to be there for our shoppers during all of the important milestones in their lives, including engagement and marriage,” said the Exchange’s Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Tony Pearson.

The Bridal 2014 catalog 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 March 2, 2014, 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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Military exchanges have the dual mission of providing authorized patrons with articles of merchandise and services and of generating non-appropriated fund earnings as a supplemental source of funding for military Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) programs. To find out more about the military exchanges’ history and missions or to view recent press releases please visit 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].

MEDIA CONTACT: SSG Mark Matthews
MEDIA ADVISORY: 13-088
RELEASE DATE: Dec. 17, 2013

DALLAS— The Army & Air Force Exchange Service announced today that it has earned the 2014 Military Spouse Employer title by Victory Media, publisher of G.I. Jobs and Military Spouse.  

Companies competed for the Military Friendly Employers title via a data-driven survey of more than 5,000 companies with resulting survey data independently tested by Ernst & Young LLP based upon the weightings and methodology established by Victory Media.  Criteria for the survey included a benchmark score across key programs and policies such as the strength of military recruiting efforts, percentage of new hires with prior military service, retention programs and company policies on National Guard and Reserve service. 

The Exchange aggressively seeks to hire military talent and has found that hiring from the military community is a strategic competitive advantage. 

“I’m delighted to hear the great news in being recognized for our superb efforts to hire military spouses,” said Exchange Deputy Director Maj. Gen. Joseph Ward. “Our military spouses play such a huge role in supporting our troops–it is wonderful to see so many companies, to include the Exchange, recognize what they bring to the fight.  Our military spouses truly represent our motto: family serving family.”

Now in its 11th year, Military Friendly Employers® media is the premier resource for transitioning service members and spouses seeking civilian employment.  Each year companies taking the survey are held to a higher standard than the previous year via improved methodology, criteria and weightings developed with the assistance of an advisory board consisting of leaders in the military recruitment community.  A full list of board members can be found at MilitaryFriendly.com/board.

The Exchange will be showcased, along with other 2014 Military Friendly Employers, in the January edition of “Military Spouse Magazine” and online at MilitaryFriendly.com. 

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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].

MEDIA CONTACT: SSG Mark Matthews
MEDIA ADVISORY: 13-087
RELEASE DATE: Dec. 16, 2013

DALLAS – The General Counsel Forum, a Texas-based professional association of General and In-House Counsel, has awarded the Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s General Counsel the 2013 David Weaver Award for the Best Legal Government/Non-Profit Legal Office. The award recognized overall success in business development, finance and credit law, employment law and compliance programs.

The General Counsel Forum’s annual “Magna Stella” award event took place in San Antonio on November 14th and recognized winners in several categories, including Lifetime Achievement, best Large Corporate Legal Department and Outstanding Assistant General Counsel.  Col. Mark Patterson, Exchange General Counsel, accepted the award on behalf of the Exchange.

“As a uniformed attorney representing the Exchange, it is an honor to see the Exchange General Counsel team recognized by the General Counsel Forum, an organization with membership across the in-house spectrum—including some of the largest corporations and government organizations in Texas,” said Col. Patterson. “The Magna Stella Award is a great testament to the quality of the work the Exchange’s Office of the General Counsel does as measured by peers.  I’m very grateful Mr. Tom Shull, Exchange Director/CEO, nominated the GC Team and me.”

The Exchange’s General Counsel was recognized for many accomplishments in the past year, which include providing ethics training to more than 17,000 associates worldwide, reviewing approximately 750 financial disclosure forms to ensure there were no conflict of interests between Exchange associates and their financial holdings, assisting in workers compensation resolution and reviewing contracts totaling more than $2 billion.

“I continue to see amazing teamwork here at the Exchange and certainly it is evident within our General Counsel Office,” said Exchange Deputy Director Maj. Gen. Joseph Ward. “It is wonderful to see GC recognized for their superb contributions to support our great mission – family serving family.”

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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].

MEDIA CONTACT: Lisa Neidinger
MEDIA ADVISORY: 13-086
RELEASE DATE: Dec. 12, 2013

DALLAS – According to ABC News, recipients of gifts returned as many as 37 percent of holiday purchases last year. But shoppers at the Army & Air Force Exchange Service can rest easy knowing the Exchange makes holiday returns as easy as possible.

“We know it’s hard to please everyone on your list,” said the Exchange’s Chief of Staff Col. Tom Ockenfels. “There’s enough stress during the holidays, so we have industry-leading return policies to make it simple to transform an unwanted gift into a replacement item, refund or Exchange gift card credit.”

The Exchange’s standard policy allows returns anywhere from 15 to 90 days of purchase with a sales receipt, but the holiday return/exchange policy extends these terms through Jan. 31, 2014 for all items purchased between Nov. 1 and Dec. 24, 2013.

As is the case throughout the year, refund requests with sales receipts are processed according to the original forms of payment (cash for cash, credit for credit card). Customers returning items without sales receipts will receive Exchange gift cards for the refund amount.

Also as a convenience to Exchange online shoppers, shopmyexchange.com orders can be returned to the nearest Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy or Coast Guard Exchange. Customer online returns due to an error on the Exchange’s part are reimbursed standard shipping charges as well.

“We take our commitment to serving those who serve seriously,” said Ockenfels. “On the rare occasion an online return is necessary, we know it’s extremely important they have a hassle-free experience.”

To make a return or get more information on exchanges and gift card credits, be sure to stop by your Exchange’s Customer Service area or visit www.shopmyexchange.com. 

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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 Lisa Neidinger at 214-312-4168 or [email protected].

MEDIA CONTACT: SSG Mark Matthews
MEDIA ADVISORY: 13-085
RELEASE DATE: Dec. 5, 2013

DALLAS – The addition of several new stores in the Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s Online Mall is adding up to greater selection and savings for military shoppers. Hat Club, World of Powersports and Candy Crush candy boxes have all recently joined more than 40 third party sites offering exclusive discounts and promotions to military families through the virtual concession mall at www.shopmyexchange.com.

The Exchange Online Mall’s Hat Club has thousands of hats in a variety of styles, from sports teams to the most elite brands. Hat Club carries exclusive and custom-fitted as well as snapback hats from New Era, Mitchell & Ness, The Hundreds, Hurley, Stussy and many more. Military shoppers receive 10% off when shopping the Hat Club through the Exchange Online Mall.

World of Powersports is one of America’s largest Genuine Parts dealerships offering genuine repair parts and accessories for motorcycles, ATVs, personal watercraft and snowmobiles as well as popular aftermarket items. World of Powersports is a franchised dealer for Polaris, Kawasaki, Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Can-Am, Sea-Doo, Ski-Doo, Arctic-Cat, KTM, Kymco, Bennche and is veteran owned and operated.

The Exchange now also features four Candy Crush launch items. Candy.com and the Exchange Online Mall have come together to offer four flavors: Jelly Fish, Mixed Fruit Gummies, Candy Crush Color Bombs and Sour Fruit boxes from the hit app game of the year – Candy Crush – through the Exchange Specialty Store – Sweet Shoppe, which offers a wide selection of chocolates, gummies, bulk candy and name brand candies, such as Snickers, Reese’s and Gummy Bears.

“By partnering with select suppliers willing to offer special incentives to Exchange shoppers, we are able to strengthen shoppers’ earned benefit with additional value and increased selection,” said the Exchange’s Chief of Staff Tom Ockenfels. “Finding the right product, at the right price and at the right time continues to get easier as the Exchange Online Mall expands.”

The Exchange Mall is a concession mall offering online service and merchandise to military members around the world.  Today, more than 40 third party sites, including Armed Forces Eyewear and Military Contacts, which feature prescription glasses and contacts, online book store Books A Million, and tactical gear for those deployed from Patriot Outfitters, are on exchangeonlinemall.com. Authorized shoppers can log onto their Exchange Online Store at shopmyexchange.com, usmc-mccs.org, navy-nex.com or cg-exchange.com and click the Exchange Mall logo or access the site directly by logging onto exchangeonlinemall.com.

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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].

MEDIA CONTACT: Lisa Neidinger
MEDIA ADVISORY: 13-084
RELEASE DATE: Dec. 3, 2013

DALLAS – Army & Air Force Exchange Service Associate Tony Garcia received the Department of Defense Outstanding Employee with a Disability Award for 2013 at the Exchange headquarters Nov. 15. 

Garcia, a custodial Associate at the Fort Knox, Ky., Exchange Main store, was one of 19 DoD employees worldwide selected to receive the honor this year.

“Our honorees demonstrate that when we give people an opportunity, they can flourish – and we all can benefit,” said Assistant Defense Secretary for Readiness and Force Management F. E. Vollrath.

The award highlights the accomplishments and abilities of employees with disabilities who have made significant contributions to their organization’s mission, Vollrath added.

Garcia received the honor because of his strong his job performance, outstanding work ethic and ability to overcome physical limitations.

Initially hired as a custodial team member five years ago, supervisors quickly recognized Garcia’s abilities and varied his duties. After completing a task, Tony always cheerfully asked “What’s next?” He is a keen observer who picks up new skills and completes tasks thoroughly, according to Mary Smith, Garcia’s former supervisor who is now the Knox Express store manager.

At the Fort Knox store, “Mr. Garcia” is well known for his initiative and going above and beyond supporting customers. “Service has become one of Garcia’s strengths and he knows many shoppers by name,” Smith said. “Tony supports customers with disabilities by assisting them with motorized shopping carts.

In addition to his DoD award, Garcia received Exchange leadership coins from the Director/CEO Tom Shull, Deputy Director Maj. Gen. Joseph Ward, Chief Operating Officer Michael Howard and Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Tony Pearson. Garcia’s parents, Todd and Gloria Sherman, accompanied him to the ceremony and received a certificate of appreciation. Todd Sherman is a retired Command Sgt. Maj. who is deputy director for recruiting operations with U.S. Army Recruiting Command.

As an employer supporting servicemembers, families and retirees worldwide, the Exchange offers a host of full and part-time employment options. To learn more, perspective applicants can visit their nearest Exchange or the www.shopmyexchange.com.

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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 Lisa Neidinger at 214-312-4168 or [email protected].

MEDIA CONTACT: Chris Ward
MEDIA ADVISORY: 13-083
RELEASE DATE: Dec. 2, 2013

DALLAS – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service announced that Lt. Gen. Samuel D. Cox will serve as the Chairman of the Exchange Board of Directors, effective December 2, 2013.

General Cox, who was confirmed by the U.S. Senate as the Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff for Manpower, Personnel and Services on Nov. 5, will replace Lt. Gen. Darrell Jones, who served as Chairman of the Exchange Board of Directors since April 2013 and retired from the Air Force on Nov. 21.

As Deputy Chief of Staff for Manpower, Personnel and Services, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, General Cox serves as the senior Air Force officer responsible for comprehensive plans and policies covering all life cycles of military and civilian personnel management.

Prior to his current assignment, General Cox was Director of Operations and Plans, United States Transportation Command, Scott Air Force Base, Ill. He was responsible for directing the deployment of forces and the distribution of supplies and equipment for humanitarian, peacetime and wartime operations for the Department of Defense, including joint training, exercises and war planning.

General Cox graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in May 1984. Following undergraduate pilot training, he served as a C-141 special operations low level II flight examiner aircraft commander, airdropping the initial insertion force into Panama for Operation Just Cause. General Cox has flown in support of multiple combat operations, including Desert Shield, Desert Storm and Allied Force and has served as a squadron commander and a wing commander. His other assignments include deputy executive secretary in the Office of the Secretary of Defense and Commandant of Cadets, U.S. Air Force Academy.

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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].