MEDIA CONTACT: Chris Ward
MEDIA ADVISORY: 13-072
RELEASE DATE: Oct. 24, 2013

DALLAS – A picture may be worth a thousand words but in the Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s latest contest a picture and 50 words could be worth $10,000.

From Nov. 1-Dec. 31, authorized shoppers can enter the “Homeward Bound” contest by submitting a picture or video of a military welcome home experience, along with a 50-word or less description, for a shot at the $10,000 Exchange gift card grand prize.

“We’ve all been moved by video footage and pictures of military members returning to their families,” said ­­­­ the Exchange’s Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Tony Pearson. “We are excited to see the stirring submissions competing to land the $10,000 prize.”

In addition to the grand prize, the second-place winner will receive a $5,000 gift card and third place will take home a $2,000 gift card.

The “Homeward Bound” contest is open to all authorized Exchange shoppers 18 years or older. Complete rules and entry instructions 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].

MEDIA CONTACT: Chris Ward
MEDIA ADVISORY: 13-071
RELEASE DATE: Oct. 17, 2013

DALLAS – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service Board of Directors announced that the Exchange paid a dividend of $224 million in 2012. These funds are critical to Army, Air Force, National Guard, Marine Corps and Navy morale, welfare and recreation efforts.

“Historically, roughly two-thirds of Exchange earnings are paid to the Services’ morale, welfare and recreation programs with the other third used to build new stores or renovate existing facilities,” said the Exchange’s Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Tony Pearson. “This structure means that authorized customers are, essentially, ‘investors.’ Fortunately, thrifty shoppers rediscovering the value the Exchange offers allowed for a healthy return on their investment.”

With a mission to provide quality goods and services at competitively low prices and generate earnings to support quality of life efforts, the dual benefit the Exchange provides military families goes far beyond the clothes, electronics and snacks on shelves.

Customers who shop the Exchange’s brick and mortar stores or online at www.shopmyexchange.com help make the military community a better place to live and work. In fact, purchases made in the past 10 years have provided more than $2.4 billion to military programs such as Youth Services, post functions, gyms and aquatic centers.

Exchange support to the military in FY 2012 was not limited to Soldiers and Airmen. Because the Exchange operates at Marine and Navy locations, funds were also returned to Marines and Sailors. The FY 2012 dividend of $224 million was distributed as follows:

Army:                                      $127.8M

Air Force:                                $74.7M

Marines:                                  $18.8M

Navy:                                      $2.7M

TOTAL:                                  $224M

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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].

MEDIA CONTACT: SSG Mark Matthews
MEDIA ADVISORY: 13-070
RELEASE DATE: Oct. 11, 2013

DALLAS – The National Defense and Transportation Association (NDTA) recognized the Army & Air Force Exchange Service, and a few key contributors, at its headquarters on September 19 for efforts to improve transportation efficiencies.

At the ceremony, the NDTA presented the Exchange’s Director/CEO Tom Shull its Innovative Logistics Service Award.

The NDTA honor recognizes a commercial industry or government agency logistics provider, which has significantly reduced the military forces’ non-operational burden and allowed them to concentrate greater efforts on core competencies.

During the past year, the Exchange implemented and executed numerous programs which increased efficiencies and reduced costs. Overall, these efforts realized savings in excess of $50 million over the past year, directly contributing to Department of Defense cost reductions and increased MWR support.

“In a time of budget crunching and sequestration, the Exchange is being recognized for doing its part in these difficult times,” said the Exchange’s Chief of Staff Col. Tom Ockenfels. “This award is great testament to the hard work and dedication put forth by Exchange associates and military personnel.”

Also recognized during the ceremony was Transportation Analyst Kristin Haggard, who was awarded the NDTA Southwest Region’s Young Executive of the Year Award and a national Distinguished Service Award. Haggard manages Exchange appropriated funds for Second Destination Transportation (SDT).  The Exchange reduced its Government Fiscal Year (GFY) 2012 SDT spending by $10 million. Through the Transportation Analysis group’s efforts, the Exchange is on track to further reduce SDT spending by $13 million through GFY 2012 to GFY 2013.

Contingency Plans Director Col. Roger Neumann received the NDTA’s Distinguished Service Award for his role in contingency operations for the Exchange in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Neumann has served in the Air Force for 22 years and is the President of NDTA’s Dallas/Fort Worth Chapter.  

The Exchange operates a fleet of more than 450 trucks and nine distribution centers, servicing Soldiers, Airmen and their family members around the world.     

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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: 13-069
RELEASE DATE: Oct. 10, 2013

DALLAS – It’s not the gift, but the thought that counts. This year the Army & Air Force Exchange Service is offering any American the opportunity to get them both right by purchasing an Exchange gift card for any servicemember with just a few clicks.

“Gift cards give Soldiers and Airmen the choice to buy the things they need when they want them,” said Exchange Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Tony Pearson. “An Exchange gift card is especially great if you want to show your support for the troops, but just don’t quite know how.”

Gift cards offer a unique take on the idea of sending servicemembers care packages. The Exchange operates more than 30 Exchanges in contingency locations including Afghanistan, Jordan and Kuwait. Sending a gift card instead of a care package allows troops to choose the name brands and products they want, saving the sender unnecessary and costly postage fees.  

While only authorized military shoppers can redeem Exchange gift cards, any American can send one by simply logging on to www.shopmyexchange.com and clicking “Support Your Troops” and then the “Gift and Calling Cards” icon.

From there, Exchange gift cards, ranging in values from $10 to $500, can be addressed to a specific Soldier, Airman, Sailor or Marine or sent to “any service member” through the Fisher House Foundation, Air Force Aid Society, Warrior and Family Support Center or Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society.

The Exchange operates facilities for service members, retirees and their families in more than 30 countries, 50 states and five U.S. territories. Current operations include 131 main stores, 174 Military Clothing facilities, 72 movie theaters, 850 specialty stores and 1,590 quick serve restaurants such as Taco Bell, Popeye’s and Starbucks.

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

MEDIA CONTACT: Conner Hammett
MEDIA ADVISORY: 13-068
RELEASE DATE: Oct. 9, 2013

DALLAS – Because military service members and their families are always priority No. 1, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service regularly seeks authorized shoppers’ feedback on how the organization is doing in supporting their needs.

As part of this effort, the Exchange Mystery Shopper program identifies a select group from each installation to go about their normal day-to-day shopping for a period of six months and detail their experience in a series of three survey sets.

Mystery Shoppers are rewarded for their participation with a $30 Exchange gift card and, for sharing their moviegoing experience at locations equipped with a theater, two free movie tickets along with popcorn and drinks. If three sets of surveys are completed within a six-month period, Mystery Shoppers receive $90 in gift cards and six free movie passes.

“Not only is the Exchange Mystery Shopper program a great way to improve the shopping experience, but it allows shoppers to take ownership of military shopping all over the world,” said the Exchange’s Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Tony Pearson. “It’s only through the input of shoppers that we can offer the level of service our nation’s finest, and their families, have come to expect at the Exchange.”

Authorized patrons can apply to become Mystery Shoppers by registering at www.shopmyexchange.com; from this pool of applicants a new crop of participants are selected every six months. There are currently about 350 active Mystery Shoppers at 130 Army and Air Force installations worldwide.

To apply, visit www.shopmyexchange.com and click the “Mystery Shopper – I want to apply!” link under the “Exchange Locations” header at the bottom of the page.

Exchange shoppers can also offer feedback by visiting www.shopmyexchange.com/CustomerService and clicking the “Catalog/Internet Feedback” and “Exchange Store Feedback” links on the right-hand side of the screen.

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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, 214-312-2132 or [email protected].

MEDIA CONTACT: Lisa Neidinger
MEDIA ADVISORY: 13-067
RELEASE DATE: Oct. 8, 2013

DALLAS – A familiar face has reunited with the Army & Air Force Exchange Service.  Air Force Maj. Gen. Joseph S. Ward Jr. returned to the Exchange to serve as Deputy Director, effective Sept. 3.

“It’s great to be back on the Exchange team,” Maj. Gen. Ward said. “Though I was on the Board of Directors from 2010-2011, it’s completely different to be here now. I’m thrilled to be in a leadership role where I’ll interface directly with customers, associates and stakeholders. We have an amazing mission at the Exchange in supporting our nation’s finest!”

Maj. Gen. Ward has served in the Air Force 30 years as a comptroller, commander, budget analyst and an assignments officer. Most recently, he served as the Commandant for the Joint Forces Staff College, National Defense University in Norfolk, Va. He is a native of Groton, Conn. and is a certified defense financial manager. 

As Deputy Director, Maj. Gen. Ward plans, trains, equips and leads the Exchange in meeting the needs of field commanders and their troops around the world.

“It’s exciting to be here now. We have so many initiatives and online improvements in the works,” Maj. Gen. Ward said, highlighting efforts underway now to improve the shopmyexchange.com experience. “The best is yet to come and soon.”

Ward replaced Brig. Gen. Casey Blake, whom the Air Force Chief of Staff appointed as Commander, Air Force Installation Contracting Agency, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio.

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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, 214-312-4168 or [email protected].

MEDIA CONTACT: Chris Ward
MEDIA ADVISORY: 13-066
RELEASE DATE: Oct. 4, 2013

DALLAS – In anticipation of Tropical Storm Karen, slated to hit the Gulf Coast Sunday morning, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service is ensuring that those in the storm’s path have the essentials both before and after the event.

The Keesler, Eglin and Tyndall Exchanges each received a 53-foot trailer full of emergency equipment and supplies on Friday with items such as water, gas cans, diapers, hand sanitizer, tarps and first aid kits, among others.

“This is standard operating procedure for the Exchange whenever severe storms threaten,” said the Exchange’s Chief of Staff Col. Tom Ockenfels. “Whether it is disaster relief, a contingency or a government shutdown, the Exchange stands ready to answer the call and ensure that service members and their families have what they need.”    

An additional trailer is scheduled to arrive with reinforcements on Saturday morning, weather permitting.

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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].

MEDIA CONTACT: SSG Mark Matthews
MEDIA ADVISORY: 13-065
RELEASE DATE: Oct. 4, 2013

DALLAS – Although many services on military installations have closed or curtailed operations, as a result of the federal government shutdown that began on Oct. 1, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service remains open to support service members, retirees and their family members.

“Some of our military installations are located in rural areas, with a few located as far away as a two hour drive to a major metropolitan area. So when, as result of the government shutdown, the on-base commissaries and other appropriated funded services close, the Exchange is able to step up and provide an outlet for service members to purchase essential items,” said the Exchange’s Deputy Director Maj. Gen. Joseph S. Ward.

He added, “The Exchange has worked with its vendors to keep Express convenience stores well stocked with customer essential items, such as diapers, bread, milk and frozen food, during this period of higher demand as a result of commissary and dining hall closures (overseas commissaries remain open).”

The Exchange goes wherever service members work or live and operates facilities during contingency operations, such as in Afghanistan, when military personnel responded and assisted in Hurricane Sandy in 2012 or during the current government shutdown. 

“We are proud of our ability to respond whenever the need arises; whether it is a contingency, disaster relief or a government shutdown, the Exchange stands ready to answer the call,” said Ward. 

The Exchange operates facilities for service members, retirees and their families in more than 30 countries, 50 states and five U.S. territories. Nearly two-thirds of the Exchange’s earnings are given back in the form of dividends to the Army and Air Force to support morale, welfare and recreation programs on military installations.

“All of our stores, including our website http://www.shopmyexchange.com, are open during this government shutdown providing tax-free shopping with quality products, including name brands at convenient prices too,” added the Exchange’s Chief of Staff Col. Tom Ockenfels.

“The Exchange is largely unaffected by the shutdown as it is a non-appropriated funded instrumentality,” said Ockenfels. “This means nearly 97 percent of the Exchange’s funding is generated by sales and three percent from tax dollar support.”

“By operating the Exchange as a non-appropriated funded instrumentality with 97 percent of its operating budget funded through sales, while providing dividends back to help service members and their families and to support quality life programs, we saved American taxpayers $688 million last year,“ said Ockenfels.

The Exchange’s worldwide facilities, including 131 main stores, 174 Military Clothing stores, 72 movie theaters, 850 specialty stores (Express convenience stores, gas stations, troops stores, Class Six outlets, bookstores, etc.) and 1,590 quick serve restaurants, such as Taco Bell, Subway, Burger King, Popeye’s and Starbucks remain open to support service members and their families during this shutdown. 

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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: Chris Ward
MEDIA ADVISORY: 13-064
RELEASE DATE: Oct. 4, 2013

DALLAS – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is offering a 10 percent discount on select items Oct. 5-6 for shoppers who use a MILITARY STAR^® card at stores in the Continental United States, Alaska and Hawaii.  

Beverages, food items, pet food as well as health, beauty and cleaning products at Main Stores and Expresses will be eligible for the 10 percent discount when using a MILITARY STAR^® card this weekend.

“We understand the hardship that the government shutdown has caused for a lot of military families,” said the Exchange’s Chief of Staff Col. Tom Ockenfels. “We hope that offering this discount in the locations where Commissaries have been forced to close will help make this time a little easier.”

The 10 percent discount applies to in-store purchases only.  

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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].

MEDIA CONTACT: Conner Hammett
MEDIA ADVISORY: 13-063
RELEASE DATE: Oct. 4, 2013

DALLAS – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service knows how important it is to thank America’s approximately two million military retirees for their career of service and sacrifice.

To this end, the Exchange will offer a range of retiree-focused events and discounts during the “Still Serving” week-long salute to military retirees, Oct. 4 through 10.

This year’s discounts include 10 percent off one www.shopmyexchange.com order, 10 cents off per gallon of gas purchased with a Military Star Card and other store and food court savings. More information about the discounts and coupons can be found in the Oct. 4 Exchange sales flyer.

In-store events vary by location and may include product samples, health clinics, book signings, cooking demonstrations and more.

“Retirees are some of the most loyal Exchange shoppers and critical to the Exchange’s mission,” said the Exchange’s Chief of Public Affairs Lt. Col. Antwan Williams. “These discounts and free events are just a way of thanking them for their years of service.”

While this program is intended to honor retirees, all authorized Exchange shoppers may take advantage of the discounts and events. For more information, call or visit any Exchange location. Contact information is available through the Exchange’s online store locater.

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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, 214-312-2132 or [email protected].