MEDIA CONTACT: Chris Ward
MEDIA ADVISORY: 13-004
RELEASE DATE: February 15, 2013

DALLAS – An individual or individuals claiming to be “Exchange Inc.” have been placing advertisements in auto magazines and commercial newspapers, leading Army & Air Force Exchange Service shoppers to believe they’re purchasing a vehicle through the Department of Defense (DoD) retailer.

“This has been a problem for the past few months where someone is using the Exchange’s trademarked logo and name without permission to purportedly sell vehicles in the United States,” said Rick Koloski, the Exchange’s loss prevention vice president. “Unfortunately, some have sent money only to receive nothing in return.”

Despite the fact that military exchanges do not have the authority to sell vehicles in the continental United States, the individuals responsible for these advertisements have left consumers with the impression they are doing business with the DoD’s oldest and largest exchange service.

“This type of fraud has proliferated with the use of the internet and continues to be a challenge because oftentimes the perpetrator cannot be identified as the methods they utilize are not traceable back to any individual,” said Koloski. “In fact, in a most recent case, money grams sent by one couple were picked up in Bangladesh, indicating this crime goes well beyond US borders.”

Shoppers who believe that they may have been taken advantage of can file a complaint through the Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.  

Exchange facilities are located solely on military installations. While the Exchange does have mail order and Internet offerings, the Exchange does not advertise in civilian outlets such as metropolitan newspapers or automobile sales magazines. All advertisements for legitimate Exchange offerings are published in outlets whose audiences are mostly comprised of military members.

— 30 —

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: Judd Anstey
MEDIA ADVISORY: 13-003
RELEASE DATE: January 17, 2013

DALLAS – After more than a decade of war, the military continues to adapt to the changing needs of servicemembers. Even the 117-year-old Army & Air Force Exchange Service is adjusting to address new realities as it opens a new facility designed specifically for wounded warriors.

Just a short drive from Landstuhl Medical Center, the military’s largest hospital outside of the United States, the Exchange partnered with the Department of the Army to open a first-of-its-kind facility for wounded Soldiers in Kaiserslautern, Germany at Kleber Kaserne.

“Many injured servicemembers come to Landstuhl with little more than the clothes on their back,” said the Exchange’s Military Clothing Manager at Kleber Kaserne, Deniz Barcala. “Since 9-11, thousands of troops have been bused to our warehouse to pick up clothing, footwear and more after being evacuated from a war zone. About a year ago, Army and Exchange leadership decided we could serve these heroes better.”

The resulting “Wounded Heroes Service Center,” with handicap accessible dressing rooms, bathrooms and entrance, is a first for the Exchange. Now open, the new Military Clothing store is for the exclusive use of patients being treated at Landstuhl Medical Center.

“The opening of this facility is another example of the Army’s continued investment in the care of our wounded servicemen and women,” said the Commanding General of the 21st Theater Sustainment Command Maj. Gen. Aundre F. Piggee.

“Out of 3,100 operations worldwide, the Exchange has nothing else like it,” said the Exchange’s European Commander Col. Fredrick Hannah. “Because they are bused in, visitors have a limited amount of time to pick up new gear. Beyond having a facility that is easier to navigate, we also have associates who shop with the servicemember, put items in their cart and even pack their merchandise up for the bus ride back. Everything about the experience is designed to make getting a new uniform quick and easy.”

The Exchange’s “Wounded Heroes Service Center” officially opened on January 16, 2013. The facility offers a full assortment of uniforms, gloves, hats, boots and duffel bags.

— 30 —

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 Judd Anstey, 214-312-3861 or [email protected].

MEDIA CONTACT: Chris Ward
MEDIA ADVISORY: 13-002
RELEASE DATE: January 16, 2013

DALLAS – For the first time in four years, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service does not currently have a Mobile Field Exchange (MFE) deployed in the United States. But while things may be peaceful now, they are continually standing at the ready for the next emergency or training exercise.

MFEs are specially configured semi-trailers furnished with retail merchandise, supplies and equipment that support disaster relief efforts and contingency operations. The Exchange currently has 13 MFEs and two barber shops that can be deployed within 48 hours of an approved request to hurricane relief efforts, firefighting support or major military exercises.

“To live up to the Exchange motto of ‘We Go Where You Go,’ we need short notice, mobile Exchange capability,” said the Exchange’s Director of Contingency Col. Roger Neumann.  “Our MFEs provide that capability, since you can’t just come in and set up a regular brick-and-mortar store in many locations troops are called to serve. We continually track natural disasters so that when troops are called to assist, we can have the resources available to support them in relief efforts.”

In just the past two years, US-based Exchange MFEs supported more than 60,000 National Guard and Reserve members at training exercises at approximately 30 locations throughout the United States and South America. Most recently, three MFEs were deployed following Superstorm Sandy to provide support to more than 1,500 service members.

While all 13 of the Exchange’s MFEs may be on a rare, well-deserved hiatus, service members can rest assured knowing that when the next natural disaster or training exercise calls them to action, the Exchange will be available for a taste of home.

— 30 —

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: LTC Thomas Shrader
MEDIA ADVISORY: 13-001
RELEASE DATE: Jan. 15, 2013

DALLAS – Putting in a 12- to 14-hour workday seven days a week in a combat zone would be enough excitement for most people. But Army & Air Force Exchange Service Store Manager Maria Schizas-Price wanted to do more. So she volunteered with a local Navy detachment to reach out to the local community near her base in the Helmand River Valley in Afghanistan.

For the past few months, Price has worked with the Navy Preventive Medicine Detachment, Charlie Surgical Company CLR 15 at Camp Leatherneck to collect and distribute badly needed winter clothes and school supplies for local children. So far she and the Navy detachment have collected and distributed over 200 pounds of supplies to an orphanage in nearby Lashkar Gah.

“I have children and grandchildren of my own, and it would tear my heart out if they would have to go an entire winter without a decent coat to wear,” said Price. “Back in the States we sometimes take for granted simple things like school supplies. But out here children cherish them because they are often a rare luxury. Through the generosity of many, many donors these children are able to get a better education and endure the harsh winter,” Price added.

This is the third deployment for Price, and in some ways it has been the most satisfying.

“I love my job managing the local Exchange store here on Camp Leatherneck,” said Price. The troops are fabulous.  We really see the appreciation in their eyes when they can get that little taste of home like a can of their favorite soda or a bag of chips here in a combat zone. Plus helping the Afghan children makes it even more rewarding.”

Maria Schizas-Price is one of 7,500 Exchange associates who have deployed since 9/11.

— 30 —

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 LTC Thomas Shrader, 214-312-2753 or [email protected].

MEDIA CONTACT: Chris Ward
MEDIA ADVISORY: 12-081
RELEASE DATE: Dec. 20, 2012

DALLAS – While the economy may have forced some retailers to scale back on merchandise or services, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service is actively seeking the assistance of local businesses to increase the product selection troops and their families find at their Exchange.

“Some shoppers drive up to 40 miles or more to come to the Exchange,” said the Exchange’s Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Tony Pearson. “The addition of local, small, minority, women- and veteran-owned businesses can help provide the diversity, value and innovation to further enhance their shopping experience.”

Partner businesses, called concessions, operate in Exchange-provided space, primarily in the retail mall area. Benefits include contracts based on a percentage of revenue, a variety of space and merchandising setups and the convenience of being located with the anchor retail store and food outlets. The Exchange will also assist in marketing and promoting partner businesses to help maximize awareness on and around the installation.

“Despite the economic conditions we’ve experienced recently, Exchange shoppers have continued to demonstrate a strong demand for new and unique merchandise,” said Pearson. “Partnering with the Exchange provides local businesses exposure to a great deal of foot traffic as well as the opportunity to serve military families.”

 For more information on how to partner with the Exchange as a concessionaire, log on to http://www.shopmyexchange.com/DoingBusiness/index.htm.  

— 30 —

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: 12-080
RELEASE DATE: Dec. 19, 2012

DALLAS – The convenience and use of bank-issued debit and credit cards at Exchanges cost the military community dearly last year. In fact, Army & Air Force Exchange Service shoppers who swiped a bank-issued card this year have ended up generating more than $62 million in fees.

“A dual mission to provide quality merchandise and services at competitively low prices and generate earnings for morale, welfare and recreation programs means something as minor as a credit or debit fee can have a real effect on military quality of life,” said the Exchange’s Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Tony Pearson.  

One way shoppers can help reduce costs and strengthen their Exchange benefit is by using the MILITARY STAR^® Card. Unlike bank cards, swiping a MILITARY STAR^® Card produces no fees as the card is administered by the Exchange and revenue generated is shared with military communities through contributions to quality-of-life programs.

Not only does the MILITARY STAR^® Card benefit the community, it also benefits the cardholder through gas savings during the year as well as ten percent savings on food purchases at Exchange restaurants.

“Traditionally, two-thirds of earnings generated at Exchange activities are paid to morale, welfare and recreation programs, while the other third is invested in improvements that enhance the shopping experience,” said Pearson. “This structure means that decreased fees can quickly provide additional arts and crafts supplies, reduced green fees or maybe even a new aquatics center.”

The MILITARY STAR^® Card is accepted at all Army and Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard Exchange activities, as well as the Exchange Online store at www.shopmyexchange.com.

Authorized exchange shoppers can learn more about the MILITARY STAR^® Card by visiting www.shopmyexchange.com and clicking “Credit Services.”

— 30 —

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: 12-079
RELEASE DATE: Dec. 13, 2012

DALLAS – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service announced today that it has been designated a 2013 Military Friendly Employer® by Victory Media, publisher of G.I. Jobs.   

Criteria for the designation included a benchmark score across key programs and policies such as the strength of company military recruiting efforts, the percentage of new hires with prior military service, retention programs and company policies on National Guard and Reserve service.  

“Due to the fierce competition for our Top 100 list many great programs failed to make this year’s list simply because interest and participation in hiring military is at an all-time high,” said Sean Collins, vice president for Victory Media and director for G.I. Jobs.  “So we created the Military Friendly Employers® designation outside of the Top 100 to recognize another one percent of companies that have great programs and opportunities for veterans and spouses.”  

The Exchange, along with other designated Military Friendly Employers®, will be showcased in the January edition of G.I. Jobs magazine. The Exchange’s company profile, including open positions that are a fit for military personnel, can be found on MilitaryFriendly.com.  Using the priority data engine on MilitaryFriendly.com, job seekers are able to design their own custom lists of employers according to their preferences. Custom, user-directed lists can then be saved and shared socially, allowing each job seeker to find their unique #1 Military Friendly Employer®.

“It is an honor to once again be recognized as a top military friendly employer,” said the Exchange’s Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Tony Pearson.  “It validates our tireless efforts to develop a lifelong emotional connection with those we serve.”

— 30 —

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: 12-078
RELEASE DATE: Dec. 12, 2012

DALLAS – As the winds picked up and the torrential rains and flooding began, Exchange associates at the United States Military Academy (USMA) were not fleeing the New York City area or hunkering down with family to ride out the storm. Instead, they, along with a team of logisticians, were preparing to put the Exchange’s motto of “We go where you go” into action.

The USMA Exchange, which includes Ft. Hamilton and West Point, came together with a massive effort in the days and weeks following Superstorm Sandy. The associates worked long, hard hours to support the installation, the community and the mission of the Army.  Associates from both Exchanges, as well as a Mobile Field Exchange set up at Bennett Field, worked tirelessly and selflessly as flood waters, fire and a lack of electricity plagued the Northeast.   

FT. HAMILTON/WEST POINT

Sitting in the heart of Brooklyn, Fort Hamilton quickly became a de facto headquarters for the emergency relief mission in New York City. Fort Hamilton Soldiers supported the immediate areas devastated by this storm: Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island and Battery Park in Manhattan.  Main Store Manager Sharon Wilson and her team (Barbara Rodriguez, Judy Headley, Felicia Mieres, Ellen Dinallo, Akeem Scott, Darryl Dennis, Mandella Edwards and John Jennings) mobilized quickly to support the Garrison and community.

At West Point, Main Store Manager Alex Mamaril and fellow associates Debbie Deleno-Dillelo, Maurice Dixon, Jonathan Hightower and Jeanne Horne supported Ft. Hamilton from the North – transferring merchandise in daily and commuting into Brooklyn to assist with store operations.  With mass transit down in the immediate days after the storm, it was the West Point team that came in and opened Ft. Hamilton for the community. 

Finally, and maybe most impressively, Fort Hamilton Express Manager Kirill Blajievski stayed on the installation the night of the storm – on standby ready to fuel military and first responders throughout the night and the days after the storm, directly supporting the relief mission. When it was all said and done, the Express, as well as two 4,000 gallon Bobcat trucks they contracted, issued 100,984 gallons of gas for the month of November, 40,000 more than the same time last year.

“The teams showed a true New York City resilience in the days and weeks following Sandy, and worked long hours to support the installations, community and the Army’s mission,” said Michele Weisshaar, General Manager for both Exchanges. “Everyone worked tirelessly and selflessly.”

MOBILE FIELD EXCHANGE: BENNETT FIELD

As troop strength grew, the National Guard contacted the Exchange to bring a Mobile Field Exchange to Floyd Bennett Field in Brooklyn – 11 miles from Ft. Hamilton.  Original troop strength was 1553, with troops coming in from as far away as California.  West Point associates Lori Downer, Elizabeth Moore, Christian Segura and Natasha Alston immediately stepped up and volunteered to head out.  They worked side-by-side with troops, even sleeping in tents.  The first night of operation, 11 November, the team insisted on being open 24 hours to ensure as many troops could come in as possible.

LOGISTICS

In addition to the associates at all three facilities, Logistics also played a major role in supporting customers during the time leading up to Superstorm Sandy and immediately afterwards.  Distribution Customer Service offices coordinated emergency supply efforts and Transportation created special deliveries to ensure basic supplies were made available several days before the storm hit the east coast.  As soon as the weather cleared and travel was safe again, Distribution Centers and Transportation Terminals across the country made stock available and expedited orders to those affected by the disaster.  Logistics sStaff also coordinated closely with sales personnel to ensure key items such as generators, water and batteries were in stock at all locations. 

In the face of adversity, danger and hardship, the entire Exchange family came together as a team to live out the “We Go Where You Go” motto. And, as a result, they played a key role in the level of emergency response the area received in its time of need. 

— 30 —

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: 12-077
RELEASE DATE: Dec. 11, 2012

DALLAS – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is putting its money where its mouth is this holiday season with the “Holiday Extended Price Guarantee.” Now through Dec. 25, all purchases made at the Exchange are guaranteed to be the lowest price in town as shoppers who find an identical item elsewhere for less will receive an Exchange gift card for the difference.

“We want to make the Exchange military customers’ first choice this holiday season,” said the Exchange’s Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Tony Pearson. “This price guarantee, combined with our everyday low prices, price matching and tax-free shopping, should help lighten the load on the wallet.”

To receive the gift card, shoppers simply bring an original Exchange receipt along with a current local competitor’s ad. The “Holiday Extended Price Guarantee” includes shopmyexchange.com but does not include other website prices.

— 30 —

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: 12-075
RELEASE DATE: Dec. 3, 2012

DALLAS – According to a recent National Retail Federation survey, six in 10 shoppers polled said they’d like to receive gift cards this holiday season, the most in the survey’s history. Whether in Afghanistan or Alaska, servicemembers also appreciate the value of a gift card during the holidays. Fortunately, Americans wishing to send support always hit the mark when sending an Army & Air Force Exchange Service gift card.

“By sending an Exchange gift card, troops are empowered to choose items that make their life easier wherever they are called to serve,” said the Exchange’s Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Tony Pearson. “Whether it’s tacos, televisions or even just a tank of gas, Exchange gift cards personalize troop support.”

While only authorized military shoppers can redeem Exchange gift cards, any American can send one by simply calling 800-527-2345 or 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.

— 30 —

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].