MEDIA CONTACT: Chris Ward
MEDIA ADVISORY: 12-064
RELEASE DATE: Oct. 18, 2012

DALLAS – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is paying dividends in more ways than one as Troops and their families exercising their benefit by dining at and shopping at Exchange facilities last year generated a dividend of $203.3M. 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 four Services’ morale, welfare and recreation programs with the other third used to build new stores or renovate existing facilities,” said the Exchange’s Chief of Staff Col. Thomas Ockenfels. “As a result, authorized shoppers are essentially investing in a benefit that generates a healthy return.”

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.

Shoppers who take advantage of their benefit at the Exchange, online at www.shopmyexchange.com or over the phone through the Exchange Catalog actually 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 2011 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 2011 dividend of $203.3 million was distributed as follows:

Army:                                      $121.3M

Air Force:                                $68.8M

Marines:                                  $12.1M

Navy:                                      $1.1M

TOTAL:                                  $203.3M

— 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.

###

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: 12-063
RELEASE DATE: Oct. 17, 2012

DALLAS – According to the Military Child Education Coalition, an estimated 80 percent of military connected children are forced to move between 6-9 times as they complete their K-12 education and, along with geographical moves, comes changes in educational settings and curriculums.

With these unique challenges in mind, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service rewards military students who excel. In fact, schoolchildren who receive a report card with an overall “B” average or better can pick up an array of free and discounted products through the Exchange’s “You Made the Grade” program.

Now in its 12^th year, “You Made the Grade” offers include a free Burger King hamburger kids meal, Subway 6-inch combo, a magazine of their choice and even a complimentary haircut, to name a few.

Students “making the grade” can also register for a drawing to win a $2,000, $1,500 or $500 Exchange gift card.

“Military students who excel in the classroom despite multiple moves and deploying parents deserve to be recognized,” said the Exchange’s Chief of Staff Col. Tom Ockenfels. “While good grades are their own reward, this program recognizes the hard work and dedication required of pupils at the head of the class.”

To receive a “You Made the Grade” booklet, eligible students can simply present a valid military ID and proof of an overall “B” or better average to their local Exchange. Students may receive one coupon package for every qualifying report card, but may enter the gift card drawing only once per grading period.

Military families can contact their local Exchange for more information about “You Made the Grade.” Contact information is available through the “Your Exchange” link at www.shopmyexchange.com.

— 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.

###

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: Ashley Sutton
MEDIA ADVISORY: 12-062
RELEASE DATE: Oct. 12, 2012

DALLAS – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service invites shoppers to see what lurks on the shelves in its latest contest as it gives away two $500 Exchange shopping sprees, ten $100 gift cards for the runners-up and 20 $50 gift cards for third place.

The “Halloween Treasure Hunt Sweepstakes” will send Exchange patrons on a “spooktacular” scavenger hunt throughout the store. Using a treasure map featured in the Exchange sales flyer or from the store, shoppers can use the map to hunt for clues within the Exchange. After collecting all five clues, treasure hunters can go to shopmyexchange.com/patriotfamily for official rules and to enter their clues.

“This sweepstakes will have you screaming for more,” said the Exchange’s Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Tony Pearson. “In addition to the sweepstakes, the Exchange is stocked with all the Halloween essentials. Don’t forget the candy and costumes or it could come back to haunt you.”

The contest ends at the stroke of midnight on Oct. 31 and no purchase is necessary to enter.

— 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.

###

Media Notes:

For more information or to schedule an interview with an Exchange representative please contact Ashley Sutton, 214-312-2132 or [email protected].

MEDIA CONTACT: Ashley Sutton
MEDIA ADVISORY: 12-061
RELEASE DATE: Oct. 11, 2012

DALLAS – As part of an ongoing effort to recruit and hire veterans, the Army and Air Force Exchange Service is teaming up with Feds Hire Vets to highlight employment opportunities in military and veteran communities. 

The vision of the Feds Hire Vets is to be the leading source of Federal employment information for our Veterans, transitioning service members, their families, Federal HR professionals and hiring managers. The goal of the initiative is to assist those who have served our country in the military find employment in the Federal Government through consistent, accurate information and useful training, amongst other resources, in ways that inform both the applicant and hiring agency. In addition to the Exchange, employment opportunities through the Defense Commissary Agency, Veterans Canteen Service, Navy Exchange Service Command, Coast Guard Exchange and Marine Corps Community Services are also highlighted on the Feds Hire Vets site.

The Employment of Veterans in the Federal Government was signed on November 9, 2009, by President Barak Obama, and establishes the Veterans Employment Initiative. Currently military spouses, dependents, veterans, reserves, and active duty represent 35% of the employees at the Exchange with Veterans exclusively representing 10%.

“We are united in our efforts to ensure veterans and military family members are aware of the great employment and career opportunities to continue serving in our communities that exist in military resale,” said the Exchange’s VP of Career Management Darryl Porter. “This website is one of many strategies to assist the Exchange in the recruitment and employment of Veterans.”

— 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.

###

Media Notes:

For more information or to schedule an interview with an Exchange representative please contact Ashley Sutton, 214-312-2132 or [email protected]. 

MEDIA CONTACT: Lisa Neidinger
MEDIA ADVISORY: 12-060
RELEASE DATE: Oct. 11, 2012

DALLAS – Don’t wait for Christmas to start the holiday season. The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is ready to help shoppers wrap up the savings.

Special Toyland sections of Exchanges worldwide opened in late September bringing some of the hottest toys to aisles now brimming with games, action figures and more.

Starting Oct. 19, the Exchange debuts the annual Toybook Exchange shopping guide, featuring this year’s most popular gifts, such as V-Tech InnoTab2, Lalaloopsie Ivory Ice Crystal, Furby 2.0, Baby Alive, Koosh Solar Recon and much more.

“This fall’s toys in demand are all in the new Toybook,” said Exchange Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Tony Pearson. “Plus the new publication has more than $475 in coupons, helping our shoppers save.”

Toybook items can be ordered online at shopmyexchange.com or shoppers may visit their local Exchange to enjoy selection, value and savings. Online purchases made with the Military Star Card get free shipping on orders of $49 or more. In-store shoppers can use the fee-free holiday layaway now through December, keeping special gifts safely out of sight until the coast is clear for special delivery. Exchange customer service has all the details on eligibility.

With the Exchange saving shoppers 27% storewide and no sales tax, even Santa can’t deliver prices this low. Check out the Exchange selections in-store and online today!

— 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.

###

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: Lisa Neidinger
MEDIA ADVISORY: 12-059
RELEASE DATE: Oct. 10, 2012

DALLAS – A comprehensive price survey is confirming what many military shoppers already have long known – buying at the Exchange saves more money every day than shopping all major U.S. retailers. 

Called a Market Basket Survey, results show the Exchange saves shoppers an average 27 percent over major retailers, and more than 5 percent savings compared to its largest discount competitor. Factor in not paying sales tax and the Exchange offers even greater savings.

Conducted by independent consulting firm RetailData, the Market Basket survey accounts for 365 items commonly purchased by shoppers. Survey officials comparatively shopped at both the Exchange and popular competitors. Local and national prices were analyzed at more than 120 retailers, including major grocery, drug, discount, big box and specialty stores.

Though they work continually to provide low prices and value, even Exchange officials were surprised when this latest survey showed an average 3 percent savings increase, besting last year’s 24 percent for a new average overall market basket savings of 27 percent.

“The Exchange really is your best shopping value,” said Exchange Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Tony Pearson, adding “Plus we’re right here on the posts and bases where you serve, giving dividends back to military communities.”

The Exchange’s 2012 Market Basket Survey included more of the items and brands customers purchase every day, with the greatest savings in electronics, clothing and home furnishings.

Survey says the Exchange is your best shopping value; shop online and in store to save more today.

— 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.

###

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: Lisa Neidinger
MEDIA ADVISORY: 12-058
RELEASE DATE: Oct. 9, 2012

Exchange Offers Fee-Free Holiday Layaway

DALLAS – A good program just got better as the Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s Holiday Layaway program is now fee-free. Shoppers simply select their gifts for layaway and stop by customer service to complete the layaway process.  

“Fee-free” means that while the Exchange collects an initial $3 processing fee for new layaways, that amount is returned to customers, via an Exchange Merchandise Gift Card, upon final payment and pick up of items.

In addition, toy layaway will be extended through Dec. 23. Gifts are safely out of sight until final payment and pick up just before Christmas. Also, for a limited time only, Nov. 1 through Dec. 16, customers can place computers, laptops, iPads and netbooks on layaway.   

“The Exchange continues to beat the competition when it comes to selection, service and value,” said Exchange Chief of Staff Col. Tom Ockenfels. “Other retailers charge as much as $15 for layaway. Our program saves shoppers money.”

A deposit of only 15 percent is required when starting the layaway process. See customer service for program details and eligibility. 

To take advantage of fee-free holiday layaway and extended layaway for toys, visit your local Exchange today.

— 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.

###

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: Ashley Sutton
MEDIA ADVISORY: 12-057
RELEASE DATE: Oct. 5, 2012

Cutest Kiddo Could Collect $2000 in Exchange Contest

DALLAS – The Army and Air Force Exchange Service is searching across the globe for the world’s most adorable kid. Exchange shoppers can visit the Exchange’s Facebook page to upload a photo and enter the “3^rd Annual Cutest Kiddo Contest.”

The entry receiving the most “votes” will receive a Disney Cruise Trip for four to the Bahamas plus a $500 Exchange Gift Card. Seven runners-up will each win an Exchange Gift Card valued up to $2,000.

“Whether it’s your child, grandchild, spouse, sibling or yourself, the Exchange wants to see who was, or is, the cutest kiddo ever in your life”, said the Exchange’s Chief of Staff Col. Tom Ockenfels. “The competition will be tough, but eight Exchange shoppers are sure to walk away as winners.”

Photos must be submitted to the Exchange Facebook page by 11:59 pm CST on Nov. 8.  Fans may vote for the picture they think is the “cutest” starting Nov. 9 through Dec. 6. Winners, based on the amount of “votes” received, will be announced on Dec. 12 on the Exchange’s Facebook page.

Complete entry rules and regulations for the “3^rd Annual Cutest Kiddo Contest” can be found at http://www.facebook.com/AAFES.BX.PX.

— 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.

###

Media Notes:

For more information or to schedule an interview with an Exchange representative please contact Ashley Sutton, 214-312-2132 or [email protected].

MEDIA CONTACT: Judd Anstey
MEDIA ADVISORY: 12-056
RELEASE DATE: Oct. 5, 2012

DALLAS – Recent advertisements in Auto Trader and major metropolitan newspapers offering automobile sales through a company calling itself “Exchange Inc.” has consumers calling the Army & Air Force Exchange Service for answers.

“Based on phone calls we’ve received, it appears someone is using the Exchange’s trademarked logo and name without permission to purportedly sell vehicles in the United States,” said the Exchange’s Loss Prevention Vice President Rick Koloski. “The phone calls we’re getting are from consumers who inquired as to whether the advertisements were legitimate. One caller did tell us that they had placed an order, sent money, but had yet to take delivery.”

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 from Texas to Colorado with the impression they are doing business with the Department of Defense’s oldest and largest exchange service.

“We really don’t know how widespread the issue is at this point as the investigation is ongoing,” said Koloski. “In the meantime, we want consumers to be aware of the concern.”

Army and Air Force Exchange Service 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.

###

 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: Ashley Sutton
MEDIA ADVISORY: 12-055
RELEASE DATE: Oct. 4, 2012

DALLAS – Exchange shoppers won’t have to wait for December to start the holiday season as the Army and Air Force Exchange Service’s Facebook page is hosting “12 Weeks of Gifting” contest. From Sept. 28 – Dec. 20, shoppers can count down the last 12 weeks until Christmas by entering to win different prizes each week.

As the big day gets closer, prizes get bigger and better. Each week’s giveaway is a secret, so shoppers can visit the Exchange Facebook page each week to enter. Much like the “Twelve Days of Christmas”, each week will have a corresponding number of prizes. For example, week 12 will have 12 winners, week 11 will award 11 gifts, while week one has one, the grand prize.

“Twelve Weeks of Gifting” is a great opportunity to give back to our loyal Exchange shoppers,” said the Exchange’s Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Tony Pearson. “This contest is guaranteed to get you into the holiday spirit.”

Complete rules for the Exchange’s “12 Weeks of Gifting” contest are available at the Exchange Facebook page.

— 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.

###

Media Notes:

For more information or to schedule an interview with an Exchange representative please contact Ashley Sutton, 214-312-2132 or [email protected].