MEDIA CONTACT: Chris Ward
MEDIA ADVISORY: 12-054
RELEASE DATE: Sept. 21, 2012

DALLAS – As of Sept. 8, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service is officially the first retailer to accept the Medagate Over the Counter (OTC) benefits card on a worldwide basis.

Medagate is a card-based program provided by Medicare and Medicaid Services that enables merchants to accept payment at the register for medicine and medical supplies covered by medical insurance plans.

Medagate OTC cards are issued to Medicare and Medicaid members on behalf of insurance providers and are periodically reloaded by Medicare, Medicaid and other health plan companies.

These cards have been issued in ten states with more states expected to participate in 2013.

Cardholders can simply bring qualifying items to an Exchange checkout (including Express, Troop Store and Main Store locations) where the Medagate OTC card is swiped to pay for all eligible items.

“This new capability is just one of the many ways the Exchange strives to serve military veterans,” said the Exchange’s Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Tony Pearson. “With the Medagate card, shoppers no longer need to complete health care forms or use off-line systems for claims after purchase.”

Insurance providers, in conjunction with Medagate, produce a catalog that identifies medicine and medical supplies that qualify for reimbursement coverage/payment. 

— 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: 12-053
RELEASE DATE: Sept. 20, 2012

DALLAS – According to Practical Ecommerce, shoppers frequently use both online and physical stores to browse and buy products. As a result, it is important for retail sites to emulate the stock assortment found in their brick and mortar locations.

Recognizing this fact, military shoppers will soon have greatly expanded online merchandise options as the Army & Air Force Exchange Service is increasing its online product selection to mirror its biggest main stores. The expanded Exchange Online Store assortment at www.shopmyexchange.com began with an August launch that added eight brands and 214 items.

“The August launch was just the beginning,” said the Exchange’s Chief of Staff Col. Tom Ockenfels. “Six additional brands will come online in October and November. Ultimately, National Guard, Reserve, retired and active duty shoppers will be able to enjoy the same selection online as they would find at Fort Campbell, Kadena or the KMCC.”     

Brands available at brick and mortar Exchanges can be found by searching by brand name or within a product category at shopmyexchange.com with an intuitive layout that helps shoppers find what they want and need more easily. Additionally, products will now be visible prior to log-in with a username and password required only for checkout.

“By adding store assortments online we will provide a consistent shopping experience,” said Ockenfels. “Just as shoppers visit a store, they can also now visit the Exchange Online Store to find the same products.”

Expanded brand assortments launched in August include Dyson, Keurig, Bissell, Hoover, Bose, Canon, Nikon and Apple. Sharp, HP, LG, Skull Candy and Martha Stewart will be available in October and November. The assortment will continue to grow with the addition of approximately 35 future brands to include Clinique, Coach, Michael Kors handbags, Vera Bradley and Fuji.

 — 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: 12-052
RELEASE DATE: Sept. 18, 2012

DALLAS – As part of its annual “Still Serving” weekend, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service will salute former Soldiers and Airmen by offering unique specials and events at Exchanges worldwide Oct. 5-11.

“Still Serving” sales and benefits information are arriving in mailboxes of approximately 700,000 Army and Air Force retirees. The flyer features exclusive savings on a wide variety of products including 25 percent off Chaps menswear, a 46” Samsung LED Smart HDTV for $849, the Mr. Coffee single-serve brewing system for $79.99, an iPad2 for $389 and several food court meal deals.

Additionally, local Exchanges will honor the service of retirees with “Still Serving” celebrations to include fashion shows, door prizes, health clinics and much more.

“Retirees account for roughly 39 percent of the Exchange’s 12.4 million shoppers,” said the Exchange’s Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Tony Pearson.  “The specials offered in the flyer, combined with “Still Serving” events and festivities at locations worldwide, should provide plenty of incentive for retirees to come and rediscover the value of their Exchange.”

In addition to the savings at brick and mortar Exchanges, www.shopmyexchange.com will offer 10 percent off any order of $100 or more to shoppers who sign up for the “Online Savings Club E-newsletter,” which offers online savings and exclusive discounts.

Authorized shoppers of all ages can learn more about activities planned for the weekend of Oct. 5 at their nearest Exchange by calling their local store manager. Contact information for all Army and Air Force Exchanges can be found online at www.shopmyexchange.com through the “Store Locator” link.

 — 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: 12-051
RELEASE DATE: Sept. 17, 2012

DALLAS – Want to know the best online deals that your Exchange is offering? How about getting your hands on coupons that are offered to a limited few? Or maybe you’d just like to win some great prizes. If any of those options are appealing, then the Exchange Online Savings Club is right for you.

The Exchange Online Savings Club is a one-stop clearinghouse for savings and promotions. Shoppers who sign up for the Exchange Online Savings Club are among the first to know about online savings events. They also receive exclusive coupons and are automatically entered for chances to win prizes.

Authorized Exchange shoppers can find out more, and even join the Exchange Online Savings Club, at www.shopmyexchange.com/SavingsClub.

 — 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: 12-050
RELEASE DATE: Sept. 11, 2012

DALLAS – Staff Sgt. Andrew McElroy Jr. was serving as a tracked-vehicle Mechanic/Instructor in the Advanced Leaders’ Course at Fort Hood in the summer of 2011 when he was severely injured in a fall.

“I was up on top of an M88 Recovery Vehicle and was pulling a tarp over it because it was starting to rain,” said McElroy. “A strong gust of wind caught the tarp and caused me to lose my balance.” 

The fall resulted in three injured disks in Sgt. McElroy’s back as well as a broken wrist.  These injuries meant McElroy could no longer continue serving in his current Military Occupational Specialty or MOS.

Fortunately for McElroy, while being stationed at Fort Hood in the Warrior Transition Unit (WTU), he discovered a program, known as Operation Warfighter (OWF) that provides wounded with an opportunity to try new career fields.

Today, McElroy can be found at the Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s world headquarters in Dallas, Tex. As a member of the Human Resources department, he reviews resumes and pre-screens potential hires.

Andrew McElroy is just one example of how the Army and Air Force Exchange Service is actively supporting wounded and injured warriors through the OWF program.  A total of 11 Operation Warfighter’s have worked at various Exchange locations including Ft. Hood, Waco Distribution Center, Ft. Carson and Exchange HQ’s.

John Perry, a recruiting specialist at the Exchange, explains the program this way:  “We work with the WTU to find troops who are interested in participating in an internship.  It’s a win-win arrangement because the employer benefits from having an experienced service member on our staff, and the service member gets to try out life in a corporate environment.  The Exchange is a $10 billion a year operation, so there are lots of opportunities.”

McElroy feels the initiative is a big benefit for him and gotten him closer to his family. 

“This program has been a fabulous opportunity for me to feel productive again, and to be closer to my family.  My ‘Home of Record’ is Cedar Hill, Tex. so being stationed in Dallas is a dream come true.  I work half the day at the Exchange and the other half at the Joint Reserve Center in Grand Prairie.”

And the job itself has taught McElroy a lot about the hiring process.

“When I first came here, I thought I knew how to write a resume and what would look good to an employer. But now, having read hundreds of resumes, I see what is powerful and works, and what does not work.  So I’m tweaking my own resume, accordingly.

So what’s next for McElroy?

“Well, I can’t go back to my old job because my wrist and back injuries prevent me from turning wrenches or lifting heavy objects,” said McElroy. “But the skills I’ve learned here at the Exchange have opened up new horizons for me to pursue after my medical board is complete.”

Perry encourages service members who are interested in learning about the internship opportunities to contact their WTU commander or first sergeant.

“This is a really fantastic program,” said Perry. “Staff Sgt. McElroy does super work for us every day.  He is particularly adept at translating military jargon and backgrounds into terms we can all understand to assess a potential applicant’s supervisory or leadership ability. We have also had interns work at our distribution center in Waco which is only about an hour from Ft. Hood, and in Kaiserslautern, Germany. So I would encourage our wounded warriors to contact their leaders and give this program a try. They might just find the career of a lifetime with the Exchange.”

 -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: 12-049
RELEASE DATE: Sept. 5, 2012

DALLAS – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s focus on diversity is being recognized again as LATINA Style magazine has named it one of its LATINA Style 50 for 2012. The annual evaluation, which analyzes more than 800 corporations, identifies organizations that provide the best career opportunities for Hispanic females in the United States.

“It is a great honor for the Exchange to be recognized on a national level for the work we do daily,” said the Senior Vice President of Sales Ana Middleton, one of the Exchange’s highest ranking Hispanic women. “This award further validates the importance the Exchange places on diversity in the workplace.”

Companies assessed for the Latina Style award were evaluated on issues that readers identified as most important to them in the workplace. Among the principal areas of evaluation were number of Latina executives, retention, mentoring programs, educational opportunities, alternative work policies, employee benefits, women’s issues, job retraining, affinity groups and relations. New categories were also added this year that display which companies have a dedicated program to supplier diversity and have increased their Latina population.

— 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: 12-044
RELEASE DATE: Sept. 4, 2012

DALLAS – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is asking military shoppers to determine which Exchange Value representative that most relates to their relationship with the Exchange.

Since Feb. 24, a retiree, newly enlisted, career military, Officer, reservist and spouse have each highlighted the unique needs and wants of Exchange shoppers. Video introductions of all representatives can be seen at www.shopmyexchange.com/PatriotFamily.

Now that all five personalities have been introduced in commercials and print, the Exchange is asking shoppers to write a short 220-500 word essay on which Exchange Value representative they feel best depicts their lifestyle and how they identify with their preferred individual.

Contest is open until Oct. 4, 2012. Submissions will be judged on creativity, style and the ability of the entry to convey a connection to an Exchange Value Representative. One winner from each represented category will be chosen to receive a $500 Exchange gift card.

The contest is open to all military and DoD ID card holders 18-years-old and older. Contest entry details, and complete contest rules are available at http://www.shopmyexchange.com/Community/patriotfamily/contests.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.

###

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: 12-047
RELEASE DATE: Aug. 29, 2012

DALLAS –The Army & Air Force Exchange Service has a mission to provide quality products and services at competitive prices. This same mission can also apply to authorized GSA SmartPay card holders who are looking for a one-stop source for products or services their agency or organization needs, at the best price.

In addition to the same friendly and knowledgeable service Exchange associates provide America’s warfighters, military units and government agencies using a SmartPay card at the Exchange or online at www.shopmyexchange.com benefit in a variety of ways:

• Savings – no sales tax and 10 percent off any purchase (excluding gas, tobacco, alcohol and certain Military Clothing items)
• Convenience – the Exchange offers a multi-category basket of goods that make it a “one-stop” supplier while shopmyexchange.com offers more than 18 million items
• “We’ll Match It” – match a competitor’s price on identical items
• Community – purchases support installation morale, welfare and recreation programs

“We thrive in providing great selection, savings and service to our military members and their families. We also offer these same assets to partners in the federal agencies,” said the Exchange’s Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Tony Pearson. “From military units to federal departments, the advantages of using the SmartPay card at the Exchange just make sense.”

In addition to the myriad of savings and convenience benefits of using the SmartPay card at the Exchange, civilian employees who are not normally entitled to Exchange privileges, but are authorized to make organizational purchases, need only show their SmartPay card and a government ID to make official purchases.

 — 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: 12-046
RELEASE DATE: Aug. 23, 2012

DALLAS – According to the National Association for Shoplifting Prevention, losses due to thefts from retail stores alone amount to more than 35 million a day. The Army & Air Force Exchange Service, which has contributed more than $2.4 billion to morale, welfare and recreation programs in the past 10 years, continues to focus its efforts on reducing theft to maximize the investment authorized shoppers make in their Exchange benefit.

Through an aggressive “Shoplifting Awareness Community Outreach” program targeted at youth, closed circuit televisions with DVR technology and high-tech Electronic Article Surveillance, the Exchange took “a bite out of crime” at its facilities last year as shoplifting cases dropped 12.7 percent, from 5,432 in 2010 to 4,742.

The value of merchandise involved in these incidents also dropped, from $533,760 to $529,440 in 2011.

“Because of the toll shoplifting takes on retail, shoppers typically pay 1.5 cents more per dollar as a result,” said the Exchange’s Vice President of Loss Prevention Rick Koloski. “Our proactive, and visible, efforts to prevent shoplifting have resulted in three consecutive years of decreases and, as a result, a stronger benefit for those we serve.”

If shoplifting is suspected, the Exchange Loss Prevention office turns the issue over to local law enforcement. In addition to possible disciplinary action and/or criminal prosecution, the Federal Claims Collection Act allows the Exchange to enact a flat, administrative cost (Civil Recovery) of $200. There may be further fees, in addition to the Civil Recovery Program, depending on the condition of the stolen merchandise.

 — 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: SSG Mark Matthews
MEDIA ADVISORY: 12-045
RELEASE DATE: Aug. 9, 2012

DALLAS – What’s in the case? Why are the contents so top secret not even the commander is privy to its existence? Why is it secretly being hand carried by a noncommissioned officer? These answers and more are available for free at Exchange Stores worldwide in the latest installment of the free military-only “Avengers” comic book provided by the Army & Air Force Exchange Service and Marvel Custom Solutions.

“The level of cooperation and commitment between Marvel and the Exchange is outstanding,” said Chief Master Sgt. Tony Pearson, Senior Enlisted Advisor for the Exchange. “This is the 13^th comic book we’ve worked on together and my hope is there are many more to come.”

“All of us here at the House of Ideas greatly respect and admire the actions that the men and women of the U.S. military perform every day to ensure our freedom,” said Marvel Custom Solutions Editor Bill Rosemann. “The world saw the Avengers assemble in the record-breaking movie, but now only the real-world heroes of the military get to enjoy this all-new, action-packed adventure by the all-star creative team including writer William Harms, penciler Tom Raney and cover artist Alan Davis.”

This 22-page story tells the tale of a message intercepted by the Super Villain mercenary squad Serpent Society, stating that a package of unknown contents is being transported from Afghanistan to America by Sgt. Joe Wilton. As a group of Soldiers, along with Wilton, are returning home from deployment at the Atlanta International Airport, the Serpent Society attacks, seeking the case which they believe will grant them a fortune. It doesn’t take long for Captain America, the other Avengers and the returning service members to spring into action to protect innocent civilians and the secret contents of the case.

Captain America, Iron Man, Hawkeye, Thor, the Hulk and a plane full of Service Members stand ready once again to protect America from the ill will of the Serpent Society. However, this time the hero of the moment is a noncommissioned officer and his unwavering determination to complete his “top secret” mission and deliver the precious cargo.

Marvel and the Exchange have printed one million copies of the free comic book and are currently available at Exchange stores worldwide while supplies last.

“These comic books are a great medium for us to show our appreciation and gratitude for U.S service members,” Chief Pearson said. “This particular story is one of duty, integrity, loyalty and courage, something all Soldiers and Airmen can personally connect with.”

 -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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About Marvel Entertainment

Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world’s most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of over 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy years.  Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing and publishing.  For more information visit www.marvel.com.