MEDIA CONTACT: Judd Anstey
MEDIA ADVISORY: 12-027
RELEASE DATE: May 23, 2012

DALLAS – After a rigorous process led by executive search firm Reffett Associates, Ltd, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s Board of Directors has selected military and retail veteran Tom Shull to lead the Department of Defense’s (DoD) oldest and largest Exchange Service.

Shull will be the first civilian Director and Chief Executive Officer in the nearly 117-year history of the $10 billion military retailer. The change, mandated by the DoD which instructed the conversion of the Exchange’s Commanding General’s assignment to a non-military position, means Shull will replace the Exchange’s last uniformed Commander, Brig. Gen. Fran Hendricks.

In an announcement informing the Exchange’s 43,000 employees of Shull’s selection, the organization’s Chairman of the Board, Lt. Gen. Raymond Mason, USA, cited “vast retail experience and proven leadership skills” and said the new Director and Chief Executive Officer will “be a magnificent first Director and Chief Executive Officer as the Exchange moves forward in an ever changing marketplace.”

The announcement also highlighted Shull’s experience as a West Point graduate who received a Harvard University MBA. In addition to serving in a variety of positions in the U.S. Army, including infantry company commander and assignments at the White House and National Security Council, Shull has served as CEO of Wise Foods Inc., Hanover Direct Inc. and Barney’s New York. Shull was most recently CEO of Meridian Ventures LLC. 

The Exchange, ranked 43^rd in the National Retail Federation’s Top 100 retailers in the U.S. based on dollar sales, is responsible for more than 3,100 facilities worldwide in more than 30 countries, five U.S. territories and 50 states. The Exchange operates 180 main stores and more than 2,000 fast food restaurants and also provides military communities with convenience, specialty stores and movie theaters on installations worldwide, including locations in Afghanistan.

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

MEDIA CONTACT: Chris Ward
MEDIA ADVISORY: 12-026
RELEASE DATE: May 22, 2012

DALLAS – A recent North Dakota State University study found that the average American household spends about 3.8 percent of their income on clothes. With children consistently growing out of shirts, pants and dresses or wanting the latest and greatest brands, keeping the kids attired can prove an expensive endeavor.

Recognizing that investing in kids doesn’t have to break the bank, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service has unveiled new pricing for all Childrenswear with five simple price points: $5, $10, two for $15, $15 and $20.

“From shirts to sleepwear, we are dedicated to helping growing families,” said the Exchange’s Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Jeffry Helm. “Prices are clearly marked in the stores, making it easy for parents to outfit their kids without busting the budget.”

Styles included in the Exchange’s new Childrenswear pricing (excluding furnishings, accessories and jackets and coats) range from Exclusive Brands such as Buzz Cuts and Ponytails to nationally-recognized labels including Nautica, Union Bay, Levi’s and Skechers, among others.

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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: 12-025
RELEASE DATE: May 15, 2012

DALLAS – On a beautiful, sun-kissed California morning, military shoppers at Travis AFB welcomed the much anticipated opening of a new Exchange experience. With the May 4 ribbon cutting, the renovated and rebranded Exchange greeted excited shoppers who scooped up TVs, iPads and much more to drive sales up 113 percent over the same day last year.

Less than a year after the renovation began, the Exchange boasts fresh new colors, textures and graphics. As with all newly renovated Exchanges, the Travis location features a new layout divided into three major merchandise categories – Home, Life and Style.

“I’ve worked at the Pentagon and seen construction projects smaller than this one last ten years,” said Travis AFB 60^th Air Mobility Wing Commander Col. Dwight Sones. “We are extremely proud to have this brand new Exchange knowing it’s not only taking care of our Airmen but those outside the gate as well.”

Shoppers anxious to take advantage of the myriad of great deals that were part of the opening weekend piled in as soon as the ribbon was cut. And based on their reactions, and sales, the store more than met their expectations.

“I think it’s just beautiful and I’m very excited about it,” said Staff. Sgt. Amy Riley. “The layout is great and so is the product selection. The displays are awesome and it’s very nice and open so it’s much easier to find everything.”

“I love it,” said retired Army Master Sgt. Michael Pedia. “I have always appreciated the Exchange and the service that it provides to servicemembers. I always make it a point to find the associates and thank them for what they do. And now this new store – I’m a big fan.”

The rebranding effort, which is being rolled out to all Exchanges, is designed to provide shoppers with a fresh, updated shopping experience for all the things they need to outfit their unique lifestyle. Combining lively colors and imagery, bold shop design statements, polished floors and a new way to navigate through the store, the concept provides Exchange customers with a best-in-class shopping experience.

The branding team now moves on to Fort Bragg for a June 1 christening of the first Army Exchange to receive the new design.

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The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is a joint command 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 articles of merchandise and services 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: 12-024
RELEASE DATE: May 9, 2012

DALLAS – The Texas Diversity Council (TXDC) is just the latest organization to commend the Army & Air Force Exchange Service for its commitment to diversity and inclusion. The Exchange’s Chief Operating Officer, Mike Howard, was one of two 2012 winners of the Champions Diversity Leadership Award at the council’s annual Diversity and Leadership Conference held in Dallas on April 4^th  

Howard, along with Chief Executive Officer for Dallas/Ft. Worth International Airport Jeffrey Fegan, was recognized for being a visible champion of diversity and inclusion not only at the Exchange, but the community as well. Howard was selected also for his leadership as an effective driver of change and great innovator and visionary.

The TXDC is a non-profit organization that was established in 2004 to foster a learning environment for organizations to grow in their knowledge of diversity and inclusion.

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The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is a joint command 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 articles of merchandise and services 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: 12-023
RELEASE DATE: May 4, 2012

DALLAS – Death-defying roller coasters, exciting shows and funnel cakes all await the winner of the Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s latest contest.

The Exchange has partnered with Mars on the “Ms. Brown Sweepstakes,” named after the M&Ms character, which offers a grand prize of a trip for a family of four to any Six Flags theme park in the United States, three days and two nights accommodations, theme park tickets and a $400 voucher for both car rental and airfare, a $9,750 value. Additionally, ten first prize winners will receive two daily admission tickets to the Six Flags of their choice.

“From California to Texas to New York, Six Flags theme parks are all over the U.S.,” said the Exchange’s Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Jeffry Helm. “One lucky family will have a big decision to make as to where they want to spend what is sure to be a memorable vacation.”

Authorized shoppers 18 years and older can enter the “Ms. Brown Sweepstakes” at www.shopmyexchange.com  through May 30. No purchase is necessary to enter and the drawing will take place on or about June 5, 2012.

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The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is a joint command 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 articles of merchandise and services 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: 12-022
RELEASE DATE: May 3, 2012

Latest Exchange Contest Goes ‘To the Dogs’

DALLAS – It’s been said that a picture is worth a thousand words. In the Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s Patriot Family “Just Say Treat” contest, a pet picture and 50 words could be worth $500.

From May 4-31, pet owners can submit a photo of their furry friend, along with a 50-word or less description, for a shot at the $500 grand prize.

 “Pets are a huge part of our extended Patriot Family,” said the Exchange’s Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Jeffry Helm. “This contest gives animal lovers of all ages the chance to show others, both through photos and words, why their two-,four-, six- or even eight-legged friend are such a special part of their home.”

Authorized Exchange shoppers can find out more and enter the Patriot Pet “Just Say Treat contest at www.shopmyexchange.com/patriotfamily. 

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The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is a joint command 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 articles of merchandise and services 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: 12-021
RELEASE DATE: April 30, 2012

DALLAS – From the master of the microwave to the seasoned chef, the Kitchen Essentials Spring/Summer 2012 Exchange catalog is brimming with a wide variety of essential items to kitchens of military shoppers across the globe. The 32-page catalog offers an amazing selection of kitchen basics and beyond from top brands in appliances and state-of-the-art cookware to the sharpest deals on cutlery, china and more.

“From cookware to cutlery and everything in between, this catalog has the perfect recipe for success in the kitchen,” said the Exchange’s Home Team General Merchandise Manager Jennifer Stinchcomb. “Military families can browse through top names such as Cuisinart, Calphalon, KitchenAid and many others.”

The 2012 Kitchen Essentials Spring/Summer Catalog is available at all main stores and online at shopmyexchange.com.

Prices in this all-services catalog are valid through Aug. 28, 2012, for any authorized exchange customer. Active duty military members of the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines and Coast Guard, as well as military retirees, reservists, National Guardsmen, Department of Defense civilians stationed overseas, exchange employees and their Family members are all authorized exchange privileges.

Orders can be placed by mail, fax or phone. Toll-free orders can be placed from the United States, Puerto Rico or Guam at 800-527-2345. The Exchange Catalog center is open around the clock, seven days a week. Complimentary international access calling is also available from several countries. Those numbers are:

Germany                 0800-82-16500

Japan/Okinawa        00531-11-4132

Korea                      00308-13-0664

Italy                         8008-71227

Belgium                   0800-7-2432

The Netherlands      0800-022-1889

United Kingdom     0800-96-8101

Spain                       900-971-391

Turkey*                   00800-18-488-6312

* Calls cannot be placed from phones on base. Use off-base commercial lines.

Authorized customers can also shop the 2012 Kitchen Essentials Spring/Summer Catalog online at shopmyexchange.com.

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

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 Media Notes:

For more information or to schedule an interview with an Exchange representative please contact Chris Ward, 214-312-2714 or [email protected].

MEDIA CONTACT: Chris Ward
MEDIA ADVISORY: 12-019
RELEASE DATE: April 16, 2012

DALLAS – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service and Monster are offering military families an exclusive opportunity to win a trip for two to Costa Rica. The “Monster Ultimate Costa Rican Adventure Sweepstakes,” including round trip airfare for, four nights’ accommodations and $750 in spending money, is valued at approximately $9,750.

“There’s no better way to kick off the summer than relaxing in a tropical paradise,” said the Exchange’s Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Jeffry Helm. “One lucky Exchange shopper is in for the vacation of a lifetime.”

In addition to the grand prize trip, five runners-up will receive a $1,000 Exchange gift card.

From April 20-May 3, authorized Exchange shoppers can register for their chance to win the “Monster Ultimate Costa Rican Adventure Sweepstakes,” which will be awarded on or about June 22. Contestants must be 18-years-old and older and no purchase is necessary to enter.

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The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is a joint command 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 articles of merchandise and services 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: 12-017
RELEASE DATE: April 10, 2012

DALLAS – Bringing home the latest movies and entertainment has gotten easier with the premiere of the Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s Instaflix video kiosks at more than 250 locations in the United States. In the four months since the video vending machines’ debut on Army & Air Force installations, nearly 400,000 movies have been rented, a pace of more than a million a year.   

Each kiosk offers a selection of 600-800 titles. Rental prices range from $1.20 for DVDs to $1.49 for Blu-ray per night. Regardless of format, no membership is required to rent a video.  

“Instaflix will ask first-time users for an e-mail address in order to provide receipts, promotions and new release details, but contact information is not required to use the service,” said the Exchange’s Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Jeffry Helm. “Even if you provide an e-mail, you can opt out of receiving information.”

Once a rental is made, remembering when to return to the kiosk is simple as DVDs and Blu-rays are due the next business day by 6 p.m., no matter what time they were picked up.

Additionally, the Exchange and DeCA have recently partnered to provide Instaflix machines in Commissaries. Twelve locations have been chosen for the initial rollout including the Fort Carson Commissary grand opening on May 9 and the Fort Campbell Commissary grand opening on June 13.

Based on the rave reviews the service has received, officials are exploring options to place kiosks overseas and say plans are underway for future disc selections to include 3D DVDs as well as games.

More information about Instaflix locations and future upgrades is available at www.shopmyexchange/exchangestores.

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The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is a joint command 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 articles of merchandise and services and generating non-appropriated fund earnings as a supplemental source of funding for military Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (FMWR) 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: 12-016
RELEASE DATE: April 4, 2012

DALLAS – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service and Kimberly Clark are teaming up to give away ten $1,000 gift cards in the “Spruce Up Your Space Sweepstakes.”

“With Spring cleaning in full swing, an extra $1,000 can go a long way to getting the house in order for the summer,” said the Exchange’s Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Jeffry Helm. “Shoppers just need to visit their Exchange during the contest and simply fill out an entry form for a shot at the shopping spree.”

From April 6-12, Exchanges across the globe, including facilities in Europe and the Pacific, will have entry forms available for the “Spruce Up Your Space” sweepstakes. Winners will be selected on or about May 21, 2012.

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The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is a joint command 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 articles of merchandise and services 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].