MEDIA CONTACT: SSG Mark Matthews
MEDIA ADVISORY: 11-061
RELEASE DATE: December 2, 2011

Getting cash at the Exchange is like money in the bank

DALLAS – As banks calculate consumer’s pain threshold for increasing fees, the Exchange is offering shoppers cheap access to their money with free check cashing and cash back on debit transactions.

“It’s all about saving money and time,” said the Exchange’s Chief of Staff Col. Tom Ockenfels. “You can cash your checks and get cash on your own time at the Exchange and won’t be charged a fee.”

Authorized shoppers can cash personal checks up to $300 per day, per customer at no charge and as always, checks will be accepted up to the exact amount of any purchase. Customers will also be able to use their debit cards to receive up to $50 cash back at the registers. 

The Exchange also cashes a wide variety of other checks and instruments for cash at no charge such as Army Emergency Relief, Air Force Aid Society and Naval Relief Society checks, U.S. insurance checks, U.S money orders, traveler’s checks, Western Union checks as well as payroll checks issued by authorized government contractors and other non-appropriated fund agencies.

Shoppers can visit their local Exchange for more information about its free check cashing policy.

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Media Notes:

For more information or to schedule an interview with an Exchange representative please contact SSG Mark Matthews, 214-312-4273 or [email protected].

MEDIA CONTACT: Lt. Col. Tom Shrader
MEDIA ADVISORY: 11-060
RELEASE DATE: December 2, 2011

Price of School Lunch to Increase

DALLAS – Starting January 3, 2012, school lunch prices at all Department of Defense Education Activity schools Outside the Continental United States (OCONUS) will increase.

On November 10, 2011, the military services approved an increase in the price of school lunches at DoDEA schools in order to keep pace with increasing operational costs and comply with The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act (Public Law 111-296). The Act requires participants in the USDA meal program to raise paid student lunch prices to a level comparable to the state subsidy rate used for USDA reimbursement. 

“As the designated School Food Authority, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service provides school meals on a non-profit, break even basis. In order to keep pace with increasing food and operational costs, and to be compliant with this new law, school lunch prices will increase for the first time in seven years,” explained U.S. Army Lt. Col. Thomas Shrader, an Exchange spokesman.

The last price increase was a $0.10 per meal in 2004.  The new increase is $.35 per full price meal making the new prices starting on January 3, 2012, $2.40 for Elementary Students and $2.55 for Secondary Students. Families qualifying for the Free and Reduced Meal Program will not be impacted by the meal cost increases. The cost of a reduced-price meal will remain unchanged at 40 cents per meal.

Wholesome, balanced meals are vital to the academic achievement of school-aged children. The DoD School Meal Program meets the same USDA guidelines as CONUS schools by providing all of the important nutrients children need to be successful in school and healthy in the future.

For more information on Free and Reduced meal eligibility requirements, contact your installation School Liaison Officer. For more information on the School Meal Program, visit www.shopmyexchange.com.

 — 30 —

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 Lt. Col. Tom Shrader at 214-312-2753 or [email protected]. 

MEDIA CONTACT: Chris Ward
MEDIA ADVISORY: 11-059
RELEASE DATE: November 22, 2011

Exchange Offers Gift of Expanded Layaway to Holiday Shoppers

DALLAS – With the holiday season right around the corner, anxious children the world over will find their curiosity getting the best of them as they scramble to find out what gifts may be hidden away. The Exchange’s variety of expanded, convenient layaway options can keep the surprise “in the bag” as some items, such as toys and bikes, can be held on layaway until as late as Christmas Eve.

“Let the kids tear through the house looking for this year’s presents,” said Exchange’s Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Jeffry Helm. “By extending the terms of our layaway program during the holidays, the Exchange can help keep the surprise under wraps.”

Clothing, shoes and even handbags are eligible for 30-day layaway while all other merchandise (excluding fine jewelry, which is eligible for 120 days of layaway) can be put on layaway for up to 60 days. Additionally, layaway for toys and bikes has been extended to 90 days.

Any purchase of $25 or more is eligible for layaway at the Exchange. A 15 percent deposit on the total purchase price is required to hold the product.

Merchandise excluded from the Exchange’s layaway program includes clearance merchandise, computers, peripherals, major appliances, furniture, mattresses, exercise equipment, electronics $299 and up as well as seasonal and outdoor living products.

— 30 —

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: Staff Sgt. Mark Matthews
MEDIA ADVISORY: 11-058
RELEASE DATE: November 16, 2011

DALLAS – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is known for consistently giving back to those who have served and continue to serve, and this holiday season proves to be no different.  The Exchange is offering tens of thousands of dollars in prizes, just in time for the season of giving.

The Exchange is partnering with numerous companies such as Hasbro, Nikon, Ashley Furniture, and Microsoft to offer a wide variety of contests and sweepstakes. Prizes include Exchange gift cards valued up to $5,000, digital cameras, high-definition televisions, 3D Blu-ray Disc™ players, and vacations, just to name a few. 

Customers can enter many of the sweepstakes and contests simply by visiting their local Exchange facility and asking a store associate for details.

For those authorized shoppers who do not have a store in their immediate area, the Exchange also offers a number of online giveaways at shopmyexchange.com. From the main page customers can click the “Online Sweepstakes” tab to view current contests and promotions, such as the “Patriot Family Game Night Contest” where shoppers could win a $3,000 Exchange gift card. Customers can also enter in “Weekly Sweepstakes” for even more chances to win.

In addition to the All-Services’ website, the Exchange is also offering giveaways through its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/AAFES.BX.PX. Currently shoppers can share their favorite holiday tradition for a chance to win a vacation for four to Hershey Park, PA.

However some of the best things in life are free and select MILITARY STAR® Card members can also pick up a “Your Holiday Guide to Savings” coupon book at the Exchange. The coupon book will also be available for shoppers in the store. No games, no contests and everyone wins. The coupon book offers hundreds of dollars in savings when you use the MILITARY STAR® Card, such as a free $50 Exchange gift card on purchases of $200 or more, $100 off fine jewelry and watch purchases of $500 or more, as well as a free $100 Exchange gift card with an appliance purchase of $850 or more.

— 30 —

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

MEDIA CONTACT: Chris Ward
MEDIA ADVISORY: 11-055
RELEASE DATE: November 8, 2011

DALLAS – As the holiday season gets into full swing, spending time with the family makes the season even merrier. And what better way to enjoy each other’s company and competitive spirit than a family game night? The Army & Air Force Exchange Service will reward families that get into the spirit of the game with more than $6,000 in “Family Game Night” prizes.

 To enter, Exchange shoppers must compose a 150 words or less description of their favorite family game night. First prize will receive a $3,000 Exchange gift card with second place scoring a $2,000 gift card. The third place entry will pocket a $1,000 Exchange gift card and 10 fourth place winners will receive $100 in Hasbro games.

“Nothing says holidays like getting the family together and playing games,” said the Exchange’s Chief of Staff Col. Tom Ockenfels. “We’re ‘rolling the dice’ and expect to receive some really great descriptions of game nights from military families all around the world.”

A complete list of rules, as well as detailed information on entry, can be found at www.shopmyexchange.com/patriot_family. “Family Game Night Contest” entries will be judged on originality and humor and the deadline for entering is Dec. 9. Winning entries will be selected on or about Dec. 16. 

— 30 —

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: 11-054
RELEASE DATE: November 7, 2011

DALLAS – An abundance of shoplifting prevention measures such as eagle-eyed Closed Circuit Televisions with DVR technology, expanded use of high-tech Electronic Article Surveillance and an aggressive youth awareness campaign produced a decrease in theft at Army & Air Force Exchange Service facilities of 8.5 percent last year, from 5,950 incidents in 2009 to 5,444 last year. The sophisticated anti-shoplifting measures are also being cited as a factor in reducing the costs of products involved in detected cases from $655,169 to $534,525 in 2010.

The Exchange, which has contributed more than $2.4 billion to Air Force Services and Army IMCOM, G-9, Family & MWR programs in the past 10 years, continues to focus its efforts on reducing theft.

“Shoplifting at the exchange results in a reduced return on investment to our primary shareholders – the military community,” said the Exchange’s Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Jeffry Helm. “Because the Exchange is a command with a mission to return earnings to quality of life programs, people who steal from the Exchange don’t only harm themselves but directly impact FMWRC’s and Service’s ability to complete its mission.”

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 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: 11-053
RELEASE DATE: November 4, 2011

DALLAS – According to the First Command Financial Behaviors Index, day after Thanksgiving discounts are more likely to draw military families than their civilian counterparts. To help these savvy shoppers get the most bang for their buck, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service is serving up a host of Thanksgiving weekend sales.

The feast begins in the United States, Europe and the Pacific on “Black Friday” with Sony 55” LCD TVs for just $899, HP Pavilion G6 Notebooks for $279, 50 percent off regularly priced ladies apparel from Izod, Calvin Klein, Michael Kors and others as well as an Xbox 360 4GB gaming systems with built-in Wi-Fi console for just $99. Additionally, all Coach handbags (both in-store and online at shopmyexchange.com) will be 25 percent off from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

The bounty of deals continues on Saturday as Samsung 46” LCD TVs will be available for $629 with shoppers receiving a $30 Exchange gift card with any Samsung LCD TV purchase. From 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., all Dooney and Bourke handbags (both online at shopmyexchange.com and in-store) will be 25 percent off. Additionally, Sony 7” LED photo frames will be priced at $39.95, Easy-Bake Ultimate Ovens for only $29.95 and a 4-piece America Explorer luggage set can be had for just $49.99.

Sunday’s smorgasbord of savings includes a Sharp 60” LED TVs for $999, a $300 value. Panasonic 3D Wi-Fi Ready Blu-Ray disc players will also be available for just $99.99, selected Craftsman tools discounted 20 percent off, 30 percent off all fashion jewelry and assorted DVD TV boxed sets from $15-$20.

Finally, Cyber Monday’s bountiful array of online only deals include Sony 40” LED TVs for $699, BCBG Max Azria soft leather shoulder bags for $99, Fuji Film FinePix S2950 14MP digital cameras for $139 and a Kenmore Elite washer and dryer combo for $959, a $600 savings.

“The Thanksgiving weekend specials are just the beginning of what will be a huge season of sales and savings at Exchanges around the world,” said the Exchange’s Chief of Staff Col. Thomas Ockenfels. “From electronics to toys to jewelry, Exchanges will have everything military families need, at the right price.”

— 30 —

 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: Judd Anstey
MEDIA ADVISORY: 11-052
RELEASE DATE: November 3, 2011

LOS ANGELES – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service again lent its support to the “Price Is Right’s” annual Veteran’s Day “Salute to the Military.” This year’s episode marks the fourth consecutive year that the Department of Defense’s oldest and largest Exchange Service has partnered with the CBS game show to recognize the sacrifices of servicemembers while raising awareness of the ability for any American to send an Exchange gift card to Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors or Marines through www.shopmyexchange.com.

The Exchange’s Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Jeffry Helm was one of some 325 representatives of the Army, Air Force, Marines, Navy and Coast Guard who comprised the special episode’s all-military studio audience. After the show’s Oct. 24^th taping, Chief Helm presented the “Price Is Right’s” host Drew Carey with “challenge coins” from the Exchange’s Commander Maj. Gen. Bruce Casella, Deputy Commanding General Brig. Gen. Francis Hendricks and Chief Operating Officer Mike Howard. Military “challenge coins” are awarded for outstanding service or performance of duty.

The Price is Right’s 2011 “Salute to the Military” airs this Veteran’s Day, Nov. 11 on CBS.

— 30 —

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

MEDIA CONTACT: Chris Ward
MEDIA ADVISORY: 11-051
RELEASE DATE: October 27, 2011

DALLAS – Military shoppers patronizing their local Exchange probably don’t give a second thought as to which credit card to use at checkout. What they may not be aware of, however, is that the use of bank-issued cards at the Exchange ultimately costs the military community millions annually.

This year alone, bank-issued card processing expenses at Army & Air Force Exchange Service facilities are already up nearly 12 percent, sapping more than $50 million from the Exchange and, in turn, critical funds that could be used for morale, welfare and recreation programs. Last year, total fees topped the $89 million mark.

One way military families can help reduce costs and strengthen their Exchange benefit is to take advantage of the Exchange’s exclusive MILITARY STAR^® Card. Unlike bank cards, profits generated from the MILITARY STAR^® Card are shared with military communities through contributions to the military service’s quality-of-life funds.

“Using the MILITARY STAR^® Card is one of the easiest ways for troops to directly impact their Exchange and morale, welfare and recreation benefits,” said the Exchange’s Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Jeffry Helm. “Reducing these unnecessary expenses can go a long way in maximizing the dividend the Exchange annually returns to the military community.”

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 Catalog and 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.”

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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: Lt. Col. Thomas Shrader
MEDIA ADVISORY: 11-049
RELEASE DATE: October 12, 2011

WACO – Staff Sgt. Shad Fowler was on a patrol in Iraq when an IED detonated nearby and changed his life forever.  After being medically evacuated, he recovered and remained on active duty.  Fowler said that after that, “I ended up deploying two more times to Iraq, and when I came back this time, my body kind of gave out on me.”

Fowler is now going through physical therapy and at the same time participating in an internship program where he works at the Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s Waco Distribution Center, a facility which ships more than $745 million of goods annually to Exchange facilities throughout the central United States.

The Exchange supports wounded or injured warriors by participating in Operation Warfighter.  According to the DoD website:  “Operation Warfighter (OWF) is a Federal internship program for wounded, ill, and injured Service members. The main objective of OWF is to place servicemembers in supportive work settings that positively impact their recuperation.” 

The program provides an opportunity for transitioning Service members to augment their employment readiness as they build their resumes, explore employment interests, develop job skills, experience formal and on-the-job training opportunities as well as gain valuable work experience.

“The way the program works is troops who are going through treatment get to participate in an internship to learn a marketable skill,” said the Exchange’s Chief of Organizational Development and Recruiting, Chris Haefner. “The idea is to help prepare them for the time when they leave the service. With the Exchange being a $10 billion-a-year business, we can offer some unique training opportunities.”

The Exchange’s Wounded Warrior program is currently operating in two places, but will grow in the future, particularly in locations underserved by other federal agencies.

“Right now at the Exchange our OWF program is in its infancy,” said Haefner. “We have two locations with fully operational programs: Fort Hood and the Waco Distribution Center.  We are planning to expand into several more locations, including:  Joint Base San Antonio, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Fort Drum, Fort Riley, and our Newport News Distribution Center.” 

The Exchange has placed five personnel in the program, all with highly successful results for both sides. The organization works to place personnel in fields they are interested in or that they already have some background in. 

“We had one person working in our FMO (Field Management Office) and another in our admin office at Fort Hood,” said Haefner. “We placed another service member, Staff Sgt. David Shaw, in our LP department, which is similar to the work a store detective or security agent would perform.”

“This is an opportunity of a lifetime,” said Shaw. “Getting wounded takes something from you and you feel that with a disability, you can’t perform. Operation Warfighter places you in an environment where you can show yourself and others that you can still be the best.”

Fowler, who previously served as a battalion motor sergeant with the 1^st Cavalry Division, works in the Waco Distribution Center maintenance department inputting records and checking the readiness status on long-haul trucks.  He said, “It’s a very welcoming environment down here.  I do recommend this program. It’s a very good program for wounded Soldiers.”

What advice would Haefner give to wounded warriors?

“Every Warrior Transition Brigade or WTB has a transition coordinator in charge of the internship program,” said Haefner. “I would advise all wounded or injured warriors to talk with their coordinator and check out this program.  You might just find the job of a lifetime.”

–30 –

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 (MWR) 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 Lt. Col. Tom Shrader at 214-312-2753 or [email protected].