MEDIA CONTACT: Chris Ward
MEDIA ADVISORY: 11-048
RELEASE DATE: October 3, 2011

DALLAS – At 1.2 million, National Guard and Reserve members account for approximately 22 percent of authorized Army & Air Force Exchange Service shoppers. Since most are usually not on an installation full-time, they generally have fewer opportunities to patronize an Exchange. In an effort to ensure that they are fully aware of how they can take advantage of their benefit, the Exchange has embarked on an aggressive outreach program.

Since the program’s inception in March, Exchange leadership has attended Yellow Ribbon events, Readiness Musters, Guard and Reserve conferences and a host of local meetings. As a result, Exchange civilian and military personnel have reached out to approximately 47,000 Guard and Reserve members through briefings and one-on-one interactions.

At Guard and Reserve functions, the Exchange’s military outreach group communicates to servicemembers that, wherever they may be, their earned benefit is available, both in-store or via shopmyexchange.com.  

“The Exchange’s goal is to fully understand what value means to the National Guard and Reserves and to anticipate their wants and needs,” said the Exchange’s Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Jeffry Helm. “We’re striving to create a sense of community and belonging for them by finding ways to serve them in their communities through personal engagement.”

In addition to briefings and one-on-one meetings, the Exchange is also using catalogs, postcards, holiday cards and sales flyers, targeted specifically to Guard and Reserve members, to inform authorized shoppers of the multiple channels available.

“We’ve found that many of these Guard and Reserve members are unaware of the convenience and value of using the Exchange website,” said Helm. “While they may not be stationed near a brick and mortar store, they have access to virtually anything they would find in an installation Exchange through shopmyexchange.com. It’s just a matter of making sure they are aware of that. And we’re off to a great start.”   

— 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: 11-047
RELEASE DATE: September 29, 2011

DALLAS – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is forgoing the tricks and going right for the treats 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 frightfully fun 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 in the Exchange. After collecting all five clues, treasure hunters can go to www.shopmyexchange.com/PatriotFamily for official rules and to enter their clues.

 “The Exchange is ready for a ghoulishly good time,” said the Exchange’s Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Jeffry Helm. “In addition to the sweepstakes, the Exchange is stocked with all the Halloween essentials. From costumes to candy, we’ve got all the ghosts and goblins covered.”

The contest begins on Sept. 30 and ends at the stroke of midnight on Oct. 31. No purchase is necessary to enter.

— 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: LTC Thomas Shrader
MEDIA ADVISORY: 11-045
RELEASE DATE: August 24, 2011

DALLAS – Got long legs?  Or a barrel chest?  Or big guns for arms?  Having trouble finding an off-the-shelf uniform to fit your body type?  Military Clothing Sales Stores, which have now been rebranded as simply Military Clothing (MC), says “No problem!”  Through an agreement with the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), MC can special order any uniform to troop’s exact measurements.

“The way the ‘Special Measurements’ program works is a lot like visiting a tailor shop,” explained Tech. Sgt. Larry McCoy, the Air Force Program Manager for Military Clothing at the Army and Air Force Exchange Service HQ.

“An associate at the MC will take a series of measurements, depending on the item you are ordering, be it a jacket or pants or boots,” McCoy said.

The measurements are then sent off to DLA for production.  Typical lead times are six to eight weeks.  When the item is complete, it will be available for pick up at the store where you ordered it.  Prices are the same for both Special Measurement and off-the-shelf uniforms. 

McCoy uses the Special Measurements program himself and encourages other Airmen and Soldiers to do the same.  “Because I am muscular, I have broad shoulders, big arms, and chest.  The standard size uniforms feels constricting when I try them on, so I usually have to custom-order a uniform that fits me just right.  Along with being a coordinator of the program, I am also a very satisfied customer.”

Another key point to remember is that all items sold at the MC meet the service standards for things such as IR [infrared] or other specifications.  You might not get that guarantee if you buy something off post.” said McCoy.

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

MEDIA CONTACT: Sydney Bierman
MEDIA ADVISORY: 11-044
RELEASE DATE: August 23, 2011

DALLAS – A recent market report states gamers in America spend more on gadget and gears than any other country in the world.

As American troops’ first choice in gaming products, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service has partnered with Coca-Cola to give six Exchange winners a PlayStation®3 320 Gamer Bundle system and Sony Bravia® 3D HDTV. The $1,600 prize packages also include the latest action game release “Resistance® Greatest Hits Dual Pack” and “Resistance® 3.”

“Exchange shoppers won’t get a ‘game over’ with this prize” said the Exchange’s Senior Listed Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Jeffry Helm. “Before it’s all over, we’ll give away more than $9,000 in gaming goods.”

To enter, authorized shoppers can fill out an entry form at their local Exchange from August 26 to September 8^th. The drawing will take place on or about October 19^th.

— 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 Sydney Bierman, 214-312-2132 or [email protected].

MEDIA CONTACT: Chris Ward
MEDIA ADVISORY: 11-043
RELEASE DATE: August 18, 2011

DALLAS – On the heels of its 116^th anniversary, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service is once again joining forces with Marvel Comics to distribute free, military-exclusive comic books at its stores around the world.

 The 11^th issue in the Exchange/Marvel series, titled “The First Avenger,” revolves around kidnapped civilians who transform into super-strong creatures and attack small European villages. Captain America traces the unwitting bad guys to a remote castle in Symkaria where he finds a mad scientist in the midst of creating an army of “electric soldiers.”

 “It’s hard to believe that this is already the 11^th installment in the Exchange’s free comic book series,” said the Exchange’s Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Jeffry Helm. “Based on the enormous success and popularity of these special issues, I’m certain this one will be just as popular as the previous ten.”

 “The First Avenger” arrived exclusively at CONUS Exchanges in early August and is due at OCONUS facilities, including 56 locations in Operations New Dawn and Enduring Freedom, around the end of August.

 “While we may work with costume-wearing heroes every day, it is a true honor to help create a comic book for the real life heroes of the U.S. Armed Forces,” said the comic’s Editor Bill Roseman. “All of us involved salute the troops, thank them for their sacrifices every day that grant us the freedoms we enjoy, and hope they are entertained by the action-packed adventures of the one and only, shield-slinging Super-Soldier known as Captain America.”

 — 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].

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.

MEDIA CONTACT: Sydney Bierman
MEDIA ADVISORY: 11-042
RELEASE DATE: August 9, 2011

DALLAS – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is partnering with Unilever to offer Exchange shoppers the chance to sink their teeth into $16,000 worth of electronics.

Just in time for back-to-school, six Exchange winners will take home an Apple MacBook, iPad 2 and iPod, as well as a $25 iTunes gift card. Eligible shoppers simply need to fill out an entry form at their local Exchange for a chance to win.

“Each prize package is worth $2,500, and comes with enough processing power to support every facet of an active lifestyle,” said the Exchange’s Acting Chief of Staff Col. Colice Powell. “From streaming music and videos to surfing the web, this sweepstakes has something for everyone.”

The Exchange’s ‘Apple Sweepstakes’ will be accepting entries from August 12 through September 1. The drawing will take place on or about October 12, and the winners will then be notified.

— 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 Sydney Bierman, 214-312-2132 or [email protected].

MEDIA CONTACT: Sydney Bierman
MEDIA ADVISORY: 11-041
RELEASE DATE: August 3, 2011

DALLAS –The Army & Air Force Exchange Service Exchange is partnering with Redbull to offer authorized shoppers a chance to get a seat at upcoming racing events at home or abroad.

The “Redbull Sweepstakes” is valued at more than $15,000, and offers military shoppers the opportunity to attend a unique racing event. For shoppers in the continental United States, the checkered flag winner will receive NASCAR race tickets for two to a race of their choice in 2011, to include airfare, hotel and VIP race tickets for Saturday and Sunday. The winning entry in the Pacific region will be awarded tickets to the Formula 1 Grand Prix race car event held in Korea, VIP race tickets for two, transportation (airfare or bus), and hotel. The European region winner will attend the Crashed Ice extreme winter sports event, in addition to receiving airfare and hotel accommodations for two.

“Exchange shoppers can find themselves in the winner’s circle with prizes like these,” said the Exchange’s Senior Listed Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Jeffry Helm. “Just ride on over to a local Exchange and submit an entry.”

Exchange shoppers worldwide can register at any Exchange for a chance to win. The “Redbull Sweepstakes” will continue until August 11, and drawings will take place on or about September 12.

— 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 Sydney Bierman, 214-312-2132 or [email protected].

MEDIA CONTACT: Staff Sgt. Lewis M. Hilburn
MEDIA ADVISORY: 11-040
RELEASE DATE: August 3, 2011

Exchange Making the Grade with Back-To-School

DALLAS – The new school year is just around the corner and the Army & Air Force Exchange Service is here to help students with all their school needs. Everything from supplies to clothing, the Exchange has it in store for students and parents.

The Exchange is making it easy to stay hip with the brands students are looking for, all at very competitive prices. Labels including Union Bay, Ecko, Adidas, Nike, Almost Famous, Bubblegum, Levi’s, Lee, Dickies, Quiksilver, Under Armour, Reebok, Metal Mulisha, Hanes and TapOut will all be featured.

Exchange patrons can save up to 20 percent on select items such as portfolios, folders, and notebooks, crayons, glue and Sharpies. Students can load up the deals thanks to a wide selection of discounted backpacks.

In addition to low prices, everything in the Exchange is always tax-free. Furthermore, during the select “tax holidays” the Exchange will match local sales tax percentage discounts, based upon categories, to offer an additional percentage off (equivalent to the local sales tax rate), effectively doubling the Exchange’s tax-free benefit.

“If you are shopping in a state during a designated “tax holiday,” the Exchange will take a percentage off qualifying products that is consistent with the local tax rate,” said the Exchange’s Acting Chief of Staff Col. Colice Powell. “While all items at the Exchange are tax free every day, this additional amount off is during the ‘tax holiday’ period only.”

Parents can expect more while paying less with the Exchange’s “Back-To-School” savings. On average customers save 24 percent and the “Price Match Policy” can save shoppers even more.

 “The Exchange’s buying staff has done its homework over the past year and we’re ready to pass the savings lessons on to military families,” Powell said. “Even though we’ve crammed to deliver the best ‘back to school’ shopping experience possible, we’re always prepared to match the lowest local price to ensure authorized shoppers are getting the best value for their ‘back to school’ dollars.”

–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 Staff Sgt. Lewis M. Hilburn at 214-312-4273 or [email protected].

MEDIA CONTACT: Chris Ward
MEDIA ADVISORY: 11-037
RELEASE DATE: July 18, 2011

Shopping the Exchange Pays Dividends

 DALLAS – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is paying dividends in more ways than one as troops exercising their benefit by dining at and shopping at Exchange facilities last year generated a dividend of $261.1M. These funds are critical to Army, Air Force, National Guard, Marine Corps and Navy Morale, Welfare and Recreation efforts.

“The Exchange’s dual mission is to provide goods and services at competitively low prices and generate earnings to support MWR programs,” said the Exchange’s Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Jeffry Helm. “As a result, the dollars that troops and their families use to shop the Exchange or make a purchase from a catalog generates a healthy return by directly improving quality of life efforts.”

This dual benefit goes far beyond clothes, electronics or consumables. In fact, worldwide purchases made in the past 10 years have provided more than $2.4 billion to military morale, welfare and recreation programs such as Youth Services, post functions and aquatic centers.

Historically, roughly two-thirds of Exchange earnings are paid to quality of life programs. In addition to funding these efforts, Exchange earnings are used to build new stores or renovate existing facilities without expense to the Federal government. Funds to contract these new or replacement facilities also come entirely from sales of merchandise and services.

Exchange support to the military in FY 2010 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 2010 dividend of $261.1 million was distributed as follows:

Army:                                      $158.1M

Air Force:                                $90.6M

Marines:                                  $11.4M

Navy:                                      $1.0M

TOTAL:                                  $261.1M

— 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 merchandiseand 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: 11-037
RELEASE DATE: July 18, 2011

DALLAS – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is putting its money where its mouth is as it will dole out $4,200 in winnings for the tastiest, healthiest after-school snacks.

The winner of the “Patriot Family Healthy Snack Recipe Contest” will sink their teeth into a $1,500 Exchange gift card and their choice of a fitness item, valued up to $600, provided by Icon Sports. Second place will scarf down a $750 gift card, along with a fitness item valued at up to $600, while the third and fourth best recipes will receive $500 and $250, respectively.

“Military shoppers can ‘dig in’ to this ‘tasty’ contest,” said the Exchange’s Chief of Staff Col. Colice Powell. “In addition to the great prizes offered, the winners will also be featured on Operation Be Fit and Patriot Family Connection websites as well as the ‘Taste of Home’ website and magazine.”

Entries must include an original photo of the healthy after-school snack and fifty words describing the origin of the recipe. A complete list of rules, as well as detailed information on entry, can be found at http://www.shopmyexchange.com/Community/patriotfamily/contests.htm. The deadline for entering the “Patriot Family Healthy Snack Recipe Contest” is Aug. 11.

Winners will be determined based on criteria that includes flavor, originality, healthy ingredients, ease of preparation and feasibility. Winning entries will be selected on or about Sept. 30.  

— 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].