MEDIA CONTACT: Deonna McGary
MEDIA ADVISORY: 11-024
RELEASE DATE: May 11, 2011

DALLAS – The shopmyexchange.com website is becoming more fashion forward with a renewed focus on the latest trends in handbags and accessories. Thanks to a new partnership with Coach, military patrons are now able to carry away the season’s newest fashion for a reasonable price.

The new Coach sub-site provides access to a full assortment of handbags, footwear and watches.

If initial sales are any indication, the Coach assortment is receiving rave reviews. In fact, since launching May 3^rd, more than 700 handbags, 121 pairs of shoes and 43 watches were ordered in just the first 6 days of operation.

“The Exchange is constantly seeking ways to provide greater value to military patrons through unique partnerships,” said the Army and Air Force Exchange Service Chief of Staff Col. Virgil Williams. “This latest venture is just another example of how military patrons can ‘clutch’ onto great items at outstanding prices when they shop the Exchange online store.”

Authorized shoppers can access the latest collection from Coach by going to shopmyexchange.com and selecting the Coach Store listed under the “Clothing and Accessories” tab.

 — 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 Deonna McGary, 214-312-2132 or [email protected].

MEDIA CONTACT: Judd Anstey
MEDIA ADVISORY: 11-024
RELEASE DATE: May 11, 2011

DALLAS – Military shoppers looking to curl up with a good bargain may want to check out an Exchange catalog this summer. The ultimate authority in multichannel merchandising, Multichannel Merchant, has recognized last year’s All-Services Exchange Electronics supplement as one of the best catalogs in the world with a Gold Award in the Computer and High-Tech Equipment and Software category. The Electronics supplement is one of four produced last year by the Exchange.

There is no shortage of titles for authorized shoppers to choose from. In fact, the Exchange produces two “big” catalogs annually, each with more than 350 pages of best sellers including clothes, toys and collectibles. Twenty supplemental catalogs devoted to specific categories such as home décor, jewelry and fitness are also made available throughout the year.

Every supplement is available online, too, in the form of an eBook that allows patrons to flip through each page and click on the product of their choice. The interactive eBook even allows customers to place items into their shopmyexchange.com shopping cart and complete their order online.

“Purists can still have any catalog sent to their home or pick one up at their nearest Exchange and place an order through the phone or mail,” said the Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s Chief Operating Officer Mike Howard. “Regardless, shoppers can expect to find great products, prices and, as demonstrated by the recent MCM award, production quality.”

Authorized exchange patrons can find out more about the All-Services Exchange catalog program by visiting shopmyexchange.com and clicking the “Shop Online Now” tab. 

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

MEDIA CONTACT: Chris Ward
MEDIA ADVISORY: 11-023
RELEASE DATE: May 4, 2011

DALLAS – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service and Coca-Cola have partnered to help military shoppers beat the summer heat with one of 10 shopping sprees.

The “Coke Living Free” sweepstakes will reward a grand prize of a $5,000 to six lucky authorized Exchange shoppers. Six first place winners will also take home $500 each.

“This is another Exchange exclusive opportunity,” said the Exchange’s Chief of Staff Col. Virgil Williams. “Authorized exchange shoppers need only visit their nearest Exchange, including locations throughout Operations New Dawn and Enduring Freedom, fill out an entry form and drop it in the box for their chance to win.”

The “Coke Living Free” sweepstakes runs through May 19. Contestants must be 18-years-old and older and no purchase is necessary to enter. Winners will be announced on or about June 27.

 — 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: Deonna McGary
MEDIA ADVISORY: 11-022
RELEASE DATE: May 2, 2011

DALLAS – A recent study of Army and Air Force Exchange Service prices shows that troops save an average of 24 percent when exercising their Exchange benefit.

The Market Basket Survey, conducted in October 2010, compared prices at nine locations including Baltimore, MD; Ft. Walton Beach, FL; Killeen, TX; Omaha, NE; Tacoma, WA; Phoenix, AZ; Hampton/Newport News, VA; Honolulu, HI and Los Angeles, CA. Conducted by an independent research firm, the report focuses on the percentage of savings military patrons receive based on market, retailer and department.

Due to the variations in currencies overseas, the Exchange focused on operations in the United States; however the value proposition remains consistent throughout the world.

The results, indicative of the Command’s ongoing efforts to survey prices both locally and nationally, reaffirm the Exchange’s commitment to providing the best possible prices for authorized patrons, wherever they’re called to serve.

If shoppers do encounter a lower price, the Exchange goes as far as to match the price with or without a competitor’s ads. For example, if a shopper spots a price difference of less than $10, they simply notify the cashier and the price is matched on the spot.

For price discrepancies greater than $10, shoppers only need to bring in a current local competitor’s ad to receive the reduced price. In either scenario, the product must be identical to the item at the Exchange.

“The Exchange even offers a 14-day price guarantee on any purchase made at the Exchange,” said the Exchange’s Chief of Staff Col. Virgil Williams. “That means if an item is sold at a lower price by the Exchange, or any local competitor, the price is matched up to two weeks after the sale.”

Complete details concerning the Exchange’s price matching policy are available online at www.shopmyexchange/customerservice/priceMatch.com.

“Whether price matching or surveying our everyday prices the results speak for themselves -shoppers save at the Exchange,” said Williams.

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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 Deonna McGary, 214-312-2132 or [email protected].

MEDIA CONTACT: Deonna McGary
MEDIA ADVISORY: 11-021                          RELEASE DATE: April 12, 2011

Army & Air Force Exchange Service Corporate Communications

NEWS RELEASE: 11-021                                                  April 15, 2011

EXCHANGE MEDIA CONTACT: DEONNA MCGARY – [email protected]

Latest Exchange catalog takes care of the kids from playtime to bedtime

DALLAS – Military shoppers can check kid’s needs off their to-do list because the Exchange has it covered. The Kids Exchange Spring/Summer 2011 catalog is crawling with a giant selection of the hottest kids’ brand. Each item has been carefully selected to ensure the finest quality and best shopping experience for growing military families.

The catalog features 52 pages of the most fashionable children’s products focused on safety, practicality and lots of fun for kids both big and small. The Kids Exchange catalog offers budget-friendly ideas and proven solutions to childhood challenges.  

The 2011 Kids Exchange Spring/Summer Catalog is available at all main stores and online at shopmyexchange.com, usmc-mccs.org, navy-nex.com or cg-exchange.com.

Prices in this all-services catalog are valid May 4, 2011 – September 28, 2011, 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 2011 Kids Exchange Spring/Summer Catalog online at shopmyexchange.com, usmc-mccs.org, navy-nex.com or cg-exchange.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, usmc-mccs.org, navy-nex.com or cg-exchange.com.

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Media Notes:

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

MEDIA CONTACT: Deonna McGary
MEDIA ADVISORY: 11-020
RELEASE DATE: April 12, 2011

Army & Air Force Exchange Service Public Affairs

NEWS RELEASE: 11-019                                                  April 12, 2010

EXCHANGE MEDIA CONTACT: DEONNA MCGARY –[email protected]

 Turn Spring into the Season of Appreciation through Petals and Blooms

DALLAS – Simply waking up to a bouquet of blooms can provide a daily dose of inspiration to chase away the blues.  With various holidays steadily approaching such as Administrative Professional’s Day’s, Mother’s Day and Easter, sending flowers can help any emotional connection blossom.

Petals and Blooms is an in-house florist located at Exchanges worldwide, providing military patrons and families with the opportunity to customize floral arrangements in order to brighten someone’s day. There are 145 full-service Petals and Blooms locations worldwide to choose from.

Military shoppers can also stop and smell the savings at shopmyexchange.com and visit Teleflora flower club, a floral site providing artistically designed arrangements at 20% off.

“Petals and Blooms and the Exchange online mall are making it easier to call in or order online,” said the Exchange’s Vice President of Services Terri Toppin. “Sending flowers is a simple and thoughtful way of saying thank you.”

 — 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 Deonna McGary, 214-312-2132 or [email protected].

MEDIA CONTACT: LTC Thomas Shrader
MEDIA ADVISORY: 11-019
RELEASE DATE: April 7, 2011

Exchange to Continue Operations Despite Potential Government Shutdown

 DALLAS – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is planning to continue operations even if the U.S. Government shuts down.

 On April 9, the current budget authorization will expire. At that point, the federal government will potentially institute a mandatory shutdown for “non-essential” personnel. 

 While this action impacts the government, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service is largely unaffected.  The Exchange is a non-appropriated fund instrumentality. This means the majority of its budget does not rely on tax dollars.

 “While the federal government shuts down, business at the Exchange remains largely unchanged.  However, some transactions may be delayed, such as the purchase of firearms which require background checks or other federal government actions,” said Col. Virgil Williams, Chief of Staff for the Exchange.

 As a matter of course, the Department of Defense plans for contingencies. In fact, since 1980, all agencies have had to have a plan in case of a government shutdown, and these plans are updated routinely. 

 “The Exchange will do everything we have to do to continue to support the deployed troops,” Williams said.

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MEDIA CONTACT: Lisa Neidinger
MEDIA ADVISORY: 11-018
RELEASE DATE: April 4, 2011

Join the Celebration at Exchange Mobile Center Kiosks

DALLAS – Sixty-six is the magic number to celebrate as the Army & Air Force Exchange Service opened the 66^th Exchange Mobile Center Kiosk in April. These kiosks feature the hottest phones from AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon, a variety of service plans and great accessories, all at competitive prices.

The Grand Opening Celebration includes special promotional pricing on some of the newest 4G phones as well as on tablets like the Dell Streak 7 and Motorola Zoom. The pricing will be effective from April 15 through the 28. Shoppers can also enter to win a 55” Samsung Flat-screen HDTV, $1,000 Exchange gift card, Kinect unit for Xbox 360 or one of dozens of other prizes to be given away at each location. No purchase is necessary to win, but shoppers must enter in person to be eligible.

In addition, on Saturday April 16, each store with a kiosk offers in-store 66-cent specials on items such as burgers and soft serve from Burger King, ice cream cones from Baskin Robbins, king-sized Hershey bars, Frito packs, Keebler cookies and more. Representatives from AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon will be available to demonstrate phones and answer questions, and other fun in-store activities are planned.

“There’s no better time to shop and save for that new smart phone or tablet you’ve been wanting,” said Exchange Chief of Staff Col. Virgil Williams. “Think of Exchange Mobile Center as the place to go to find the latest handset, coolest accessory or just to ask that wireless question no one else can answer.”

The Exchange’s kiosks showcase a selection of phones from three major cellular service providers:  AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon. Shoppers can see and compare a variety of each brand’s most popular cell phones, tablets and service plans, with knowledgeable associates to provide expert assistance.

Shoppers who want a cellular phone without a contract have Exchange options as well. Verizon, T-Mobile and AT&T offer special prepaid phones with no commitment or credit check.

The 66^th Celebration pricing is valid from April 15^th through the 28^th; sweepstakes drawings are from noon until 3 on Saturday, April 16^th. Shoppers must physically visit any of the 66 participating Exchanges to shop, enter and win.

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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 (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 Lisa Neidinger, 214-312-4168 or [email protected].

MEDIA CONTACT: Deonna McGary
MEDIA ADVISORY: 11-016
RELEASE DATE: March 2011

DALLAS – As the weather gets warmer and flowers begin to bloom, Army & Air Force Exchange Service shoppers can start the new season with a shot at a sweet prize in the Patriotic Family Diorama Contest.

The Diorama Contest gives authorized patrons the opportunity to be creative and pay tribute to past and present patriotic stories. Participants are required to use a shoebox, candy and Peeps for the characters to re-create a patriotic play, scene or event that inspires emotion. The first place winner will receive a $500 gift card and the runner up will take home a $250 gift card.

Once the masterpiece has been created, entrants need to take at least two to three photos from each angle and submit each photo to [email protected] as an attachment. Name, phone number, address, closest Exchange, rank or job, title of the diorama and any additional information deemed necessary for creation should be included within the text of the email.

“Patriot Family contests continue to find ways to show appreciation to those who have served as well as get Exchange patrons involved in the most creative ways,” said Exchange’s Chief of Staff Col. Virgil Williams. “Everyone needs to ‘hop’ on this contest before Spring has sprung.”

Entries will be accepted through April 25. Judging will be based on originality, innovation, and the entrant’s ability to portray each scene in a respectable manner.

— 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 Deonna McGary, 214-312-2132 or [email protected].

MEDIA CONTACT: Chris Ward
MEDIA ADVISORY: 11-015
RELEASE DATE: March 2011

DALLAS – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service, along with other Department of Defense agencies, will remunerate Sunday premium pay to qualifying associates in accordance with an Office of Personnel Management Compensation policy memorandum.

The memo applies to current and former Exchange Crafts and Trades associates employed anytime between May 26, 2003 and May 26, 2009.

To qualify, associates must have been employed in a part-time or intermittent position with regularly scheduled hours on Sundays and did not receive premium pay.

Associates who believe they meet these criteria can click on “Claims: Post Allowance/Sunday Premium” at shopmyexchange.com for additional details on filing a claim.

— 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].