DALLAS – The holidays evoke fond memories of family gatherings, delicious food and fun. Those memories could be worth $1,000 in the Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s latest contest.

Through Dec. 25, authorized shoppers 18 years old or older can submit an essay of 300 words or less about one of their favorite holiday memories. The winning entry will receive a $1,000 Exchange gift card with second and third place receiving $500 and $300 gift cards, respectively.

“From the Soldier being reunited with his family after a deployment to the Airman being promoted in front of his family, there’s no doubt we’re going to receive many heartwarming stories,” said Retired Army Col. Thomas Ockenfels, the Exchange’s Director of Staff.

Essays can be sent to [email protected] with “Storybook Essay” in the subject line and will be judged on creativity and the ability to inspire. Winners will be notified no later than February 13, 2017.

Complete rules and details can be found at shopmyexchange.com/sweepstakes.

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The Army & Air Force Exchange Service goes where Soldiers, Airmen and their families go to improve the quality of their lives through goods and services provided. Exchange earnings provide dividends to support military morale, welfare and recreation programs. The Exchange is part of the Department of Defense and is directed by a Board of Directors, responsible to the Secretaries of the Army and Air Force through the Chiefs of Staff.  To find out more about the Exchange history and mission or to view recent press releases please visit our Web site at http://www.aafes.com/about-exchange/public-affairs/press-releases.htm or follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ExchangePAO.

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DALLAS – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is putting some jingle back in military shoppers’ pockets by picking up the tab on their MILITARY STAR card up to $8,200 with the third-annual Your Holiday Bill Is On Us sweepstakes.

From Nov. 1 through Dec. 31, shoppers will be automatically entered in the worldwide sweepstakes each time they use their MILITARY STAR card to pay for purchases at any Army or Air Force Exchange location or on shopmyexchange.com. Each transaction counts as one entry.

Three grand-prize winners will have their MILITARY STAR card bill paid in full up to $8,200, with a minimum prize of $2,500. Ten second-prize winners will be awarded a $1,000 credit on their MILITARY STAR card statement, while 25 third-place winners will receive a $500 credit. Winners with a balance less than their prize amount will receive a credit on their account.

“Real heroes win this sweepstakes,” said Exchange Director of Staff Tom Ockenfels, a retired Army colonel. “For the third year in a row, we’re changing lives with just a swipe of a MILITARY STAR card.”

Last year’s sweepstakes made dreams come true for three grand-prize winners – a Vietnam veteran, a disabled retired Air Force master sergeant and a Texas Army National Guardsman. All three used their MILITARY STAR card to buy gifts during the holiday season, and, as grand-prize winners, all had their balances paid in full.

“Winning this prize means my family will be better prepared when I deploy to Kuwait next year,” Texas Army National Guard Sgt. Clayton Anders said during his grand-prize presentation earlier this year. “The money I’d allotted to pay this bill can now go toward other things, which will help my family.”

Winners of the “Your Holiday Bill Is On Us” sweepstakes will be randomly selected and announced on or about Jan. 30.

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The Army & Air Force Exchange Service goes where Soldiers, Airmen and their families go to improve the quality of their lives through goods and services provided. Exchange earnings provide dividends to support military morale, welfare and recreation programs. The Exchange is part of the Department of Defense and is directed by a Board of Directors, responsible to the Secretaries of the Army and Air Force through the Chiefs of Staff.  To find out more about the Exchange history and mission or to view recent press releases please visit our Web site at http://www.aafes.com/about-exchange/public-affairs/press-releases.htm or follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ExchangePAO.

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DALLAS – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is extending a special thanks to military families this Veterans Day by slashing prices on the holiday season’s hottest gift items.

Starting Nov. 11, the Exchange will offer exclusive savings on select TVs, apparel, handbags, appliances and computers. Prices are effective through Nov. 17 while supplies last—shoppers seeking high-demand, deep-discount products are encouraged to arrive early on Nov. 11 to ensure their place in line for the hottest holiday items.

“The Exchange deeply values the selfless contribution of our nation’s veterans,” said Retired Army Col. Thomas Ockenfels, the Exchange’s Director of Staff. “Bringing Black Friday-caliber deals to military families on Veterans Day is just another way for us to honor the sacrifices of those who give so much to protect our country.”

Veterans Day shoppers will also receive bounce back coupons on Nov. 11 and 12 offering cash discounts on in-store purchases made Nov. 15 through 19. Additionally, MILITARY STAR card holders will earn double points Nov. 11 through 13.

The Exchange will also offer several food court, mall and Express deals on Veterans Day, including 15 percent off any food purchase using a MILITARY STAR card; a free gourmet fries with any sub and drink at Charleys Grilled Subs; a free tall hot brewed coffee for Veterans, active duty and spouses from the Express and Exchange restaurants; and $10 off any concession or kiosk purchase of $25 or more with a MILITARY STAR card.

In addition, on Nov. 10 all Exchange Popeyes locations will offer an eight-piece mixed bone-in chicken or eight-piece tenders for $5.99 in the continental United States, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and Alaska.

Veterans Day sale items will also be available at shopmyexchange.com starting Nov. 11. Shoppers can get a sneak peek of items and pricing starting Nov. 4 by logging on to shopmyexchange.com, downloading the Exchange EXTRA mobile app or picking up the Veterans Day Sale flyer at their local Exchange.

One hundred percent of Exchange dividends go to military-quality of life programs. The Exchange has contributed $2.4 billion of its earnings to such programs over the past 10 years.

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The Army & Air Force Exchange Service goes where Soldiers, Airmen and their families go to improve the quality of their lives through goods and services provided. Exchange earnings provide dividends to support military morale, welfare and recreation programs. The Exchange is part of the Department of Defense and is directed by a Board of Directors, responsible to the Secretaries of the Army and Air Force through the Chiefs of Staff.  To find out more about the Exchange history and mission or to view recent press releases please visit our Web site at http://www.aafes.com/about-exchange/public-affairs/press-releases.htm or follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ExchangePAO.

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Media Notes:

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

Follow the Exchange:
Facebook:  www.facebook.com/shopmyexchange
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/shopmyexchange
Instagram: @shopmyexchange

DALLAS – To give extra convenience to military shoppers this holiday season, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service is extending its return policy for items purchased between Nov. 1 and Dec. 24.

The Exchange’s standard policy allows returns anywhere from up to 15 to 90 days of purchase with a sales receipt.  The holiday return/exchange policy extends these terms through Jan. 31, 2017.

“Sometimes, a gift can miss the mark,” said Exchange Director of Staff Tom Ockenfels, a retired Air Force colonel. “The Exchange’s extended return policy goes the extra mile, making it easy for Soldiers, Airmen and families to give—and receive—the perfect gifts this year.”

Shoppers can return items purchased through shopmyexchange.com at their nearest brick-and-mortar Exchange.  For more information about the extended refund policy, shoppers can visit customer service at their nearest Exchange.

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The Army & Air Force Exchange Service goes where Soldiers, Airmen and their families go to improve the quality of their lives through goods and services provided. Exchange earnings provide dividends to support military morale, welfare and recreation programs. The Exchange is part of the Department of Defense and is directed by a Board of Directors, responsible to the Secretaries of the Army and Air Force through the Chiefs of Staff.  To find out more about the Exchange history and mission or to view recent press releases please visit our Web site at http://www.aafes.com/about-exchange/public-affairs/press-releases.htm or follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ExchangePAO.

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DALLAS – Military shoppers can get a jump on their holiday shopping with an extra discount on first-day purchases with a new MILITARY STAR card at the Army & Air Force Exchange Service.

Shoppers who use a new card for the first time from Oct. 28 to Nov. 10 will receive a 15 percent discount on all purchases instead of the standard 10 percent discount that is regularly offered.

The discount is valid in-store at Army & Air Force Exchange Service facilities and online at shopmyexchange.com and can be combined with other promotions. The discount will appear as a credit on shoppers’ first billing statements.

Each time cardholders make a purchase with their MILITARY STAR card, they earn points as part of a rewards program. Cardholders earn two points for every $1 spent in Exchange stores, food courts, mall vendors and on shopmyexchange.com. Shoppers automatically receive a $20 MILITARY STAR Rewards Card for every 2,000 points earned. The card can be redeemed anywhere Exchange gift cards are accepted.

Other benefits of the card include:

• Competitive interest rate of 10.49 percent – an industry-leading interest rate.
• No annual, late or over-limit fees.
• 10 percent off Exchange food court purchases.
• 5-cents-per-gallon savings at Exchange gas stations.
• Free standard shipping at shopmyexchange.com.

To apply for a MILITARY STAR card, authorized shoppers can visit their local Exchange or log on to www.MyECP.com.

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The Army & Air Force Exchange Service goes where Soldiers, Airmen and their families go to improve the quality of their lives through goods and services provided. Exchange earnings provide dividends to support military quality-of-life programs. The Exchange is part of the Department of Defense and is directed by a Board of Directors, responsible to the Secretaries of the Army and Air Force through the Chiefs of Staff.  To find out more about the Exchange history and mission or to view recent press releases please visit our website at http://www.aafes.com/about-exchange/public-affairs/press-releases.htm or follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ExchangePAO.

DALLAS – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service will help military kids hone in on the perfect holiday gift idea when its 2016 Toyland toy book is released Oct. 21 in the continental United States and Nov. 4 elsewhere.

Stocked with the hottest fall toys for boys and girls of all ages, the Toyland toy book features a special assortment of toys tested by real military children, identifiable by the Military Brat-Approved logo, including products from Disney, Hasbro, Barbie, Lego, Nerf, Little Tikes, Fisher-Price, Mattel and Huffy.

“The Military Brat Approved program is just another example of the Exchange’s efforts to serve the unique needs of the greatest customers in the world,” said Retired Army Col. Thomas Ockenfels, the Exchange’s Director of Staff. “We want to make sure that this holiday season—or any gift-giving occasion—leaves a smile on the faces of our customers’ military brats.”

The toy book’s cover will feature a caricature of Alexander Johnson, who won a $500 Exchange gift card for winning the Exchange’s 2016 Toyland sweepstakes. Johnson was selected from nearly 200 young Exchange shoppers worldwide who submitted in 10 words or less what it means to them to be a military brat. His entry read, “What it means to be a Military Brat…..It means coming home to a hero every day!!!”

The Exchange is also offering fee-free layaway through Dec. 24 to help parents keep their military brats’ gifts away from prying eyes before the holidays. For information on fee-free layaway, contact your local Exchange’s customer service desk.

Shoppers can also visit shopmyexchange.com to browse the season’s hottest toys. Online purchases of $49 ship for free when paying with a MILITARY STAR^® card.

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The Army & Air Force Exchange Service goes where Soldiers, Airmen and their families go to improve the quality of their lives through goods and services provided. Exchange earnings provide dividends to support military morale, welfare and recreation programs. The Exchange is part of the Department of Defense and is directed by a Board of Directors, responsible to the Secretaries of the Army and Air Force through the Chiefs of Staff.  To find out more about the Exchange history and mission or to view recent press releases please visit our Web site at http://www.aafes.com/about-exchange/public-affairs/press-releases.htm or follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ExchangePAO.

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Media Notes:

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

Follow the Exchange:
Facebook:  www.facebook.com/shopmyexchange
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/shopmyexchange
Instagram: @shopmyexchange

CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA – Army & Air Force Exchange Service Director/CEO Tom Shull’s passion for taking care of America’s warfighters took him halfway around the world in September, giving him a first-hand look at how the benefit is thriving for troops and families in Japan, Okinawa and Korea.

During his trip, Shull visited 50 Exchange sites across the Pacific, from the Kadena Air Base Exchange—one of the largest in the world—to the tiny Express at Camp Bonifas at Korea’s Demilitarized Zone. He also stopped by Exchange restaurants, bakeries and distribution centers to experience the scope of how the organization takes care of those serving far from home.

“My dad, who spent 30 years in the Army, used to say: ‘As long as my family is taken care of, I’m all in for the Army,’” Shull said. “The Exchange plays a big role in troop readiness and resiliency. We’re all in to support not only Soldiers, Airmen, Marines and Sailors but their family members as well. That support is so crucial.”

Shull, a former Soldier and infantry company commander who applied private-sector business practices to the Exchange once he took the helm four years ago, has led a dramatic turnaround of the 121-year-old Department of Defense retailer. By intensifying national brands, growing concessions and Express stores, transforming the online shopping experience and reducing costs, the Exchange achieved record operating earnings of $402 million in 2015. As a result, the Exchange distributed $237.2 million to military Quality-of-Life programs in 2015, ensuring the Exchange remains a vital, relevant benefit for military families.

Shull’s visit to the Pacific allowed him to experience the unique lifeline to America that the Exchange provides troops and families overseas. The support the Exchange provides to troops and families overseas goes beyond the main Exchange. Conveniences of home—American restaurants, barber shops and dry cleaners; bakeries that churn out Wonder bread, hamburger buns and tortilla chips; and nutritious USDA-approved school meals for service members’ children prove the Exchange is much more than a retailer.

“The Exchange brings a sense of community to military installations,” Shull said. “We satisfy the needs of those who serve their country, and many time the Exchange is their only access to true tastes and conveniences of home. Our customers are heroes, and the Exchange exists to make life better for them while they’re putting their lives on the line for us.”

In Korea, Shull met with military leaders, including Lt. Gen. Tom Vandal, U.S. Forces Korea chief of staff; Maj. Gen. Ted Martin, commanding general, 2nd Infantry Division; and Col. Phillip Raymond, 2ID chief of staff, to discuss how the Exchange can continue serving troops in Korea especially as Soldiers begin moving from U.S. Army Garrisons Yongsan and Casey as part of the transformation and relocation to U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys.

At Humphreys, Shull visited the new troop store and mini mall, which is set to open in November, and the new Exchange shopping center, which should debut in 2018.

“We’ve recently revamped our whole approach to shopping to create a better experience,” Shull said of the new Humphreys store. “We’ve intensified our national brands and we’re focused on the BE FIT lifestyle that’s so important for Soldiers, Airmen and their families.”

The new Humphreys Exchange will include a BE FIT center with men’s and women’s footwear and athleticwear in one place—resembling major sporting goods stores. Express convenience stores will promote BE FIT too, he said.

“Better-for-you products are at the forefront of what we provide,” Shull said.

During each leg of his Pacific journey, Shull greeted Exchange associates, thanking them for serving with passion and reminding them of the critical support they provide America’s heroes.

“The Exchange values its place as part of the community on each installation in the Pacific,” Shull said. “The Exchange team appreciates all that service members and their families sacrifice, and their sacrifices inspire us to work even harder to serve them.”

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The Army & Air Force Exchange Service goes where Soldiers, Airmen and their families go to improve the quality of their lives through goods and services provided. Exchange earnings provide dividends to support military morale, welfare and recreation programs. The Exchange is part of the Department of Defense and is directed by a Board of Directors, responsible to the Secretaries of the Army and Air Force through the Chiefs of Staff.  To find out more about the Exchange history and mission or to view recent press releases please visit our Web site at http://www.aafes.com/about-exchange/public-affairs/press-releases.htm or follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ExchangePAO.

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Media Notes:

For more information or to schedule an interview with an Exchange representative please contact Julie Mitchell, 214-312-3327 or [email protected].

Follow the Exchange:

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/shopmyexchange

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/shopmyexchange

Instagram: @shopmyexchange

DALLAS – Shoppers with the Army & Air Force Exchange Service have the chance to go long and catch a $500 Exchange gift card during the NCAA Football Sweepstakes this fall.

From Oct. 7 to Nov. 3, authorized shoppers can enter to win one of 10 $500 Exchange gift cards, courtesy of Unilever, at shopmyexchange.com/sweepstakes.

“What better way to celebrate the college football season heating up than to give a cool $5,000 to our loyal shoppers?” said Retired Army Col. Thomas Ockenfels, the Exchange’s Chief of Staff. “We love nothing more than to show our appreciation for the greatest customers in the world, and that’s why we’re giving them a chance to win enough to afford a killer watch party—and then some.”

The NCAA Football Sweepstakes is open to shoppers age 18 and older. No purchase is necessary to enter or win.

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The Army & Air Force Exchange Service goes where Soldiers, Airmen and their families go to improve the quality of their lives through goods and services provided. Exchange earnings provide dividends to support military morale, welfare and recreation programs. The Exchange is part of the Department of Defense and is directed by a Board of Directors, responsible to the Secretaries of the Army and Air Force through the Chiefs of Staff.  To find out more about the Exchange history and mission or to view recent press releases please visit our Web site at http://www.aafes.com/about-exchange/public-affairs/press-releases.htm or follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ExchangePAO.

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Media Notes:

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

DALLAS – For many military families, pets are more than just companions—they’re family.

Now, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service is giving service members and their families the opportunity to give their furry friends some well-deserved appreciation – and win a $5,000 Exchange gift card in the process – by entering the Dress Up Your Pet for Halloween Photo Contest.

Through Oct. 31, authorized shoppers can submit a photo of their pet wearing their cutest Halloween costume at shopmyexchange.com/BecauseOfYou. One lucky winner will receive a $5,000 Exchange gift card, courtesy of Smokehouse Pet Products, while five runners-up will receive a year’s supply of Science Diet pet food, a $500 value.

The sweepstakes is part of the Exchange’s Because of You program, which has expanded in 2016 to celebrate military families as well as honor active-duty troops, allowing the Exchange to express gratitude for their service and sacrifice.

“Through every deployment, TDY or PCS, military pets are there to welcome service members home, support the family members they leave behind and provide a sense of comfort and continuity through the constant change that goes with the military lifestyle,” said Retired Army Col. Thomas Ockenfels, the Exchange’s Chief of Staff. “Why not treat your furry friend to some recognition this fall, and give yourself the chance to win a treat of your own courtesy of the Exchange and Smokehouse Pet Products?”

The Dress Up Your Pet for Halloween Photo Contest is open to shoppers age 18 and older. No purchase is necessary to win.

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The Army & Air Force Exchange Service goes where Soldiers, Airmen and their families go to improve the quality of their lives through goods and services provided. Exchange earnings provide dividends to support military morale, welfare and recreation programs. The Exchange is part of the Department of Defense and is directed by a Board of Directors, responsible to the Secretaries of the Army and Air Force through the Chiefs of Staff.  To find out more about the Exchange history and mission or to view recent press releases please visit our Web site at http://www.aafes.com/about-exchange/public-affairs/press-releases.htm or follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ExchangePAO.

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Media Notes:

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

DALLAS – Team Army or Team Air Force? It’s a question almost as polarizing as which presidential candidate you’ll be voting for this election—but one most military families wouldn’t hesitate to answer.

From Oct. 12 to Nov. 11, Exchange shoppers can quite literally vote with their feet in the Exchange and Under Armour Freedom Challenge: Army vs. Air Force. Participants cast their ballots by logging workouts at MapMyFitness.com in support of either service branch. Whichever branch gets the most workouts logged at the end of the challenge will be declared the winner.

All participants will also be automatically entered for a chance to win one of several $100 Under Armour gift cards to be given away weekly. Participants who logged just one workout will, upon the challenge’s end, be automatically entered into the Grand Prize drawing for a chance to win a $250 Exchange gift card.

“The Freedom Challenge is the perfect opportunity for Soldiers, Airmen and their families to engage in a little friendly competition while getting a chance to be rewarded for regular exercise,” said Retired Army Col. Thomas Ockenfels, the Exchange’s Chief of Staff. “Of course, it’s no secret who I’ll be supporting—I encourage every Exchange shopper to do the same and let their voice be heard this fall during the Freedom Challenge.”

To participate, shoppers can go to MapMyFitness.com/challenges/aafes or download the MapMyFitness mobile app, find “Army vs. Air Force” under “Challenges” and select which branch they would like to support. Participants then log their workouts at MapMyFitness.com or using the MapMyFitness mobile app. Each workout counts toward the user’s team of choice.

The Freedom Challenge is open to shoppers age 18 and older. No purchase is necessary to win.

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The Army & Air Force Exchange Service goes where Soldiers, Airmen and their families go to improve the quality of their lives through goods and services provided. Exchange earnings provide dividends to support military morale, welfare and recreation programs. The Exchange is part of the Department of Defense and is directed by a Board of Directors, responsible to the Secretaries of the Army and Air Force through the Chiefs of Staff.  To find out more about the Exchange history and mission or to view recent press releases please visit our Web site at http://www.aafes.com/about-exchange/public-affairs/press-releases.htm or follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ExchangePAO.