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.

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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: 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.

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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: Antra Sootha
MEDIA ADVISORY: 11-014
RELEASE DATE: March 2011

DALLAS – Americans are recovering from an ailing economy and are continuing to find ways to cut expenses and save money. According to a study done by the Retail Group research store, consumer spending forecasts predict a decline in spending on spring and summer vacations as gas prices rise higher and air travel gets more expensive. On the other hand, trends for outdoor home decor are expected to show significant growth over the next several years as more homeowners embrace home resorts and staycations.

With that in mind, the new Outdoor Living Catalog for Spring/Summer 2011 is placing a special emphasis on “value pricing,” with patio sets ranging from $199 to $399, above ground  pools for as low as $895 and several assortments of gas grills from $69 to $499.

The 36-page Outdoor Living Exchange 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 through July 5, 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 Outdoor Living Exchange 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 Chris Ward, 214-312-2714 or [email protected].

MEDIA CONTACT: Nathan Rogers
MEDIA ADVISORY: 11-013
RELEASE DATE: March 2011

DALLAS – The Army and Air Force Exchange Service is teaming up with Coca-Cola to give shoppers a chance to be a part of the 2012 NCAA Final Four Weekend in New Orleans.

 Cash prizes are always a slam-dunk with fans and shoppers can visit their local Exchange and become eligible for a chance to win one of five grand prizes consisting of a trip for two to the 2012 NCAA Final Four Weekend, a value of $3,500 per winner.

 “Don’t drop the ball on this one,” said the Exchange’s Senior Listed Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Jeffry Helm. “Be sure to check your local Exchange for details on eligibility and deadlines.”

 Military shoppers can enter the Exchange/Coke NCCA contest March 11-24.  No purchase is necessary to enter and the drawing will take place on or about May 6.

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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 aafes.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 AAFES representative please contact Nathan Rogers, 214-312-2714 or [email protected].

MEDIA CONTACT: Dominique Butler
MEDIA ADVISORY: 11-012
RELEASE DATE: March 2011

DALLAS – While it’s not exactly a NASA launch pad, the Exchange’s website has been the subject of an intense pre-flight checklist as it prepares for the re-launch of shopmyexchange.com. 

Lift off, scheduled for March 15, 2011 will include more than $5,000 in giveaways for authorized shoppers, troops, and their families, who log on through April 18, 2011. 

The Exchange’s ground crew is on a mission to “boldly go where no site has gone before” as a new, enhanced look and feel makes it easier to log in for exclusive offers and savings. Military shoppers can also stay informed and receive coupons, some with exclusive QR coded deals, which can be sent directly to smart phones and other portable devices. 

Like a good mission control center, shopmyexchange.com puts everything at the user’s fingertips. The Exchange’s Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and blog pages, movie schedules for on-base theaters, a local Exchange locator and celebrity interviews, for example, are intuitively integrated and easy to use. Beyond the more than 18 million items available to authorized shoppers, any American can support the troops through the site by sending a gift or calling card to those serving far from home.

According to the Captain’s log, Exchange shoppers will find even more opportunities to save with limited time only Super Daily Specials, Online Savings Club available only to shopmyexchange.com community members and Specialty Stores offered through an exclusive online vendor mall. Servicemembers will also still enjoy the quality customer service and product assortment they’ve become accustomed to throughout the nearly 116-year history of the Exchange. 

“We expect the new interface to really ‘click’ with Exchange patrons,” said the Army & Air Force Exchange Services’ Chief Operating Officer Mike Howard. “One look and I think they’ll agree that shopmyexchange.com, with its tax free savings, free standard shipping and new look, is truly out of this world.”

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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, 214-312-3861 or [email protected].

MEDIA CONTACT: Chris Ward
MEDIA ADVISORY: 11-011
RELEASE DATE: March 2011

DALLAS – The Exchange Retiree Advisory Council (ERAC) has drafted a new charter and committed to a new focus for 2011. The group recently convened at the Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s headquarters in Dallas, TX to discuss opportunities to focus efforts on behalf of the largest group of authorized Exchange patrons – retirees.

As part of the renewed effort, the Council will meet bi-annually with the Exchange’s Commander, Maj. Gen. Bruce Casella, and other members of management to exchange information about operations which impact service to retiree patrons. Council members will also assist in advocating the exchange benefit to the retiree community while advising the Commander on issues of concern to the military retirees.

The composition of the Council has been increased to include additional military offices and associations. Member organizations include Army Retirement Services Office, Air Force Retiree Services, Army Chief of Staff’s Retiree Council, Air Force Retiree Council, Association of the U.S. Army, Air Force Association, Military Officers Association of America, Reserve Officers Association, Non-Commissioned Officers Association, The Retired Enlisted Association and National Guard Association of the United States.

“At approximately 2.3 million, retirees account for 26 percent of the Exchange’s 12.3 million authorized shoppers,” said Casella. “The changes to the charter will allow for a more diverse and broader outreach representation on the Council.”

The ERAC was established to assist the CG in being responsive to the needs of the military retiree community. The Council obtains advice, views and recommendations from knowledgeable individuals and organizations while promoting the Exchange benefit.

At their recent meeting at the Exchange’s headquarters, the group heard from leadership on Exchange contingency operations, sales, Exchange Credit, real estate as well as outreach programs and discussed opportunities to better communicate the Exchange benefit to the retiree community.

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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].