MEDIA CONTACT: Chris Ward
MEDIA ADVISORY: 12-028
RELEASE DATE: May 30, 2012

DALLAS – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service and Serta are giving military shoppers the opportunity to create some sweet dreams with a trip for two to Las Vegas.

The “Trump Vacation Sweepstakes” will award one lucky winner two nights in the Trump Towers in Las Vegas, a $200 Visa gift card, round trip flight and transportation, an approximate value of $2,000.

“It’s a sure bet that military shoppers are going to want to get in on this action,” said the Exchange’s Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Jeffry Helm. “Somebody will be walking away a winner and cashing in on a dream Vegas vacation.”

To enter The “Trump Vacation Sweepstakes,” authorized shoppers can fill out an entry form at their local Exchange from May 25-June 7. Contestants must be 21-years-old or over and the drawing will take place on or about July 13.

— 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.

###

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: 12-027
RELEASE DATE: May 23, 2012

DALLAS – After a rigorous process led by executive search firm Reffett Associates, Ltd, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s Board of Directors has selected military and retail veteran Tom Shull to lead the Department of Defense’s (DoD) oldest and largest Exchange Service.

Shull will be the first civilian Director and Chief Executive Officer in the nearly 117-year history of the $10 billion military retailer. The change, mandated by the DoD which instructed the conversion of the Exchange’s Commanding General’s assignment to a non-military position, means Shull will replace the Exchange’s last uniformed Commander, Brig. Gen. Fran Hendricks.

In an announcement informing the Exchange’s 43,000 employees of Shull’s selection, the organization’s Chairman of the Board, Lt. Gen. Raymond Mason, USA, cited “vast retail experience and proven leadership skills” and said the new Director and Chief Executive Officer will “be a magnificent first Director and Chief Executive Officer as the Exchange moves forward in an ever changing marketplace.”

The announcement also highlighted Shull’s experience as a West Point graduate who received a Harvard University MBA. In addition to serving in a variety of positions in the U.S. Army, including infantry company commander and assignments at the White House and National Security Council, Shull has served as CEO of Wise Foods Inc., Hanover Direct Inc. and Barney’s New York. Shull was most recently CEO of Meridian Ventures LLC. 

The Exchange, ranked 43^rd in the National Retail Federation’s Top 100 retailers in the U.S. based on dollar sales, is responsible for more than 3,100 facilities worldwide in more than 30 countries, five U.S. territories and 50 states. The Exchange operates 180 main stores and more than 2,000 fast food restaurants and also provides military communities with convenience, specialty stores and movie theaters on installations worldwide, including locations in Afghanistan.

— 30 —

The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is a joint non-appropriated fund instrumentality of the Department of Defense 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 quality merchandise and services at competitively low prices 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.

###

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: 12-026
RELEASE DATE: May 22, 2012

DALLAS – A recent North Dakota State University study found that the average American household spends about 3.8 percent of their income on clothes. With children consistently growing out of shirts, pants and dresses or wanting the latest and greatest brands, keeping the kids attired can prove an expensive endeavor.

Recognizing that investing in kids doesn’t have to break the bank, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service has unveiled new pricing for all Childrenswear with five simple price points: $5, $10, two for $15, $15 and $20.

“From shirts to sleepwear, we are dedicated to helping growing families,” said the Exchange’s Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Jeffry Helm. “Prices are clearly marked in the stores, making it easy for parents to outfit their kids without busting the budget.”

Styles included in the Exchange’s new Childrenswear pricing (excluding furnishings, accessories and jackets and coats) range from Exclusive Brands such as Buzz Cuts and Ponytails to nationally-recognized labels including Nautica, Union Bay, Levi’s and Skechers, among others.

— 30 —

The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is a joint non-appropriated fund instrumentality of the Department of Defense 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 quality merchandise and services at competitively low prices 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.

###

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: 12-025
RELEASE DATE: May 15, 2012

DALLAS – On a beautiful, sun-kissed California morning, military shoppers at Travis AFB welcomed the much anticipated opening of a new Exchange experience. With the May 4 ribbon cutting, the renovated and rebranded Exchange greeted excited shoppers who scooped up TVs, iPads and much more to drive sales up 113 percent over the same day last year.

Less than a year after the renovation began, the Exchange boasts fresh new colors, textures and graphics. As with all newly renovated Exchanges, the Travis location features a new layout divided into three major merchandise categories – Home, Life and Style.

“I’ve worked at the Pentagon and seen construction projects smaller than this one last ten years,” said Travis AFB 60^th Air Mobility Wing Commander Col. Dwight Sones. “We are extremely proud to have this brand new Exchange knowing it’s not only taking care of our Airmen but those outside the gate as well.”

Shoppers anxious to take advantage of the myriad of great deals that were part of the opening weekend piled in as soon as the ribbon was cut. And based on their reactions, and sales, the store more than met their expectations.

“I think it’s just beautiful and I’m very excited about it,” said Staff. Sgt. Amy Riley. “The layout is great and so is the product selection. The displays are awesome and it’s very nice and open so it’s much easier to find everything.”

“I love it,” said retired Army Master Sgt. Michael Pedia. “I have always appreciated the Exchange and the service that it provides to servicemembers. I always make it a point to find the associates and thank them for what they do. And now this new store – I’m a big fan.”

The rebranding effort, which is being rolled out to all Exchanges, is designed to provide shoppers with a fresh, updated shopping experience for all the things they need to outfit their unique lifestyle. Combining lively colors and imagery, bold shop design statements, polished floors and a new way to navigate through the store, the concept provides Exchange customers with a best-in-class shopping experience.

The branding team now moves on to Fort Bragg for a June 1 christening of the first Army Exchange to receive the new design.

— 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.

###

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: 12-024
RELEASE DATE: May 9, 2012

DALLAS – The Texas Diversity Council (TXDC) is just the latest organization to commend the Army & Air Force Exchange Service for its commitment to diversity and inclusion. The Exchange’s Chief Operating Officer, Mike Howard, was one of two 2012 winners of the Champions Diversity Leadership Award at the council’s annual Diversity and Leadership Conference held in Dallas on April 4^th  

Howard, along with Chief Executive Officer for Dallas/Ft. Worth International Airport Jeffrey Fegan, was recognized for being a visible champion of diversity and inclusion not only at the Exchange, but the community as well. Howard was selected also for his leadership as an effective driver of change and great innovator and visionary.

The TXDC is a non-profit organization that was established in 2004 to foster a learning environment for organizations to grow in their knowledge of diversity and inclusion.

— 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.

###

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: 12-023
RELEASE DATE: May 4, 2012

DALLAS – Death-defying roller coasters, exciting shows and funnel cakes all await the winner of the Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s latest contest.

The Exchange has partnered with Mars on the “Ms. Brown Sweepstakes,” named after the M&Ms character, which offers a grand prize of a trip for a family of four to any Six Flags theme park in the United States, three days and two nights accommodations, theme park tickets and a $400 voucher for both car rental and airfare, a $9,750 value. Additionally, ten first prize winners will receive two daily admission tickets to the Six Flags of their choice.

“From California to Texas to New York, Six Flags theme parks are all over the U.S.,” said the Exchange’s Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Jeffry Helm. “One lucky family will have a big decision to make as to where they want to spend what is sure to be a memorable vacation.”

Authorized shoppers 18 years and older can enter the “Ms. Brown Sweepstakes” at www.shopmyexchange.com  through May 30. No purchase is necessary to enter and the drawing will take place on or about June 5, 2012.

— 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.

###

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: 12-022
RELEASE DATE: May 3, 2012

Latest Exchange Contest Goes ‘To the Dogs’

DALLAS – It’s been said that a picture is worth a thousand words. In the Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s Patriot Family “Just Say Treat” contest, a pet picture and 50 words could be worth $500.

From May 4-31, pet owners can submit a photo of their furry friend, along with a 50-word or less description, for a shot at the $500 grand prize.

 “Pets are a huge part of our extended Patriot Family,” said the Exchange’s Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Jeffry Helm. “This contest gives animal lovers of all ages the chance to show others, both through photos and words, why their two-,four-, six- or even eight-legged friend are such a special part of their home.”

Authorized Exchange shoppers can find out more and enter the Patriot Pet “Just Say Treat contest at www.shopmyexchange.com/patriotfamily. 

 — 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.

###

Media Notes:

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