MEDIA CONTACT: Ashley Sutton
MEDIA ADVISORY: 12-057
RELEASE DATE: Oct. 5, 2012

Cutest Kiddo Could Collect $2000 in Exchange Contest

DALLAS – The Army and Air Force Exchange Service is searching across the globe for the world’s most adorable kid. Exchange shoppers can visit the Exchange’s Facebook page to upload a photo and enter the “3^rd Annual Cutest Kiddo Contest.”

The entry receiving the most “votes” will receive a Disney Cruise Trip for four to the Bahamas plus a $500 Exchange Gift Card. Seven runners-up will each win an Exchange Gift Card valued up to $2,000.

“Whether it’s your child, grandchild, spouse, sibling or yourself, the Exchange wants to see who was, or is, the cutest kiddo ever in your life”, said the Exchange’s Chief of Staff Col. Tom Ockenfels. “The competition will be tough, but eight Exchange shoppers are sure to walk away as winners.”

Photos must be submitted to the Exchange Facebook page by 11:59 pm CST on Nov. 8.  Fans may vote for the picture they think is the “cutest” starting Nov. 9 through Dec. 6. Winners, based on the amount of “votes” received, will be announced on Dec. 12 on the Exchange’s Facebook page.

Complete entry rules and regulations for the “3^rd Annual Cutest Kiddo Contest” can be found at http://www.facebook.com/AAFES.BX.PX.

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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.

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Media Notes:

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

MEDIA CONTACT: Judd Anstey
MEDIA ADVISORY: 12-056
RELEASE DATE: Oct. 5, 2012

DALLAS – Recent advertisements in Auto Trader and major metropolitan newspapers offering automobile sales through a company calling itself “Exchange Inc.” has consumers calling the Army & Air Force Exchange Service for answers.

“Based on phone calls we’ve received, it appears someone is using the Exchange’s trademarked logo and name without permission to purportedly sell vehicles in the United States,” said the Exchange’s Loss Prevention Vice President Rick Koloski. “The phone calls we’re getting are from consumers who inquired as to whether the advertisements were legitimate. One caller did tell us that they had placed an order, sent money, but had yet to take delivery.”

Despite the fact that military exchanges do not have the authority to sell vehicles in the continental United States, the individuals responsible for these advertisements have left consumers from Texas to Colorado with the impression they are doing business with the Department of Defense’s oldest and largest exchange service.

“We really don’t know how widespread the issue is at this point as the investigation is ongoing,” said Koloski. “In the meantime, we want consumers to be aware of the concern.”

Army and Air Force Exchange Service facilities are located solely on military installations. While the Exchange does have mail order and Internet offerings, the Exchange does not advertise in civilian outlets such as metropolitan newspapers or automobile sales magazines. All advertisements for legitimate Exchange offerings are published in outlets whose audiences are mostly comprised of military members.  

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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.

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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: Ashley Sutton
MEDIA ADVISORY: 12-055
RELEASE DATE: Oct. 4, 2012

DALLAS – Exchange shoppers won’t have to wait for December to start the holiday season as the Army and Air Force Exchange Service’s Facebook page is hosting “12 Weeks of Gifting” contest. From Sept. 28 – Dec. 20, shoppers can count down the last 12 weeks until Christmas by entering to win different prizes each week.

As the big day gets closer, prizes get bigger and better. Each week’s giveaway is a secret, so shoppers can visit the Exchange Facebook page each week to enter. Much like the “Twelve Days of Christmas”, each week will have a corresponding number of prizes. For example, week 12 will have 12 winners, week 11 will award 11 gifts, while week one has one, the grand prize.

“Twelve Weeks of Gifting” is a great opportunity to give back to our loyal Exchange shoppers,” said the Exchange’s Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Tony Pearson. “This contest is guaranteed to get you into the holiday spirit.”

Complete rules for the Exchange’s “12 Weeks of Gifting” contest are available at the Exchange Facebook page.

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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.

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Media Notes:

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