MEDIA CONTACT: Chris Ward
MEDIA ADVISORY: 13-017
RELEASE DATE: March 29, 2013

DALLAS – According to Care.com, military families move an average of once every three years. Next to divorce and death of a relative, experts say that moving is rated as the third highest cause of stress. The Army & Air Force Exchange Service, recognizing the unique strains placed on military families required to move frequently, is making relocating easier with its “PCS Headquarters” at www.shopmyexchange.com.

The Exchange’s “PCS Headquarters” offers four unique areas to assist in moving: Get Connected, Military One Source, Military Homefront and Military Avenue.

Get Connected allows military families to view what local TV, internet and telephone offerings are available in the area they are PCSing to.

Military One Source provides assistance with child care, personal finances, emotional support during deployments and relocation resources needed for special circumstances.

Military Homefront’s “Plan My Move” provides military families with access to information about entitlements and benefits, checklists, planning tools and material on education and employment.

Military Avenue is an online service supporting relocation, travel and lifestyle needs of the military family.

Finally, the Exchange’s “PCS Headquarters” also offers an array of downloadable coupons ranging from discounts on appliances and tires to 10 percent off a total purchase when using a Military Star Card at the Exchange.

“As a partner with the military, we know a thing or two about making a smart move,” said the Exchange’s Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Tony Pearson. “Whether orders are for Kirtland or Kadena, the Exchange is ready to help pack it up and move out.”

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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 Chris Ward, 214-312-2714 or [email protected]. 

MEDIA CONTACT: Chris Ward
MEDIA ADVISORY: 13-013
RELEASE DATE: March 18, 201

DALLAS – In an effort to support and assist severely wounded, ill and injured Soldiers, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service is offering free alterations and modifications for this select group at all 79 Army Military Clothing stores around the world.

This Army-led initiative ensures all wounded Soldiers receive free alterations and modifications on all issued uniforms in accordance with the Wounded Warrior Clothing Support Program to include the Army Service, Combat and Improved Physical Fitness uniforms as well as undergarments. Eligible Soldiers must present an approved Army Form 3078 along with the prescribed modifications by the physical or occupational therapist to receive free services.

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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 Chris Ward, 214-312-2714 or [email protected]. 

MEDIA CONTACT: Amy Hall
MEDIA ADVISORY: 13-010
RELEASE DATE: March 15, 2013

DALLAS – Military shoppers can indulge in the Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s free spring online shopping guide filled with contemporary home décor and unbeatable spring values.

The new 36-page guide, arriving in mail boxes and Exchange stores March 15, features this season’s hottest home décor and kitchen accessories from brands like Kenmore, Ashley, Ninja and more.

“This guide offers some great ideas and an extensive variety to help decorate the home,” said the Exchange’s Chief of Staff Col. Tom Ockenfels. “The budget-friendly prices, wall art, rugs, and lighting are too good to pass up.”

Purchases from the Exchange’s spring internet buying guide include free standard shipping when using a MILITARY STAR^® card. Also, shoppers get unbeatable values by joining the Online Savings Club to receive e-mails providing the best sales, promotions and coupons.

Prices in this all-services guide are valid through April 30, 2013, for all authorized exchange customers. 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 customer service 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 2013 Spring Catalog online at shopmyexchange.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.

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Media Notes:

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

MEDIA CONTACT: Chris Ward
MEDIA ADVISORY: 13-009
RELEASE DATE: March 8, 2013

DALLAS – Despite sequestration, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service does not foresee any changes to its day-to-day operations.

“We expect Exchange facilities to be fully functional throughout the sequester,” said the Exchange’s Chief of Staff Col. Thomas Ockenfels. “We continue to remain flexible as we help Soldiers, Airmen and their families thrive in this environment. Whether it’s a Main Store, Military Clothing or a fast food restaurant, all operations will continue.”

Sequestration is not expected to result in the closure of Exchange facilities.  

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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 Chris Ward, 214-312-2714 or [email protected]. 

MEDIA CONTACT: Lisa Neidinger
MEDIA ADVISORY: 13-008
RELEASE DATE: March 8, 2013

DALLAS – Whether servicemembers are at home, on exercise or deployed, they can expect to find the same or very similar prices at Army & Air Force Exchange Service facilities worldwide.   

The practice is known as pricing parity and the prices for products available around the world are established centrally.

“While price differentiations can occur with items purchased locally overseas, per Department of Defense policy, the Exchange doesn’t increase prices in order to cover shipping or other higher operational costs,” said the Exchange’s Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Tony Pearson. “We work to bring troops and their families ‘a taste of home’ no matter where in the world they go.”

Despite the Exchange’s efforts to price consistently, a few exceptions can occur.

“Shoppers may see some price differences between locations in the continental United States and overseas for categories such as gasoline, alcohol and tobacco,” said Pearson. “These prices are set based on Department of Energy benchmarks, or local surveys, according to DoD directives.”

Additionally, prices for some convenience and frequently purchased items may be lower at different locations based on local promotions or price surveys. To ensure prices on these same items overseas are consistent with those servicemembers would expect to see at home, overseas prices are set at the average surveyed CONUS price.

As a joint non-appropriated fund instrumentality of the Department of Defense, the Exchange’s earnings support military quality-of-life programs. This structure helps ensure the Exchange’s overriding concern is supporting servicemembers wherever they are called to serve, as a partner in both readiness and retention.

Servicemembers and their families worldwide can count on value prices. To learn more visit http://www.shopmyexchange.com.

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

MEDIA CONTACT: Amy Hall
MEDIA ADVISORY: 13-007
RELEASE DATE: March 6, 2013

DALLAS – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is teaming with Unilever/NCAA to offer Exchange shoppers a jump on the big tournament with a new 60” LG TV in the “March Madness Sweepstakes.”

Exchange shoppers worldwide have the opportunity to enter the drawing between March 8 and April 8, 2013. No purchase is necessary for each of six grand prize winners to receive one 60” LG high-definition television.

“The Exchange will award $15,000 worth of merchandise through the 2013 ‘March Madness Sweepstakes,’” said the Exchange’s Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Tony Pearson. “With just a few moments of their time, shoppers could potentially win big.”

Participants can visit a local Exchange store to fill out one entry form per person per visit. Entrants must be 18 years or older with a valid ID and need not be present to win. All authorized Exchange shoppers are eligible to participate. Store hours and locations are listed online via www.shopmyexchange.com.

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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 Amy Hall, 214-312-2132 or [email protected].