MEDIA CONTACT: Chris Ward
MEDIA ADVISORY: 13-022
RELEASE DATE: April 30, 2013

DALLAS – It may be a dog eat dog world, but the latest Exchange contest is focusing on the cuddlier side of these furry, feathered and sometimes finicky companions. With the Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s Patriot Family “Just Say Treat” contest, a pet picture and 50 words could be worth $300.

The Patriot Pet “Just Say Treat” photo/pet contest will launch May 1 online at www.shopmyexchange.com and the Exchange Facebook page. Shoppers need only to submit a photo of their pet (or pets) along with a 50-word or less description for a shot at a $300 Exchange gift card.

“Pets are a very important part of our lives,” said the Exchange’s Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Tony Pearson. “They provide many of us with companionship and friendship, so it’s only fair we take this opportunity to crow and bark about our pets.”

For more information and links to enter the Patriot Pet “Just Say Treat” contest, go to shopmyexchange.com/patriotfamily or visit the Exchange Facebook page at www.facebook.com/aafes.bx.px.

— 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: Amy Hall
MEDIA ADVISORY: 13-021
RELEASE DATE: April 24, 2013

DALLAS – Hard-working students deserve recognition, so the Army & Air Force Exchange Service is rewarding military students in grades 1-12 who maintain a “B” or better average with the “You Made the Grade” program.

“We love it when military students excel,” said the Exchange’s Chief of Staff Col. Tom Ockenfels, “so it’s natural to encourage and reward great grades.”

For the past thirteen years, this program has rewarded schoolchildren around the world with a “You Made the Grade” coupon booklet listing a multitude of free products and discounted offers. The 2013 version includes a free Burger King hamburger kids meal, Subway 6-inch combo, $2 off any new release CD or DVD at Power Zone and a complimentary haircut, among other great prizes. In addition, qualifying students can register for a drawing to win a $2,000, $1,500 or $500 Exchange gift card.

Students can receive a “You Made the Grade” booklet by simply presenting a valid military ID and proof of an overall “B” average at their local Exchange store. Those eligible may receive one coupon booklet and submit one drawing entry each qualifying report card.

Visit a nearby Exchange store to get more information about the “You Made the Grade” program. Each store’s contact information, including store hours, is available through the “Exchange Stores” link at www.shopmyexchange.com.

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

MEDIA CONTACT: Chris Ward
MEDIA ADVISORY: 13-020
RELEASE DATE: April 18, 2013

DALLAS – While some advertise efforts to hire veterans, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service simply does what it has for more than 117 years – extend career opportunities to veterans and their families. In fact, 10 percent of the Exchange’s workforce is comprised of veterans with military spouses and family members accounting for another 24 percent.

With more than 40,000 jobs, the Exchange is doing its part not only to employ veterans and military spouses, but also provide opportunities.

“The Exchange doesn’t just hire current and former members of the military community in jobs – we offer careers in service and support,” said the Exchange’s Chief of Staff Col. Thomas Ockenfels. “It’s just a natural fit. Veterans, spouses and dependents know our customers better than anyone.”

Uniting with the Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP), Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) and the Wounded Warrior Project, there are currently 4,196 veteran associates working for the Exchange. In 2013, the goal is to increase veteran management hires by 33 percent from 2012.

Additionally, partnerships with the Operation Warfighter (OWF) Program and Feds Hire Vets initiative give the Exchange increased visibility.

Veterans can also apply for the Exchange’s “Detail to Retail” management trainee programs, which are designed to train various levels of retail management. Upon successful completion, participants are assigned to Exchange facilities across the world in a variety of different roles, including Store Manager, Branch Store Manager, Sales Area Manager and Stockroom Manager.

Complete details on how veterans and their families can apply for a career with the Exchange are available at www.shopmyexchange.com/AboutExchange/Careers/militaryfamilies.htm.

— 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: 13-020
RELEASE DATE: April 17, 2013

DALLAS – Wednesdays are now something to look forward to as Army & Air Force Exchange Service restaurants are offering $2 off any salad priced $4 or more on what is becoming known as “Salad Wednesdays.”  

Now, when picking up a salad at any Exchange direct operated restaurant on Wednesdays, guests can save money and eat nutritionally at the same time.

“Not only can you eat healthy, but you’ll get more bang for your buck,” said the Exchange’s Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Tony Pearson. “Beyond the $2 savings on Wednesday salad orders, guests save an additional 10% when paying with a MILITARY STAR^® card or Exchange gift card.”  

“Salad Wednesdays” are part of the Exchange’s Operation BEFIT initiative to promote health and wellness through fitness and diet.

Exchange restaurants are open to anyone on the installation – whether military, civil service, contractor or visitor – per Army Regulation 215-8 and Air Force Instruction 34-211 (I).  “Salad Wednesdays” occur every Wednesday at all participating Exchange restaurants.

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

MEDIA CONTACT: Chris Ward
MEDIA ADVISORY: 13-018
RELEASE DATE: April 9, 2013

DALLAS – Military shoppers basking in the relief of completing their taxes can also find many happy returns in the food court on April 15 as those using a MILITARY STAR® Card will receive 20 percent off their entire food order.

“After filing taxes, a good meal in the food court is a just reward,” said the Exchange’s Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Tony Pearson. “Diners who reach for a MILITARY STAR® Card at an Exchange direct-operated restaurant get 10 percent off their bill every day. But, for this special occasion, we’re doubling the savings.”

In addition to getting more for less at the food court, MILITARY STAR® Card holders receive exclusive savings at the pump with a five cents a gallon discount every time they fuel up at the Express. On top of the everyday savings, steeper discounts are offered periodically throughout the year.   

— 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].