MEDIA CONTACT: Chris Ward
MEDIA ADVISORY: 13-061
RELEASE DATE: Sept. 30, 2013

DALLAS – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service will continue operations in the event of a U.S. Government shutdown on Oct. 1.

The Exchange will be largely unaffected by the shutdown as it is a non-appropriated instrumentality. Nearly 97 percent of its funding is generated by sales and less than three percent of its budget comes from tax dollar support.

“Some transactions may be delayed, such as the purchase of firearms which require background checks or other federal government actions but, for the most part, it will be business as usual at the Exchange,” said the Exchange’s Chief of Staff Col. Tom Ockenfels.  

As a matter of course, the Department of Defense plans for contingencies. In fact, since 1980, all agencies have had a plan in case of government shutdown, and these plans are updated routinely. 

“The Exchange will do everything we have to do to continue to support the Soldiers, Airmen, retirees and their families, both home and abroad,” Ockenfels said.

— 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 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 LTC Antwan C. Williams, 214-312-2753 or [email protected].

MEDIA CONTACT: Chris Ward
MEDIA ADVISORY: 13-060
RELEASE DATE: Sept. 26, 2013

DALLAS – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is forgoing the tricks and going right for the treats in its latest contest as it gives away four $500 and ten $100 Exchange gift cards.

The “Halloween Mystery of the Shadows Sweepstakes” will send Exchange patrons on a frightfully fun scavenger hunt throughout the store. Using a treasure map featured online at www.shopmyexchange.com/partriotfamily or from the store, shoppers can use the map to hunt for clues in the Exchange. After collecting all five clues, treasure hunters can go to the Exchange’s Facebook page to enter.

“The Exchange is ready for a ghoulishly good time,” said the Exchange’s Senior Enlisted Adviser Chief Master Sgt. Tony Pearson. “In addition to the sweepstakes, the Exchange is stocked with all the Halloween essentials. From costumes to candy, we’ve got all the ghosts and goblins covered.”

The contest begins on Oct. 4 and ends at the stroke of midnight on Oct. 31. No purchase is necessary to enter.

— 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.

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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: 13-059
RELEASE DATE: Sept. 24, 2013

DALLAS – With the busy, and sometimes expensive, holiday shopping season just around the corner, Army & Air Force Exchange Service gas stations worldwide are helping make sure that filling up doesn’t empty the wallet.

In addition to the five cents a gallon discount that drivers using a MILITARY STAR® Card already enjoy at the pump, cardholders can increase their savings per gallon with an additional five cents a gallon discount from Oct. 5-7 for a total savings of 10 cents a gallon.

“As we head into the holidays, we are providing an added incentive to come on base or post to see what the Exchange has in store,” said the Exchange’s Senior Enlisted Adviser Chief Master Sgt. Tony Pearson. “The savings at the pump are just the beginning of the value authorized shoppers will find at their Exchange.”

— 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.

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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: Conner Hammett
MEDIA ADVISORY: 13-058
RELEASE DATE: Sept. 20, 2013

DALLAS – While all members of the military community make tremendous sacrifices in service to the United States, it takes a special breed to volunteer while off-duty or after retirement.

From Sept. 20 to Oct. 18, authorized Army & Air Force Exchange shoppers can submit an essay of 200 words or less nominating any authorized shopper embodying these qualities for a chance to win a cash prize in the Exchange’s “Still Serving the Military Community” contest.

One first-place volunteer will receive a $1,000 prize. Two second-place winners will receive $500 prizes and four third-place winners will receive $250. All winners will be featured online at www.shopmyexchange.com/patriotfamily and the Exchange Facebook page.

“When former or current military service members and their families volunteer, it improves the local community for everyone,” said the Exchange’s Chief of Staff Col. Tom Ockenfels. “We’re pleased to highlight those who continue to go above and beyond the call of duty.”

Submissions must include the entrant’s full name, mail, email addresses and telephone number, as well as the nominee’s name, rank, branch of service, job title or volunteer description.

For complete rules, contest details and how to enter, visit www.shopmyexchange.com/patriotfamily.

— 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.

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Media Notes:

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

MEDIA CONTACT: Conner Hammett
MEDIA ADVISORY: 13-057
RELEASE DATE: Sept. 18, 2013

DALLAS – With football season in full swing, fans are stocking up on pigskin essentials with a focus on home entertainment.

Through Oct. 14, Army & Air Force Exchange Service shoppers worldwide have a chance to bring all the action home with the Unilever Man Cave Shopping Spree Sweepstakes.

Shoppers can enter for their chance to win one of two $2,500 gift cards that can be used on everything from chips and queso to a complete home theater overhaul.

“Everybody knows how important it is to take a break from the stresses of daily life, and sometimes it’s as easy as retreating to your special spot, turning on the game and cutting loose,” said the Exchange’s Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Tony Pearson. “This contest will add a little fun to the football season and allow our two winners to really step up their game as far as home entertainment goes.”

Shoppers can enter to win the Unilever Man Cave Shopping Spree Sweepstakes at any Exchange store and must be 18 or older with a valid driver’s license to enter.

— 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.

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Media Notes:

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

MEDIA CONTACT: Conner Hammett
MEDIA ADVISORY: 13-056
RELEASE DATE: Sept. 13, 2013

DALLAS – Iron Man, the world-famous Armored Avenger, joins the U.S. Military to defend America from the dastardly dragon Fin Fang Foom in Marvel Comics’ fifteenth free, military-exclusive comic book, available only at Army & Air Force Exchange Service locations worldwide.

In the all-new 36-page comic, an evil energy conglomerate awakens the ancient beast while illegally drilling in the Alaskan ocean. When the enraged creature makes its way to Seattle to wreak havoc on the citizenry, it’s up to Iron Man, the U.S. Military and Tony Stark’s allies Pepper Potts and Col. James Rhodes – also known as Iron Patriot – to stop the monster’s path of destruction.

The issue, created by the team of writer William Harms, penciler Tom Grummett, inker Cory Hamscher, colorist Chris Sotomayor, letterer Joe Sabino and cover artist Adi Granov, will be the first Iron Man title in the series, which began in 2005. One million comics will be distributed to Exchanges worldwide.

“We are excited to bring the fifteenth military-exclusive Marvel comic book to service members and military families worldwide,” said the Exchange’s Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Tony Pearson. “It’s hard to believe this partnership started eight years ago, but if the reception to the prior comics is any indication, we should have another winner with this latest, action-packed publication.”

“A one hundred foot tall, rampaging dragon! Not one but two armored heroes! This one has it all!” said Marvel Custom Solutions Editor Bill Rosemann. “Everyone here at Marvel truly appreciates the men and women of the US military, so we pulled out all the stops to top ourselves and deliver an action-packed adventure starring the world’s most popular movie star! Who will win the Battle for Seattle? Stop into your local Exchange and find out!”

— 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.

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Media Notes:

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

MEDIA CONTACT: Conner Hammett
MEDIA ADVISORY: 13-055
RELEASE DATE: Sept. 12, 2013

DALLAS – Soldiers, Airmen and their families looking for the latest fall fashions, appliances, home accessories and tech toys can ditch the mall this fall and find what they’re looking for, at industry-leading prices, in the Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s Autumn 2013 catalog.

The 36-page guide, available now at Exchange stores and www.shopmyexchange.com, has the kitchen covered with a variety of Keurig, Cuisinart, KitchenAid and Le Creuset appliances. Shoppers can also give their homes a fresh fall look with the latest styles and colors from the Martha Stewart Collection.

“Plugged-in” servicemembers can indulge themselves with a full range of Apple, HP, Dell, Sony, Bose and other high-tech products, while fashion-forward shoppers can experience the latest change-of-season couture from Coach and Michael Kors.

As in Exchange stores, online orders are always tax-free. In addition, any order of $49 or more qualifies for free standard shipping, as do orders placed using a Military Star ^TM Card.

The Autumn 2013 catalog is available at all main stores, or shoppers can browse the interactive catalog online at shopmyexchange.com. Click the Savings Center button in the upper left corner of the home page, then click eBooks/Catalogs to shop all current catalogs.

Prices in this all-services catalog are valid through Oct. 15, 2013, 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 call 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.

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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 Conner Hammett, 214-312-2132 or [email protected].

MEDIA CONTACT: Conner Hammett
MEDIA ADVISORY: 13-054
RELEASE DATE: Sept. 5, 2013

DALLAS – To men and women serving in the United States Military, a permanent change of station (PCS) can be costly and stressful. On average, service members PCSing spend $1,725 on non-reimbursable expenses.

However, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service is making the transition more affordable for those who protect American freedoms at home and abroad.

The Exchange’s “PCS Headquarters” website, located at www.shopmyexchange.com, features several resources to help Soldiers and Airmen make a move as stress-free as possible.

The site’s Get Connected function gives families a preview of local TV, Internet and telephone services available at their new installations.

PCS Headquarters also connects families with Military OneSource, a place to find resources including childcare, personal finance, emotional support during deployments and relocation services.

In addition, Military Homefront’s “Plan My Move” provides families with information on entitlements and benefits, checklists and planning tools, as well as information on employment and education.

As an added bonus, PCS Headquarters offers downloadable, region-specific coupon books including discounts such as $50 off furniture purchases of at least $500 and $100 off any LED, LCD or plasma television valued at $1,000 or more. Other discounts on home appliances, housewares and other essentials are also included.

“Every military family knows how stressful PCSing can be,” said the Exchange’s Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Tony Pearson. “This is why the Exchange offers this ‘one-stop shop’ to ensure families have as smooth of a move as possible. Serving those who serve is what we are all about.”

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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 Conner Hammett, 214-312-2132 or [email protected].

MEDIA CONTACT: Chris Ward
MEDIA ADVISORY: 13-053
RELEASE DATE: Sept. 3, 2013

DALLAS – Exchange shoppers can get a good night’s savings on a full line of quality mattresses, pillows and sleeping accessories in the new Sleep 2013 catalog. The 36-page catalog includes top brands such as Serta, Sealy, Beautyrest and Tempur-Pedic.

“This is one catalog Exchange shoppers are definitely going to want to curl up with,” said the Exchange’s Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Tony Pearson. “It has everything needed for a good night’s rest and, for the young ones in the family, the Sleep 2013 catalog has a collection of bedtime favorites for baby.”

The Sleep 2013 Catalog is available at all main stores and online at shopmyexchange.com.

Prices in this all-services catalog are valid through Dec. 31, 2013, 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 Sleep 2013 Catalog online at shopmyexchange.com.

 — 30 —

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