DALLAS – As summer draws near, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service is making it easy for shoppers to reel in a wide selection of prizes with the MILITARY STAR^® Ultimate Outdoor Sweepstakes.

Between April 1 and May 1, shoppers will be automatically entered in the sweepstakes each time they use their MILITARY STAR^® card at any Exchange facility, including main stores, Expresses and Class Six locations, or on shopmyexchange.com.

One grand-prize winner will receive the Ultimate Camping Experience, valued at $2,049. The prize includes a Coleman camping package featuring an Evanston eight-person tent, two queen double-high air beds, an NXT 100 grill and a $1,500 Exchange gift card. The second-place winner will take home the Ultimate Backyard Makeover, which is worth $1,099 and includes a Courtyard Creations Brunspark patio set along with a $500 Exchange gift card.

Fifteen third-place winners will receive the Ultimate Fishing/Survival Experience, which includes a Ready 2 Fish package that comes with a rod, reel, tackle and an extra-large three-tray tackle box. A Gerber Bear Grylls paracord fixed-blade knife and a $100 Exchange gift card are also included.

“These prize packages will make it easy for the winners to spend some quality time in the great outdoors this summer,” said Exchange Chief of Staff Col. Tom Ockenfels. “Entering couldn’t be easier. All it takes is a swipe of a MILITARY STAR^® card.”  

Winners will be announced on or about June 16.

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The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is a joint nonappropriated 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 Julie Mitchell, 214-312-3327 or [email protected].

Dedicated Section, Featuring Disney, Marvel and Star Wars Products, Unveiled at Army Posts and Air Force Bases Globally

DALLAS – A cast of Disney, Marvel and Star Wars brands is joining forces with the Army & Air Force Exchange Service to bring special, dedicated sections to select Exchanges starting March 21. 

These standalone sections, called “Disney at the Exchange,” showcase merchandise from Disney Consumer Products, including characters from Disney Junior, DisneyŸPixar and Disney Princess, as well as Marvel and Star Wars properties. By this summer, military shoppers at 15 installations, from California to Japan, will find a wide selection of their favorite characters at the Exchange. The “Disney at the Exchange” assortment will include dolls, action figures, role play items and clothing, as well as toys and other merchandise tied to current Walt Disney Company theatrical releases and television content.

“With stores in 31 countries and all 50 states, the Exchange brings a taste of home to every member of the military family,” said Col. Tom Ockenfels, the Exchange’s chief of staff. “Bringing Disney into Exchanges is another example of our continuing desire to deliver top brands directly to military shoppers around the world.”

These new sections, with an average size of 627 square feet, have signage featuring Disney, Marvel and Star Wars logos and beloved character imagery throughout.

“The Walt Disney Company is proud to support the U.S. Armed Services, and it is an honor to bring the magic of Disney, Marvel and Star Wars characters and their cherished stories to service men, women and families around the world through this collaboration,” said Josh Silverman, executive vice president of global licensing, Disney Consumer Products.

The Exchange will open “Disney at the Exchange” at 11 locations in the continental United States on March 21. Locations include:

• Fort Campbell, Ky.
• Fort Leonard Wood, Mo.
• Fort Hood, Texas
• Fort Benning, Ga.
• Fort Bragg, N.C.
• Fort Belvoir, Va.
• Travis Air Force Base, Calif.
• Fort Carson, Colo.
• Fort Bliss, Texas
• Both main stores at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.

Overseas locations are scheduled to open in May at Kaiserslautern Military Community Center and Grafenwoehr in Germany; Kadena Air Base, Japan; and Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.

In addition to the opening of “Disney at the Exchange,” the Exchange and The Walt Disney Company are bringing advanced screenings of Marvel’s “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” to select theaters for military families on March 29. The movie will open in civilian theaters on April 4.

“Disney was proud to be the first Studio to bring first-run movies to the Exchange’s continental U.S. base theaters last August with Planes,” said Dave Hollis, executive vice president of theatrical distribution at The Walt Disney Studios. “ ‘Disney at The Exchange’ is an exciting continuation of that relationship. We are honored to work with an organization whose mission it is to serve our dedicated military members and their families.”

Supporting the U.S. Armed Forces has long been a Disney tradition. In 2012, Disney introduced Heroes Work Here—a companywide initiative to hire, train and support military veterans as well as encourage employers across the U.S. to hire former military service members. Disney has already exceeded its goal to hire 2,000 veterans, with 3,200 former service members joining Disney since the program began.

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The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is a joint nonappropriated 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 Julie Mitchell, 214-312-3327 or [email protected].

MEDIA CONTACT: SSG Matthews
MEDIA ADVISORY: 14-020
RELEASE DATE: March 12, 2014

DALLAS – As March Madness approaches and the journey to the Final Four begins, Army and Air Force Exchange Service shoppers have a chance to win big with the Unilever Sweepstakes. 

Now through April 7, the Exchange is offering shoppers worldwide the opportunity to enter the Unilever Sweepstakes to win one of six $2,500 Exchange gift cards to use towards the purchase of a big screen TV.

“This is a great opportunity for families to score that big screen television they’ve been eyeing,” said the Exchange’s Chief of Staff Col. Tom Ockenfels. “Now they have the chance to catch all of the excitement of their favorite sports events.”

To enter, shoppers can simply visit their local Exchange, locate the Unilever Sweepstakes display and fill out an entry form. Entrants must be 18 years or older with a valid driver’s license.

Six winners of the Unilever Sweepstakes will be notified on or about May 5. No purchase is necessary and there is a limit of one entry per family.

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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 SSG Mark Matthews at [email protected] or 214-312-4273.

MEDIA CONTACT: Julie Mitchell
MEDIA ADVISORY: 14-019
RELEASE DATE: March 7, 2014

DALLAS –Military shoppers at the Fort Knox Exchange are enjoying a modern shopping experience thanks to a $3.5 million renovation, the Exchange’s first full remodel in 20 years.

The 115,000-square-foot Exchange, which took seven months to update, boasts three separate merchandise areas—Home, Life and Style—to appeal to military shoppers’ active lifestyle.

“You can expect to see anything here that you’ll find in any department store,” said Col. Thomas Edwards, the Fort Knox Garrison commander. “Each day, the Fort Knox team works to make improvements here for your benefit and the community’s benefit as a whole. The Exchange is proof of this commitment.”

The Exchange’s makeover includes updated shopping sections, such as Bath & Body Works and Victoria’s Secret. In the mall, three separate concession areas have been consolidated to accommodate more name-brand concessions, including Patriot Outfitters, which sells military tactical gear. 

“We brought in a lot more brands, like Michael Kors, which is very popular,” said Fort Knox Exchange General Manager Rick Fair. The firearms and PowerZone sections were expanded too, he said.

So far, the face-lift is a win for Exchange shoppers.

“I found the new layout to be a great improvement,” said retired Lt. Col. Dale Davis. “The organization of the products is sensible and presents a professional image.”

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The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is a joint nonappropriated 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 Julie Mitchell, 214-312-3327 or [email protected].

MEDIA CONTACT: Julie Mitchell
MEDIA ADVISORY: 14-018
RELEASE DATE: March 5, 2014

DALLAS – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service and Lindt Chocolates are teaming up to treat one lucky shopper to a sweet ride—a brand-new Volkswagen Jetta.

Military shoppers can enter the Lindt Chocolates Sweepstakes at Army and Air Force Exchanges worldwide from March 7 to April 17 for the chance to drive off with a Volkswagen Jetta, valued at $15,000, or the winner can choose to take home $15,000 in cash instead. 

“With this sweepstakes, the Exchange is putting a lucky winner in the driver’s seat,” said Col. Tom Ockenfels, the Exchange chief of staff. “What’s more, the winner will enjoy the peace of mind that comes with owning a brand-new car.”

Authorized shoppers 18 years and older with a valid driver’s license can enter the sweepstakes, and no purchase is necessary. The drawing will take place on or about May 15.

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The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is a joint nonappropriated 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 nonappropriated 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 Julie Mitchell, 214-312-3327 or [email protected].

MEDIA CONTACT: Chris Ward
MEDIA ADVISORY: 14-017
RELEASE DATE: March 4, 2014

DALLAS – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is offering a springtime shower of March giveaways as part of its Homeward Bound campaign, celebrating the homecoming of America’s warfighters and honoring those who serve.

First, to kick off the month, from March 7-31, authorized shoppers can enter the Beats by Dre gift card giveaway for a chance to win one of 20 Exchange gift cards valued at $500. Then, from March 21-April 3, the Exchange will offer three lucky patrons a $100 gift card for Stylique salon services. Finally, from March 28-April 3, shoppers can enter to win a $5,000 Exchange gift card from Armored Auto Group.

“March means springtime and the Exchange has great contests and giveaways sprouting up all over,” said the Exchange’s Chief of Staff Col. Tom Ockenfels. “And getting the opportunity to win is as simple as heading to the nearest Exchange and registering.”

More information about Homeward Bound, including additional upcoming promotions, can be found at www.shopmyexchange.com/homewardbound.

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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: Julie Mitchell
MEDIA ADVISORY: 14-016
RELEASE DATE: March 3, 2014

DALLAS – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is making it easier for shoppers to chase away the winter blues with a fresh selection of name brand merchandise in the Spring 2014 catalog.

The 36-page catalog is blooming with fashion-forward apparel and accessories from Calvin Klein, Lucky Brand, Levi’s, Michael Kors and Coach. Shoppers can find favorite tech brands too, including Apple, Beats by Dr. Dre and Bose. For the home, the catalog offers a selection of Ashley furniture, Kenmore appliances and more.

“From Rachael Ray cookware to Under Armour athletic gear to Smashbox cosmetics, savings are sprouting up throughout the Spring 2014 catalog,” said Col. Tom Ockenfels, the Exchange chief of staff. “Whether it’s an item for the home or the latest fashion accessory, Soldiers, Airmen and their families are sure to find the perfect products to welcome spring.”

The Spring 2014 catalog is available at all main stores and online at shopmyexchange.com. Exchange purchases are always tax free. Online orders of $49 or more and orders placed with a Military Star^® card qualify for free standard shipping.

Prices in this all-services catalog are valid through April 30 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.

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The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is a joint nonappropriated 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 Julie Mitchell, 214-312-3327 or [email protected].