DALLAS – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service continues its celebration of returning combat troops this August with a variety of prizes available during its weekly Homeward Bound giveaways.

Shoppers who visit the Exchange’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/AAFES.BX.PX have a chance to win various prizes throughout the month, including:

• Through Aug. 7, one entrant will win an Exchange gift card worth $1,000 courtesy of ASICS. Two runners-up will each receive Exchange gift cards worth $250.
• Aug. 8-14, five winners will receive a Serta adjustable mattress set worth $3,000.
• Aug. 15-21, ten entrants will receive Exchange gift cards each worth $250 courtesy of David Sunflower seeds
• Aug. 22-28, two winners will receive a $3,000 Samsung entertainment package including a 55-inch 3D LED Smart TV, 3D Wi-Fi Blu-ray player, Sound Stand, 10.1-inch Galaxy Pro tablet and Galaxy Camera 2.

To enter the Homeward Bound contests and for more information about upcoming promotions, authorized shoppers can visit www.shopmyexchange.com/homewardbound.

— 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 Conner Hammett, 214-312-4566 or [email protected].

DALLAS – Whether stationed at home or abroad, servicemembers can expect to find the same, or very similar, prices at Army & Air Force Exchange Service facilities worldwide.   

Known as pricing parity, this practice ensures Exchange prices are established centrally.

“While there may be some slight price differentiations that 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 Exchange Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Tony Pearson. “No matter where they are called to serve, it is our goal to bring Soldiers, Airmen and their families the same products, at the same cost.”

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

“There may be 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, established by DoD directives.”

Additionally, prices for some convenience and frequently purchased items may be lower at different locations based on local promotions or 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.

Servicemembers and their families worldwide can learn more about Exchange policies by visiting http://www.shopmyexchange.com/CustomerService/ .

— 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].

DALLAS – Summer just got a lot sweeter for Travis Exchange shopper Fe Lauron of Castro Valley, Calif., who won $15,000 through the Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s Lindt Chocolate Sweepstakes.

The sweepstakes, which ran from March 7 to April 17, offered a randomly-drawn winner a choice between a brand-new Volkswagen Beetle or a $15,000 cash prize. Lauron picked the cash, and she was presented with a check for the full grand prize amount on July 2 at the Travis Exchange.

“I was speechless,” said Lauron, a retired Navy spouse of 22 years. “I actually had to call them back after they notified me because I didn’t believe it at first. I’m very thankful to the Exchange and Lindt Chocolate.”

The Exchange holds dozens of sweepstakes per year in addition to offering tax-free shopping and free shipping for online orders. For the latest on Exchange sweepstakes, call or visit your local 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.

###

Media Notes:

For more information or to schedule an interview with an Exchange representative please contact Chris Ward, 214-312-2714 or [email protected].

DALLAS – Military shoppers can keep time with Hello Kitty thanks to the latest sweepstakes from the Army & Air Force Exchange Service. Twenty-five winners will take home a Hello Kitty watch, valued at $85.

From July 25 to Aug. 22, Exchange shoppers can enter to win by emailing [email protected] and putting “Hello Kitty Sweepstakes” in the subject line. The body of the email must include the contestant’s name, address, nearest Exchange, daytime phone number and rank or occupation of sponsor.

“There’s no better time to enter this sweepstakes,” said Exchange Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Tony Pearson. “Winning is as simple as sending an email.”

Exchange shoppers can visit www.shopmyexchange.com/patriotfamily for complete contest rules. Winners will be selected on or about Sept. 1.

— 30 —

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.

###

Media Notes:

For more information or to schedule an interview with an Exchange representative please contact Julie Mitchell, 214-312-3327 or [email protected].

DALLAS – With the first bell about to ring on a new school year, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service is giving lessons in savings.

The Exchange is helping military shoppers make the grade with competitive prices and tax savings on supplies students need to head back to class as well as special events and savings opportunities for the whole family.

As several states roll out “sales tax holidays” on school supplies, the Exchange will match local sales tax discounts to offer an additional percentage off (equivalent to the local sales tax rate) select back-to-school items, effectively doubling the Exchange’s everyday tax-free benefit. The sales tax holidays start in Mississippi on July 25 and continue in 15 states on various dates through Aug. 10. Shoppers can check with their state’s tax website for sales tax holiday dates and included items.

“Every day is a sales tax holiday at the Exchange,” said Chief Master Sgt. Tony Pearson, the Exchange’s Senior Enlisted Advisor. “By shopping for back-to-school supplies during state sales tax holidays, the Exchange benefit becomes even more valuable.”

In addition to extra tax savings, from July 25 to Aug. 7, military shoppers can receive 0 percent interest and payments for six months on purchases of $199 or more when using a MILITARY STAR^® card. Unlike other retailers, no interest will accrue even if the balance isn’t paid in full before January 2015.*

On Aug. 9, select Exchange locations will host a special back-to-school event in their malls as part of the yearlong Homeward Bound campaign. The event will include product samples, giveaways and more.

“The Exchange is here for every member of the military family,” Pearson said. “Saving on supplies helps get the school year off to a successful start.” 

— 30 —

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.

*MILITARY STAR® Promotions subject to credit approval. Standard account terms apply to non-promotional purchases and, after promotion ends, to promotional purchases:  As of July 1, 2014, a variable 10.24% APR applies to Retail Plan Purchases; and variable 18.24% APR applies to accounts subject to Penalty APR. Minimum Interest Charge:  50¢. See Exchange Credit Program Agreement for more details.

###

Media Notes:

For more information or to schedule an interview with an Exchange representative please contact Julie Mitchell, 214-312-3327 or [email protected].

Exchange Celebrates 119 Years With 5% MILITARY STAR^® Card Discount

DALLAS – On July 25, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service marks a historic milestone, celebrating 119 years of serving Soldiers, Airmen and their families.

On July 25, 1895, General Order No. 46 established the exchange on military installations, directing post commanders to set up an exchange at every post. Since then, the Exchange has supported U.S. troops in 14 major contingencies, starting with the Spanish-American War and most recently with Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom.  Throughout the years, the Department of Defense’s oldest retailer has brought a taste of home to the frontlines while supporting service members’ families on the home front.

In honor of the anniversary, the Exchange is planning in-store events worldwide and a special MILITARY STAR^® card promotion. Shoppers who use their MILITARY STAR^® card on July 25 will receive 5 percent off their in-store purchase.

The MILITARY STAR^® card 5 percent discount is not applicable to fuel, tobacco, uniforms/accessories, Exchange Protection Plans, food court or gift card purchases. The MILITARY STAR^® card everyday discounts of 10 percent off fast food and 5 cents off per gallon of gas will be applicable but cannot be combined with the 119^th anniversary 5 percent discount offer.

Military shoppers can join in as their local Exchange celebrates 119 years of family serving family. To find locations, shoppers can visit www.shopmyexchange.com/ExchangeStores/. 

— 30 —

 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. 

### 

Media Notes: 

For more information or to schedule an interview with an Exchange representative please contact Julie Mitchell, 214-312-3327 or [email protected].

DALLAS – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s Homeward Bound campaign is heating up with a variety of giveaways to celebrate the homecoming of America’s warfighters and honor those who serve. 

Military shoppers who visit the Exchange’s Facebook page at  www.facebook.com/AAFES.BX.PX can enter to win prizes throughout the month including: 

• One of six $5,000 Exchange gift cards courtesy of Burger King from July 4-31.
• Two chances to win a trip for two to Las Vegas to see the Mr. Olympia competition. Shopper can enter from July 7-14 to win a trip from Nutrex Sports Nutrition or from July 18-24 to win a package from Iovate nutritional products.
• One of 10 $750 Exchange gift cards, courtesy of GoPro from July 25-31.

 For more information about upcoming Homeward Bound promotions, shoppers can visit www.shopmyexchange.com/homewardbound. 

— 30 —

 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. 

###

 Media Notes:

 For more information or to schedule an interview with an Exchange representative please contact Julie Mitchell, 214-312-3327 or [email protected].