DALLAS – As the football action begins to heat up on the gridiron, Army & Air Force Exchange Service shoppers have a chance to score big with the Unilever Ultimate Home Theater Sweepstakes. Two grand-prize winners will each receive a home theater system with an approximate retail value of $2,500.

“This is a great way for families to enjoy all the excitement of the college bowl games as well as the NFL playoffs,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Thomas Shrader, Exchange Plans Officer.

Entry forms for the Unilever Ultimate Home Theater Sweepstakes are available at Exchange stores worldwide from Oct. 3 to Oct. 30. Authorized shoppers 18 years or older can enter and no purchase is necessary. The drawing will take place on or about Dec. 11.

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The Army & Air Force Exchange Service goes where Soldiers, Airmen and their families go to improve the quality of their lives through goods and services provided. Exchange earnings provide dividends to support military morale, welfare and recreation programs. The Exchange is part of the Department of Defense and is directed by a Board of Directors, responsible to the Secretaries of the Army and Air Force through the Chiefs of Staff.  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 Sgt. 1st Class Aaron Eastman at 214-312-2132 or [email protected].

DALLAS – Soldiers, Airmen and their families looking for the latest in home accessories, appliances, fall fashions and tech toys can find all that and more in the Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s Autumn 2014 catalog.

The 36-page guide, available now at Exchange stores and shopmyexchange.com, has the kitchen covered with a variety of Keurig, Cuisinart, KitchenAid and Ninja appliances. Shoppers can also update their home’s look with the latest styles and colors from Croscill and the Martha Stewart Collection.

Home theater enthusiasts will find a full range of Samsung, Bose and other high-tech products, while fashion-forward shoppers can experience the latest change-of-season couture from Coach and Michael Kors.

 The Autumn 2014 catalog is available at all main stores. Shoppers can also browse the interactive catalog online at shopmyexchange.com by clicking the Savings Center button in the upper left corner of the home page and then choosing Catalogs.

Prices in this all-services catalog are valid through Oct. 31, 2014, 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 Chris Ward, 214-312-2714 or [email protected].

DALLAS – To pay tribute to veterans’ enduring sacrifices, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service will salute America’s 2.4 million military retirees with “Still Serving” events, a week of special savings and promotions designed to show appreciation.

From Oct. 3-9, military retirees can take advantage of in-store events along with discounts and giveaways online.

This year’s discounts include 10 percent off one shopmyexchange.com order of $100 or more and $10 off any optical purchase of $100 or more when using their MILITARY STAR^® card.

Exchange shoppers can also enter to win prizes on the Exchange’s Facebook page at facebook.com/AAFES.BX.PX. Prizes include:

• A 10-piece Calphalon Unison Slide & Sear nonstick cookware set valued at $519.
• Nine Cuisinart kitchen appliances valued at $2,000.
• Special edition Harley-Davidson tool storage with a 309-piece mechanics tool set valued at $1,800.

In-store events during the week vary by location and may include refreshments, product samples, health clinics, cooking demonstrations and more.

“Retirees are an essential part of the total team. When retirees support the Exchange, they are a key enabler to the sustainment of quality-of-life programs for our installations and air bases. We honor their continual commitment, strength, sacrifice and service to our nation, said Exchange Command Engineer Col. Fabian Mendoza. “ ‘Still Serving’ is our annual effort to thank veterans for all they do on behalf of our military communities.” 

All authorized Exchange shoppers may take advantage of the discounts and events. For more information, call or visit any Exchange location. Contact information is available at shopmyexchange.com/ExchangeStores.

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The Army & Air Force Exchange Service goes where Soldiers, Airmen and their families go to improve the quality of their lives through goods and services provided. Exchange earnings provide dividends to support military morale, welfare and recreation programs. The Exchange is part of the Department of Defense and is directed by a Board of Directors, responsible to the Secretaries of the Army and Air Force through the Chiefs of Staff.  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].

DALLAS – According to NBC 4 in Washington, 20 percent of Soldiers and six percent of Airmen ride motorcycles. The Department of Defense states motorcycle deaths among military members are expected to rise 20 percent in 2014. As a partner in readiness, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service is committed to providing a wide selection of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), which could make the difference between life and death when riding on two wheels.

“Having the right safety equipment is one of the most important things a biker can do,” said Exchange Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Tony Pearson. “From Department of Transportation-approved helmets and gloves to vests and jackets, the Exchange has all the latest gear designed to increase visibility and help protect riders.”

Exchange PPE includes the latest motorcycle gear and an assortment of reflective products designed to increase survival and prevent injuries. Riders can browse the Exchange’s PPE selection in store or online at www.shopmyexchange.com.

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The Army & Air Force Exchange Service goes where Soldiers, Airmen and their families go to improve the quality of their lives through goods and services provided. Exchange earnings provide dividends to support military morale, welfare and recreation programs. The Exchange is part of the Department of Defense and is directed by a Board of Directors, responsible to the Secretaries of the Army and Air Force through the Chiefs of Staff.  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, 214-312-2174 or [email protected].

DALLAS – Military shoppers hunting for the hottest holiday toys can turn to the Army & Air Force Exchange Service as special Toyland sections launch Sept. 17 worldwide.

Toyland aisles are stocked with the latest games, dolls, action figures and more for children of all ages. This year, shoppers can look for the Military Brat-Approved logo on shelves to find the hottest kid-tested toys, including Lalaloopsy dolls, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle action figures and Thomas the Tank Engine play sets.

“No matter what kids have on their wish lists this year, the Exchange’s Toyland has it covered,” said Exchange Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Tony Pearson. “Plus, the Exchange’s tax-free savings, price matching and layaway help shoppers stretch their holiday budgets.”

The Exchange is making it easy for budget-conscious shoppers to get a jump on their holiday gift lists.  From Sept. 19 to Oct. 2, MILITARY STAR^® cardholders will pay no interest and make no payments until May 2015 with a minimum purchase of $299*.

Shoppers can also use the Exchange’s fee-free holiday layaway through December to keep Toyland purchases safely out of sight. Exchange customer service has complete program details and eligibility information.

For those who prefer to shop online, the Exchange’s site, shopmyexchange.com, is loaded with this season’s best toys, too. Online purchases ship for free when paying with a MILITARY STAR^® card.

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The Army & Air Force Exchange Service goes where Soldiers, Airmen and their families go to improve the quality of their lives through goods and services provided. Exchange earnings provide dividends to support military morale, welfare and recreation programs. The Exchange is part of the Department of Defense and is directed by a Board of Directors, responsible to the Secretaries of the Army and Air Force through the Chiefs of Staff.  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 January 1, 2011, 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.

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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].

DALLAS – As the holidays draw closer, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service is bringing back its fee-free layaway program, ensuring military shoppers have plenty of time to pay for gifts while keeping them safely out of sight.

Starting Sept. 12, the Exchange will waive the $3 service fee for items that are placed on layaway and paid for by Dec. 24. Purchases of $25 or more are eligible for the layaway plan.

“The Exchange’s layaway program is a great choice for shoppers looking to manage their budgets during the holidays,” said Exchange Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Tony Pearson. “By waiving the service fee, the Exchange makes it easy to keep gifts hidden from loved ones who can’t resist snooping.”

A deposit of 15 percent is required to hold items on layaway at the Exchange. Shoppers can visit customer service for complete program details and eligibility information.

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The Army & Air Force Exchange Service goes where Soldiers, Airmen and their families go to improve the quality of their lives through goods and services provided. Exchange earnings provide dividends to support military morale, welfare and recreation programs. The Exchange is part of the Department of Defense and is directed by a Board of Directors, responsible to the Secretaries of the Army and Air Force through the Chiefs of Staff.  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].

DALLAS – Students who go above and beyond in making a difference in their community could reap a handsome reward for their service in the Army & Air Force Exchange Service Unilever Rewards of Caring Scholarship contest.

To enter, authorized students in grades 6-12 with a 2.5 or higher grade point average can submit an essay in English of 500 words or less explaining their involvement in the community and why their community is important to them. Four winners worldwide will each be awarded a $5,000 scholarship.

“Giving back and serving the community is important at any age,” said Exchange Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Tony Pearson. “This contest gives us the opportunity to recognize and reward those students that are truly making a difference.”

Essays are due by Oct. 2, 2014 and should be mailed to:

Exchange Rewards of Caring Scholarship Contest

P.O. Box 7837

Melville, NY 11775-7837

Winners will be chosen by Nov. 15, 2014.

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The Army & Air Force Exchange Service goes where Soldiers, Airmen and their families go to improve the quality of their lives through goods and services provided. Exchange earnings provide dividends to support military morale, welfare and recreation programs. The Exchange is part of the Department of Defense and is directed by a Board of Directors, responsible to the Secretaries of the Army and Air Force through the Chiefs of Staff.  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].

DALLAS – Just in time for the holiday shopping season, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service is stocking its shelves with Military-Brat Approved toys, a kid-tested collection of the hottest dolls, actions figures, play sets and more.

More than 150 Military-Brat Approved toys will be featured in special Toyland sections, opening Sept. 17 at Exchanges worldwide. Military-Brat Approved toys can also be found online at www.shopmyexchange.com.

To give toys the military brat seal of approval, dozens of service members’ children at Fort Hood were asked to test products this summer. The Exchange took note of which toys got the most interest and created the special Military-Brat Approved list.

The Exchange offers Military-Brat Approved toys for young children through tweens. For preschoolers, LeapFrog Medical Kit and Thomas the Tank Engine Avalanche Escape Set for preschoolers made the cut. Lalaloopsy dolls, Monster High Hairfitti and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles classic collection appealed to 6- to 9-year-olds, while tweens enjoyed the Nerf Zombie Strike Crossfire blaster.

“This year, the Exchange went straight to the experts to hear about the hottest toys—the kids themselves, “said Exchange Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Tony Pearson. “With Military-Brat Approved toys, tax-free savings and fee-free layaway, the Exchange makes holiday shopping merry and bright.”

Shoppers can identify which toys are Military-Brat Approved by special logos on store shelves and shopmyexchange.com. Each page of the Toy Book, which launches Oct. 17, will feature the kid-tested toys as well. Starting Sept. 12 through Dec. 24, shoppers can use fee-free layaway at the Exchange to hold purchases of $25 or more, including Military Brat Approved toys.

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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.

DALLAS – As the summer ends and temperatures cool down, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s Homeward Bound campaign is heating up with a wide variety of giveaways to celebrate the homecoming of America’s warfighters and 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.

From Sept. 5-11, 10 authorized shoppers can register to win a $250 Exchange gift card courtesy of Slim Jim. Additionally, one lucky military shopper will be awarded a trip to the 2014 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion’s Week in Las Vegas.

Then, from Sept. 5-18, five lucky winners will take home a $500 Exchange gift card courtesy of Ruiz Foods. From Sept. 19-25, Dish Network is giving away a Sony PS4 game system while Deli Express will award three $500 Exchange gift cards.

Finally, from Sept. 26-Oct. 2, Sony is offering shoppers a shot at three great prizes: a $3,000 Exchange gift card for the grand prize winner, $2,000 Exchange gift card for the runner-up with third place taking home a PS4 system, DualShock controller, two software titles and a PlayStation Vita.

For 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].