DALLAS – According to a recent National Retail Federation survey, gift cards will be the most requested gift this year with 62 percent preferring a gift card over any other item. For Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines, their gift card of choice is the one that can be redeemed at military exchanges from Okinawa to Oklahoma.

The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is making it easy for any American to send their support with an Exchange gift card that service members can use for electronics, snacks or a good book.

“An Exchange gift card empowers troops to choose items that make their lives easier wherever they are called to serve,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Sean Applegate, the Exchange’s senior enlisted advisor. “The needs of an Airman in Greenland are different from the Soldier in Afghanistan. An Exchange gift card allows troops to get exactly what they need to make the holidays brighter.”

While only authorized military shoppers can redeem Exchange gift cards, any American can send one by simply calling 800-527-2345 or logging on to www.shopmyexchange.com and clicking “Purchase Gift and Phone Cards” at the bottom of the page.

From there, Exchange gift cards, ranging in values from $10 to $500, can be addressed to a specific Soldier, Airman, Sailor or Marine or sent to “any service member” through the Fisher House Foundation, Air Force Aid Society, Warrior and Family Support Center or Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society. The gift cards can be redeemed at Exchanges in all 50 states and more than 30 countries.

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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 – After an exhaustive analysis, Victory Media, publisher of G.I. Jobs magazine, has named the Army & Air Force Exchange Service to the 2015 Top 100 Military Friendly® Employer list.   

More than 5,000 eligible companies were ranked based on their long-term commitment to hiring former military service members, recruiting and hiring efforts as well as policies for National Guard and Reserve employees called to serve on active duty.

“We are very proud of our commitment to hire veterans. In fact, more than 10 percent of our workforce is comprised of veterans,” said Air Force Maj. Gen. Joseph Ward, Exchange Deputy Director. “Veterans serving veterans is a recipe for success – our associates truly know their customers, they want to stay connected with the military, and they are fully committed to our mission – we go where the troops go.”

Since February 2014, the Exchange has hired 797 veterans and is proud to partner with the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, Wounded Warrior Project, Operation Warfighter Program and Feds Hire Vets.

“The Exchange looks forward to our continued partnership with programs designed to assist veterans in finding jobs that allow them the privilege of continued service to our nation,” Ward added.

To view current Exchange job and management trainee postings, visit the Apply My Exchange website at www.applymyexchange.com.

The Exchange, which was ranked No. 71, will be featured along with other companies earning the Military Friendly® Employer designation in the December edition of G.I. Jobs magazine.

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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 or follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ExchangePAO.

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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 – With a quarter of its work force comprised of military family members, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service is a true example of family serving family. As such, the focus on Thanksgiving will be on family.

“Exchange Main Stores in the Continental United States will be closed Thanksgiving, but open early Black Friday to help shoppers find everything they need for the holidays,” said the Exchange’s Chief Merchandising Officer Ana Middleton. “As part of the military family, we understand how precious time together can be and hope that customers and associates will give thanks on Thursday and go shopping early, at their Exchange, on Friday.” 

Exchange doors open at 4 a.m. in the United States the day after Thanksgiving, stores in the Pacific region will open at 7 a.m. (except Guam which will open at 5 a.m.), while European Exchanges will welcome shoppers at 8 a.m.

Service members who are on an installation on Thanksgiving Day will still have access to convenience items as approximately 156 Express locations will be open worldwide.  In addition, many OCONUS Exchanges will be open on Thanksgiving Day.   Shoppers can contact their local Exchange for Thanksgiving hours through the “Store Locator” link at www.shopmyexchange.com.   

Complete details on Exchange “Black Friday” weekend sales and specials are available at shopmyexchange.com on the Weekly Ads tab.

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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 or follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ExchangePAO.

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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 – According to the First Command Financial Behaviors Index, 82 percent of military families indicated the economy is impacting their Thanksgiving plans. To improve their economic outlook, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service is serving up a host of Thanksgiving weekend sales.

The feast of savings on “Black Friday” include Sharp 70” LED TVs for $999, HP Pavilion Notebooks for $168, 20 percent off regularly priced luggage, Black and Decker gas grills with a 3-piece tool set for $189.99 as well as 20 percent off all Coach and Dooney and Bourke handbags and accessories.

The bounty of deals continues on Saturday as Sony 70” TVs will be marked down to $1,499, Dyson vacuums 20-30 percent off, 25 percent off all The Body Shop merchandise and much more.

The smorgasbord of savings continues Cyber Monday at www.shopmyexchange.com with deals including Samsung 55” Curved 4K TVs marked down $1,000 to $1199, 50 percent off Coach Signature Logo collection handbags and 25 percent off the entire stock of Calvin Klein fragrance gift sets.

“The Thanksgiving weekend specials are just the beginning of what will be a huge season of sales and savings at Exchanges around the world,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Sean Applegate, Exchange senior enlisted adviser. “From electronics to handbags to toys, Exchanges will have everything military families need, at the right price.”

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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 or follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ExchangePAO.

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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].

LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE – An Army & Air Force Exchange Service associate received the Department of Defense Outstanding Individual With a Disability Award for 2014 during a presentation Nov. 14 at the Little Rock Air Force Base Exchange.

John Perry, senior store associate in the electronics department, was honored for his strong job performance and steadfast commitment to serving Airmen, retirees and their families at Little Rock AFB. Perry, who has been paralyzed from the neck down since birth, provides technical answers to shoppers’ electronics questions, and his positive disposition has helped him forge a bond with the community. 

“Getting to know our customers and taking care of them are the best parts of my job,” Perry said. “I get to know some of them personally, too. Sometimes we talk about electronics. Sometimes we talk about sports or something else on their mind. It’s just an honor to serve them.”

Exchange Deputy Director Maj. Gen. Joseph Ward and Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer Michael Immler honored Perry at the presentation, praising him for his tireless work ethic and passion for serving those who serve.

“John brings his ‘A’ game each and every day to the Airmen assigned to Little Rock and to his fellow Exchange associates,” Gen. Ward said. “His warmth and enthusiasm shine through in all he does.” 

Immler agreed, citing Perry’s tenacity during his 14-year career at the Exchange.

“John started at the Exchange as a greeter and has worked his way up to senior store associate in the electronics department,” Immler said. “Today, he helps educate shoppers of all ages about the latest technology. Both the Exchange and Little Rock AFB are better for having John on our team.”

Perry commended the Little Rock AFB Exchange team, crediting his fellow associates with always being there for him.

“I appreciate my co-workers and the help they give me,” Perry said. “They deserve praise also.”

Exchange Assistant Store Manager Shannon Koder, who nominated Perry for the award, called him an inspiration to fellow associates, shoppers and community members. 

“John has taught us all how the human spirit can ignite an internal flame to achieve more than we thought possible,” Koder said. “He truly embodies the Exchange motto of family serving family.” 

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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 or follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ExchangePAO.

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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 – At military installations across the globe, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service provides a taste of home to Soldiers, Airmen and their families. While rules governing who can buy merchandise at Exchanges often apply to a select few, anyone can dine in Exchange restaurants or pick up grab-and-go fare from Express locations.

The Exchange’s more than 1,280 restaurants and 330 Expresses worldwide are open to anyone looking for a bite to eat. Army Regulation 215-8/Air Force Instruction 34-211 (I) lets anyone— including visitors, contractors and DoD civilians—dine at Exchange restaurants. What’s more, anyone can buy grab-and-go food and beverages from an Express as long as the items are consumed on the installation.

“Enjoying a quick meal at an Exchange restaurant is a valuable convenience for civilians who are visiting service members or need be on the installation for business reasons,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Sean Applegate, Exchange senior enlisted advisor. “For those wanting a bite on the run, most Express locations offer a broad selection of single-serve healthy snacks, beverages and light meals.”

Guidelines on who is authorized to use Exchange operations are prescribed by Army Regulation 215-8/Air Force Instruction 34-211 (I) and the Armed Services Exchange Regulations, Department of Defense Instruction 1330.21.

Anyone who believes they may qualify for Exchange benefits, including access to main stores, should contact their local Exchange manager for additional guidance. Installation-specific contact information is available online at shopmyexchange.com-exchange-stores/.

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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 or follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ExchangePAO.

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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 – To make gift giving easier, the Army & Air Force Exchange service is extending its return policy for items purchased from Nov. 1 to Dec. 24, 2014.

The Exchange’s standard policy allows returns anywhere from up to 15 to 90 days of purchase with a sales receipt.  The holiday return/exchange policy extends these terms through Jan. 31, 2015.

“The Exchange knows that sometimes a gift can be the wrong color, size or brand,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Sean Applegate, the Exchange’s senior enlisted advisor. “The Exchange’s extended return policy goes the extra mile to make sure everyone gets the perfect gift this year.”

Refunds with sales receipts are processed as forms of payment (cash for cash, credit for credit card).  Refunds without sales receipts receive an Exchange gift card.

Shoppers can also return items purchased through shopmyexchange.com at their closest brick-and-mortar Exchange.  For more information about the extended refund policy, shoppers can visit customer service at their nearest Exchange.

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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 – A retired Air Force veteran beat out 37,000 other entrants to win a new Smart Car in a worldwide Army & Air Force Exchange Service contest held in conjunction with Welch’s/Sour Jacks.

72-year-old Michael Mauldwin was presented the keys to his new ride in a ceremony at the Sheppard AFB Exchange on Nov. 6.

“I think it’s just wonderful that the Exchange offers military members, retirees and their families an opportunity to win prizes such as this car,” said Mauldwin. “You might say that I’m happy to have won.”

Upon receiving his car, Mauldwin expressed his appreciation for the Exchange, not only for the opportunity to win the car but for what it has meant to him throughout his military career.

“I’ve been associated with the Air Force for 43 years,” he said. “I’ve always used the Exchange and always will. They provide a great service to the military and their families.”

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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 or follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ExchangePAO. 

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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 – As the holidays approach, Soldiers, Airmen, retirees and their families can find extra savings at the Army & Air Force Exchange Service later in November just by shopping from Nov. 15 to Nov. 16. 

When shoppers make a purchase during those two days, they will receive a coupon, while quantities last, to save up to $50 from Nov. 19 through Nov. 23.

“Whether military shoppers are just beginning their holiday gift buying or picking up the last items on their lists, this coupon provides a great opportunity to save,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Sean Applegate, the Exchange’s senior enlisted advisor.

This coupon is valid in-store or online at shopmyexchange.com. See coupon for minimum purchase requirements.

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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 or follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ExchangePAO.

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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 hectic—and sometimes pricey—holiday shopping season approaches, Army & Air Force Exchange Service Express locations worldwide are doubling the discount MILITARY STAR^® cardholders receive on fuel, helping to keep shoppers’ wallets from running on empty.

From Nov. 14 through Nov. 16, drivers fueling up with their MILITARY STAR^® card at Army and Air Force fuel locations will receive 10 cents off per gallon of gas instead of the everyday 5-cents-per-gallon discount.

“The savings at the pump are just the beginning of the value authorized shoppers can find at the Exchange,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Sean Applegate, Exchange senior enlisted adviser. “With the holidays arriving, the extra MILITARY STAR^® card gas discount gives military shoppers another reason to come on post or base and see what the Exchange has in store for them.”

Every day, shoppers can reap the benefits of using their MILITARY STAR^® card. Besides the everyday discount of 5 cents per gallon on all gas purchases, cardholders enjoy a 10 percent discount on all Exchange food court purchases year-round.

For information about the features and benefits of the MILITARY STAR^® card, shoppers can visit www.myecp.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 or follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ExchangePAO. 

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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].