SEMBACH, Germany – The Wiesbaden community celebrated the opening of the Wiesbaden  Exchange Shopping Center on April 17 on the Hainerberg housing area. The community warmly welcomed the new mall, nearly 60 years in the making.

“This opening is about the community and how the Exchange is giving back to the Wiesbaden community,” said Col. Geoff De Tingo, commander of the Exchange’s Europe/Southwest Asia region. “We’ve been building that relationship for the past 55 years with the other facility, and normally every 30 years there’s an update, but this took longer.”

The large crowd of Soldiers and family members filling the main entryway into the mall and into the food court area nodded approval at the mention of the new mall strengthening the Exchange relationship. 

“That relationship is with our service members, their families, DoD civilians, and everyone who supports the U.S. Army Europe here in Wiesbaden,” De Tingo said. “More than that, this goes out to the community to we live, as we’ve brought a one-stop experience that brings what used to be visits to five different areas around Wiesbaden.”

The one-stop shopping center promotes green initiatives in design and consolidation. With more than 8,000 square feet of skylights in the mall, food court and the rest of the building, natural ambient lighting provides energy savings. In the future, solar panels will be installed. Consolidating the Mainz-Kastel PowerZone, Toyland/Four Seasons, and Furniture Store under one roof at the Wiesbaden Exchange Shopping Center enhances sustainability by eliminating the need to drive between the areas, helping save on fuel consumption and wear on vehicles and local roads.

“I am so pleased the Exchange can give back to the community by opening this shopping center,” said Lt. Col. Tom Davison, deputy commander of the Exchange’s Europe/Southwest Asia region. “All the exceptional hard work by the Exchange associates brought this together. They’re the reason the Exchange-to-community relationship works, and they’re the reason that we’re here celebrating this opening.” 

With the ribbon-cutting complete, Wiesbaden military community members are enjoying a new 155,000-square-foot shopping center housing a main store nearly twice the size of the previous one and a food court with Burger King, Taco Bell, Charley’s, Pizza Hut and Popeyes. The shopping center also includes the USO, bank, credit union and numerous concessionaires, becoming a true community center for Wiesbaden Soldiers and 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.aafes.com/about-exchange/public-affairs/press-releases.htmor 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 Lt. Col. Al Hing, 011-49- 0151-52560501 or [email protected].

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD – Karma Walters knows she’ll rest easier after winning the Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s $18,000 Home Makeover Giveaway.

As part of the prize, Walters is receiving two Serta premium mattresses valued at $3,000 and $12,000 in Ashley furniture—including a bedroom suite. 

“We’ve never had a set of matching bedroom furniture,” said Walters, whose husband, Army Staff Sgt. Stuart Walters, has been assigned to Joint Base Lewis-McChord since July 2013. “This is a big thing for us.”

Walters and her husband were honored April 8 during a presentation at the JBLM Lewis Main Exchange. Walters’ online entry in the giveaway was one of 19,000 received worldwide. The contest was part of the Exchange’s Because of You program, a yearlong effort to recognize and reward service members for their sacrifice and dedication.

“The Exchange is proud to honor Karma Walters for her unwavering support as a military spouse,” said Joint Base Lewis-McChord Exchange General Manager Patrick McGhee. “The Walters family deserves our gratitude for their sacrifices.”

Besides the mattresses and furniture, Walters will also receive eight Cuisinart countertop appliances worth $3,000. 

Walters and her husband have been married for almost 11 years, and they have two children, a 10-year-old daughter and an 8-year-old son. Winning the grand prize was a fun surprise, she said.

“It was very shocking to get the call,” Walters said, who learned she won on April’s Fools Day, making her think she was being pranked. “I normally don’t win things. It’s finally sunk in, and I’m excited.” 

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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.aafes.com/about-exchange/public-affairs/press-releases.htm 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 – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is teaming up with Hershey to bring the sweet taste of victory to a dozen lucky winners. 

Twelve winners of the Chocolate Fest sweepstakes will each receive a $1,000 Exchange gift card. Authorized shoppers can enter the contest through April 30 at www.shopmyexchange.com/sweepstakes.

“A $1,000 gift card will go a long way at the Exchange,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Sean Applegate, the Exchange’s senior enlisted advisor. “Entering the sweepstakes is as easy as visiting shopmyexchange.com.” 

No purchase is necessary to win. Winners will be notified on or around May 4. 

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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 – Military shoppers with a craft for coifs can win a $250 gift card and a Goody gift basket worth $250 in the Goody Crowning Hair Piece contest.  

Now through April 30, the Exchange is offering shoppers worldwide the opportunity to win the grand prize or one of nine runner-up prizes consisting of a $50 Goody product assortment.

To enter, authorized shoppers 18 years or older can submit a photo of their crowning hair piece creation to www.shopmyexchange.com/sweepstakes. 

“There is no doubt we’re going to see some incredibly creative hair styles,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Sean Applegate, Exchange senior enlisted advisor. “The winner of this contest will need to be head and shoulders above the competition.”

The winners of the Goody Crowning Hair Piece contest will be notified on or about May 15.

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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 – Soldiers, Airmen and their families can put some spring in their step with the latest fashions in special sizes from the Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s latest catalog.

The 20-page Special Sizes guide is decked out with on-trend looks in a variety of sizes, including big and tall, plus, petite and maternity.

Women can make a statement with fashion-forward pieces from Columbia, Ellen Tracy, Calvin Klein and more. For men, name-brand looks from Polo Ralph Lauren, Kenneth Cole Reaction and Van Heusen, among others, are offered.

A selection of brand-name shoes, handbags and accessories will complete anyone’s look—just in time for spring and summer.

“Every page of the Special Sizes catalog offers value,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Sean Applegate, the Exchange senior enlisted advisor. “Soldiers, Airmen and their families are sure to find the perfect fashions to help them put their best foot forward.”

The Special Sizes catalog can be found online at shopmexchange.com, under the “Interactive Product Catalogs” link on the menu at the bottom of the page. Prices are valid from April 10 through April 30.

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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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].

FORT BENNING – For Sgt. Richard Dixon and his wife, Rhonda, kicking back at a free Eli Young Band outdoor concert was a perfect way to spend time together on a brisk spring night. The pair staked out a spot close to stage at Wetherby Field so they wouldn’t miss any of the action.

The Dixons were among 4,000 fans who attended a free concert by Grammy-nominated Eli Young Band. The Grammy-nominated musicians played a free show March 28 for Soldiers, family members and the Fort Benning community. The “Six String Salute to the Champs” was Fort Benning’s prize for winning the Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s and Pizza Hut’s Wing-A-Palooza contest last summer and included opening acts Kelsea Ballerini and Old Dominion.

“We are grateful for events like this,” Sgt. Dixon said. “We’re looking forward to a good time—and it’s all for free.”

Despite cool temperatures, fans flocked to the open-air venue, stretching out on blankets and setting up lawn chairs as they settled in for a night of live music with their families and friends. Hours before the gates opened, fans of all ages lined up, eager to enter and secure their seats. 

“It’s a time to celebrate,” said Exchange Director/Chief Executive Officer Tom Shull, who attended the event. “Soldiers and their families have made so many sacrifices, especially during combat in the last 13 years. Events like this let them know we care and are here to take care of them and their families.” 

Shull thanked Pizza Hut and MWR, calling the free concert a “tremendous event for the community.”

The morning of the concert, the band signed autographs and handed out free T-shirts at the Fort Benning Exchange during a meet-and-greet session. Spc. Dereck Glenn, wife Chelsea, and their toddler, Izabella, were among the first line, arriving at 8:30 a.m.—before the store even opened. By the time the band arrived, more than 100 fans had lined up to greet them. 

“We are huge fans,” Chelsea Glenn said. “I can’t wait to meet them and see them in concert.” 

The Exchange, Pizza Hut and Fort Benning Morale, Welfare and Recreation teamed up to bring the free show to Fort Benning. Last summer, Fort Benning’s Pizza Hut saw the greatest percentage increase in wing sales out of Army and Air Force locations in the U.S., earning their community a free concert. Soldiers and families placed more than 1,100 orders for wings to win the show for the Fort Benning community.

In October, the Eli Young Band performed for the OCONUS Wing-A-Palooza winner. Camp Schwab, Okinawa, won that contest, and the free concert was held at Camp Hansen with about 7,000 military members and families in attendance.  

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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 – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is pumping up the savings on gas by doubling the discount for MILITARY STAR^® cardholders.

From April 10 through April 12, drivers fueling up with their MILITARY STAR^® card at Army and Air Force gas stations will receive 10 cents off per gallon instead of the everyday 5-cents-per-gallon discount. 

“As shoppers catch spring fever, we are providing an extra reason to come on base or post and see what the Exchange has to offer,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Sean Applegate, Exchange senior enlisted advisor.  “The extra discount at the pump is just the beginning of the value the Exchange provides.”

No matter the season, shoppers can reap the benefits of paying with 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].

DALLAS – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is helping one lucky shopper embark on a fantastic voyage with its latest contest—a cruise package worth $7,500.

The Choose Your Cruise Giveaway is part of the Exchange’s Because of You program, a yearlong effort to recognize and reward service members for their sacrifice and dedication to America. One grand-prize winner will receive:

• A cruise for two from MWR Exchange Vacations valued at $1,200
• $5,000 Visa gift card
• $800 in Samsonite luggage
• Canon EOS Rebel T5 digital SLR camera bundle valued at $650

 Authorized shoppers can enter at www.shopmyexchange.com/BecauseOfYou from April 1 to April 30. One entry, chosen at random, will receive the grand prize.

 The Choose Your Cruise Giveaway winner will be notified no later than May 19. No purchase is necessary to enter or win.

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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].