DALLAS – As Memorial Day draws near, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service, along with GoPro, is commemorating the 50^th anniversary of the Vietnam War with a photo contest to honor the heroes who served.

Through the Patriot Family Faces to Remember contest, Exchange shoppers are invited to share photos from their experiences in Vietnam for a chance at four GoPro prizes. The first-place winner will receive a Hero4 black camera valued at $499, and the second-place winner will take home at Hero4 silver camera worth $399. Two third-place prizes will be awarded—a Hero3+ silver camera valued at $299.

“Many Exchange shoppers served in Vietnam or had family members who served,” said Richard Pils, who served as an Army captain in Vietnam and works in the Exchange’s Merchandising Directorate at its Dallas headquarters. “The Exchange invites shoppers to send in special photos that recall their experiences in Vietnam, including time with fellow service members and interactions with Vietnamese citizens.” 

From May 15 through June 5, Exchange shoppers are invited to send Vietnam photos and a brief description to [email protected]. Entries must include full name, mailing address, email address and telephone number.

The Patriot Family Faces to Remember photo contest is part of the Exchange’s participation in the 50^th Anniversary Vietnam War Commemorative Partner Program, designed for federal, state and local agencies to thank and honor Vietnam veterans and their families. 

Additional information and instructions can be found at the Exchange’s Patriot Family Connection site atwww.shopmyexchange.com/patriot-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.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 Julie Mitchell, 214-312-3327 or [email protected].

DALLAS – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service has been named as a Best for Vets employer for 2015 by Military Times. The military publication recognized the change for its commitment to providing jobs for veterans, naming it No. 28 among the top employers of veterans. This marks the second consecutive year the Exchange has received Best for Vets recognition.

“Veterans will always be welcome at the Exchange,” said Exchange Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer Leigh Roop. “They offer a unique perspective and identify strongly with the Exchange mission to take care of troops and their families.”

Veterans make up 10 percent of the Exchange’s workforce of about 35,500. In 2014, the Exchange hired more than 1,200 veterans.

To learn about job opportunities, veterans can visit www.applymyexchange.com, where they can search for jobs by location. The site also includes a list of job fairs the Exchange will participate in, so veterans can meet with an Exchange representative in person. 

When conducting the sixth-annual Best for Vets: Employers survey, Military Times focused on culture and policies that cater to military veterans. The survey is made up of nearly 90 questions about a company’s efforts to connect with veterans and provide an environment for success. 

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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 Julie Mitchell, 214-312-3327 or [email protected].

DALLAS – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service, along with Kimberly Clark, is honoring military families in its latest worldwide sweepstakes, with $10,000 in prizes at stake.

The Celebrate Family Unity sweepstakes will award $1,000 Exchange gift cards to 10 lucky winners. Authorized shoppers 18 years and older can enter at www.shopmyexchange.com/sweepstakes from May 15 to May 21.

No purchase is necessary to enter. Celebrate Family Unity sweepstakes winners will be notified on or about May 28.

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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 Julie Mitchell, 214-312-3327 or [email protected].

JOINT BASE LEWIS-McCHORD – At 94 years old, Julia Santiago is still young at heart. And, she says, a big part of her youthful spirit is her part-time job at the Army & Air Force Exchange Service, her employer for the last 44 years. 

“I don’t plan to slow down. I’m very satisfied,” said Santiago, who has two grown children and five grandchildren.

Since 1971, Santiago has devoted herself to military members, families and retirees at Joint Base Lewis-McChord working at the Exchange. Today, she works at the Madigan Army Medical Center Subway. 

On May 4, her 94^th birthday, Santiago’s co-workers and customers feted her with cards, gifts and cake in the food court—all a surprise. 

Santiago grew up in Puerto Rico. After World War II, she worked in New York manufacturing aerial bombing targets. She moved to Washington State with her husband, Sgt. 1st Class Castor Luis Santiago, who served in the Army, including a tour in Vietnam. 

At 50 years old, once her two children were grown, Santiago wanted to find employment. A friend suggested the Exchange, and the rest is history. 

Paul Claxton, Exchange restaurant business manager, says customers at Madigan regularly seek out Santiago to chat. 

“Everyone knows Julia,” Claxton said. “I know of one Soldier who told me he first met Julia when he was stationed here as a resident 20 years ago. Now, 20 years later, Julia is still here and he still makes it part of his day to always stop by and say hello to her.”

Santiago’s wit and charm aren’t slowing down, either. The best part of her job is washing dishes “because no one bothers me,” she said with a laugh.  

Joint Base Lewis-McChord Exchange General Manager Patrick McGhee said the Exchange team wanted to do something special to celebrate Santiago’s 94^th birthday. 

“Julia means a lot to the Madigan community,” he said. “She’s a fixture here.”

For Santiago, the longevity of her career—and her advice to those in the working world—can be explained simply. 

“Be nice,” Santiago said. “Be nice to customers. Be nice to managers. Just be nice.” 

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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’s continuing efforts to provide a “taste of home” to military families around the world were recently recognized by Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen at its annual international franchise conference.

The Exchange received four awards including the “International Gold Plate,” awarded to the Popeyes at Camp Carroll in Korea, and “The Silver Plate,” awarded to the Popeyes at Camp Casey, also in Korea.

“The International Gold Plate” is presented to one international Popeyes restaurant annually out of a total of more than 2,000 restaurants in 27 international markets. 

“This award acknowledges the premier overseas restaurant that excels in operational excellence, community involvement and sales performance,” said the Exchange’s VP of Services and Food Rich Pickering. 

“The Silver Plate” recognizes overall operations excellence, positive restaurant image and effective usage of franchise training tools.

The Exchange Popeyes location at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii took home the “Three Million Dollar Store” award and had the fourth highest sales volume in the Popeyes system worldwide. 

Additionally, Exchange Senior Restaurant Program Planner Adrian Hinson was awarded the “Servant Leader” trophy for his dedication and devotion to overseeing 74 Popeyes restaurants globally.

“Industry recognition confirms our ability to deliver hometown dining experiences to troops and their families, regardless of where they are called to serve,” said Pickering. “Winning these awards speaks volumes about the dedication and hard work put in daily by the Exchange’s Popeyes restaurants, managers and their team members.” 

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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 – Army & Air Force Exchange Service shoppers looking to enhance their TV viewing experience or add to their media room will have the opportunity to do so in the Exchange Mobile Center Spring Sweepstakes.

Through May 21, authorized shoppers can enter at www.shopmyexchange.com/sweepstakes. The first place winner will receive a Samsung 55” Smart TV, valued at $1,500. The runner-up will be awarded a $500 Exchange gift card with third place landing an iPad Air.

No purchase is necessary and entrants need not be present to win. The Exchange Mobile Center Spring Sweepstakes drawing will take place on or about May 28, 2015. 

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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 Chris Ward, 214-312-2714 or [email protected].

DALLAS – Army & Air Force Exchange Service shoppers are being treated to $10,000 in prizes with its latest Because of You contest, and 20 lucky entrants will walk away winners. 

The $10,000 Whirlwind of Winners 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. With the giveaway, 20 winners will each take home a $500 Exchange gift card provided by Ruiz Foods, maker of Tornados.

Authorized shoppers can enter at www.shopmyexchange.com/BecauseOfYou from May 1 to May 31. Winners will be chosen at random and notified no later than June 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.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 Julie Mitchell, 214-312-3327 or [email protected].

DALLAS – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is “throwing a bone” to military pets and their owners in the Patriot Pet contest.

Through May 29, authorized Exchange shoppers can submit a photo of their pet along with a short description of their four-legged friend.

“Pets are a very important part of our lives,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Sean Applegate, the Exchange senior enlisted advisor. “They provide many of us with companionship and friendship, so it’s only fair we take this opportunity to crow and bark about our pets.”

Submissions will be judged on creativity, uniqueness, quality and effectiveness in conveying the loyalty and companionship of pets belonging to military members.

The grand prize winner will “fetch” a $500 Exchange gift card. Additional prizes include a $100 gift card for two runners up and four third place winners will receive a $50 gift card.

To participate in the Patriot Pet contest, military shoppers can visit www.shopmyexchange.com/patriot-family and submit a photo of their pet (or pets) along with a 50-word or less description. Entries must include name, address, phone number, date of birth and pet’s information (name, breed or type of pet).

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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 Chris Ward, 214-312-2714 or [email protected].