DALLAS – With more than 1,500 direct restaurants and 645 Express retail convenience stores worldwide, the Army & Air Force Exchange service is responsible for oversight of food safety at Army and Air Force bases from Kentucky to Kaiserslautern.

In Europe and the Pacific the task goes beyond drive-thru’s and roller grills as seven Exchange-operated bakeries and water plants in Germany, Italy, Japan and Korea support service members and their families. Like restaurants and convenience stores, these facilities are routinely inspected by regulatory personnel. Health, sanitation, and safety inspections are also conducted in compliance with Department of Defense (DoD), government and industry practices.

In coordination with the U.S. Army Veterinary Service, U.S. Army Preventive Medicine and U.S. Air Force Public Health personnel, the Exchange ensures regulatory food safety and sanitation compliance at 2,100- plus retail food operations.

“Even as the Exchange introduces new brands and services, food safety remains the top priority and a team effort,” said Army Col. Erik Torring, Exchange veterinarian. “From the Exchange food court or Express store associate to the installation and Exchange headquarters public health officials, we all work as one to ensure Exchange food service and retail facilities meet or exceed  DoD health and sanitation 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.aafes.com/about-exchange/public-affairs/press-releases.htm or follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ExchangePAO.

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DALLAS – As students and families prepare for a new school year, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service is sending military shoppers to the head of the class with special savings that effectively double the Exchange’s everyday tax-free benefit. 

As several states roll out “sales tax holidays” on clothing, footwear and other school-related 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. 

“Every day is a sales tax holiday at the Exchange,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Sean Applegate, the Exchange’s senior enlisted advisor. “When families shop for back-to-school supplies during state sales tax holidays, the Exchange benefit becomes even greater.”

The sales tax holidays start in Mississippi on July 31 and continue in 17 states on various dates through Aug. 22. Shoppers can check with their state’s tax website for sales tax holiday dates and included items.

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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 – For Wounded Warrior Matthew Staton, the Patriot Scuba shop at the Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s Town Center at Fort Belvoir has helped give him a renewed sense of adventure.

In January 2004, Staton was a second lieutenant in the Army stationed in Iraq when he took six rounds to the chest and leg, leaving him with no feeling in his left thigh, significant loss of use of his left leg, post-traumatic stress disorder and a traumatic brain injury.

Ten years later, following his latest hip surgery, Staton was able to begin doing adaptive sports and completed his first dive August of 2014 with Patriot Scuba. Being in the water is a recommended part of Staton’s therapy, taking the pressure off his joint and reducing the pain his daily activities cause him.

“[Diving is] a popular thing in the Warrior community all around,” Staton said. “Because of the way being in water feels, it gives you more of a sense of freedom than being out of water – and that doesn’t preclude people with conditions like PTSD.”

Patriot Scuba opened at the Exchange’s Belvoir Town Center in February. Jeff Currer and his wife, Merial, operate that location along with another shop in Occoquan, Virginia.

“[Fort Belvoir] seemed like a good fit. Probably 90 percent of our customers are military or have served in the military at one point,” Merial Currer said. “We saw what water therapy could do and we wanted to see if that could help anyone else.”

Despite the true dive season just beginning, in their five months on the installation they have had more than 200 people sign up for their mailing list and the number of students in their Open Water Diver program has more than doubled from 13 to 27.

“It’s a growing business, and we are just going into peak season,” said Veronica Reese, Fort Belvoir’s Services Business Manager. “Their support of disabled vets and Wounded Warriors ties in with our installation tenants.”

The Currers have widespread military roots, stretching from Jeff’s nearly 30-year-long stint as a captain in the Navy to Merial’s 20 years of work supporting military spouses. In 2013, they founded Patriots for Disabled Divers (PFDD), a nonprofit organization seeking to train handicapped veterans to scuba dive with no expense to them. That summer, they became the official scuba program provider of the Wounded Warrior Project. Since then, Jeff, who heads up PFDD, has travelled across the nation to train about 400 Wounded Warriors to dive.

“A lot of these military types are adrenaline junkies, but a lot of them can’t jump out of airplanes anymore,” Merial Currer said. “So this offers a kinder, gentler kind of rush for them.”

At Fort Belvoir, Patriot Scuba sees service members coming through to get their diving certification, undertake extra courses or to get their families certified so they can dive together. Through PFDD, they serve wounded veterans with disabilities ranging from post-traumatic stress disorder to quadriplegia. Staton began diving with a grant he received from PFDD and, since then, his wife and daughter have both taken courses with Patriot Scuba.   

“Being in the water gives me back that sense of almost total freedom,” Staton said. “It’s been a great experience, and a family experience.”

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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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DALLAS – For the Army & Air Force Exchange Service, 120 years of support to Soldiers and Airmen calls for a party.

About 2,000 Exchange associates gathered on the lawn of the Exchange’s Dallas headquarters July 23 to celebrate 12 decades of service to Soldiers, Airmen, retirees and military families. Cake and a picnic with Subway sandwiches, prepared by Exchange senior leaders, rounded out the festivities. 

“We are here celebrating 120 years because of your steadfast dedication,” Exchange Director/CEO Tom Shull told associates. “Inspired by a love of country, you go where they go. 120 years after our founding, we remain family serving family.”

On July 25, 1895, the War Department issued General Orders 46 directing commanders to establish an exchange at every post. Since then, exchanges have faithfully served alongside service members wherever they are called to serve.

Today, when military members deploy to remote locations around the world, the Exchange is with them, offering products and services to bring troops a taste of home. Since 9/11, more than 4,400 Exchange associates have deployed. 

“We’ve gone where they’ve gone, and you better believe we’re going where they’re going,” Shull said. “Here’s to another 120 years of serving those who serve.” 

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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 – Long before there was an organized retail system specifically charged with supporting America’s military, there were sutlers – bands of peddlers who followed the Army and sold provisions.

After the Civil War, Congress found the sutler system to be an ineffective means of serving Soldiers. On July 25, 1895, the War Department intervened and issued General Order Number 46 directing post commanders to establish an exchange at every post practicable.

For the next 46 years, exchanges were independent operations before the Army Exchange Service was formally established in 1941. Six years later, the Air Force was born and, in 1948, AES became the Army & Air Force Exchange Service.

As the Army & Air Force Exchange Service and its predecessors mark their 120^th anniversary on July 25, the organization’s mission remains basically the same: go where Soldiers, Airmen and their families go to improve their quality of life.

No matter where military members serve, today’s Exchange brings a comprehensive and customer–focused benefit. In addition to its flagship main stores, the Exchange operates convenience stores, car care centers, military clothing, restaurants, retail concession services like flower shops and gift stores, vending, telecommunications support and a wide variety of personal services through more than 2,400 facilities in more than two dozen countries, five US territories and all 50 states. In 2014, the Exchange outfitted 1.3 million combat uniforms and served 4 million school lunches to children stationed overseas.  

Since its establishment in 1895, the Exchange has been involved in 14 major military operations (to include World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Grenada, Panama, the Balkans and Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom) as well as several dozen humanitarian and disaster relief contingencies.

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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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DALLAS – Since its launch two years ago, approximately 334,000 military shoppers who prefer the ease and organization that an electronic receipt provides have skipped the paper and had documentation of their transaction emailed to them when shopping the Exchange.

From July 24 to Aug. 28, shoppers who enroll to receive electronic receipts and opt-in to receive special email offers from the Exchange will be automatically entered in the “Get Your Purchase Free” contest in which the Exchange will pay receipts up to $400 for five winners.  Shoppers can go to www.shopmyexchange.com/sweepstakes for contest details. 

“Receiving sales receipts by email makes storing and organizing much easier,” Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Sean Applegate, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s senior enlisted advisor.  “An additional benefit to an emailed electronic receipt is that it helps reduce paper consumption, which is better for the environment.”

Registration for an electronic receipt is as easy as providing an email address and phone number at checkout.

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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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DALLAS – Military shoppers can get a head start on their back-to-school shopping list with $5,000 in prizes from the Army & Air Force Exchange Service, Hershey and Mars.

From July 17 to Aug. 20, authorized shoppers worldwide can enter for a chance to win one of 10 $500 Exchange gift cards.

“Back to school shopping can be stressful for both parents and students,” said Army Col. Karen Fleming, the Exchange’s Deputy Director of logistics. “These prizes should help start the school year off right.”

Shoppers can login to shopmyexchange.com/sweepstakes to enter.

No purchase is necessary and entrants do not need to be present to win. The Hershey and Mars Back to School Sweepstakes prize drawings will take place on or about Sept. 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.aafes.com/about-exchange/public-affairs/press-releases.htm or follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ExchangePAO.

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DALLAS – In honor of its 120^th anniversary, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service is pumping up gas savings by doubling the discount for MILITARY STAR^® cardholders.

From July 24 to July 26, drivers fueling up with a 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.

“The extra savings are a part of the Exchange’s celebration of its 120 years of service to Soldiers, Airmen and their families,” said Army Col. Erik Torring, Exchange staff veterinarian. “The extra discount at the pump is just one of the many special promotions we will have to coincide with the anniversary.”

Every day, shoppers can reap the benefits of paying with their MILITARY STAR^® card. Besides the typical 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.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 – In 1895, the War Department issued General Order 46 directing commanders to establish an exchange at every post. Since then, exchanges have faithfully served alongside service members wherever they are called to serve. Today, whether at Kuwait or Keesler, troops and their families know the Army & Air Force Exchange Service is there.

On July 25^th, Exchanges all over the world and shopmyexchange.com will mark the exchange system’s 120^th anniversary. From July 24-30 shoppers are invited to celebrate with savings including $400 off a 55” Samsung 4K Curve TV, a Macbook Pro for $939, 30 percent off all Skullcandy gaming headsets as well as 15 percent off Bassett and HGTV Design Studio by Bassett furniture. Additionally, Expresses will offer a free fountain drink or Gold Peak tea to authorized shoppers all day on July 25.

Shopmyexchange.com will offer additional savings from July 24-26. Shoppers will find $1,500 off a 65” Samsung 4K curved Smart TV, up to 50% off select styles of brand name hand bags and brand name apparel, Char-Broil six burner gas grills for $199, a Bowflex PR3000 home gym marked down $500 and much more.

“To say that this benefit has been around for 120 years is a testament to the loyalty of generations of military shoppers,” said Army Col. Erik Torring, Exchange staff veterinarian. “July 25^th is our annual opportunity to celebrate and thank them for their service and for making the Exchange their first choice.”    

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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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DALLAS – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is helping students make the grade in the 2015-16 school year by extending its layaway program to include computers needed to succeed in the classroom. 

From July 1 to Aug. 31, just in time for back-to-school season, Exchange shoppers can use layaway to hold computers, notebooks, tablets and iPads—items that are not typically eligible for the program.

“Starting off the school year with the right laptop or tablet can be critical to academic success,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Sean Applegate, the Exchange’s senior enlisted advisor. “The Exchange’s layaway program is a great choice to not only manage expenses for clothes, shoes and backpacks but computers as well.”

A $3 service fee and a deposit of 15 percent are required to hold items on layaway. Shoppers can visit customer service at their local Exchange for complete details.

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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].