DALLAS – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is making it easy for one lucky military family to wish upon a star with the Magic of Walt Disney World giveaway.

The $7,000 trip for four to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla., 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. The prize is sponsored by American Tourister and includes:

• A four-night stay at a Walt Disney World hotel
• 3-Day Magic Your Way base tickets for two adults and two children ages 3 to 9
• Round-trip airfare to Orlando from within the contiguous United States
• Travel to and from the airport in Orlando

Authorized shoppers 18 and older can enter the Magic of Walt Disney World giveaway at www.shopmyexchange.com/BecauseOfYou from Oct. 1 to Oct. 31. Winners will be chosen at random and notified no later than Nov. 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.htm or follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ExchangePAO.

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DALLAS – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is making it rewarding for military shoppers to check out all the advantages of a MILITARY STAR card with its latest sweepstakes. 

With the Apply Today sweepstakes, which coincides with the launch of the brand-new MILITARY STAR rewards program, military shoppers who apply and are approved for a new account will be automatically entered to win a $1,000 statement credit. Twenty-five winners will be selected among those who apply for an account from Oct. 1 to Oct. 31. Shoppers can apply at their local Exchange or online at myecp.com.

“This is an exciting sweepstakes to launch the new MILITARY STARcard rewards program,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Sean Applegate, Exchange senior enlisted advisor. “With the holiday season around the corner, a $1,000 credit could ease the burden of expenses.”

When the updated rewards program launches Oct. 1, all MILITARY STARcardholders will earn 2 points for every $1 spent in Army, Air Force, Marine Corps and Navy exchange stores, and wherever else the MILITARY STAR card is accepted. For every 2,000 points earned, shoppers will automatically receive a $20 MILITARY STAR rewards card.

Along with the new rewards program, benefits to the MILITARY STAR card include:

• Competitive interest rate of 10.24 percent—an industry-leading interest rate.
• No annual, late or over-limit fees.
• 10 percent off first-day purchases.
• 10 percent off Exchange food court purchases.
• 5-cents-per-gallon savings at Exchange gas stations.
• Free standard shipping at shopyexchange.com.

Authorized shoppers 18 and older may enter the Apply Today sweepstakes. Winners will be randomly selected on or about Nov. 30. 

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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 Maj. Tia Winston, 214-312-6082 or [email protected].

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE – Though he’d never ridden a motorcycle before, retired Air Force Maj. Shawn “Goose” Gander took a chance and entered a sweepstakes this summer to win a Harley from the Army & Air Force Exchange Service and Dr Pepper. 

The gamble paid off. Gander, who served for 20 years in the Air Force and retired in 2014 at Barksdale Air Force Base, took home the grand prize in the worldwide Refresh-Ride-Win contest—a Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight worth $11,900. 

“I’ve never won anything like this before,” said Gander, a Bossier City, La., resident who now works at Barksdale in a civilian role. “I’m extremely excited.”

Exchange Deputy Director Mike Immler handed Gander the keys to his new ride during a presentation Sept. 25 at the Barksdale Exchange. 2nd Bomb Wing Vice Commander Col. Brandon Parker, Bossier City Mayor Lo Walker and Dr Pepper/Snapple National Account Executive Jeff Seesing were on hand for the presentation as well. 

“It’s such an honor to present this Harley to this fine Airman,” Immler said. “We appreciate you, and we thank you for your service.” 

After he learned he had won, Gander said, he took classes to gain his motorcycle operator’s license. Many of his friends ride, and Gander is looking forward to joining them on short trips throughout Louisiana and Arkansas as he gets more comfortable on his bike.

But his first adventure on the Harley didn’t take much planning.  

“It’s about a 20-minute ride home,” he said, laughing.  

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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 teaming with Unilever to give military shoppers the opportunity to tackle $500 in the Unilever NCAA Sweeps.

Exchange shoppers worldwide can enter at www.shopmyexchange.com/sweepstakes for their chance at one of 10 $500 Exchange gift cards.

“With football season in full swing, every fan could use an extra $500,’” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Sean Applegate, the Exchange’s senior enlisted advisor. “Whether they’re looking for a new TV to watch the game or supplies for the ultimate tailgate party, 10 lucky fans will score big at the end of this sweepstakes.”

No purchase is necessary, and authorized shoppers 18 and older can enter the sweepstakes at www.shopmyexchange.com/sweepstakes through Oct. 29. The drawing will take place on or about Nov. 5.

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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 – LATINA Style magazine has again named the Army & Air Force Exchange Service one of the 50 top companies for Latinas to work in the United States. The selection affirms the Exchange’s commitment to diversity and to providing opportunities for its diverse workforce

The Exchange’s selection to the 2014 LATINA Style 50 was published in the magazine’s special August issue, and the Exchange will be recognized at the magazine’s LATINA Style 50 Awards and Diversity Leaders Conference on February 4, 2016 in Washington, D.C.

“We are honored to be recognized by Latina Style 50 as it reinforces the importance the Exchange places on diversity,” said Exchange Executive Vice President and Chief Logistics Officer Karen Stack, one of the Exchange’s highest-ranking Hispanic women.  “The Exchange is committed to recognizing the diversity of its employees, its customers and its communities.”

For 2015, LATINA Style focused on each company’s Hispanic employee resource group, which often opens the door to opportunities in the company. LATINA Style also paid close attention to companies that support returning Latina service members.

The Exchange was chosen for LATINA Style 50 after evaluation of more than 800 companies. The magazine’s annual rankings are considered a respected source of information for Hispanic women across the country.

LATINA Style 50 highlights companies that have a dedicated effort to diverse recruiting and promotion initiatives. The report also highlights companies that have programs to recruit veterans and military personnel.

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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 – An individual or individuals using the “Exchange Inc.” name to handle vehicle purchases has once again been placing advertisements in auto magazines and commercial newspapers, leading Army & Air Force Exchange Service shoppers to believe they’re purchasing a vehicle through the Department of Defense (DoD) retailer.

“This has been an issue in the past , and now it’s beginning to surface again where someone is using the Exchange’s trademarked logo and name without permission to purportedly handle vehicles transactions in the United States on behalf of private sellers,” said Rick Koloski, the Exchange’s loss prevention vice president. “Unfortunately, some have sent money only to receive nothing in return.”

Despite the fact that military exchanges do not have the authority to sell vehicles or represent private sellers in completing transactions in the continental United States, the individuals responsible for these advertisements have left consumers with the impression they are doing business with the DoD’s oldest and largest exchange service.

“This type of fraud has proliferated with the use of the Internet and continues to be a challenge because oftentimes the perpetrator cannot be identified as the methods they utilize are not traceable back to any individual,” Koloski said. “In fact, in one case, money wired by an individual was picked up in Bangladesh, indicating this crime goes well beyond U.S. borders.”

Shoppers who believe that they may have been taken advantage of can file a complaint through the Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.  

Exchange facilities are located solely on military installations. While the Exchange does have mail order and Internet offerings, the Exchange does not advertise in civilian outlets such as metropolitan newspapers or automobile sales magazines. All advertisements for legitimate Exchange offerings are published in outlets whose audiences are mostly composed of military 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.aafes.com/about-exchange/public-affairs/press-releases.htm or follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ExchangePAO.

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DALLAS – A cast of characters from Disney, Marvel and Star Wars is joining forces with the Army & Air Force Exchange Service to bring a special, dedicated section to approximately 60 Exchange locations on Sept. 12.  These locations will join 17 other Exchanges that have already unveiled Disney sections over the past 18 months.  

The standalone section, called “Disney at the Exchange,” showcases merchandise from Disney Consumer Products, including characters from Disney Junior, DisneyŸPixar and Disney Princess, as well as Marvel and Star Wars properties. Military shoppers will find a wide selection of their favorite Disney characters at both the Exchange and at www.shopmyexchange.com. The “Disney at the Exchange” assortment includes dolls, action figures, role play items and clothing, as well as toys and other merchandise tied to current Walt Disney Company theatrical releases and television content.

These new sections have signage featuring Disney, Marvel and Star Wars logos and beloved character imagery throughout.

“The Exchange brings a taste of home to every member of the military family,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Sean Applegate, the Exchange’s senior enlisted advisor. “Bringing Disney into the Exchange is another example of our continuing desire to deliver top brands directly to shoppers all over the world.” 

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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 bringing back fee-free layaway, just in time for early holiday shopping. The layaway program ensures military shoppers have plenty of time to pay for gifts while keeping them hidden from prying eyes.

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

“The Exchange’s layaway program is a convenient way for shoppers to stock up on gifts for the holidays while staying mindful of their budgets,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Sean Applegate, the Exchange’s senior enlisted advisor. “By waiving the service fee, the Exchange makes it worthwhile for shoppers to give layaway a try and keep gifts hidden from family members who love 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.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 chance to up their game thanks to the latest contest from the Army & Air Force Exchange Service.

With the Mars Xbox One Sweepstakes, shoppers worldwide have the chance to win one of 10 gaming consoles. Each prize is valued at $350.

“For many Soldiers and Airmen, gaming is great way to unwind with family and friends,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Sean Applegate, the Exchange’s senior enlisted advisor. “With this sweepstakes, 10 lucky winners will be connecting with the latest Xbox console.”

From Sept. 4 through Oct. 1, authorized shoppers 18 and older can enter at shopmyexchange.com/sweepstakes. No purchase is necessary. Mars Xbox One Sweepstakes winners will be notified after a drawing on or about Oct. 9.

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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 – 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 six through 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 community service projects 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 are important at any age,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Sean Applegate, the Exchange’s senior enlisted advisor. “This contest gives us the opportunity to recognize and reward those students who are truly making a difference.”

Essays are due by Oct. 1 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. 10.

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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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