DALLAS – The Army and Air Force Exchange Service, Welch’s and Sour Jacks recently handed two brand-new Smart Cars over to the winners of this summer’s Promotion in Motion Smart Car Giveaway.

Michelle Steiner, a Vietnam veteran and Army retiree, received the keys to her prize at a ceremony held at the Luke Air Force Base Main Exchange on Nov. 10.

“It’s the only major thing I’ve ever won in my life,” Steiner said. “I’ve won $25 gift cards before, but nothing of this magnitude.”

Steiner enlisted in 1961. She served in combat duty in Vietnam during the Tet Offensive in 1968. She retired in 1983 as a Chief Warrant Officer and has lived in Chandler, Arizona since July 2001.

Andrew Von Werder, also a Vietnam veteran and Navy retiree, received his keys on Nov. 12 at Tinker Air Force Base, an event that was covered by two Oklahoma City, Oklahoma TV stations.

“Every contest the Exchange has, we enter,” Von Werder said. “This is the first time we’ve won something so nice. It’s a great deal for us, and so is the commissary.”

Von Werder enlisted in 1958, serving two tours of duty in Vietnam and visiting every continent except Antarctica during his 21-year career. He now lives in his hometown of El Reno, Oklahoma with his wife, Redina.

Steiner and Von Werder won the giveaway by random drawing in August. Each vehicle is valued at $15,000.

“We are proud to be giving these Smart Cars away to two veterans who risked life and limb to protect their country,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Sean Applegate, Exchange senior enlisted advisor. “With these prizes, the Exchange extends a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to these two patriots for their years of dedicated service to the United States.”

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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 Conner Hammett, 214-312-2714 or [email protected].

DALLAS – Army & Air Force Exchange Service shoppers can spare the turkey as the Exchange carves up prices Nov. 26-30.

The bountiful savings begin at www.shopmyexchange.com on Thanksgiving Day with Samsung 65-inch UHD TVs marked down to $1,299, a $1,200 value, UGGs boots for $139 and 35 percent off all Vince Camuto and Lauren Ralph Lauren handbags.

In-store, shoppers will find even more reasons to be thankful on Black Friday with LG 65-inch 4K Smart TVs for $899, Beats by Dre Pro over-ear headphones marked down $150, 20 percent off all Coach and Dooney & Bourke handbags and a 165-piece Craftsman mechanics tool set for $64, 50 percent off the regular price.

Saturday has tasty deals for the whole family including $600 off a Samsung 65-inch UHD TV, Oakley Fuel Cell polarized sunglasses for $39, Nautica Breakwater II spinner upright luggage set for $119 and 45 percent off assorted earbuds, headphones and headbands.

Finally, Monday kicks off Cyber Week and offers an array of online-only deals such as 30 percent off select military and famous maker brand luggage, Rachael Ray Porcelain II cookware set for just $99 and 25 percent off all Dyson vacuums. Daily Cyber Week specials will be added online every day through Thursday.

“With deals such as these, we don’t expect there to be too many leftovers,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Sean Applegate, Exchange senior enlisted advisor. “In addition to the great savings at our brick and mortar locations, the online specials will be updated and changed daily as well. Any way you slice it, Exchanges will have everything military families need, at the right price.”

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.aafes.com/about-exchange/public-affairs/press-releases.htm or follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ExchangePAO.

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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.

“As a part of the military community, the Exchange understands that time with family, for both customers and associates, is a priority,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Sean Applegate, Exchange senior enlisted advisor. “Early openings at Exchanges worldwide on ‘Black Friday’ will allow shoppers to give thanks with loved ones and still partake in the savings.” 

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.aafes.com/about-exchange/public-affairs/press-releases.htm or follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ExchangePAO.

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DALLAS – This holiday season, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service promises to offer Soldiers, Airmen and their families the lowest prices in town – or it will pay them back the difference.

Under the Exchange’s Extended Holiday Price Guarantee, if shoppers find an item they’ve already purchased at the Exchange at a lower price from a local competitor, they will receive a gift card loaded with the difference in price. Purchases made in Exchange stores between Nov. 1 and Dec. 24 are eligible for the guarantee.

“Military families already have too much on their plates this time of year to be worrying about finding the lowest price for each holiday gift purchase,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Sean Applegate, Exchange senior enlisted advisor. “The Exchange makes it easy by offering Soldiers, Airmen and their families the most affordable prices and tax-free shopping, all under one roof.”

To receive the gift card, shoppers simply bring their original Exchange receipt and a current ad from a competitor. The Holiday Extended Price Guarantee includes shopmyexchange.com but not other website prices.

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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 Conner Hammett, 214-312-2714 or [email protected].

NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service welcomed a modern shopping experience for Airmen, families and retirees at Nellis Air Force Base when the ribbon was cut on the renovated Exchange on Nov. 10, just in time for holiday shopping

“We are so proud to be part of the Nellis family,” Exchange Deputy Director Mike Immler told the Nellis community before the ribbon-cutting at the entrance to the 110,000-square-foot main store. “Nellis is a great place to be—and this Exchange makes it even greater.”

The $7.5 million face-lift included updates to the main store, such as polished concrete floors, fresh paint, new carpet and updated signing. A large mural at the store’s entrance shows photos of local heroes, further connecting the Exchange to the Nellis community.

In the mall, new flooring, signing and kiosks add a modern feel. The food court sports updated drink stations and expanded seating. The total cost of the renovation to the 221,828-square-foot- building includes improvements to the Express/Class IV and Military Clothing store, which were completed in December 2013.

Immler praised the partnership between the Exchange and Nellis, noting that the 99^th Air Base wing allocated $1.9 million for the building’s new roof.

“They came to the rescue,” Immler said. “Without their partnership, we wouldn’t be here today.”

Col. Richard Boutwell, 99^th Air Base Wing commander, thanked the Exchange for its continued support of Airmen.

“This is a great day for Team Nellis, Creech and the Nevada Test and Training Range,” Boutwell said. “It is a privilege and honor to have you as mission partners.”

Name-brand concept shops ensure the store, which was built in 1996 and expanded in 2002, has a modern look and feel. And on grand-opening day, shoppers liked what they saw.

“I’m amazed by the difference,” said Estelia Peckenpaugh, the wife of a retired Marine who was browsing Shiseido cosmetics and Michael Kors handbags. “I feel comfortable shopping here—like I’m at home.”

The brand-new BE FIT center, stocked with athletic wear for men and women from name brands such as Under Armour, Nike and Adidas, caught the eye of Army Maj. James Fisher.

“It looks just like a sporting goods store,” said Fisher, who was shopping for athletic shoes. “It’s a vast improvement for our community.”

Retired Lt. Col Richard Brown and his wife, Aida, stopped by the amped up PowerZone to find an iPad Mini. The Browns were impressed with the improved, hands-on displays for Apple and other products.

“It’s different setup—and it’s just beautiful,” Aida Brown said.

Military spouse Cassandra Gamble, who was browsing for outfits for her two young children, found lots of luck in the bright, inviting childrenswear area. The section features fashionable clothing at affordable prices: $5, two for $15, $10, $15 and $20.

“The signs with the pricing really do help,” Gamble said. “I know I can put together a whole outfit and not spend a ton.”

For Exchange General Manager Lawrence Simmons, seeing satisfied shoppers made all of his team’s hard work pay off.

“The Exchange works hard to take care of the Nellis community,” Simmons said. “2015 has been the ‘Year of the Customer’—and this updated store shows just how much the Exchange cares about Airmen, families and retirees at Nellis.”

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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 – As part of the Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s ongoing effort to bring more national brands to service members, families and retirees, Cabela’s is set to open its first three seasonal locations at military installations in time for holiday shopping.

Cabela’s, which carries merchandise for hunting, fishing, camping and shooting sports, is scheduled to open Nov. 23 at Freedom Crossing at Fort Bliss, Texas; Fort Hood, Texas; and Fort Leonard Wood, Mo.

Offering name brands in-store and online has become a priority for the Exchange. Cabela’s is the latest in a series of announcements concerning national-brand introductions at Army posts and Air Force bases around the world.

“The Exchange delivers brands that speak to each military community we serve,” said Trinidad Saucedo, the Exchange’s senior vice president of services, food and fuel. “Bringing Cabela’s on board in time for Black Friday and the holiday shopping season shows the Exchange is listening and is committed to serving the community.”

The Cabela’s seasonal locations at Fort Bliss, Fort Hood and Fort Leonard Wood will carry a variety of soft goods, shoes, hunting gear, outdoors equipment and gifts.

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About the Exchange:

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.

About Cabela’s:

Cabela’s is a leading specialty retailer, and the World’s Foremost Outfitter of hunting, fishing, camping and related outdoor merchandise. Since its founding in 1961, Cabela’s has grown to become one of the most well-known outdoor recreation brands in the world, and has long been recognized as the World’s Foremost Outfitter. Through established direct business and their growing number of destination retail stores, Cabela’s offers a wide and distinctive selection of high-quality outdoor products at competitive prices while providing superior customer service.

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DALLAS – Changes are brewing for the Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s free Exchange Extra app as military shoppers can access mobile versions of their Coffee Club punch cards and other promotions. 

The app has been updated to give shoppers quick access to information on the latest Exchange promotions, contests, coupons, BE FIT information and more. The free app is available at the App Store for Apple products or Google Play for Android devices.

Once shoppers download the app, they can take their smartphone and paper Coffee Club cards to an Express cashier, who will convert the paper punches to mobile punches. Shoppers can earn electronic, sharable “badges” for each cup of coffee purchased. The more mobile punches shoppers earn, the more special offers they will receive, downloaded straight to their app. 

“The updated app puts the popular Coffee Club right at shoppers’ fingertips,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Sean Applegate, Exchange senior enlisted advisor. “The app is free—and the extra Coffee Club offers make downloading it even more worthwhile.” 

Other updates to the app include mobile coupons and digital versions of the Exchange’s weekly sales flier. Shoppers can also find information about Exchange contests, find recipes and save their shopping lists straight to the app.

“The Exchange recognizes that today’s military shoppers are in touch with technology and expect more from their shopping experience,” Applegate said. “The Exchange Extra app gives the Exchange another method for interacting with shoppers, enhancing their overall shopping trip.”

To find the app, shoppers should search for “Exchange Extra” on the App Store or Google Play. To access the app’s updated features, shoppers who currently use the app must download the new version from the App Store or Google Play.  

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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 – Holiday shoppers can budget easy this year when they shop at Army & Air Force Exchange Service, which, for a limited time, is offering fee-free layaway on computers, laptops, tablets and notebooks – items that are not normally eligible for layaway.

From now until Dec. 14, the Exchange will waive its standard $3 service fee for all layaway purchases that are paid in full within 30 days and picked up on time. Layaway will not be offered for computers, laptops, tablets and notebooks purchased Nov. 27-28.

“Electronic devices are some of the most in-demand holiday gift items the Exchange carries,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Sean Applegate, Exchange senior enlisted advisor. “That’s why we are offering to help shoppers fulfill their loved ones’ holiday wishes without breaking the bank – a personal gift from us to Soldiers, Airmen and their families.”

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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Media Notes:

For more information or to schedule an interview with an Exchange representative please contact Conner Hammett, 214-312-2714 or [email protected].

DALLAS – Soldiers, Airmen and their families can win a $1,000 Army & Air Force Exchange Service gift card by sharing one of their favorite holiday memories in the Wrigley Sweet Storybook Sweepstakes.

Through Dec. 25, authorized Exchange shoppers can send an essay of 500 words or less detailing one of their warmest, fuzziest holiday memories to [email protected]. The grand prize winner will be awarded a $1,000 Exchange gift card, while second- and third-place runners-up will respectively win $500 and $300 gift cards. 

“The holidays are a time of family and togetherness, and some of our shoppers’ most treasured memories are of holidays gone by,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Sean Applegate, Exchange senior enlisted advisor. “What better way to connect with our shoppers — who we view as family — than to give them a chance to win big by walking down memory lane?”

The Wrigley Sweet Storybook Sweepstakes is open to authorized shoppers 18 and older. No purchase is necessary. For more information, visit shopmyexchange.com/sweepstakes. Winners will be notified after a drawing on or about Feb. 7.  

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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 Conner Hammett, 214-312-2714 or [email protected].

DALLAS – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service and Popeyes restaurants will celebrate Military Appreciation Day on Nov. 13 by offering eight pieces of BONAFIDE® Chicken or Handcrafted Tenders for only $5.99.

“For the fourth year running, the Exchange and Popeyes honors those who protect American freedoms every day — and those who have done so in the past — with this small token of our appreciation,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Sean Applegate, Exchange senior enlisted advisor. 

Seventy-six Exchange-operated Popeyes restaurants in 7 countries will participate in this Exchange-exclusive, one-day-only Military Appreciation Day event. Locations in Guam, Puerto Rico, Alaska and Hawaii will also participate.

“Popeyes is committed to giving back to our nation’s men and women in uniform,” said Cheryl Bachelder, Popeyes CEO. “Celebrating Military Appreciation Day with this great offer is one small way we can show our support and gratefulness to all who serve our country. We look forward to serving up a lot of delicious meals at this event.” 

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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 Conner Hammett, 214-312-2714 or [email protected].