DALLAS – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service and the Department of Defense’s Defense Media Activity (DMA) today signed an agreement to strategically align their efforts to utilize new technologies to deliver American Forces Network (AFN) content to service members.

“Both the DMA and the Exchange recognize the changing nature of communications, and the rise in importance of the Internet and mobile/cellular channels to our troops,” said Tom Shull, Exchange Director/CEO. “Today’s agreement formalizes a collaborative approach that leverages the strengths of both organizations to better serve the needs of our service members.”

This new alliance is already underway in Afghanistan, where the two organizations are testing new delivery technologies that show great promise. Internet Protocol TV (IPTV) provided by Exchange-contracted provider DHI is the backbone technology used.  IPTV is an emerging technology that embraces the preferences of younger generations, who are “cutting the cord” in favor of getting their news and entertainment through other channels.    

“Emerging technologies offer tremendous opportunities to stay relevant and improve the service we can provide,” said Mark Verdeyen, Exchange Director of Advanced Telecommunications Services. “Our strong relationships with world-class Internet and Mobile companies provide the foundation make this possible.”   

No additional details or timetable for service expansion are available at this time.

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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 say “aloha” to a tropical vacation for two to Hawaii with the Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s latest sweepstakes.

From May 6 to July 7, authorized shoppers worldwide can enter to win the five-day, four night vacation, which includes airfare, hotel accommodations, transportation to and from the airport and spending money. (Travel must originate in the continental United States.) The $5,000 prize is courtesy of Darrell Lea and Lucky Country, the makers of soft licorice.

“A Hawaiian vacation, complete with warm, tropical breezes and plenty of sunshine, can do wonders for reviving the spirit,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Sean Applegate, Exchange senior enlisted advisor. “This trip is a fantastic chance for one lucky winner and a companion to create memories that will last a lifetime.”

Authorized shoppers can enter at shopmyexchange.com/sweepstakes. The winner of the Darrell Lea/Lucky Country Sweepstakes will be drawn on or about July 14.

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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 who think they have a top dog…or cat…or bird …or reptile …can try to fetch their share of $3,000 in prizes during the Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s Patriot Pet Just Say Treat online photo contest.

From May 6 through June 2, authorized shoppers can upload a photo of their prized pet at www.shopmyexchange.com/sweepstakes. One grand-prize winner in the worldwide contest will take home a $1,000 Exchange gift card, while two first-place winners will each receive $500 gift cards. Four third-place winners will nab $250 gift cards each.

“For many Soldiers and Airmen, pets are very much an important part of their family, providing love and companionship and easing stress of daily duties,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Sean Applegate, Exchange senior enlisted advisor. “With the Patriot Pet contest, the Exchange salutes these furry, fuzzy, feathered—and sometimes even scaly—members of the military family.”

Rules and more information for the contest can be found at www.shopmyexchange.com/sweepstakes once the contest launches. Just Say Treat winners will be notified toward the end of June.

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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 – Shoppers with the Army & Air Force Exchange Service have the chance to win a tasty trip for two to one of three M&M’S World® retail locations in the United States this summer.

Through May 27, authorized shoppers can enter to win the $2,300 prize package at www.shopmyexchange.com/sweepstakes. One lucky winner will get to pick from the Las Vegas, Nevada; Orlando, Florida; or New York City M&M’S World® retail locations.

“This summer just keeps getting sweeter and sweeter for Exchange shoppers,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Sean Applegate, the Exchange’s senior enlisted advisor. “We offer contests like these for one simple reason: to show Soldiers, Airmen and their families that we care.”

No purchase is necessary to enter or win. The winner will be chosen at random on or about June 2.

For information on M&M’S World® retail locations, visit www.mmsworld.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.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].