DALLAS – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service announced dividends of $237 million in 2015 to Army, Air Force, Marine Corp and Navy quality-of-life programs—up $13 million, nearly 5.5 percent from the previous year. In the past 10 years, the Exchange has contributed more than $2.4 billion in dividends to youth services, family counseling, physical fitness programs and other activities that make life better for service members and their families. 100 percent of Exchange earnings support service members and their families.

“Roughly two-thirds of Exchange earnings go toward the Services’ quality-of-life programs, which promote readiness and resiliency and benefit military families,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Sean Applegate, the Exchange’s senior enlisted advisor. “When service members shop or dine at the Exchange, they are investing in their own communities.”

The remaining one-third of Exchange earnings pay for building new stores or updating existing ones to improve customers’ shopping experiences. In 2015, the Exchange opened brand-new shopping centers at Fort Hood, Texas, and U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden, Germany. In addition, the Airborne Express at Fort Bragg, N.C., was expanded in the last fiscal year.

Exchanges at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev.; Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va.; Beale Air Force Base, Calif.; Fort Campbell, Ky.; Fort Carson, Colo.; Fort Bliss, Texas; and Fort Leonard Wood, Mo.; as well as a Mini Mall at Fort Drum, N.Y.,  received face-lifts in 2015—all paid for with Exchange earnings. 

Exchange support to the military goes beyond Soldiers and Airmen. Because the Exchange operates at some Marine and Navy locations, funds are also returned to Marines and Sailors.

The FY 2015 dividend of $237 million was distributed as follows: 

Army:                                      $135.9M

Air Force:                                    79.5M

Marines:                                      17.2M

Navy:                                             4.4M

Total:                                      $237.0M

The Exchange’s mission of providing quality goods and services at competitively low prices while generating earnings to support quality-of-life programs means that the Exchange benefit is more than finding a good price on merchandise.

“Shoppers who take advantage of their Exchange benefit at our stores or online at www.shopmyexchange.com are working to improve their communities,” Applegate said. “100 percent of Exchange earnings support Soldiers, Airmen and their families. The Exchange is dedicated to standing alongside our service 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.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 putting some muscle into its efforts to ensure Soldiers, Airmen and families have access to the products they need to maintain healthy lifestyles. At Exchanges across the world, new BE FIT centers are opening, stocked with athletic clothing and footwear from name brands shoppers know and trust. 

“The Exchange is committed to meeting the needs of Soldiers and Airmen, and part of this dedication is giving them product choices to ensure they stay healthy,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Sean Applegate, the Exchange senior enlisted advisor. “The Exchange’s BE FIT areas are one-stop shops for products that contribute to readiness and resiliency.”

The Exchange implemented the BE FIT concept shop in late 2014 at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph. Since then, the effort has grown, with 38 shops completed in 2015. This year, 19 BE FIT shops are set to roll out. Barksdale Air Force Base and Kirtland Air Force Base debuted their shops this spring, and others are set to open this year, including at Fort Polk, Keesler Air Force Base and Fort Drum.

The BE FIT shops, located inside main Exchanges, look and feel like major sporting goods stores, with athletic apparel and footwear for men and women all in one convenient spot. BE FIT aisles are stocked with clothing and shoes from name brands including Nike, Under Armour, Adidas, New Balance, Saucony and more.  

The shops are part of a strategic initiative to bring top national brands to Soldiers, Airmen, families and retirees at competitive prices.  

“We’re listening to our shoppers and bringing them the products they’re asking for,” Applegate said. “With the BE FIT shops, the Exchange helps Soldiers and Airmen sustain a healthy lifestyle while bringing them the value and convenience they deserve.”

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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 – Military shoppers looking to ride into adventure can get the chance to take the keys to their very own Harley thanks to a sweepstakes from the Army & Air Force Exchange Service and Dr Pepper.

With the Dr Pepper Refresh, Win & Ride Sweepstakes, one lucky winner will take home a Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight motorcycle valued at $11,199. Authorized Exchange shoppers can enter from June 3 through June 30 at www.shopmyexchange.com/sweepstakes. 

“Soldiers, Airmen, family members and retirees can heat up their summer just by visiting the Exchange’s sweepstake page online,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Sean Applegate, Exchange senior enlisted advisor. “The open road awaits—and this Harley is the perfect ticket to adventure.”  

The Dr Pepper Refresh, Win & Ride drawing will take place around July 7. 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].