DALLAS – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service and Ghirardelli Chocolate are teaming up to bring the sweet taste of victory to a six military shoppers.

 The grand-prize winner of the Ghirardelli Sweepstakes will receive a $1,000 Exchange gift card. Two runners-up will net $500 gift cards, and three-third place winners each will pocket a $250 gift card. Authorized shoppers 18 and older can enter at www.shopmyexchange.com/sweepstakes.

“With the holiday shopping season upon us, some extra spending money would certainly come in handy,” said Col. Karen Fleming, the Exchange’s Deputy Director, Logistics. “Entering the sweepstakes is as easy as visiting shopmyexchange.com.”

No purchase is necessary to win. Winners will be notified on or around Dec. 19.

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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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U.S. ARMY GARRISION HUMPHREYS – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service cut the ribbon on its troop store and mini mall at U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys, making it the Exchange’s first new facility to open on the installation as the military community’s population prepares to more than triple during the next several years.

The much-anticipated $6.2 million project, which was 42 months in the making, was made possible by the Exchange’s partnership with U.S./Republic of Korea Alliance, Camp Humphreys command and directorates, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Dosan Construction Co.

“This five-way partnership set the path and joined forces over the past years to ensure that the military patrons of this community had an outstanding variety of services and selection, further enhancing the shopping experience,” Maj. Gen. James Walton, U.S. Forces Korea’s director of Transformation and Restationing, said during the Nov. 8 ribbon-cutting. “This complex is the first Exchange facility opening in support of the units transitioning to Camp Humphreys.”

The 24,000-square-foot store includes an Express that features healthy grab-and-go fare and an expanded selection of household goods to support Soldiers living in the nearby dorms. The building also houses a food court, with Starbucks, Taco Bell, Subway and seating for about 120 diners. A dry cleaners, barber shop and Military Auto Source round out the offerings. The facility, with dining and services in one convenient stop, delivers a lifeline to America and a taste of home for troops serving so far from home.

“I’m very impressed with the mini mall,” said Capt. Edwin Hojin Jang, Commander, 643rd Engineer Support Company. “It’s a lot bigger than I imagined. I think it’s great it’s located out here in the ‘new land.’ Having this available to our Soldiers is a great addition and will help boost morale.”

At the ribbon-cutting, Exchange Overseas Region Senior Vice President Karin Duncan celebrated the Soldiers and families.

“I’d like to thank our customers,” Duncan said. “Their continued patronage helps us bring new and improved facilities and services worldwide.”

Every time Soldiers and families shop at new Express, grab dinner at the food court or use the dry cleaners or other services, they are working to make life better at Humphreys. Roughly two-thirds of Exchange earnings support military Quality-of-Life programs.

“The Exchange contributed nearly $800,000 to Humphreys Quality-of-Life programs last year,” Duncan said. “As we open the doors today, these facilities will contribute additional dividends to this installation to further improve the quality of life for all service members.”

During the next several years as troops are relocated from USAG Yongsan and Camp Casey, the military community population will more than triple at Humphreys from about 10,000 to roughly 36,000 Soldiers, civilians and family members. A new 301,000-square-foot Exchange shopping center is also being constructed to support the growing military population.

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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 Sgt. 1^st Class Luke Graziani, DSN 315-645-7703 or [email protected].

Follow the Exchange:

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/shopmyexchange

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/shopmyexchange

Instagram: @shopmyexchange

DALLAS – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is putting family first this Thanksgiving as it opens doors Black Friday morning.

“The Exchange is family serving family—85 percent of our associates share a connection with the military,” said Army Col. Juan Saldivar, command engineer for the Exchange’s Real Estate directorate. “The Exchange plans to honor that connection by keeping main stores closed out of respect for those who wish to spend Thanksgiving with friends and family.”

Exchange Main Stores will open their doors on Black Friday to offer deals on the hottest holiday gift items, including a Hewlett Packard 15.6 inch Notebook for just $149, a MacBook Air for only $589 and $130 off a Chef’s 17-piece cookware set. Additionally, the Exchange’s entire stock of prestige handbags will be 25 percent off.

Stores will open at 4 a.m. Black Friday in the continental United States, 5 a.m. in Guam, 7 a.m. in the Pacific and 8 a.m. in Europe. The savings will continue with additional deals through the weekend—check your local Exchange for Saturday and Sunday operating hours.

Shoppers can also log on to shopmyexchange.com starting at 5 a.m. Eastern Standard Time Thanksgiving Day to get a head start on holiday deals from the comfort of their own homes. Special offers include a Vizio 70-inch 4K Ultra HD Smart Display TV for just $999, a Michael Kors Jet Set travel bag for just $99 and buy one get one free when you buy a Ashley Furniture rocker recliner for just $399. Black Friday weekend deals will also be available at shopmyexchange.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].

Follow the Exchange:
Facebook:  www.facebook.com/shopmyexchange
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/shopmyexchange
Instagram: @shopmyexchange

DALLAS – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is giving military shoppers the chance to move on some serious savings early next year during the PODS Sweepstakes.

Through Jan. 5, Exchange shoppers can enter to win a $500 Exchange gift card courtesy of PODS. Four runners-up will each win a $250 Exchange gift card.

“Who wouldn’t want to kick off 2017 with an extra $500?” said Col. Karen Fleming, the Exchange’s Deputy Director, Logistics. “If your New Year’s resolution is to rake in a little extra dough, why not give it a shot? Who knows, you may be one of our lucky winners.”

Authorized shoppers age 18 and older can enter the PODS Sweepstakes at shopmyexchange.com/sweepstakes. 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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Media Notes:

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

Follow the Exchange:
Facebook:  www.facebook.com/shopmyexchange
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/shopmyexchange
Instagram: @shopmyexchange

DALLAS – Military shoppers looking to dig in to tasty holiday shopping better bring a big appetite to the Exchange after Thanksgiving as the Army & Air Force Exchange Service serves up a buffet of deals.

The feast begins Black Friday with a cornucopia of deals on electronics, jewelry, clothing and everything in between. Shoppers will find a Hewlett Packard 15.6 inch Notebook for just $149; up to 35 percent off on Whirlpool and Maytag appliances; and Chef’s 17-piece cookware set discounted $130. Additionally, the entire stock of prestige handbags will be 25 percent off.

Saturday’s harvest of savings includes 50-inch Samsung 4K Smart TVs for $399; iPad mini 4s for just $249, a $140 savings; Armitron analog/digital watches at 50 percent off; and Ninja Master Prep professional food processors for $39.

“The Exchange team has been preparing these sizzling deals for nearly a half year now,” said Army Col. Juan Saldivar, command engineer for the Exchange’s Real Estate directorate.  “We’re excited about the menu of value and excitement we’ve put together to help make this holiday season truly special for military families.”

The deals continue on Cyber Monday through Dec. 1 as online shoppers will find $1,999 Sony 4K LED Smart TVs for $1,300; 30 percent off Travelpro, Heys America and Samsonite luggage; all TAG Heuer watches marked down 20 percent; and 13.5-inch Microsoft Surface Books for $1,249, a $250 savings.

“In addition to the great savings at our brick and mortar locations, the online specials will be updated and changed daily throughout the holiday season,” said Saldivar.

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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 easier for military shoppers to keep in-demand gifts hidden away until the big day by extending fee-free layaway to computers, notebooks and laptops for a limited time.

Through Dec. 14, Exchange shoppers can use layaway to hold computers, notebooks, tablets and iPads—items that are not typically eligible for the program. The $3 layaway fee will be waived as well.

“Computers, notebooks and laptops are popular gifts, and the Exchange’s layaway program keeps these purchases safely tucked away from prying eyes this holiday season,” said Army Col. Karen Fleming, Exchange logistics deputy director.

Layaway will not be offered for computers, laptops and notebooks purchased Thanksgiving weekend, Nov. 25-26. A deposit of 15 percent is 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.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 Julie Mitchell, 214-312-3327 or [email protected].

Follow the Exchange:

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/shopmyexchange

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/shopmyexchange

Instagram: @shopmyexchange

DALLAS – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service will continue its celebration of active duty troops and military families by giving authorized shoppers a chance to win $10,000 in Exchange gift cards during the month of November.

One grand prize winner will receive a $5,000 Exchange gift card, while five runners-up will each receive a $1,000 Exchange gift card. Shoppers worldwide can enter at shopmyexchange.com/sweepstakes through Nov. 30.

The sweepstakes is part of the Exchange’s Because of You program, which has expanded in 2016 to celebrate military families as well as honor active-duty troops, allowing the Exchange to express gratitude for their service and sacrifice.

“The Exchange has a deep respect for the contributions of active-duty service members and military families—after all, 12 percent of our associates are Veterans, and 85 percent of  Exchange associates enjoy a family connection with our military,” said Col. Karen Fleming, the Exchange’s Deputy Director, Logistics. “That’s why we offer sweepstakes such as these—to show ‘the best customers in the world’ how grateful the Exchange team is to be of service to them and their families, wherever they are called to serve.”

Shoppers age 18 and older are eligible to enter. 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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Media Notes:

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

Follow the Exchange:

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/shopmyexchange
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/shopmyexchange
Instagram: @shopmyexchange

DALLAS – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is ensuring military families impacted by the Colonial Pipeline shutdown have the fuel they need at fair prices.

Since the pipeline was shut down, the price to procure fuel has risen significantly, and the Exchange has had to source fuel from alternative supply points, some as far as 200 miles from typical sources.

Despite the increased supply chain costs, the Exchange is still providing fuel to Exchange customers at a fair, competitive price. At Fort Bragg, this means the Exchange is providing service members and military families with fuel at 13 cents below the cost the Exchange pays suppliers.

For Soldiers like Sgt. 1st Class Neville Davis, this means he and his wife, who also works on post, can make the 15-mile commute from home every day without breaking the family budget. It also enables them to visit their daughter, who attends college about two hours away, at least twice a month.

“Myself and the other Soldiers at Bragg appreciate the lengths the Exchange has gone to keep fuel prices fair, and I know their family members do too,” Davis said. “Everybody knows the average cost around here is going to go up, so it’s hard, especially for the lower enlisted, to pay those prices just to come to work.”

As of now, Exchange fueling stations in areas affected by the pipeline shutdown are operating at 99 percent capacity. The Exchange is closely monitoring the status of the pipeline and is working with its suppliers to ensure minimal disruption.

“The Exchange is committed to providing military service members and their families with the fuel they need—no matter the cost to the Exchange,” said Army Col. Juan Saldivar, command engineer for the Exchange’s Real Estate directorate.

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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].

Follow the Exchange:
Facebook:  www.facebook.com/shopmyexchange
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/shopmyexchange
Instagram: @shopmyexchange

DALLAS – As store-branded credit cards across the United States charge record-high interest rates, the MILITARY STAR card has the lowest flat interest rate among cards offered by America’s Top 100 retailers, according to a new report from CreditCards.com.

The report states that more than half of retail-branded cards carry an APR of at least 25 percent, with some reaching as high as 30. The MILITARY STAR card’s flat rate is 10.49 percent, nearly a third of the highest-interest credit card evaluated by the report.

Almost all service members who apply for a MILITARY STAR card are approved, automatically qualifying them for the 10.49 percent interest rate.

“The Army & Air Force Exchange Service strives to provide a credit product that adds value to the lives of Soldiers, Airmen and their families,” said Retired Army Col. Thomas Ockenfels, the Exchange’s Director of Staff. “From the holidays to PCS season, the MILITARY STAR card has military families covered—under terms that are fair for those who work so hard to keep this country safe.”

The MILITARY STAR card exclusively helps military service members and their families with their financial needs, offering no annual, late or over-limit fees and no back-interest when 0 percent promotions expire. For more information and to apply, visit 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.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].

Follow the Exchange:
Facebook:  www.facebook.com/shopmyexchange
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/shopmyexchange
Instagram: @shopmyexchange

DALLAS – The Exchange is keeping a steady supply of fuel rolling to Express locations in the Southeastern United States following the shutdown of the Colonial Pipeline.

Trucks are loading fuel from alternative supply points, some as far as 100 to 200 miles from typical sources, to ensure customers across the region are served with minimal disruption.

“We are doing whatever is necessary to get the fuel our customers need to installations,” said Troy Seymour, director of fuel programs for the Exchange. “There is no need to panic—there is enough product, and at any given time tankers full of fuel are on the way. In the meantime, we ask that shoppers continue their normal fuel consumption habits and not use more than they need.”

During this time, the Exchange will continue its normal policy of setting fuel prices equal to the lowest price surveyed at local competitors for each grade of fuel sold.

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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].

Follow the Exchange:

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/shopmyexchange
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/shopmyexchange
Instagram: @shopmyexchange