Good Grades Pay Off at the Exchange

MEDIA CONTACT: Chris Ward
MEDIA ADVISORY: 12-063
RELEASE DATE: Oct. 17, 2012

DALLAS – According to the Military Child Education Coalition, an estimated 80 percent of military connected children are forced to move between 6-9 times as they complete their K-12 education and, along with geographical moves, comes changes in educational settings and curriculums.

With these unique challenges in mind, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service rewards military students who excel. In fact, schoolchildren who receive a report card with an overall “B” average or better can pick up an array of free and discounted products through the Exchange’s “You Made the Grade” program.

Now in its 12th year, “You Made the Grade” offers include a free Burger King hamburger kids meal, Subway 6-inch combo, a magazine of their choice and even a complimentary haircut, to name a few.

Students “making the grade” can also register for a drawing to win a $2,000, $1,500 or $500 Exchange gift card.

“Military students who excel in the classroom despite multiple moves and deploying parents deserve to be recognized,” said the Exchange’s Chief of Staff Col. Tom Ockenfels. “While good grades are their own reward, this program recognizes the hard work and dedication required of pupils at the head of the class.”

To receive a “You Made the Grade” booklet, eligible students can simply present a valid military ID and proof of an overall “B” or better average to their local Exchange. Students may receive one coupon package for every qualifying report card, but may enter the gift card drawing only once per grading period.

Military families can contact their local Exchange for more information about “You Made the Grade.” Contact information is available through the “Your Exchange” link at www.shopmyexchange.com.

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The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is a joint non-appropriated fund instrumentality of the Department of Defense and is directed by a Board of Directors which is responsible to the Secretaries of the Army and the Air Force through the Service Chiefs of Staff.  The Exchange has the dual mission of providing authorized patrons with quality merchandise and services at competitively low prices and generating non-appropriated fund earnings as a supplemental source of funding for military morale, welfare and recreation programs. To find out more about the Exchange history and mission or to view recent press releases please visit our Web site at http://www.shopmyexchange.com.

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Media Notes:

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