Americans can give deployed troops a taste of home this Fourth of July

DALLAS – Everyday Americans can give troops deployed overseas a taste of home this Fourth of July with an Army & Air Force Exchange Service gift card.

gift cardsGift cards that can be redeemed through the Department of Defense’s largest exchange service can be sent to Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors and Marines deployed to Afghanistan and other contingency locations worldwide. Service members can use the cards to pick up a variety of morale-boosting items including electronics, magazines, movies, food and cold drinks.

“It’s very important for troops to have those small, but needed, reminders in their lives of loved ones back home,” said the Exchange’s Chief of Staff Col. Tom Ockenfels. “Exchange gift cards provide tangible support to those who answer the call to protect America’s freedom.”

While only authorized military shoppers can redeem Exchange gift cards, any American can send one by simply logging on to http://www.shopmyexchange.com/Community/supporttroops/.

From there, Exchange gift cards, ranging in values from $10 to $500, can be addressed to a specific Soldier, Airman, Sailor or Marine or sent to “any service member” through the Fisher House Foundation, Air Force Aid Society, Warrior and Family Support Center or Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society.

The Exchange operates facilities for service members, retirees and their families in more than 30 countries, 50 states and five U.S. territories. Current operations include 131 main stores, 174 Military Clothing facilities, 72 movie theaters, 850 specialty stores and 1,590 quick serve restaurants such as Taco Bell, Popeye’s and Starbucks.

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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 Conner Hammett, 214-312-4566 or [email protected].