Lackland Exchange Spreads Holiday Cheer To Air Force Recruits
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND – Holiday spirit filled the air at Joint Base San Antonio- Lackland’s Exchange as 2,000 Air Force Basic Military Training recruits were treated to a special shopping event Dec. 6.
The Exchange opened extra early at 6 a.m., allowing busloads of recruits, who will
spend their holidays in basic training, to shop for gifts for their family and friends without interrupting their busy training schedule. A DJ, dance and trivia contests as well as giveaways kept the mood merry and bright. Recruits picked up free items from YourSoles Insoles, M&M Mars, Coca-Cola, Jack Black Cosmetics, Hershey’s and other vendors.
After shopping, recruits rode buses back to JBSA’s Basic Military Training reception center, where volunteers helped wrap their gifts. Recruits were then taken to the Exchange’s The UPS Store to have gifts shipped back home.
“Basic training is stressful, and this event has been a nice experience,” said Dominick Newland from Hockamo, Ind.
Lackland Exchange Store Manager John Burk called the event a success.
“These young men and women are missing the holidays with their families—often for the first time in their lives,” Burk said. “Doing something special for them helps us embrace the true spirit of the holidays.”
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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.shopmyexchange.com 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].