DALLAS – Throughout 2016, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service will continue its Because of You program, expanding it to honor not only service members but also their families.

“Military families deal with unique challenges, including stress from deployments and frequent moves,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Sean Applegate, the Exchange’s senior enlisted advisor. “The focus of the Because of You program for 2016 allows the Exchange to express gratitude for not only the sacrifices of active-duty service members, but also military spouses and children.”

The Exchange launched Because of You in 2015, using monthly contests to reward authorized shoppers while saluting the military through themes that honored active-duty service members. Last year, the Exchange and vendor partners awarded more than $175,000 in prizes, including Exchange gift cards, trips, MILITARY STAR_® card statement credits and more. 

In 2016, the program will continue to honor service members while celebrating the contributions of the military family. Themes will focus on military spouses, children, parents, veterans—and even pets. The Exchange is planning several contests throughout the year to support the program, with the first contest expected to kick off in April.

“The sacrifices of service members and their families all over the world are inspiring,” Applegate said. “They are true American heroes, and this program is one small way the Exchange can say ‘thank you’ and give back to them.  The Exchange looks forward to honoring troops and families throughout the year.”  

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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].

This entry was posted on Tuesday, January 19th, 2016 at 10:54 and is filed under Press Release. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.