Lt. Gen. Raymond Mason, former Chairman of the Exchange Board of Directors and Army Staff Lead for the Interagency Advisory Group on the Department of Defense\u2019s 50th<\/sup> Commemoration, presented Shull with the proclamation and flag.<\/p>\n \u201cJust like our warfighters today, those fighting in Vietnam were doing multiple tours and, frankly, we didn\u2019t welcome them home the way we should have,\u201d said Mason. \u201cNow, we are finally doing the right thing in honoring these Veterans and I want to thank Tom and the Exchange for taking on this mission.\u201d<\/p>\n The 50th<\/sup> Anniversary Vietnam War Commemorative Partner Program is designed for agencies to assist a grateful nation in thanking and honoring Vietnam veterans and their families. Commemorative Partners participate by planning and conducting events and activities that recognize Vietnam Veterans and their families for service, valor and sacrifice.<\/p>\n From Ho Chi Minh to Hue, the Exchange\u2019s presence in Vietnam brought a taste of home to those serving in the war. The Exchange continues to carry out its \u201cWe Go Where You Go\u201d mission to this day as there are currently 35 Exchanges providing support to Soldiers and Airmen in Afghanistan.<\/p>\n — 30 —<\/p>\n 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. \u00a0The 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<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n ###<\/p>\n Media Notes:<\/strong><\/p>\n For more information or to schedule an interview with an Exchange representative please contact Chris Ward, 214-312-2714<\/a><\/span> or wardchr@aafes.com.<\/p>\n\t