The Exchange is among the organizations named to the publication\u2019s 2013 Best of the Best list, making the cut in the \u201cTop Veteran-Friendly Companies,\u201d \u201cTop Supplier Diversity Programs\u201d and \u201cTop Government and Law Enforcement Agencies\u201d categories.<\/p>\n
Ten percent of the Exchange\u2019s workforce consists of veterans, and an additional 24 percent are military spouses or family members. One of the Exchange\u2019s goals for 2013 is to increase veteran management hires 33 percent over the number hired in 2012.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s essential to the Exchange\u2019s mission to welcome our veterans with open arms, and that extends to their families as well,\u201d said Exchange\u2019s Chief of Staff Col. Thomas Ockenfels. \u201cThis recognition further validates our efforts toward providing veterans and their families with solid, rewarding job and career opportunities, and we are honored that U.S. Veterans Magazine<\/em> considers us one of the \u2018Best of the Best.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n The list, which included private companies, government agencies and educational institutions, was compiled from market research and independent research, diversity conference participation, and survey responses. Hundreds of companies submitted applications to be included in the list.<\/p>\n The list will be published in the summer issue of U.S. Veterans Magazine<\/em>, on newsstands Aug. 15.<\/p>\n \u00a0Information on the Exchange\u2019s veteran hiring programs can be found at www.shopmyexchange.com\/AboutExchange\/Careers\/militaryfamilies.htm<\/a>.<\/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>.<\/p>\n ###<\/p>\n Media Notes:<\/strong><\/p>\n For more information or to schedule an interview with an Exchange representative please contact Conner Hammett, 214-312-2132<\/a><\/span> or hammetc@aafes.com.<\/p>\n\t