{"id":141,"date":"2011-03-04T16:58:35","date_gmt":"2011-03-04T22:58:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/publicaffairs-sme.com\/pressrelease\/?p=141"},"modified":"2011-03-07T10:58:55","modified_gmt":"2011-03-07T16:58:55","slug":"exchange-benefit-endures-for-retirees","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/publicaffairs-sme.com\/pressrelease\/?p=141","title":{"rendered":"Exchange Benefit Endures for Retirees"},"content":{"rendered":"

MEDIA CONTACT: Chris Ward
\nMEDIA ADVISORY: 11-011
\nRELEASE DATE:\u00a0March 2011<\/p>\n

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DALLAS \u2013 <\/strong>The Exchange Retiree Advisory Council (ERAC)<\/a> has drafted a new charter and committed to a new focus for 2011. The group recently convened at the Army & Air Force Exchange Service\u2019s headquarters in Dallas, TX to discuss opportunities to focus efforts on behalf of the largest group of authorized Exchange patrons – retirees.<\/p>\n

As part of the renewed effort, the Council will meet bi-annually with the Exchange\u2019s Commander, Maj. Gen. Bruce Casella, and other members of management to exchange information about operations which impact service to retiree patrons. Council members will also assist in advocating the exchange benefit to the retiree community while advising the Commander on issues of concern to the military retirees.<\/p>\n

The composition of the Council has been increased to include additional military offices and associations. Member organizations include Army Retirement Services Office, Air Force Retiree Services, Army Chief of Staff\u2019s Retiree Council, Air Force Retiree Council, Association of the U.S. Army, Air Force Association, Military Officers Association of America, Reserve Officers Association, Non-Commissioned Officers Association, The Retired Enlisted Association and National Guard Association of the United States.<\/p>\n

\u201cAt approximately 2.3 million, retirees account for 26 percent of the Exchange\u2019s 12.3 million authorized shoppers,\u201d said Casella. \u201cThe changes to the charter will allow for a more diverse and broader outreach representation on the Council.\u201d<\/p>\n

The ERAC was established to assist the CG in being responsive to the needs of the military retiree community. The Council obtains advice, views and recommendations from knowledgeable individuals and organizations while promoting the Exchange benefit.<\/p>\n

At their recent meeting at the Exchange\u2019s headquarters, the group heard from leadership on Exchange contingency operations, sales, Exchange Credit, real estate as well as outreach programs and discussed opportunities to better communicate the Exchange benefit to the retiree community.<\/p>\n

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The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is a joint command 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 articles of merchandise and services and generating non-appropriated fund earnings as a supplemental source of funding for military Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (FMWR) 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<\/span>.<\/p>\n

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Media Notes:<\/strong><\/p>\n

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For more information or to schedule an interview with an Exchange representative please contact Chris Ward, 214-312-2714 or wardchr@aafes.com.<\/p>\n\t

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