{"id":2176,"date":"2015-10-27T11:35:33","date_gmt":"2015-10-27T16:35:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/publicaffairs-sme.com\/pressrelease\/?p=2176"},"modified":"2015-10-27T11:35:33","modified_gmt":"2015-10-27T16:35:33","slug":"exchange-essay-contest-highlights-vietnam-battle-buddies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/publicaffairs-sme.com\/pressrelease\/?p=2176","title":{"rendered":"Exchange Essay Contest Highlights Vietnam Battle Buddies"},"content":{"rendered":"

DALLAS \u2013 <\/b>The Army & Air Force Exchange Service, along with Nautilus, is commemorating the 50th<\/sup> anniversary of the Vietnam War with an essay contest to honor the heroes who served and the \u201cbattle buddies\u201d who saw them through.<\/p>\n

With the Exchange\u2019s My Vietnam Battle Buddy essay contest, Exchange shoppers are invited to share stories of their Vietnam War battle buddies and how their lives were affected by their time of service together. \u00a0The first-place winner will take home a Schwinn 470 Elliptical valued at $799. Second place wins a Schwinn 270 Recumbent worth $469, while two third-place winners will each receive a Schwinn 170 Upright valued at $379.<\/p>\n

From Oct. 30 through Nov. 20, authorized Exchange shoppers can send their essays to patriotfamily@aafes.com<\/a>. Entries must include full name, mailing address, email address and telephone number. Essays should be 200 words or fewer.<\/p>\n

\u201cMany Exchange shoppers who served in Vietnam will be able to relate to having a battle buddy\u201d said Richard Pils, who served as an Army captain in Vietnam and works in the Exchange\u2019s Merchandising Directorate at its Dallas headquarters. \u201cHearing their stories of service helps us all remember the selfless sacrifice of these heroes.\u201d<\/p>\n

The My Vietnam Battle Buddy essay contest is part of the Exchange\u2019s participation in the 50th<\/sup> Anniversary Vietnam War Commemorative Partner Program, designed for federal, state and local agencies to thank and honor Vietnam veterans and their families.<\/p>\n

Additional information and instructions can be found at the Exchange\u2019s Patriot Family Connection site at www.shopmyexchange.com\/patriot-family<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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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.\u00a0 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.htm<\/a> or follow us on Twitter at https:\/\/twitter.com\/ExchangePAO<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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