MEDIA CONTACT:\u00a0Judd Anstey
\nMEDIA ADVISORY: 11-030
\nRELEASE DATE:\u00a0June 27,\u00a02011<\/p>\n
DALLAS<\/strong> \u2013 Social Security numbers are enjoying the top-secret clearance they have always deserved as the Department of Defense has removed the nine digit number from Identification Cards issued after June 1, 2011.<\/p>\n Authorized Exchange shoppers who receive the new ID will notice some changes when writing a check, putting something on layaway or making a return at an Army & Air Force Exchange Service facility.<\/p>\n The absence of the Social Security number, the only number used by DoD for financial transactions to recover lost funds, means that cashiers will scan the new IDs to facilitate certain financial transactions.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ve spent a great deal of time upgrading our systems to recognize the new IDs and provide these services without interruption,\u201d said the Exchange\u2019s Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief MSgt. Jeffry Helm. \u201cThe scanning process not only is more convenient, but also helps protect service members\u2019 personal data. So whether the ID is old or new, authorized shoppers have the proper \u2018security clearance\u2019 to exercise their Exchange benefit and shop with peace of mind.\u201d<\/p>\n While not a new process, scanning for the DoD ID number to complete select transactions assists in guarding the investment authorized shoppers make in their communities. A military command with a retail mission, two-thirds of Exchange earnings are paid to morale, welfare and recreation programs. Procedures that protect assets helped the Exchange to contribute more than $2.4 billion to quality-of-life improvements over the past decade in support of youth services, Armed Forces Recreation Centers, arts and crafts, aquatic centers, golf courses and more.<\/p>\n Information concerning the DoD\u2019s new Smart Card is available online at dmdc.osd.mil\/smartcard<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u00a0 \u201330 \u2013<\/p>\n \u00a0The 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 Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) 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 \u00a0###<\/p>\n \u00a0Media Notes:\u00a0 <\/strong>For more information or to schedule an interview with an Exchange representative please contact Judd Anstey, 214-312-3861 or Anstey@aafes.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n\t