Exchange gives shoppers chance to win each week

Social media is a great way for military communities to stay connected during the COVID-19 pandemic. That’s why the Army & Air Force Exchange Service invites military shoppers to sound off on Facebook every Free Friday for the chance to win prizes.

Authorized Exchange shoppers can enter each Free Friday drawing by simply replying to the question posed on the Free Friday post at www.facebook.com/ShopMyExchange . Past winners have received prizes such as a new GrillSmith Executive Series 5-burner gas grill, a Courtyard Creations seven-piece patio dining set, a Husqvarna riding lawnmower, an IZOD bedding and bath set, and a Serta Perfect Sleeper queen mattress.

“Warfighters and military families are under a tremendous amount of stress right now, so we hope this year’s lineup of Free Friday drawings gives them the chance to take their minds off the uncertainty,” said Chief Master Sgt. Luis Reyes, the Exchange’s senior enlisted advisor. “Exchange shoppers have won $83,611 in Free Friday prizes since we started this program, so it has definitely paid off for our lucky winners.”

Replies must be posted on the same day of the Free Friday post to be entered into the drawing. Drawings are held on the Monday after each Free Friday giveaway. Entries made by 11:59 p.m. Central on the day of the posting will be entered into the drawing.

Honorably discharged veterans who have verified their eligibility to shop the Exchange online can also enter the Free Friday giveaways. Veterans can find out more on the Exchange's community Hub page at https://bit.ly/Vets4Life.

Layaway includes laptops, tablets

The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is helping military family members move to the head of the class this school year by extending its layaway program to include electronics essential to help students excel in the classroom.

Through Aug. 31, Exchange shoppers can use layaway to hold computers, notebooks, tablets and iPads – items that are not typically eligible for the program.

“Having the right computer or tablet can play a large role in academic success,” said Reyes. “The Exchange has done its homework, and the layaway program is a great choice to not only manage expenses for clothes, shoes and backpacks but computers as well.”

A $3 service fee and a deposit of 15 percent are required to hold items on layaway. Items must be picked up by Aug. 31. Shoppers can visit customer service at their Exchange for complete details.

Subway celebrates Exchange’s 125 years

Military shoppers can sip, rip and win at their local Army & Air Force Exchange Service Subway restaurants – to the tune of $2 million.

In honor of the Exchange’s 125 years of serving the military community, Subway will feature peel-and-win game pieces on cups at participating Exchange locations. Prizes in the “Sip. Rip. Ultimate Trip.” sweepstakes include dream vacations, shopping sprees, gift cards and more.

“What better way to celebrate the Exchange’s anniversary than by giving away great prizes to our deserving service members, retirees and their families?” said Reyes. “The Exchange is thrilled to partner with Subway for this incredible milestone.”

Prizes include:

• 10 family vacations, up to $25,000 each;

• 100 Exchange shopping sprees of $10,000 each;

• 100 $1,000 Exchange gift cards;

• 300 $100 Subway gift cards;

• 500 $50 Subway gift cards;

• 170,000 free Subway subs, chips and cookies.

No purchase necessary to win. For alternative method of entry and complete rules, visit www.ExchangeSubwayPromos.com .

Exchange celebrating 125 years with sweepstakes

There’s lots for military shoppers to celebrate as the Army & Air Force Exchange Service marks 125 years of serving those who serve.

The Exchange’s 125th anniversary is July 25 and in honor of the milestone, the Department of Defense’s largest retailer is hosting several sweepstakes with more than $8,500 in prizes.

Authorized Exchange shoppers 18 years and older can enter the sweepstakes at www.ShopMyExchange.com/sweepstakes. Honorably discharged veterans who have verified their eligibility to shop the Exchange online can enter the sweepstakes, too. Veterans can find out more on the Exchange's community Hub page at https://bit.ly/Vets4Life.

Until July 30, shoppers can enter the following sweepstakes:

• GoPro Sweepstakes – Five winners will receive a $500 Exchange shopping spree and a GoPro HERO8 Black waterproof action camera.

• Hoverboard Sweepstakes – Three winners will receive a GOTRAX Hoverfly Ion hoverboard.

Additional sweepstakes, running to July 30 are available for Exchange shoppers:

• Schwinn Bike Sweepstakes – Five winners will receive a Schwinn High Timber mountain bike.

• Bell Helmet Sweepstakes – Ten winners will receive a Bell bicycle helmet.

• Callaway Golf Club Set Sweepstakes – Four winners will receive a Callaway Strata golf club set.

• Golf, Gift & Gallery Sweepstakes – Five grand-prize winners will receive a 9-foot putting track; five second-place winners will receive a putting mat; five third-place winners will receive a trunk locker; five fourth-place winners will receive a golfer’s pool game; and five fifth-place winners will receive a barbecue set.

“This is a big anniversary for the Exchange and we’re celebrating by doing what we love most: Rewarding our incredible service members and their families,” said Reyes. “It is truly an honor to support our heroes every day.”

Rules for each sweepstakes can be found at www.ShopMyExchange.com/sweepstakes.

Connecting military kids with football pros

Football camp may be out of the question this summer, but military kids can still get some training in thanks to the Army & Air Force Exchange Service, Procter & Gamble and six real-life football stars.

Until July 20, Facebook Live ProCamps featuring professional football players will be held at www.facebook.com/ProCamps (all times Eastern). Remaining events include:

• July 13 (9 a.m.) – Andre Roberts, Buffalo Bills

• July 15 (9 a.m.) – Latavius Murray, New Orleans Saints

• July 18 (10 a.m.) – Malcolm Perry, Miami Dolphins

• July 20 (10 a.m.) – Kyle Rudolph, Minnesota Vikings

During each 90-minute session, the player will go through four different drills, which kids can practice along with from home with little or no equipment. Viewers can also submit questions during the session for a chance to get an on-air answer from the athlete.

“As military families continue to practice social distancing during the pandemic, it’s important to make sure kids stay physically active,” said Reyes. “This is a great way for kids to not only get some exercise but make star-studded memories that will last a lifetime.”

Each event will also feature pre-selected videos of military kids from installations doing a real NFL training drill and asking the athlete a question.

Anyone can send Exchange gift cards to troops

Civilians who want to spread patriotic cheer can reward service members and their families with gift cards from the Army & Air Force Exchange Service.

Anyone can show their support for the troops by purchasing gift cards from the Exchange's website, ShopMyExchange.com.

Physical gift cards can be used at any Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps or Coast Guard exchange worldwide, as well as at ShopMyExchange.com, MyNavyExchange.com and ShopCGX.com.

eGift cards that never expire can be sent to any authorized Exchange shopper but can only be used at ShopMyExchange.com.

“An Exchange gift card is an affordable way to recognize our nation’s service members, retirees and veterans,” said Reyes.

Veterans who have signed up for their lifelong Exchange online benefit can also use gift cards to shop the online exchanges. Veterans can find out more on the Exchange's community Hub page at https://bit.ly/Vets4Life.

Civilians can purchase gift cards ranging from $10 to $500 addressed to a specific Soldier, Airman, Sailor, Marine, retiree or veteran by visiting ShopMyExchange.com and clicking "Purchase Gift Cards" at the bottom of the page. Authorized shoppers can also purchase gift cards through their ShopMyExchange.com accounts.

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