Support the Troops with Exchange Gift Cards

By AAFES PAOOctober 11, 2013

-- It's not the gift, but the thought that counts. This year the Army & Air Force Exchange Service is offering any American the opportunity to get them both right by purchasing an Exchange gift card for any servicemember with just a few clicks.

"Gift cards give Soldiers and Airmen the choice to buy the things they need when they want them," said Exchange Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Tony Pearson. "An Exchange gift card is especially great if you want to show your support for the troops, but just don't quite know how."

Gift cards offer a unique take on the idea of sending servicemembers care packages. The Exchange operates more than 30 Exchanges in contingency locations including Afghanistan, Jordan and Kuwait. Sending a gift card instead of a care package allows troops to choose the name brands and products they want, saving the sender unnecessary and costly postage fees.

While only authorized military shoppers can redeem Exchange gift cards, any American can send one by simply logging on to www.shopmyexchange.com and clicking "Support Your Troops" and then the "Gift and Calling Cards" icon.

From there, Exchange gift cards, ranging in values from $10 to $500, can be addressed to a specific Soldier, Airman, Sailor or Marine or sent to "any service member" through the Fisher House Foundation, Air Force Aid Society, Warrior and Family Support Center or Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society.

The Exchange operates facilities for service members, retirees and their families in more than 30 countries, 50 states and five U.S. territories. Current operations include 131 main stores, 174 Military Clothing facilities, 72 movie theaters, 850 specialty stores and 1,590 quick serve restaurants such as Taco Bell, Popeye's and Starbucks.