Exchange Raises Awareness for Army Emergency Relief at a Greenbrier Military Tribute
Retired LTG Raymond V. Mason, director of Army Emergency Relief, left, talks with the Exchange’s VSO/MSO Outreach Manager Jose Hernandez in front of a mobile field Exchange at A Military Tribute at the Greenbrier, the first stop of the 2019-2020 PGA Tour.
WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. – The Exchange is spreading the word about its dedication to troops worldwide and its commitment to supporting Army Emergency Relief during A Military Tribute at the Greenbrier, the first stop of the 2019-2020 PGA Tour.
A 53-foot mobile field Exchange (MFE) onsite at the tournament highlights the Department of Defense retailer’s capability to deploy downrange and quickly after natural disasters. Since World War II, these Exchanges on wheels have provided food, drinks, hygiene items and supplies to service members, showcasing the retailer’s “we go where you go” mission.
Retired LTG Raymond V. Mason, director of Army Emergency Relief, invited the Exchange to participate in the military tribute at the Greenbrier golf classic. AER is at the tournament to raise awareness of its mission to provide grants and zero-interest loans to Soldiers and their families when they need it most.
“Growing up, I’ve been around AAFES and PXs all my life,” Mason said. “Of all the partners I’d want to have with AER at the Greenbrier, the Exchange came right to the top. The Exchange demonstrates that we are all about taking care of our own. AAFES is there when you need it. As the song goes, ‘When we were needed, we were there.’ The Exchange is the same way. It was a natural choice, an obvious choice to have AAFES here. What a partnership it is!”
Jose Hernandez, the Exchange’s veterans service organization and military service organization outreach manager, said Exchange presence at the Greenbrier is raising awareness of the Exchange’s relevancy and mission.
“It is a privilege to be here with AER,” said Hernandez, who served in the Army for 26 years, retiring as a lieutenant colonel. “We’ve shared the Exchange mission with PGA golfers, spectators—even school children. In fact, one schoolteacher was moved to tears when she learned how the Exchange cares for troops overseas, bringing them a taste of home and a lifeline to America.”
The MFE also highlights the Exchange’s partnership with AER and the Air Force Assistance Fund. Anyone who visits the MFE during the Greenbrier tournament through Sept. 15 can give on the spot via a donation box.
Shoppers can donate to AER and the Air Force Assistance Fund online anytime at ShopMyExchange.com/give. Three times a year, shoppers can donate in person or online during Give and Get Back. During these special periods, for every $5 donated, shoppers receive an Exchange coupon for $5 off a $25 purchase.
2019’s second Give and Get Back campaign runs from Sept. 13 to Sept. 17. The third and final giving period will be during the holiday shopping season, from Dec. 6 to 10.
