Army & Air Force Exchange Service
News Release
ORLANDO, Fla. –The lifelong, tax-free shopping benefit at ShopMyExchange.com continues to resonate with veterans, who have saved more than $5.8 million in sales tax since the benefit launched in 2017.
At the 120th VFW National Convention in Orlando, July 20–24, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service spread the word about the change in Department of Defense policy that allows all honorably discharged veterans to shop military exchanges online. Veterans applauded the benefit, which thanks them for their service while reconnecting them to their military communities.
For Troy Maroney, a VFW member from Post 2118 in Brookings, S.D., the online shopping benefit makes him feel appreciated.
“I shopped online when I was actively in the Army Reserves, and I think it’s wonderful I can shop again,” Maroney said. Maroney served for 13 years. “This means I will shop more with the Exchange, especially knowing it’s our Exchange.”
Since the benefit launched in 2017, more than 90,000 Veterans have used their shopping privileges at ShopMyExchange.com. In 2019, Veterans have comprised 12% of the Exchange’s online shopping base.
Bob Hendrickson, Kentucky’s officer for the VFW National Council of Administration, visits ShopMyExchange.com regularly.
“It’s nice to save money,” said Hendrickson, who served in the Air Force for 10 years. “Veterans can get really good deals compared to the outside. Economically, it’s just a good deal.”
Jose Hernandez, a retired Army lieutenant colonel who manages the Exchange’s Veteran and military outreach program, is encouraged that word is reaching the 15 million Veterans eligible to shop online.
“Veterans gave a piece of themselves for this Nation,” said Hernandez, who thanked Veterans personally at the VFW convention. “The Exchange has gone where they’ve gone—and we are still here for them. This benefit gives them the gratitude and appreciation they earned and deserve.”
Veterans can visit ShopMyExchange.com/vets for more information.