DALLAS, Dec. 13, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- According to the National Retail Federation, more than half of all shoppers in 2010 said they'd like to receive gift cards, marking four years in a row that gift cards have topped consumers' holiday wish lists. And while most any gift card will work for most, military supporters have long struggled with finding the right one for troops serving far from home.

The Army & Air Force Exchange Service's 3,100 retail facilities in all 50 states and some 30 countries has the solution for both military members and supporters.

"Exchange gift cards are an excellent way to send troops exactly what they want as they can select their own gifts," said the Exchange's Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Jeffry Helm. "Whether the service member who receives the card wants a cappuccino from Starbucks, some beef jerky from the Exchange or a tank of gas for the family car, the recipient gets support that is tailored to their need."

While only authorized military shoppers can redeem Exchange gift cards, any American can send them by simply calling 800-527-2345 or 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 American Red Cross, Fisher House Foundation, USO, Soldier and Family Assistance Center, Air Force Aid Society or Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society.

The 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 Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (FMWR) 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.

SOURCE Army and Air Force Exchange Service

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