Exchange Shoppers’ Holiday Wishes Come True with More Than $66,000 in Layaways Paid in Full

Photo By Ron Mullan | Military shoppers Quintesha Greene, Georgene Wade, Carol Stinchcomb, Dorothy Lewis and Irene Somoano Cantu pick up their layaway purchases, which were paid in full by nonprofit Pay Away the Layaway, at the Tinker Air Force Base Exchange Dec. 17. They were among nearly 290 shoppers nationwide who had more than $66,000 in combined layaways paid for by the nonprofit. Pictured from left, Greene, Wade, 72nd Air Base Wing Commander Col. Paul Filcek, Stinchcomb, Tinker AFB Exchange General Manager Charles Eaves, Tinker AFB Exchange Main Store Manager Maria Berrios Borges, Lewis, and Cantu.  

DALLAS, TX, UNITED STATES

12.23.2020

Story by Conner Hammett 

Army & Air Force Exchange Service HQ

DALLAS – Nearly 290 military families’ spirits are a little brighter this holiday season after their Army & Air Force Exchange Service layaway balances were paid in full.

The paid-for layaways represent more than $66,000 in holiday gift purchases for military children.

“This means a lot—it was definitely an unexpected blessing,” said Army Reserve Capt. Quintesha Greene of the 2nd Battalion - 290th Regiment, who is assigned to Tinker AFB on active orders. “It makes you realize that there are still good people out there who are willing to help others.”

Several of the lucky shoppers were surprised with the news during a Dec. 14 Zoom call hosted by television personality and Navy Veteran Montel Williams, while others were surprised on a Dec. 21 Zoom call with officials from nonprofit Pay Away the Layaway, which paid off the layaways along with the restaurant chain Subway and nonprofit Soldier’s Wish.

“This year has been difficult for everyone, and military families are no exception,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Kevin Osby, Exchange senior enlisted advisor. “We hope this simple gesture shows these lucky families how much their contributions mean to their country, especially during these challenging and uncertain times.”

Facebook-friendly version: More than 240 Army & Air Force Exchange Service shoppers got an unexpected holiday surprise when their layaway balances were paid in full. Read more: https://wp.me/p9Q7PG-1BT.

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Since 1895, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service (Exchange) has gone where Soldiers, Airmen and their families go to improve the quality of their lives by providing valued goods and services at exclusive military pricing. The Exchange is the 61st-largest retailer in the United States. Its earnings provided $2.2 billion in dividends to support military morale, welfare and recreation programs over the last 10 years. The Exchange is a non-appropriated fund entity of the Department of Defense and is directed by a Board of Directors. The Exchange is a 50th Anniversary Vietnam War Commemorative Partner, planning and conducting events and activities that recognize the service, valor and sacrifice of Vietnam Veterans and their families in conjunction with the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration. To find out more about the Exchange history and mission or to view recent press releases please visit our website at http://www.shopmyexchange.com or follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ExchangePAO.

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Media Notes:

For more information or to schedule an interview with an Exchange representative please contact Conner Hammett, 214-312-2714 or [e-mail].

Follow the Exchange:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/shopmyexchange
Twitter: https://twitter.com/shopmyexchange
Instagram: @shopmyexchange

• Date Taken: 12.23.2020
• Date Posted: 12.23.2020 17:18
• Story ID: 385767
• Location: DALLAS, TX, US