Photo By Staff Sgt. Marco Gomez | Chief Master Sgt. Rich Martinez, The Exchange's senior enlisted advisor, poses with...... read more read more
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DALLAS – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service recognized 24 outstanding Guardians as recipients of the 2025 Polaris Awards for Outstanding Guardian of the Year. This marks the first time the Exchange has formally recognized the award winners.
The Polaris Awards were established in 2022 to honor military and civilian members of the Space Force who embody the four core Guardian values: Character, connection, commitment and courage.
Award recipients received a letter of recognition, a $250 Exchange gift card and a distinctive challenge coin from the Exchange senior enlisted advisor—Chief Master Sgt. Rich Martinez. The recognition celebrates Guardians whose exceptional service and dedication strengthen the Space Force mission.
“For many years, the Exchange has provided gift cards to Air Force and Army annual award winners,” said Martinez. “This year, for the first time, we recognized 24 Guardians for their outstanding achievements in the Department of the Air Force’s newest service branch. The Exchange looks forward to continuing to support Guardians who excel.”
The following individuals were recognized as 2025 Polaris Award recipients:
“The 2025 Polaris Award winners set the standard for excellence and inspire continued dedication to the Guardian Values across the entire Space Force,” Martinez said. “The Exchange is honored to support and celebrate these individuals who drive the organization’s success every day.”
Facebook-friendly version: Congratulations to the 2025 Polaris Award winners! @shopmyexchange honored 24 exceptional Guardians at the 2026 AFA Warfare Symposium for their outstanding service and commitment to Space Force values. Join us in celebrating their achievements! Read more: https://wp.me/p9Q7PG-3aY
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Since 1895, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service has gone where Soldiers, Airmen, Guardians 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 51st-largest retailer in the United States. 100% of Exchange earnings support military communities. In the last 10 years, your Exchange benefit has provided $15 billion in earnings that support the military community, including through contributions to critical military Quality-of-Life programs. The Exchange is a nonappropriated fund entity of the Department of War and is directed by a Board of Directors. 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 X at https://x.com/shopmyexchange.
Media Notes: For more information or to schedule an interview with an Exchange representative please contact SSgt Marco Gomez, 214-312-3830 or gomezmarco@aafes.com. Follow the Exchange: Facebook: www.facebook.com/shopmyexchange Twitter: https://twitter.com/shopmyexchange Instagram: @shopmyexchange
| Date Taken: | 03.05.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 03.05.2026 13:31 |
| Story ID: | 559454 |
| Location: | DALLAS, TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 18 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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