• DALLAS

The Military Star Card’s seventh annual “Home For the Holidays” sweepstakes awarded six members of the military with a combined $30,000 in prizes, bringing holiday cheer to those who serve and have served.

The card is administered by the Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES).

HOW IT WORKED

Between Aug. 30 and Sept. 26, shoppers worldwide automatically earned an entry in the sweepstakes when they used the Military Star Card twice at exchanges (including online exchanges) and twice at any Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) commissary.

The grand prize winners — one from each military branch of the services — each received $5,000, including grand-prize winner Space Force Tech Sgt. Chase Tamborello, who was presented with his winnings at the Ramstein AB, Germany, Exchange.

“We’re just excited,” Tamborello said. “We’re PCSing, so any bit of money helps. That’s why I love the card. They really take care of service members, and they make life a lot more convenient for us.”

OTHER WINNERS

In addition to Tamborello, other grand prize winners included:

Navy Command Master Chief Thomas Perkins, Jr., who received his prize at Camp Foster, Japan, Exchange; an unnamed Army staff sergeant who received his prize at the Fort Gregg-Adams, Va., Exchange; Retired Air Force Senior Master Sgt. John Pudlak Jr., who was presented with his prize at JB McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Exchange; Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Raymond Martinez IV, who received his prize at the NAVSTA Newport, Va., Navy Exchange; and Marines Corps Lance Corporal Carla Saldana, who received her prize at the MCCS Pacific Views, Calif., store at the Camp Pendleton, Calif., Marine Corps Exchange.

“Our service members, who serve and have served their country, made sacrifices to do so,” said Tommy Ward, the Exchange’s Credit Program (ECP) senior vice president (SVP).

“It’s an honor for Military Star to recognize their service and give thanks to these heroes with this special sweepstakes during the holiday season,” Ward added.

For more information or to apply for a Military Star Card, see a store associate or visit https://aafes.media/milstarpa.

Source: AAFES
Edited by Larry Lapka