• DALLAS
The Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) and its Military Star Program were highlighted in early April on national television.
Joseph Todd, Exchange Credit Program (ECP) senior vice president (SVP) — a veteran who served with distinction as an Army combat medic — appeared during a segment on “Military Makeover With Montel,” the national home improvement series hosted by Montel Williams.
On the show, Todd discussed the Military Star Card and the value it provides for those who serve and have served.
The episode premiered April 2 on Lifetime TV and the Armed Forces Network.
“As MILITARY STAR grows and expands, we are looking for new opportunities to promote the card and bring awareness to the benefits we offer,” Todd said. “This was an opportunity we took to reach veterans who may not know yet the Military Star Card is available to them.”
THE SHOW
”Military Makeover with Montel” is hosted by Montel Williams, who served in the Navy and Marine Corps and was the Emmy-winning host of “The Montel Williams Show” from 1981 to 2008.
Williams’ current Lifetime television series follows veterans and their families through home renovation projects.
“This program really changes veterans’ lives and honors them with a complete remodel of their home,” Todd said. “The show serves someone we serve, so we’re serving the same customer.
“Our whole goal was fully about the card and its benefits it offers to veterans.”
During the segment, Todd spoke about the card’s history. In 1979, Congress approved military resale credit services to protect authorized shoppers from payday loans and rent-to-own schemes.
Today, the card is a vital tool in helping the military community strengthen financial health while responsibly building credit.
As for the filming experience, Todd said it was one he won’t forget — he nailed his segment in just two takes.
“I’ve been in front of cameras before, but never to that extent,” Todd said. “I walked away with true appreciation of what it takes to produce TV because I had no idea the level of expertise required to create a show. It was an eye-opening experience.”
DEVELOPING THE BRAND
Todd said the appearance marks a significant step in further developing the Military Star brand.
“An appearance like this for the Military Star Card is significant in increasing our brand recognition and tapping an untapped market to get the word out about who and what the Military Star Card is about,” Todd said.
The segment can be accessed at
https://insight.tveyes.com/public/media-center/a9016ec1-1ecd-4e5c-b49a-dc3225cf3a6d/53eb2edd-040c-4b5f-be25-f6546e878b41?tab=transcript.
Source: AAFES
Edited by Larry Lapka
