• DALLAS 

Strong report cards have earned three military students a combined $4,000 in Exchange gift cards as winners of the Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s (AAFES) “You Made the Grade” program. 

For more than 25 years, this Exchange competition has rewarded students in first through 12th grade for above-average grades to encourage and inspire them to continue studying hard. 

 “Military-connected students often navigate uncertainty, from parental deployments to frequent moves, that can disrupt learning and require exceptional resilience,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Rich Martinez, the Exchange’s senior enlisted advisor.  

“The Exchange’s ‘You Made the Grade’ program recognizes and celebrates the hard work, perseverance and academic achievement in the classroom,” he added. 

WINNERS 

The latest winners were:  

Arthur Moore IV, an 11th grader from Shaw AFB, S.C., was presented with the grand prize of a $2,000 Exchange gift card. His mother is retired Air Force Lt. Col. Susan Moore. 

“I’m very grateful and thankful for winning,” the younger Moore said. “I was very surprised. After we submitted the form, I thought about it for a few days, then forgot about it until I was told I won.” 

Liam Pimentel, a fifth grader from Fort Buchanan, P.R., was rewarded with a $1,500 Exchange gift card as the program’s second place winner.  

Jorge Davila, a second grader also from Fort Buchanan, P.R., received a $500 Exchange gift card as the third place winner.  

The winners were randomly selected from more than 2,000 entries of military students who submitted a report card with a B average or higher during the spring 2026 semester. 

HOW IT WORKS 

Military children with a B average or higher can bring their report cards (or equivalent) each grading period to their local PX or BX for a $10 or $20 gift card. 

They will also receive a coupon sheet, which includes a free small fountain, frozen drink or bubbler beverage; a free kid’s meal at a participating Exchange restaurant; a free combo meal at a participating Exchange restaurant; and several other free items and discounts. 

NEXT DRAWING 

The next drawing will take place in December. To enter the drawing, shoppers can complete the form on the back of the gift card and mail it to: You Made the Grade, P.O. Box 227398, 

Dallas, TX 75222-7398. 

Source: AAFES 

Edited by Larry Lapka