In honor of the Month of the Military Child, this story is provided and presented by our sponsor, The Army & Air Force Exchange Service. The Exchange was established by General Orders No. 46 in 1895 to provide goods and services to military members and their dependents.

Jedi at the Exchange

Jedi at the Exchange

In 2015, Jedi at the Exchange kicked off a year-long young Jedi training effort that culminated with the release of

Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens

. Over 5,000 military kids received Jedi training and learned how to use a light saber at 20 Exchange locations worldwide.

According to Steve Lushbaugh, Divisional Merchandise Manager for toys, the Jedi at the Exchange program is the only place outside of Disney theme parks where kids can come to receive Jedi training. "The Jedi at the Exchange program has direct approval from Disney and Lucas Films," Lushbaugh said. "All the kids who completed the training received a certificate to document their training achievement."

"It was a large team effort to make the Jedi at the Exchange program possible," said Hardlines VP, Chris Burton. "Disney has been integral to the effort in assembling key vendor partners to help create excitement in our stores. It’s not necessarily about buying product. It has been more about creating a family entertainment event."

Military Brat Approved Toy Testing Program

Before Santa’s elves are allowed to fill the shelves at the Exchange, the toys have to pass some rigorous testing by experts — our customers.

The Exchange redesigned its Toyland department in 2014 along with instituting a new

Military Brat Approved

toy testing program. While those outside of the Military might find the term objectionable, Exchange VP of Hardlines, Chris Burton, sees it differently. "It’s an honor to be called a military brat!" says Burton who grew up living on three different bases over nine years when his father was in the Air Force.

According to Senior Toy Buyer, Henry Bien, the focus groups with military kids on military bases "gives us a good idea of what we should be offering to our customers. It helps us buy more successful toys."