(Illustration by Army & Air Force Exchange Service)
CAMP ZAMA– The Camp Zama Exchange is wrapping up its Salute to Service month with a final limited-edition giveaway—a collectible penny POG—for Soldiers, retirees and Veterans with in-store shopping benefits.
This year marks the Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s first Salute to Service month, paying tribute to our Nation’s heroes beyond Veterans Day. The penny POG giveaway is the final event of the special month.
POGs—cardboard currency—are a military tradition and now a collector’s item. Introduced as tools to allow troops deployed to Southwest Asia in to pick up items of necessity and convenience while forgoing the expense of shipping heavy U.S. metal currency to contingency locations, the history of Exchange POGs go back nearly 25 years.
The newly released penny POGs were specially created for Exchange’s Salute to Service month, with Service-specific artwork, including 39 updated designs honoring the distinguished service of Soldiers and the storied history of the United States Army. 2025 POGs will be given away on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at 11:30 a.m. on Nov. 29 at the Camp Zama PX.
“For many connected to the military, POGs are symbol of resiliency in challenging conditions,” said Camp Zama PX General Manager Nick Cucinello. “These collectible keepsakes are another example of how the Exchange honors the service and sacrifice of the heroes we are privileged to serve every day at the Camp Zama PX. Considering the significance of their contributions to our Nation, one day of celebration is not enough to properly thank our heroic Soldiers and their families.”
The POG giveaway is in-store only for active-duty service members, retirees and service-connected disabled Veterans with in-store shopping benefits. Quantities are limited to one POG per customer. Shoppers can visit ShopMyExchange.com/SaluteToService or visit the Camp Zama Exchange Facebook or Instagram pages for more information.