The stores sell groceries, cleaning supplies and other items, such as clothes, at cost plus 5 percent. Other than the tax savings and that profits go to MWR that supports troop morale, the PX/BX/Commissary is not the bargain it was 30 years ago. I understand in reading that after Jan 1st, next step is to go to a base for a security check? I see that spouses are included. The article quotes my parents, Mary and Starley Roehl. I’m rated at 100% and had this privilege for 5 years already and my spouse also has an ID card. On top of that, there are other international laws and host country agreements that have to be considered. Frank, newly eligible veterans will need to show a Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) that displays “PURPLE HEART,” “FORMER POW,” or “SERVICE CONNECTED” under your photo on the front of the card to access military installations and commissary, exchange, and MWR retail facilities. Only the eligible veteran can make purchases, but your guests could accompany you onto the installation and into the facilities. These newly eligible veterans will not be issued a DoD ID card. Starting January First your VA card should be accepted for base access. I HAVE A VA CARD, BUT DO NOT HAVE A SERVICE CONNECTED DISABILITY. Through this call, I confirmed my address and DOB and was told that I’d receive my updated vhic card through the mail (with the picture they already had on hand) within 7 to 10 days. Want to learn about activities on base? You must be joking. In addition to inexpensive food and household items, commissary shoppers generally save more by shopping at their installation than in their local stores. The VA rates you 0% or higher. After selecting my travel dates, the website asked for last four, DOB and last name for verification purposes. Delores, if you’re a veteran who was awarded the Purple Heart, a veteran who was a former prisoner of war, a veteran with a service-connected disability rating anywhere from 0-90%, or an individual assessed, approved, and designated as the primary family caregiver for an eligible veteran under the VA’s Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers, then you’re eligible. If when you left the service and they didn’t give you a service connected disability rating then it would not be considered by the V.A. Meredith, installations in overseas foreign countries are subject to status of forces agreements, international law, and other agreements with host nations. Kenneth, if you qualify for access, then you will be able take guests on the installation and into the facilities with you. Hello I am a veteran currently retired from federal service and living in lovely Germany.My question to you are veterans overseas with a rating from 0-90 percent also eligible to use the Exchange and Commissary.Or is this new policy only for veterans stateside.I would like to know so that I can pass this good information to all my veterans living here overseas,thanks for listening to my question. Who is eligible Jan. 1, 2020? At visitor control, they will verify your identity and purpose for the visit, then they will run a basic on-the-spot background check. Do service connected military members get base Gym access as well? https://www.militarytimes.com/pay-benefits/2019/07/22/heres-how-3-million-more-people-will-get-military-shopping-benefits/?fbclid=IwAR1p2xikrrIqcNStuSoQkeJvDKWatcfpTCmEfuypaHltsReCYNMelyNjIR4. You’re the: Overseas commissary privileges vary from country to country. Can wife,girlfriends,siblings,kids be sponsored by us veterans to come in and shop or use the MWR facilities? Thank you, If owning the building is figured into the amount, the median cost is $425,000 or $3,734 per seat. Tim. An official website of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Looking for U.S. government information and services? Do MWR family camps qualify as “morale, welfare and recreation (MWR) retail facilities”? DoD and VA are working on a solution for you and will provide updated information as soon as there is an answer, but it won’t be before January 1. If you are a Veteran in crisis There is no double standard. You must be a veteran whose VHIC card indicates you have a PURPLE HEART, are a FORMER POW or are SERVICE CONNECTED to access a military base and go to any of the available services on that base, including the use of American Forces Travel online and at the base. All they can do is say no! OTHERWISE, all honorably discharged veterans are eligible for online military exchange shopping through the Veterans Online Shopping Benefit ONLY. An alphabetized list of all Commissaries locations. The higher ups continue to feather their nests and the suicide rates continue to climb. Normal Hours A huge number of vets are getting access to on-base exchanges and recreation facilities in 2020. We suffered separation, anxiety, all the unknowns also, should we not be included? Then say At this point what difference does it make??? I AM ALSO A RETIRED DOD EMPLOYEE AND AM ABLE TO USE SOME OF THE BASE’S FACILITIES, BUT WOULD LOVE TO BE ABLE TO USE THE COMMISSARY AND EXCHANGE. Richard, the DoD is accepting, as proof of eligibility for this benefit, the VA’s Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) that displays “PURPLE HEART,” “FORMER POW,” OR “SERVICE CONNECTED” on the front of the card below your photo. THE INFO GIVEN FOR THE UPCOMING CHANGE CAN BE TAKEN SEVERAL WAYS AND WAS NOT THAT CLEAR. I was not allowed to use the exchange when I went to visit my son in Germany even though I had a VA card and retired military card. James, if you have a Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) that displays “PURPLE HEART,” “FORMER POW,” or “SERVICE CONNECTED” under your photo on the front of the card, then you’re good to go. Most installations only recognize Active duty and Retired IDs. Thousands of jobs, the Scholarship Directory and Top corporations. Jim, RV campgrounds, recreational lodging like cabins and cottages, destination military recreation centers, and military hotel and resort properties are all MWR retail facilities and are included. However, according to “Department of Defense Expanding Access to Military Commissaries, Exchanges and Recreation Facilities” publication, “Veterans eligible for DoD and Coast Guard installation and privilege access through previously established DoD and Coast Guard policy (i.e.,Medal of Honor recipients and veterans with VA-documented service-connected disability ratings of 100 percent) may obtain a DoD identification card to facilitate installation and privilege access.” (Bottom of page 7 https://download.militaryonesource.mil/12038/MOS/Factsheets/expanding-access-fact-sheet.pdf from https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Releases/Release/Article/2015599/department-of-defense-expanding-access-to-commissaries-military-exchanges-and-r/ ) I have a DoD ID card, due to 21 years of Department of Defense employment. Have a service-connected disability rating and were honorably discharged, Have received a Purple Heart or the Medal of Honor. Chad, if you VA card is a Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) that displays “PURPLE HEART,” “FORMER POW,” or “SERVICE CONNECTED” under the photo on the front of the card, then you’re set. Does my VA card work at the gate? Please see your local VA office or the ID Card Office at Offutt AFB about renewing your ID card. Amazon, WalMart, etc. Floyd, you won’t be able to access military installations or the benefits unless you’ve got a Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) that displays “PURPLE HEART,” “FORMER POW,” or “SERVICE CONNECTED” under your photo on the front of the card. You are allowed to bring guests with you, but they will also have to stop at visitor control before entering the base; and they will not be allowed to make any purchases. Stan, if the ID card you have is a Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) and “SERVICE CONNECTED” is displayed underneath your photo on the front of the card, then it sounds like you’ve got what you need. This is unfair. The problems I have encountered are with the government and the people employed to operate this vast system of healthcare. They Government and the VA should just come out and say, step aside, and sit on the curve because your time in service meant nothing. Your spouse can go into the stores with you, but they cannot make any purchases, only you as the authorized shopper. They do let us shop at the exchange at the Washington Dc veteran medical center. DoD needs to be able to visually verify your eligibility and not everyone who has a VHIC is eligible for this benefit. A lock ( I assume that effective Jan 1, 2020 I will still be eligible for the benefits outlined in the VA news letter. He has since then passed and I was wondering if my mom could get shopping privs on base? Agreed, it’s disrespectful and dishonorable to exclude all who have served and put there lives on the line for our country. You all really need to read the article before posting! Temporary lodging facilities are still in the gray area and DoD is working that policy out right now. I had no medical for 15 years and are deathly disabled. Veterans with Veteran Health ID Card can shop at Military Exchange starting Jan. 1. You can show your Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) or a letter from VA along with your passport or driver’s license. Will I be required to get a visitor pass each visit? Will they accept my drivers license as is? Thank you. I am unfamilar with the “travel” benefits. Barbara, unless you are entitled to commissary and exchange privileges as a DoD civilian (assigned overseas), you cannot use your DoD ID card to access commissary and exchange privileges. I was able to sign in my boyfriend and all he needed to show was his driver's license. You should not be included. Went back about 2 months ago to report it, and get a new card, and was told that only 20% and above VHIC cards state “service connected” on them. Exactly my sentiment on this subject. Where is the fairness to all veterans? Kristina, the good news is that MWR’s AmericanForcesTravel.com (a discount leisure travel booking site) is definitely a revenue-generating MWR activity and access is included beginning on January 1. People please read, know the facts before you go to the base. David, spouses and dependent children of the new categories of veterans are not eligible for these privileges or for DoD or VA ID cards. Quick answer; YES! I was initially rated 0% service connected. Thank you, Roy. JB, for in-person privileges, your husband would have to be a Purple Heart recipient, a former prisoner of war, or have a service-connected disability rating of 0-90%. Leslie, no. Here are a couple to check out: USAA Cashback Rewards Plus American Express Card. You will be eligible for this beginning January 1. Timothy, veterans with a 0% service-connected disability rating who have a Veteran Health Identification Card that displays “SERVICE CONNECTED” under the photo on the front of the card will be able to access this benefit beginning on January 1. I moved here in 1999 when I was assigned by the Department of Defense Dependents Schools to teach at Yokosuka Navy Base. Find programs and services at your local installation. You’ll use your VA Healthcare ID to initially get on base then get a DOD ID issued for access to the BX. There are 0% disability rating that is considered service connected. If someone entering the installation with a VHIC or primary family caregiver letter/acceptable credential has guests in the car with them, they must stop at the visitor control center for the guests to be vetted. have hearing loss, Veterans with 0-90% service-connected disability ratings. Most have rental equipment from campers to kayaks, and bounce houses. I had We are both approved traveler under the PSA, does that help with access to Fort Sam Houston?? Presents a comprehensive history spanning the 233 years of the four major services' sales commissaries. Unlimited commissary and exchange store privileges in the United States are available to honorably discharged veterans with a service-connected disability rated at 100 percent or totally disabling, and to: Unremarried surviving spouses and dependents of service members who pass away on active duty Why are people not reading the article? However, if you are in the United States or in a U.S. territory or possession, you would have access with the appropriate credential. This new benefit is available for veterans who are Purple Heart recipients, veterans who are former prisoners of war, and veterans with 0-90% service-connected disability ratings, so if you fall into any of these groups you would qualify. At this point I’m a 40% percent service connected as stated on my VA ID card. Visit the Defense Commissary Agency’s website for tools to whip up something that’s equal parts tasty, healthy and convenient. We all need to be more grateful for our great country, flaws and all. Just because I served does no mean I rate s..t. As you can see by all the threads, MWR facilities will be over inundated. DoD is not issuing ID cards for newly eligible veterans or caregivers. I am registered and do have the Veterans Health ID Card. Found inside – Page 187COST ESTILATES ITEM 01 QUANTITY UNIT COST COST ( $ 000 ) PRIMARY FACILITY Commissary Building Information Systems 21,112 93.86 SF LS 1,994 ( 1,982 ) ( 12 ) SUPPORTING FACILITIES Electric Service Water , Sever , & Gas Steam And / or ... Editor’s Note: This blog has been updated to reflect informational changes. This may be great news for me. Unfortunately, that is the only secure, scannable VA credential that DoD can use to verify identity and eligibility for all of the newly eligible veterans under the Purple Heart and Disabled Veterans Equal Access Act of 2018. If you’ve already got a VHIC, you’re set. What about Veterans with higher than just service connected who have prior records are they allowed access on base? The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA), headquartered at Fort Lee (Virginia), is an agency of the United States Department of Defense (DoD) that operates nearly 240 commissaries worldwide. So I would be eligible as a 0% service connected veteran if I understand the qualifications correctly? President Trump will win in a landslide! The VA offers hearing aids your hearing loss has to qualify. I read the FAQ’s and looked over every question about what you can and cannot buy at the Commissary or BX. I totally agree with your sentiments. Shopping these facilities is no benefit anymore, and the farther you drive to get there, the less of a deal it is! Local Offices: Store Locator. Wayne, please wait until after January 1 to contact Shades of Green. This is unfair. Military OneSource highlights the many other benefits and perks, like scholastic rewards for military kids, employment advantages, contest prizes and online shopping. Posted: (5 days ago) Commissary and Exchange Bargains and Coupons Made Easily Accessible for Shoppers at Scott AFB, IL. Privileges at installations in overseas foreign countries are subject to status of forces agreements, international laws, and other agreements with host nations. Last year, when we went on base to get my wife’s DoD ID renewed, they refused to do it AND confiscated mine stating that my General Discharge Under Honorable Conditions did not qualify me for a DoD ID. Thank you for your attention regarding this matter and I would appreciate action towards . Jerry, veterans who are Purple Heart recipients, veterans who are former prisoners of war, and veterans with service-connected disability ratings of 0-90% will be eligible for privileges on January 1. Also, the Military Services are still working on passing the information about newly eligible veterans and caregivers and how to verify identity and eligibility to their front line employees so that they will be ready to welcome you on January 1. Wal Mart and Amazon will usually beat their prices and you don’t have to travel. Commissaries are the military's neighborhood grocery store, located on military installations worldwide and sell discounted groceries to the military community.. I am not a representative of any type with the VA, only a veteran myself. Then you’ll be issued a separate DOD ID Card. I asked the gate guard at Ft McClellan if a VA card would get me in. I spent 8 years as a Naval Reservist amnd am not able to receive this honor; when someone who is a caregiver can. When you spend time in another country as a service member, the Status of Forces Agreement, or SOFA, between the United States and your host country protects your legal status as military personnel in another nation. Rey, yes, AmericanForcesTravel.com will be accessible to the new categories of eligible veterans and caregivers on January 1. What is a service-connected Veteran? OR better yet, get into the service and do your time. To access installations without VA medical centers, the VHIC must display “PURPLE HEART,” “FORMER POW,” OR “SERVICE CONNECTED” below the photo on the front of the card. I was medically discharged though. I was quite traumatized by the San Diego post, and after a few months, was discharged with a DD214 that I believe states, Honorable, unsuitable. recreation retail services – does that include the campgrounds and hotels? Search Toggle: click to open and type text, click again to close. Ditto Liz. Why the double standard? My Commissary. If you’re asking about AmericanForcesTravel.com, it is a leisure travel booking website that offers great deals for eligible users. Your Veteran Health Card with service connected on it is sufficient. This ID will work for installation and privilege access at the installation commissary, exchange, and MWR retail facilities. So I get my healthcare at the Omaha VA Hospital, I’m not service connected and do not have a disability. I AM IN THE SAME SITUATION. The truth is the bill that extends these privileges to veterans was sign while Senator McCain was battling brain cancer. Try watching FOX news instead of the liberal crap. does a 5 point vet with a Letter that procLaims that he has LifeLong benefits on tooth #9 that he chipped on an m-16 bracket quaLify for this benefit? They should have it sorted out before January 1. Well consider if they are disabled and are unable to comprehend written instruction. Carl, newly eligible veterans will need to have a Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) that displays “PURPLE HEART,” “FORMER POW,” or “SERVICE CONNECTED” under the photo on the front of the card. Good Luck. Does anyone have more information on the Armed Forces Travel website? Surviving spouse of a service member (if you haven’t remarried). Also, MWR facilities are limited to the MWR retail facilities like golf, bowling, restaurants, marinas, equipment check out, etc. Chuck, unfortunately this benefit is not accessible in South Korea due to the status of forces agreement with South Korea. Newly eligible veterans will need to present a Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) displaying “PURPLE HEART,” “FORMER POW,” or “SERVICE CONNECTED” below the photo on the front of the card at the installation visitor control center on the first visit. Please cut and paste the below link and go to page 10 of the PDF. DoD has agreed to accept their Veteran Health Identification Card that displays “PURPLE HEART,” “FORMER POW,” or “SERVICE CONNECTED” under the photo on the front of the card for installation and privilege access. Also, your VA ID must list “Service Connected” “Purple Heart” or “POW” under your name, just being enrolled in the healthcare program without those won’t work. They should have it sorted out before January 1. That’s how this came about. But that doesn't mean the extra cost would disappear. Are service connected Vets allowed to accompany a guest to the exchange as well? You should be able to renew your card at Offutt AFB. 20%? I can see this benefit being useful to bring in more revenue to the base shops. You must be 100% P&T to attain a tan VA card (for base access, commissary, PX etc.). They will have to get vetted through the installation visitor control center, so they will need to have an acceptable credential with them like a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or a U.S. passport. Lock Veterans use VHICs for identification and check-in at VA appointments, but will also use them for base access under the new program. If you don’t have a VHIC, you should visit https://www.va.gov/healthbenefits/vhic/ for information regarding eligibility and the application process. I saw that Shades of Green is included. Steve, you’ll need to go to the visitor control center with your Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) that displays “PURPLE HEART,” “FORMER POW,” or “SERVICE CONNECTED” below your photo on the front of the card. I enlisted to active duty at 17 years old as a combat engineer and served in the regular army, MOS 12B. Veterans awarded the Purple Heart or Medal of Honor, who are former prisoners of war, or have service-connected disability along with their caregivers are permitted to use the commissary, military exchange and MCCS facilities on the same basis as a member of the Armed Forces entitled to retired or retainer pay. He can access the online military exchange websites at the links in the blog post, above. I called the Shades of Green Resort at Disney and they said they are funded by MWR but haven’t been given any info yet…will be calling back expeditiously until they have info…. The cashiers are friendly and happy and the baggers are always jolly and make . You are understanding it right, unfortunately. Robert, that rule applies to anyone visiting an installation, not just newly eligible veterans and caregivers. Most of us were hurt and HAD to be Med boarded. Michael, unless your wife and kids are authorized DoD privileges in their own right, they cannot access the base on their own. Lanadra, morale, welfare, and recreation (MWR) retail facilities include RV campgrounds, recreational lodging like cabins and cottages and military resort properties…also golf, bowling, restaurants, marinas, equipment check out, entertainment, special interest activities like flying clubs, movie theaters, vehicle storage, kennels, and leisure travel which includes AmericanForcesTravel.com. Shop for dozens of up-to-the-minute deals for your next trip to the Commissary! The local offices have been giving her the run-around about it and i would like it resolved. or concerned about one, connect with our caring, qualified responders for confidential help. Top honors in the coldest bootcamp -40. *Veterans with 0-90% service-connected disability ratings. 99% of these questions are answered in the article. When I obtained my VA ID, I had to visit the local VA hospital in person, get my picture taken, then a few weeks later it showed up in the mail. Hope this helps.. Kenneth, the Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) must display “PURPLE HEART,” “FORMER POW,” or “SERVICE CONNECTED” under your photo on the front of the card. Ron, DoD will not accept a VIC card for installation or privilege access. The appointment scheduler states what documents you need to have in order to obtain your ID card. With the VHIC, only uniform items will be off limits. Hpw do I get a card that says that? That’s how it worked when I got my card 5 years ago. Yes, You will be able to use the facilities as of 1-1-20. only if you have a service connected disability rating. If you’ve got a VHIC that has any of these three eligibilities printed on it, then you’re good to go for shopping beginning January 1 (or January 2, as the commissary will be closed for the Federal holiday). Or other useful information? It would be nice to be able to access some of these facilities once in a while…. While the on-base department store is known as the "exchange," the on-base grocery store is known as the commissary. *Purple Heart recipients Official websites use .gov What is a commissary on a military base? The appearance of hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense of non-U.S. Government sites or the information, products, or services contained therein. Does anyone know if they excluded firearms and alcohol? Would I qualify for this new benefit? I’m 70% service-connected disabled; soon to be 100%. Do you really mean 0%? I rhink the commenters who complain abou people who ask questions that are answered n the article and and accuse those people of being lazy should not be so judgmental and show more understanding. JW, Does not matter though, the decision has been made all for an increase of money. The subject of this article is for Veterans who are NOT retired who is a recipient of MOH, Purple Heart, and Disabled Veterans with 100 percent disability. A veterinarian for your pet? My question is- for the MWR, does that include tickets (like universal and disney) and travel (lodging, etc)? Found inside – Page 429Mr. Secretary , last year you closed two military bases , McCoy Air Force Base and Hamilton Air Force Base . What did you do with the commissaries at those bases ? Mr. McCLARY . I do not know specifically . Mr. GARRITY . I am a disabled Vet with a VA ID Card. Thank you. so does this new commissary access etc starting in Jan 2020 mean anyone with a VA Healthcare card has access? You must have a service connected disability in order to be eligible. I believe the only person able to “pay for and buy” at the commissary will be the VA ID holder. Just saying, were talking about the awesome chance to pay more for their items. I am told that the only way I can get a replacement is to return to the United States-too expensive for me right now. My husband, 100% DAV, died on 30 Oct 19, can I still renew my card through Offutt? This ID will work for installation and privilege access at the installation commissary, exchange, and MWR retail facilities. And like most things in military life, it comes with its own quirks and rules. I am a “Veteran”, not “Active Duty”. If you don’t have a VHIC, you should visit https://www.va.gov/healthbenefits/vhic/ for information regarding eligibility and the application process. The new Commissary and Express store will serve 36,386 military members in the local area, and about 168,000 retired service members and families within 100-mile radius and provides goods and services at discounted prices. They have offices everywhere – do a google search for one near you. In attendance was U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., U.S. Rep. Tim Murphy, R-Upper St. Clair, and U.S. Rep. Mike Doyle, D-Forest . Ron Vincent, thank you for your inspiring and uplifting message. That said, yes, MWR recreational lodging is included (e.g., RV campgrounds, cabins, cottages, military resorts), as is lodging run by the exchanges (Navy Lodge). Rodney, unfortunately, there is not a consolidated list that identifies which overseas military facilities in foreign countries would allow access to veterans and caregivers who are eligible for privileges under the Purple Heart and Disabled Veterans Equal Access act of 2018. Seems that way by the article but all you have to do is file a claim if anything at all that’s wrong with you related to the military service even if you get a 0% rating you will be allowed to use these privileges. Stan, if the ID card you have is the Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) and it displays “SERVICE CONNECTED” underneath your photo on the front of the card, then you’re good to go for access on January 1. I have my Dod VA Healthcare Benefits. I live in Tennessee. Average savings over off base grocery store vary on your location but in 2019 range from 20% or more in stateside commissaries to 35.1% in Alaska and Hawaii and 42.2% overseas. I am a veteran with 10% service connected disability do I qualify? God belss, MWR stands for morale, welfare, and recreation. Is the Halekoa Hotel in Hawaii considers a MWR facility? I live in Oklahoma, which is a state that has not been real ID compliant and will not be until sometime in 2020. Not 1 veteran or veteran organization has stepped up to save my life!!! JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. - Starting January 1, the Department of Defense (DoD) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) are expanding commissary, military exchange, and morale, welfare, and recreation (MWR) retail privileges to Veterans who are Purple Heart recipients, Veterans who are former prisoners of war, all Veterans with service-connected disabilities, and individuals approved and . If you don’t have a VHIC, you should visit https://www.va.gov/healthbenefits/vhic/ for information regarding eligibility and the application process.
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