Veterans canteen Services

[steveno]

I have been getting these e-mails from the VA about Veterans Canteen Services. has anybody done anything with them? I assume that if VA has your e-mail address you are probably getting them as well. I think the Grand Island VA has something but where in the hospital I'm not sure.

I'm wondering where the money is coming from and if the money couldn't be better spent on the vets that really need help?

 

[two-bit cowboy]

I'm not getting the emails, but I've only been to the VA for a "retirement" physical -- 19 years ago -- so I have no idea about the specifics you're referring to.

The VA hospital where I had my physical had a space set aside for a group of volunteer gals to give out coffee, tea, cookies and the like. Very much like a USO stop in an airport.

I wouldn't just assume they're wasting your tax dollars.

 

[steveno]

here is the website

Veterans Canteen Service (VCS) Home

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Thanks for posting the link.

Having had five friends (two Air Force Vets) commit suicide, and given the current statistics for Vets who cannot cope, I'm all for anything and everything the VA wants to use my tax dollars for to help curb the trend.

Seems to me they're spending money on Vets who really need help!

 

[steveno]

the e-mail I keep getting are advertising for items at discount prices and stuff. if it goes for actually helping vets who need I'm for it. I was skeptical when I first started getting them

 

[THE PILGRIM]

I never heard of it.
Looks like a large effort which mostly sells things to Vets.
When I looked at the website, I see that they sell tires?

 

[old bear]

I had no idea that the VCS existed, but anything that can be done to assist ANY Vet in true need is a Great idea.

 

[Sistema1927]

And for those who don't already know, all veterans can now shop the Exchange system online.

 

[straightshooter1]

It's just kinda like a PX, except not that much cheaper than buying on the outside (never used the online store). The difference is that there is no sales tax, so, here, that saves you 7% to start with.

The photos at the bottom of the retail store look just like the Canteen at Bay Pines, and I would not be surprised if they are taken there, though I suppose all the Canteens are very similar.

I go in every couple of weeks, rarely buy anything as they just don't sell anything I need. My wife has bought many electronic items there (speaker systems that hook up to the TV for a semi-deaf old guy, TVs and printers) and says the prices are well below Best-Buy.

They have mens'/womens' clothing, electronics, soap, razors, shave cream, women's toilet items, some food/snacks/drinks, some watches/jewelry and "stuff."

Bob

 

[Texas Star]

I have a canteen around here somewhere, but no one ever comes to service it.

If I leave home, I mostly just carry bottled water...

More seriously, my son answered some test questions at the VA awhile back, which determined that he doesn't have PTSD. He didn't think he did, but it was nice to hear that.

BTW, I don't get those e-mails. I don't hear from the VA unless I call them, and I have good enough insurance now that I seldom do. But I wish they had a nice dental plan!

 

[LoboGunLeather]

The new Denver VA Medical Center has a nice retail store with a few decent deals on clothing and other items. What really impressed me there is the new "Canteen" restaurant, with 4 different food types, great meals at very reasonable prices. I especially enjoy the sandwich shop, great panini-style sandwiches with prosciutto ham, salami, pepperoni, provolone cheese and a garlic spread (to die for!) at about $5.95. They also have a cafeteria-style serving line, pizza shop, and other venues, all staffed with nice folks who go out of their way to make lunch a nice experience!

Sure, the new VA Medical Center was about a BILLION DOLLARS over budget, but the parking is pretty good and they got the cafeteria operation right!