Veterans Get on base PX and Commissary Privileges

I'm not sure of what you are referencing so I can't comment on your input here. I posted a link to one of my references from military.com. The camping facilities that fall under DOD are included in MWRs and are self supporting and therefore will be available for disabled veterans to utilize. As a disabled veteran you will also be able to book DOD hotels located all over the country at base locations. DOD also runs Shades of Green at DisneyWorld and it will be available for disabled veterans to book beginning January 1, 2020. By the way, Shades of Green has already acknowledged these changes are coming will be ready January 1.
My original comment was that these facilities are not available to "all" veterans.

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I believe my initial comments specifically referred to "disabled veterans". If you are not a disabled vet none of this applies to you. If you are a disabled vet you need to go read the material out there such as this sight below run by a vet. Honestly this whole program was part of the 2019 Military Budget Act and has been in the planning stage by DoD for a year now. Good luck.

U.S. Military Campgrounds and RV Parks - Many Veterans Gain Access to MWR Facilities
 
I am both retired and disabled, there is only one active military base in Michigan, it's in lower Michigan about 500 miles from my home. I do use the online store and the VAC and enjoy the tax free buying. with the online PX/BX you also get free shipping when you spend 49 dollars or more.
 
The only unknown, to me at least, is whether spouses or other family members of disabled veterans will be able to accompany them on visits to the Commissary, AAFES, or MWR facilities. I have read both "yes" and "no" in different places, but nothing official.
 
The only unknown, to me at least, is whether spouses or other family members of disabled veterans will be able to accompany them on visits to the Commissary, AAFES, or MWR facilities. I have read both "yes" and "no" in different places, but nothing official.

It is my understanding that they will be able to accompany you but will also have to go thru the check at the visitors center. They are also working on the spouses getting credentialed enabling them access by themselves. Here is a link I got from the VA hope it helps.

http://download.militaryonesource.mil/12038/MOS/Factsheets/expanding-access-fact-sheet.pdf
 
Yes I read that but had a different interpretation of it. I believe they are saying in an ambiguous way is they do not have purchasing authority. They will need to go to the visitors center where they will need to present credentials and go thru a background check and be granted a visitors pass. I grew up a military brat and there was never an issue of bringing a guest. Years after my service I would accompany my father to the commissary he would have to sign me in at both the PX and commissary. You become the sponsor and are responsible for your guest. It being DoD run I’m sure there will be bugs. Good luck.
 
Maybe my memory is faulty, or maybe I never had a need to take a guest, so just assumed. Thanks.

Another item of note, all Veterans are eligible for online access now, AND are eligible for the Military Star card. This is a credit card that can be used at AAFES and the Commissary. Since I plan on checking out the commissary, never write checks, and hate carrying around wads of cash, I submitted an online application. Received an immediate response, and given a $6500 credit limit.

Using the Military Star card in the Commissary saves you the additional fee that they will be charging vets for use of credit and debit cards.

Just thought that folks might want to know about this
 
Maybe my memory is faulty, or maybe I never had a need to take a guest, so just assumed. Thanks.

Another item of note, all Veterans are eligible for online access now, AND are eligible for the Military Star card. This is a credit card that can be used at AAFES and the Commissary. Since I plan on checking out the commissary, never write checks, and hate carrying around wads of cash, I submitted an online application. Received an immediate response, and given a $6500 credit limit.

Using the Military Star card in the Commissary saves you the additional fee that they will be charging vets for use of credit and debit cards.

Just thought that folks might want to know about this

All great points. Like you I got a military star card last May. Your 1st purchase using the star card you’ll get 10% off the purchase price. I used it on an omega watch which was on sale at 20% off the PX regular price and the additional 1st use 10% made for a great buy. We need to report back how smoothly this goes in January.
 
That’s exactly what I bought. I noted it on sale last Saturday and bought immediately. It sold out 2 hours later. They will put them back on sale again so you need to jump on it. BTW it comes in a great case.
 
My original comment was that these facilities are not available to "all" veterans.
The closer they get to extending these privileges to "all" veterans, the more I wonder just why I spent 20 years on active duty....:mad:

(I sure didn't get rich and my retirement isn't anything to brag about.) (USN 1959 - 1979)
 
PX and commissary prices aren't any better than Wal-Mart. The commissary tacks on a surcharge that equals state tax.
 
PX and commissary prices aren't any better than Wal-Mart. The commissary tacks on a surcharge that equals state tax.

Like anything you buy you need to know what the going prices are. The sales tax in Texas is 8.25% but not all grocery items are taxed here. The PX prices are okay but not great; however, they will price match and with no shipping and no tax that changes it a bit. The Omega watch I purchased above was very close to retailer cost. No retailer is going to sell at that and make money.
 
I’m retired MIL, and shop at the local Navy NEX and Commissary. It’s close by and I save state sales tax. Plus, most of the “staples” are priced below what I’d pay off base. For example a package of farm-style shredded cheese is $1.50 in the Commissary, while the same product at the local grocery store in the same city is $4.69. Produce and meat products are pretty much average quality. But frozen foods, dairy, and any packaged goods are cheaper in the Commissary. The NEX and the Commissary are across from each other using the same the parking lot, but because they’re technically different systems, pricing for the same item can vary between the two. BTW, food items are tax-free in our state, but all items are tax-free in both the NEX and Commissary. The surcharge is clearly stated on the Commissary receipts, and generally speaking, I still come out far ahead by purchasing non meat/produce there. There is, of course, the gratuity that we pay the baggers at the Commissary - but even being generous in that regard doesn’t put a huge dent in the savings.
I can take any guest into either the NEX or the Commissary that I can take on-base (which means a US Citizen with proper photo ID). I have to show my Military ID card when I check out at either the NEX or Commissary. And of course, I must purchase all items myself - any “guest” can come with me, but not make any purchases. Overall, I’m glad to have this privilege and of course - I purchase electronics and other “big ticket” items on a competitive basis. Sometimes NEX gets the sale, sometimes Walmart, Costco, etc.
 
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I’m retired MIL, and shop at the local Navy NEX and Commissary. It’s close by and I save state sales tax. Plus, most of the “staples” are priced below what I’d pay off base. For example a package of farm-style shredded cheese is $1.50 in the Commissary, while the same product at the local grocery store in the same city is $4.69. Produce and meat products are pretty much average quality. But frozen foods, dairy, and any packaged goods are cheaper in the Commissary. The NEX and the Commissary are across the parking lot, but because they’re technically different systems, pricing for the same item can vary between the two.
I can take any guest into either the NEX or the Commissary that I can take on-base (which means a US Citizen with proper photo ID). I have to show my Military ID card when I check out at either the NEX or Commissary. And of course, I must purchase all items myself - any “guest” can come with me, but not make any purchases. Overall, I’m glad to have this privilege and of course - I purchase electronics and other “big ticket” items on a competitive basis. Sometimes NEX gets the sale, sometimes Walmart, Costco, etc.


Thanks for your input. I concur with your comments. Hopefully this helps those who will be using their new benefits beginning in 2020.
 
The closer they get to extending these privileges to "all" veterans, the more I wonder just why I spent 20 years on active duty....:mad:

(I sure didn't get rich and my retirement isn't anything to brag about.) (USN 1959 - 1979)
Many in the private sector recieve no retirement at all. I worked in my profession for 40 years before being able to retire. But thanks for your service.

Sent from my old rotary phone using Tapatalk [emoji3513]
 
The closer they get to extending these privileges to "all" veterans, the more I wonder just why I spent 20 years on active duty....:mad:

(I sure didn't get rich and my retirement isn't anything to brag about-faces.) (USN 1959 - 1979)

Just be glad that you didn't break your back in a training exercise and had to get out after 6. I'm not getting rich off of my disability checks either.
 
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