Some of our veterans may or may not be aware of new benefits extended to all rated disabled veterans, purple heart recipients, POWs effective January 1, 2020. Disability ratings of 0% to 90% are included in this. You must be enrolled with in VA healthcare and have a VHIC (Veterans Health Identification card) NOT the VIC (Veteran Identification card). To gain access you will use the VHIC card at the entrance gates after checking in at the visitors center. The VHIC will also be needed at purchase for both the commissary and PX. Included in these new benefits will be most MWR benefits that are self sustaining.
Veterans Get on base PX and Commissary Privileges
- Thread starter slicjoc1
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straightshooter1
US Veteran
Two questions, slic,
First, is this VHIC the same as the VA card that I use at the VA Hospital?
Secondly, you say 0-90%, but how about those of us rated 100%?
Bob
First, is this VHIC the same as the VA card that I use at the VA Hospital?
Secondly, you say 0-90%, but how about those of us rated 100%?
Bob
Sistema1927
US Veteran
I believe that 100% were already granted this privilege, along with MOH winners.
I am not willing to disarm for AAFES, but might for the Commissary. Remember that military installations are "gun free zones".
I am not willing to disarm for AAFES, but might for the Commissary. Remember that military installations are "gun free zones".
It depends. I've got 3 VHIC cards. 2 are old ones and the most current version which has my military service branch insignia. Most critical it MUST have "service connected", Purple Heart", or POW. Again you can be rated 0% to 90%. 100% and MOH will continue to use their DOD issued CAC cards. So in summary if your VHIC card has your branch of service and "service connected" you already have the privilege and should have received a letter from the VA authorizing you to be issued the DOD CAC card when you were rated 100%.
The PX pricing is great if you catch items on sale. The commissary I didn't use much while I was in but having grown up as a military brat the savings are there overall. As with anything you must know your pricing.
yanici
US Veteran
I live in MA. We have a state sales tax. If I shop at the base PX will there still be a sales tax applied to my purchases?
NO TAX. You're shopping on a federal installation. Same for the commissary. So if you are currently paying state sales tax on everything you buy from food to hard goods then this will be a large discount for you.
yanici
US Veteran
Thank you for that info. It might make the trip worthwhile.
IAMSWUTIAMS
Member
So still nothing for healthy Vet's that didn't make a career of it.
Sent from my old rotary phone using Tapatalk [emoji3513]
Sent from my old rotary phone using Tapatalk [emoji3513]
All honorably discharged veterans can already shop at the ONLINE PX. Unfortunately, congress authorization did not include all veterans to shop on base only those I listed above. Quite frankly the only reason they are granting for these additions is because the PX and especially the commissary sales have slumped over the past few years. This will add around 3 million new shoppers to their brick and mortar facilities.
IAMSWUTIAMS
Member
I just want to use the camping facilities. [emoji849]
Sent from my old rotary phone using Tapatalk [emoji3513]
Well those are considered to be self sustaining MWR facilities so enjoy them!
I emailed the Air force base a 100 miles from here about an month ago. Information guy knew nothing. He talked to PX guy who had heard about it in the service news paper. Doesn't sound like the actual people that are going to be involved were very up to speed at that time.
I have significant hearing loss and it occurred during my service and I get some disability and have my ID.
I have significant hearing loss and it occurred during my service and I get some disability and have my ID.
Well it doesn't surprise me but to be quite honest other than the upper levels at the commissary, PX, and DOD who were and are planning for this not much has been put out. Last week the head of the commissary sent out a welcoming message to all disabled veterans and the PX has put out a welcoming as well. A couple of days ago I got an email from the VA addressing this as well. They were encouraging all veterans with disabilities to get their VHIC cards.
So 2 or 3 weeks ago them not knowing about it is not surprising but January 1 they'll be at the gates...
Here is a site that gives a synopsis of the benefits and who is qualified:
Everything You Need to Know About Vets' and Caregivers' New Base Access | Military.com
Everything You Need to Know About Vets' and Caregivers' New Base Access | Military.com
I have not been impressed with the PX as the employees are usually the foreign wives of serviceman whose first language is NOT English. They are very hard to communicate with and know nothing about the products they are selling. Your better off researching the product you want on-line and just go the the PX and pick it up as customer service is nonexistent.
double-dipper
Member
Avoid the Commissary on the 1st and 15th of the month. Its best to shop several days after the 1st or 15th or early morning.
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straightshooter1
US Veteran
I never heard of a DOD CAC card. Too many initials in use here for me.
But, at this time, I'm 100% service connected. So....
I guess this is just chatting for me. I am hardly likely to find myself on any military base for any reason.
I did go to McDill AFB for the promotion ceremony of one of our S-W Forum members back in 2007ish, a great guy BTW. But that was the first time since '68 I was on a real military base and I think it'll be the last.
I go to the Publix for groceries, (no tax on groceries in Florida), rarely need to go to a drug store since the VA gives me scripts and I can buy a TV at Bay Pines VA Hospital's Exchange if I'm desperate to save paying the tax.
I'm very appreciative of the VA's care, and believe they've saved my life at least twice (jury's out on the third time).
But I didn't have a great time in the Army and, (I don't think I ever admitted this to you folks here) I actually was in the Naval Reserve back during Law School. I was on a Destroyer and I mean it when I say that had any of those Line Handlers touched those big old ropey things holding that ship to the dock, I'da leaped right over the rail and floundered back to the shore.
Fortunately my shipboard experience only lasted about 4 hours and then it was back to this old building by the water where I anxiously waited to be sent home or dispatched to the Krispy Kreme for donuts.
Bob
But, at this time, I'm 100% service connected. So....
I guess this is just chatting for me. I am hardly likely to find myself on any military base for any reason.
I did go to McDill AFB for the promotion ceremony of one of our S-W Forum members back in 2007ish, a great guy BTW. But that was the first time since '68 I was on a real military base and I think it'll be the last.
I go to the Publix for groceries, (no tax on groceries in Florida), rarely need to go to a drug store since the VA gives me scripts and I can buy a TV at Bay Pines VA Hospital's Exchange if I'm desperate to save paying the tax.
I'm very appreciative of the VA's care, and believe they've saved my life at least twice (jury's out on the third time).
But I didn't have a great time in the Army and, (I don't think I ever admitted this to you folks here) I actually was in the Naval Reserve back during Law School. I was on a Destroyer and I mean it when I say that had any of those Line Handlers touched those big old ropey things holding that ship to the dock, I'da leaped right over the rail and floundered back to the shore.
Fortunately my shipboard experience only lasted about 4 hours and then it was back to this old building by the water where I anxiously waited to be sent home or dispatched to the Krispy Kreme for donuts.
Bob
IAMSWUTIAMS
Member
Not according to anything I've read. It's only for active or retired military.
Sent from my old rotary phone using Tapatalk [emoji3513]
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.
Bob the DOD CAC card their terminology not mine is the new ID card used throughout the federal government. My wife is a fed and has a CAC card which allows her to access federal installations and her government laptop. It requires complete adjudication including federal background check and fingerprinting etc.. The old green ID is a thing of the past...
