Veterans Get on base PX and Commissary Privileges

[steelslaver]

The closer they get to extending these privileges to "all" veterans, the more I wonder just why I spent 20 years on active duty....

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

I heard the main reason for this add on is to increase the customer base for the commissary system so that it can continue to function well. Yes, you did 20 years. It has been almost 50 years since I could hear clearly.

 

[slicjoc1]

I don’t believe “dreadin” meant disabled veterans. I believe he earned his benefits having retired after 20 years. In the years he served the pay was terribly lacking and benefits to look forward to were chipped away over the years. Medical, PX, and Commissary were really the core. That’s not much when you look at how they’ve reduced medical over the years. To those of us who will gain these benefits I truly hope we’ll be respectful of those who chose the military as a career.

 

[slicjoc1]

I heard the main reason for this add on is to increase the customer base for the commissary system so that it can continue to function well. Yes, you did 20 years. It has been almost 50 years since I could hear clearly.

You’re correct in the strategy behind the commissary. Their revenues have dropped over the past several years. The drop was enough to concern DoD and congress who appropriate the commissary funding. There is a new leader at the commissary a retired Rear Admiral who gets it and I think he is making a difference in the direction of the business. When you think about an increase in the base of potentially 3+mil patrons if managed properly it’s a winning combo for active duty, retired and veterans.

 

[0849]

I shop on-line at the exchange website often, and occassionally go to the local exchange at Luke AFB. I have found that the MilStar card was definitely worth getting, as others have mentioned; one of the very good perks of the MilStar card is that when you buy on line, shipping seems to be free when paying with the MilStar card, at least on the items I have been buying. This is helpful when I want to try out just one box of a new type of ammo, all of the other on line ammo sources don't give you a deal on shipping unless you buy a large quantity. Also, seems like every year or so MilStar sends me a card for $20 after making purchases, not sure exactly how fast that accrues, but it is nice.

 

[slicjoc1]

I shop on-line at the exchange website often, and occassionally go to the local exchange at Luke AFB. I have found that the MilStar card was definitely worth getting, as others have mentioned; one of the very good perks of the MilStar card is that when you buy on line, shipping seems to be free when paying with the MilStar card, at least on the items I have been buying. This is helpful when I want to try out just one box of a new type of ammo, all of the other on line ammo sources don't give you a deal on shipping unless you buy a large quantity. Also, seems like every year or so MilStar sends me a card for $20 after making purchases, not sure exactly how fast that accrues, but it is nice.

Great point. The MilStar card gives rewards points on each purchase. 2 points for every dollar charged on the card. When your total points hit 2000 points they send you a rewards card with a $20 value. My understanding is the reward cards can only be used at the PX but I read somewhere the commissary is considering it just not yet.

 

[0849]

Great point. The MilStar card gives rewards points on each purchase. 2 points for every dollar charged on the card. When your total points hit 2000 points they send you a rewards card with a $20 value. My understanding is the reward cards can only be used at the PX but I read somewhere the commissary is considering it just not yet.

Thanks for the info on exactly how fast the points accrue. I shoot pretty much mosty 9mm, and the on line exchange keeps a nice variety of ammo in that caliber, with prices very competitive with what I see at Walmart and Cabela's, my normal places to shop for ammo, so works out good for me with no sales tax and free shipping.

 

[slicjoc1]

Thanks for the info on exactly how fast the points accrue. I shoot pretty much mosty 9mm, and the on line exchange keeps a nice variety of ammo in that caliber, with prices very competitive with what I see at Walmart and Cabela's, my normal places to shop for ammo, so works out good for me with no sales tax and free shipping.

Yeah I’ve been ordering my big bore ammo for hunting thru the PX as well. I found it cheaper and as you said no shipping and no tax. Walmart doesn’t carry my caliber (460 Mag) and Cabelas rarely has in store so with shipping and tax it makes the PX attractive.

 

[Muley Gil]

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.

I went into the PX at Fort Benning back about 1974, handed my ID to the cashier and in a definitely Slavic accent, she asked me if I was "ROO-SHIN??" My buddies got a good laugh out of that.