[This blog has been updated–at the bottom–to address a few common questions. If you have questions that are not answered in the blog below related to base access, commissary privileges and MWR, please call Military One Source at 1-800-342-9647.] 

The Defense Department has announced expanded Commissary, Military Service Exchange and MWR access Jan. 1 and established a standard for physical access to military installations.

Veterans who are eligible and want to take advantage of in-person benefits must have a Veterans Health Identification Card, or VHIC. Primary Family Caregivers must have an eligibility letter from VA’s Office of Community Care.

Veterans use VHICs for identification and check-in at VA appointments, but will also use them for base access under the new program.

Veterans eligible solely under this act who are eligible to obtain a Veteran Health Identification Card must use this credential for in-person installation and privilege access. The card must display the Veteran’s eligibility status (i.e., PURPLE HEART, FORMER POW or SERVICE CONNECTED).

Veterans eligible solely under this act who are not enrolled in or are not eligible to enroll in VA health care, or who are enrolled in VA health care, but do not possess a Veteran Health Identification Card will not have access to DoD and Coast Guard installations for in-person commissary, exchange, and MWR retail privileges, but will have full access to online exchanges and American Forces Travel.

Medal of Honor recipients and Veterans with 100% service-connected disability ratings are eligible for DoD credentials under DoD policy.

How to get a VHIC

Veterans must be enrolled in the VA health care system to receive a VHIC.  To enroll, you can complete an application for enrollment in VA health care by telephone without the need for a signed paper application. Just call 1-877-222-8387 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. Eastern. You can also apply for VA healthcare benefits online at www.va.gov/healthbenefits/enroll, or in person at your local VA medical facility.  Once your enrollment is verified, you can have your picture taken at your local VA medical center, and VA will mail you a VHIC.

ID needed to get VHIC

To ensure a Veteran’s identity, enrollees must provide one form of primary identification when requesting a VHIC. Acceptable forms of primary identification are:

Primary Identification (Unexpired)

State-Issued Driver’s License

United States Passport or Passport Card

Other Government ID

This ID can be issued by federal, state or local government agencies provided it contains a photograph, name, date of birth and address. If the address is not on the proofing document, Veterans can provide separate documentation to confirm their address. Acceptable address documents include:

  • Electric bill
  • Cable bill
  • Other mailing document
  • Voters Registration card

How long does it take?

Once you have your picture taken, you should receive your VHIC within 10 days. If you have questions about the status of your VHIC, you may call your local VA medical facility where you receive your care or contact us at 1-877-222-VETS (8387).

The VHIC provides:

Increased security for your personal information – no personally identifiable information contained on the magnetic stripe or barcode.

Unique Member Identifier — Department of Defense assigns an electronic data interchange personal identifier (EDIPI) that allows VA to retrieve the Veteran’s health record.

A salute to your military service – The emblem of your latest branch of service is displayed on your card. Several special awards will also be listed.

Accessibility – Braille “VA” helps visually impaired Veterans to recognize and use the card

Anti-Counterfeiting – Microtext helps prevent reproductions

Lost or stolen?

If your VHIC is lost or stolen, contact the VA medical facility where your picture was taken to request a new card be re-issued, or call 1-877-222-VETS (8387). Veterans will need to provide identification information, when reporting lost or stolen cards.

Caregivers

Eligible caregivers will receive an eligibility letter from VA’s Office of Community Care.

If you are a primary family caregiver under the PCAFC and lose your eligibility letter, please call 1-877-733-7927 to request a replacement.  Please allow two weeks for processing.

For installation access, entry to some commissary stores and at point of sale at commissaries, exchanges, and MWR retail facilities, eligible caregivers will need to show an acceptable credential along with their eligibility letter.   Acceptable credentials may include:

  • DoD common access card (CAC) (when otherwise eligible)
  • DoD uniformed services identification card (when otherwise eligible)
  • REAL ID-compliant driver’s license issued by a State, territory, possession, or the District of Columbia
  • REAL ID-compliant non-driver’s identification card issued by a State, territory, possession, or the District of Columbia
  •  Enhanced driver’s license issued by a State, territory, possession, or the District of Columbia
  • U.S. passport or passport card
  • Foreign passport bearing an unexpired immigrant or non-immigrant visa or entry stamp
  • Federal personal identity verification card (when otherwise eligible)
  • VHIC
  • Transportation Worker Identification Card

First visit

Upon the first visit to an installation, these eligible Veterans and caregivers must stop at the visitor control center.  Depending on the type of installation, Veterans may enroll for recurring access, which would allow them to proceed to the gate for entry upon subsequent visits without having to stop again at the visitor control center.

As with all other individuals seeking access to DoD installations, all eligible Veterans must pass a basic on-the-spot background check prior to enrolling, and an automated check each time they enter the installation.  Veterans with felony convictions, felony arrest warrants, or other types of derogatory information related to criminal history or terrorism will not be permitted entry.

Find out more about military resale privileges.

Army and Air Force Exchange Service (https://www.shopmyexchange.com/vets)

Coast Guard Exchange (https://shopCGX.com)

Defense Commissary Agency (https://www.commissaries.com/)

Navy Exchange (https://www.mynavyexchange.com/)

Marine Corps Exchange (http://www.mymcx.com/)

MILITARY STAR Card (https://www.myecp.com/)

American Forces Travel (https://www.americanforcestravel.com)

IMAGE: Welcome Home Graphic with various DoD logos


Based on the hundreds of comments below, here are answers to the most-asked:

Q: Can I bring a spouse/friend/guest?

A. Yes, but all guests must go through the required vetting at the visitor control center and must remain with the sponsor at all times.

Veterans and caregivers should know that while they can bring guests onto the installation and into the facilities, those guests will have to stop at visitor control and go through the required access steps, which includes providing acceptable proof of identity (e.g., REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or U.S. passport) and undergoing a quick basic background check. If the guest shows up without the proper ID, they will not be able to accompany the veteran or caregiver onto the installation.

Q. Does this includes bases overseas?

A. It includes installations in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and the participating U.S. territories and possessions. Access at installations overseas in foreign countries is subject to status of forces agreements, international laws, and other agreements with host countries. So, for now, the answer is not all.

Q. Does this include Class Six, gyms, golf courses?

A. Yes to Class Six, no to gyms, yes to golf courses.

Topics in this story

Leave a comment

The comments section is for opinions and feedback on this particular article; this is not a customer support channel. If you are looking for assistance, please visit Ask VA or call 1-800-698-2411. Please, never put personally identifiable information (SSAN, address, phone number, etc.) or protected health information into the form — it will be deleted for your protection.

821 Comments

  1. Angela H December 24, 2019 at 14:58

    How can I get a new card if my VA facility in Biloxi MS says they are not issuing new ID cards? Can I go another facility close to me like New Orleans LA or Mobile AL to get my VHIC since I am already enrolled in the Healthcare system.

  2. A Sims December 23, 2019 at 16:47

    just as an FYI, I went to pre-register at a base that’s not far from me. I am service-connected and my VHIC states this under my picture as the requirements state…however, I have an older VHIC card, and the Visitor Control center informed me that they cannot register it. I have to have the newer card. So I ended up having to go to the VA to get the newly issued cards. Apparently this has been happening a lot at this particular installation. He handed me some info they’ve been passing out to veterans.

  3. Alvin DeWalt December 20, 2019 at 20:26

    I’ve read through all the comments and no answer yet about Japan. I was just told in an email by a high level MWR official that Japan’s SOFA agreement does not allow disabled vets the privileges under the new law. Here is what he wrote:

    THE HOST-NATION AGREEMENT DOES NOT ALLOW U.S. CITIZENS RESIDING IN JAPAN TO ACCESS THESE PRIVILEGES UNLESS THEY ARE ACCOMPANYING THE U.S. MILITARY FORCE, OR ARE UNIFORMED SERVICES RETIREES. BECAUSE YOU ARE NEITHER, YOU WILL NOT HAVE ACCESS TO COMMISSARIES, EXCHANGES, AND MWR FACILITIES IN JAPAN.
    WE HOPE YOU WILL TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THESE PRIVILEGES WHENEVER YOU ARE BACK IN THE UNITED STATES OR IN A U.S. TERRITORY OR POSSESSION. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE.

    However this is what the law states; “(d) Eligibility Of Veterans With Service-Connected Disabilities.—A veteran with a service-connected disability shall be permitted to use commissary stores and MWR facilities on the same basis as a member of the armed forces entitled to retired or retainer pay.”

    My reading is that disabled vets are placed in the same category as retired military, therefore they should be eligible under SOFA. I have a DoD ID card since I have over 21 years DoD service, including my Navy service. My pension is deposited in Navy Federal, so I really need base access and am thankful for the DoD ID card. Unfortunately, it looks like the official position is that those of us in Japan are out of luck with the current interpretation of the law and SOFA . I’m hoping that the senior MWR official is mistaken, but at this point-who knows?

    • John Whalen December 24, 2019 at 08:17

      It sounds like the high level MWR official doesn’t understand the law is the law. If retirees have access you have access.
      VHIC=Retired ID. Plain and simple.
      I would argue that point with them.
      I hate it when these “host” (read defeated) countries can dictate what OUR military can and can’t do.

  4. ADAM SMITH December 20, 2019 at 18:47

    This is what the VA wrote in the article above (scroll up to see it).

    Q. Does this includes bases overseas?
    A: It includes installations in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and the participating U.S. territories and possessions. Access at installations overseas in foreign countries is subject to status of forces agreements, international laws, and other agreements with host countries. So, for now, the answer is not all.

    Can the DoD/VA/Exchange/Commissary please be more responsible here? Who is working on this issue?

    The actual answer is YES IT DOES APPLY WORLDWIDE AND UNLESS THE COUNTRY SOFA PROHIBITS RETIRED MILITARY WITH PAY THEN PERHAPS THERE IS NO ACCESS. THE NEW LAW IS CLEAR, EQUAL ACCESS ON THE EQUAL BASIS AS RETIRED WITH PAY. AND EVEN IF THE SOFA PREVENTS ACCESS ON THE SAME BASIS AS RETIRED WITH PAY OR 100% DAV, ISNT THIS A GOOD TIME TO REVIEW THESE ISSUES? WE PAID THE PRICE AND THE USG HAS A RESPONSIBILITY TOWARDS US THE DISABLED VETERAN MORE THAN FOREIGN COUNTRIES WE PROTECT. THESE COUNTRIES SHOULD BE GRATEFUL FOR THE SACRIFICES OF VETERANS MADE TO PROTECT THEIR COUNTRIES, NOT TREAT US LIKE A PILE OF GARBAGE.WHY DOESN’T START A REVIEW TO IMPROVE OTHERWISE POOR ACCESS IN CERTAIN EU COUNTRIES FOR VETERANS OVERSEAS?

    What is so difficult about this issue? This law has been passed for almost 2 years now. So with the half answer to this question, come next week, disabled veterans are expected by the DoD to show up at visitors center and request access, then what? Then what about the Exchange/commissary employees overseas, any training? Since the information regarding overseas access at the NEX/PX is not updated yet, what is happening and what is the update, thank you.

  5. Leo Tampa December 20, 2019 at 16:21

    It needs to say “SERVICE CONNECTED” under VA Healthcare Enrollee. It will only say service connected if you have a service connected disability.

  6. george w hanna December 20, 2019 at 14:18

    my I D has V A health.care enrollee ,will this work

    • JB December 23, 2019 at 19:56

      Hello George, “VA Health Enrollee” I was told that will get you on military post after you have register the card through the MP’s main control center but it will not give you access to shop in the commissary or main PX. You must do the leg work and get one of these three identifiers printed on your card. 1. service connect, 2. pow, 3. purple heart, if you don’t see one of these three you will not be able to purchase in person in the commissary and PX. This is what I was told by the managers who work for Afees who had to take the class about this new service to veterans so they and employees would know what to look for on the card. Go see your VA Rep for instructions on how to obtain. Hope this helped you

  7. W Conner December 19, 2019 at 17:09

    Where can I find the guidance on whether VHIC Card holders will be able to sponsor or utilize trusted traveler for families/friends?

  8. David Ravetta December 19, 2019 at 14:08

    I have a current Choose VA card. Do I need to get this card as well

  9. Bill Scheeler December 18, 2019 at 20:27

    Can a VHIC card holder with a service connected disability be a sponsor for his wife to go on base and also use military lodging?

  10. James Tilson December 17, 2019 at 21:17

    I have a friend who is in his 90’s and is an honorably discharged Army Korean War vet. Does he actually have to register with the VA and get a VHIC card if he’s on Medicare?

    • michael J stone December 18, 2019 at 11:57

      yes .. He has to have at least a 0 % service connected or higher .. It will be noted on his new card.

  11. Mickey December 17, 2019 at 14:43

    My Drivers License has specified Veteran on it and I did need my DD214 to obtain this action. Do I still need to cary my VHAC card in order to in-store shop or will my DL allow me access?

    • michael J stone December 18, 2019 at 12:04

      Read the mission act again.. You have to have the new VHIC card. It has to have the minimum .. 0% service connected on the front of the card… Just having a new VHIC card will not qualify you for access…

    • Janelle Russell December 22, 2019 at 07:59

      If 0% or higher…then you do NOT need a service-connected disability to gain access, correct?

  12. Christopher D Greer December 17, 2019 at 10:31

    Serious, if a little odd question.

    With MWR access listed, does that include being able to purchase things like Disney Parks Military Salute tickets?

  13. MARK MARTINI December 15, 2019 at 12:50

    once you and you spouse, guest or significant other goes through the background check as requested do you have to do this everytime you enter that same base you did your initial check at? and further more do you have to get a check for every base you enter, for instance I live in San Diego area which has several bases. is it one background check apply to all bases?

  14. Teri December 11, 2019 at 22:19

    Think it’s worth mentioning that I think the VA needs to put clarification out because from my base. CAC holders are not authorized the the “trusted traveler” status. Which means, no you cannot bring a spouse, or a friend. Caregivers who are registered yes but just the Vet not others in the car.

    • Fill December 14, 2019 at 08:56

      Far as I can tell each state is different

    • Fill December 14, 2019 at 08:58

      As far as I can tell each state is different

  15. James Thomas Murray December 11, 2019 at 11:52

    4 Years USMC. No military related health problems.
    Served six to eight months at Marine Base Camp Giger in North Carolina in 1962.
    Am I eligible for the new MWR, BX/PX, Class Six, benefits that go into affect on January 1, 2020?

    • JB December 24, 2019 at 03:41

      File a disability claim you will get a rating from 0-90%

    • Mark Martini December 24, 2019 at 11:11

      Not unless you have a service connected disability, it will also state that under the picture of your “New” VHIC card

  16. James Thomas Murray December 11, 2019 at 11:43

    I served 4 years in the USMC from 1958-1962. Six to eight months of this was at Camp Giger in North Carolina. I received an honorable discharge in 1962. I have no military health problems that I am aware of.
    Am I eligible for the extended benefits of MWR, PX/BX and commissary/class six that will be offered January, 2020?

    • michael J stone December 18, 2019 at 12:08

      No you have to be the minimum of 0% service connected .

  17. dave riggle December 11, 2019 at 03:19

    live in WV. vet on disability. can’t afford food anyway. I do have a va health card but it says temp. no idea what that means. i don’t go to the VA. private doctors. this is all to confusing for me. will go to the food banks to make ends meet.

  18. Mario Santiago Jasso December 10, 2019 at 21:38

    As a veteran with physical disability I was using the gyms to continue to strengthen my injury due to my service connected disability by keeping me exercising. Why would I be discontinued to access the gyms that I was accessed before?
    As an honorable discharged veteran with service disability and never a threat in any way to the facilities, why now am I not allowed to partake in the benefits of a veteran?

  19. Tony J December 10, 2019 at 07:42

    Wow – I see a lot of whining from retirees.. Just because you served longer doesn’t make your service any more honorable. Many of us would have served longer but were injured on duty and have been getting screwed for 30 + years by the VA denying benefits for life altering injuries incurred while serving.

    Get off your high horse and realize your area vet just like the us are vets.. So much for the brotherhood I guess.

    I think any vet who served honorably should be eligible. As for the moron who thinks it would lead to “black market” sales.. the PX prices aren’t that friggin great in the first place, there are much easier ways to make money in resale… SMDH

  20. Robert T Donaldson December 9, 2019 at 21:12

    I have a V.A. ID card for syr. n. y. hospital do I need another

    • michael J stone December 18, 2019 at 12:13

      You need a new VHIC .. You have to me a minimum of 0% service connected. That is the card you need to access a facility..

  21. Richard Ziesche December 9, 2019 at 20:24

    I’m seeing a lot of complaining about giving these deserving vets an added benefit. I’m an Air Force Retiree, 4 years active service (1972-76) and 26 years Active Reserve (1988-2014)–wore the uniform for 30 years. I wouldn’t deny any vet benefits they’re entitled to and there are vets who get benefits I don’t. But, as we all know, getting the government to extend any new benefits to those who served our country faithfully, whether or not they saw combat, has always been a long, rough road. It’s all about the money. I think this is a great new benefit that I hope will help some vets who can use the help. I saw one comment regarding the exclusion of Coast Guard vets, and I’m inclined to research that one a little further. It doesn’t seem fair to treat the Coasties any different–they ARE brothers and sisters in arms. The Coast Guard was my first choice, but the waiting list was longer back in the day. I have nothing but respect for all of our vets! Have a problem with this program? Write your Senators and Congress members–especially those who are vets themselves!

  22. the_frumious_bandersnatch December 9, 2019 at 18:44

    As a person who is much more grateful for what I have than resentful about the lack thereof, I’m content to have the privilege of shopping online at AAFES (even though I signed up a few years ago but have yet to make purchase #1). The “luxury” garbage sold by them doesn’t interest me, and the prosaic items are cheaper at Costco. Thank you all for your service.

  23. Alberrt Lee Laliberte December 9, 2019 at 09:02

    Ref: to Calvin Rodney Ford, Dec. 5th, 2019 response:
    He mentions ” you can be 100% and only get paid for 50% it’s the VA way of keeping more of the money.” Is this accurate or true? If so how can a veteran find out his/her status to this claim?

  24. Richard Romo December 8, 2019 at 21:36

    Typical…and one of the reasons I didn’t want to stay in the military anymore . . .because of assh*le troops like the guys bitching above because someone is getting a benefit they don’t want others to have.

  25. CPL Phil Morris, December 8, 2019 at 18:18

    ANOTHER ISSUE …. is that in virtually every Military Era, there are those who served, are Honorably Discharged, and years or decades LATER, it is determined that they have medical issues that appeared later. AGENT ORANGE for example. How many VETS served in Vietnam and it was later determined that they have conditions that become more sever over time. AGENT ORANGE has been found to be PRESUMPTIVE for cancers, diabetes, heart diseases, etc. Their life expectancy has been shortened … their earning capability has been shortened. This small benefit will be valuable to some. ALSO …. not that many even live close to an active installation now with all the closings and consolidations.

    FINALLY … why would anyone begrudge the extension of a benefit to others who have served and are found to be in need. They also paid TAXES that fund retirement and benefits for all who served.

    20% disabled when I left the military …. 80% disabled today from AGENT ORANGE exposure.

  26. james edward rodgers December 8, 2019 at 09:19

    i am an 82 year old service connected vet and there must be a short cut to get this card.I am not as sharp as i used to be ! thanks!

    • Aaron Bouser December 10, 2019 at 09:54

      Mr. Rodgers,
      If you’re anywhere close to Arkansas, I will personally come help you get this card. It’s not hard at all. Or, you could ask your local VA rep in your town to help you out. Basically, all you need is to take your proof of service (DD214 or whatever) and get to your VA hospital. They’ll make the card for you. I’ll answer any questions I can for ya. I like to do all I can to help my service brothers & sisters out.

  27. Dennis Flynn December 8, 2019 at 05:36

    I have a vhic card. I was honorably discharged USMC after 3 years service In 1978.
    I have a felony conviction for growing 5 marijuana plants in my back yard in 1981, 38 years ago.
    Regarding the “quick backround check”,I read if you have a felony conviction I will be denied access.
    My question is will I be denied access to exchange for a 38 year old felony?

    • Lorn H Olsen December 10, 2019 at 18:19

      I had an felonious assault conviction 6 years ago and had it expunged. Have yours expunged. I now own guns again.

    • Dane December 12, 2019 at 12:29

      As of now you need a service connected disability for this ‘benny’ . So unless you are concerned about being a guest to get on, you aren’t affected anyways.

      • Dane December 13, 2019 at 09:54

        This updated info?

        First visit
        Upon the first visit to an installation, these eligible Veterans and caregivers must stop at the visitor control center. Depending on the type of installation, Veterans may enroll for recurring access, which would allow them to proceed to the gate for entry upon subsequent visits without having to stop again at the visitor control center.

        As with all other individuals seeking access to DoD installations, all eligible Veterans must pass a basic on-the-spot background check prior to enrolling, and an automated check each time they enter the installation. Veterans with felony convictions, felony arrest warrants, or other types of derogatory information related to criminal history or terrorism will not be permitted entry.

  28. Charles Pisano December 8, 2019 at 04:42

    Lots of comments on this one… Not sure why, haven’t read them yet. Why is it no one wants to address all the radiation in VA treatment areas. Even my nurse & nurse practitioner were wearing smart watches. I have health benefits I cant use because I’m EHS. I’m reading about some military bases now getting 5G. Things are going in the wrong direction.

  29. Vanessa Simmons December 8, 2019 at 01:34

    It states MWR retail and includes golf courses. How about Famcamps?

    • Martin Petretti December 11, 2019 at 07:56

      Under the new program will qualified members access to,shades of Green, Halekoa, Dragon Hill?

  30. Eric William Oetjen December 7, 2019 at 15:24

    I’m a vet with an honorable discharge and don’t get any of these new benefits even though I have spent a lifetime in our military on active duty, national guard, inactive reserves, and service academy grad. Count your blessings if you have these benefits. Our government does not recognize all veterans having “equal service” when it comes to qualifying for entitlements!

    • Dane December 12, 2019 at 12:38

      Did you retire? If so , you already get this benny. I did 10 years active and some delayed enlistment, and till now have gotten nothing for it!

  31. bill scott December 7, 2019 at 14:27

    I think gave the wrong name of who added benefits on defense appropriation bill that was Late senator John McCain .
    RIP. His funeral was Sep 1, 2018.

  32. Edward Clark December 7, 2019 at 11:15

    I served and was honorably discharged from the Air Force but was told when I tried to obtain a VHIC I was not eligible due to the income restrictions associated with the VA. Was this new program designed to exclude me and other fellow military veterans from access to BX/Commissary privileges solely because our income exceeds enrollment limitations. I’m not trying to utilize other VA benefits; just gain access to these facilities.

    • Jeffrey Bisch December 10, 2019 at 09:36

      I was told the same thing. I am an Honorably discharged US Army Veteran, and I was denied a VHIC because of my current salary. Had I applied years ago when I was at the poverty level, I would have been eligible. As you said, I am not trying to obtain Veteran’s health care, I would just like to shop at the PX and commissary.

    • A Sims December 11, 2019 at 06:50

      From my understanding, they are working on a resolution for those of you who fall into this category

      • MzJW December 11, 2019 at 15:00

        Just because you qualify for VA Health benefits, and obtain an ID card, DOSE NOT mean you have to use the VA for your healthcare. You can go see a prime care dr once a year to remain active in the system, if you want, but you don’t HAVE to be seen at the VA.

    • Dane December 12, 2019 at 12:32

      Did you retire? If so , you already get this benny. I did 10 years active and some delayed enlistment, and till now have gotten nothing for it!

      • Dane December 12, 2019 at 12:36

        Above reply was for a different post. Current requirements are service connected or purple heart or POW.

        So not all vets get this yet.

    • Chris Asman December 13, 2019 at 12:30

      As of Nov 11, 2017 any honorably discharged veteran of the 5 branches are eligible to shop the Exchanges online-only. The new rule effective Jan 01, 2020 is for physical base access to visit an Exchange in person. The new benefit does require special qualifications as noted on a VHIC card. Many people will not be eligible for the new base access privileges.

    • JB December 24, 2019 at 03:06

      You will need to file a disability claim. You might get zero percentage for compensation but you will get “service connected” printed on your VHIC

  33. Jorge Portillo December 7, 2019 at 08:14

    Hi everyone,
    I was very pleased to find out about the commissary privileges given to veterans like me, however I was disappointed when I found out that these privileges do not extend to the US Coast Guard because they’re part of the department of Homeland Security not the DOD….I think it should be extended to DHS as well since we’re all brothers and sisters who have protected and served our nation during war and peace and it shouldn’t be a barrier to access the commissaries across the network.
    President Trump can actually sign an order to make this happen.
    Semper Fi

    • AJ Edwards December 11, 2019 at 13:26

      Glad to say you’ve been misinformed Jorge. I’m a 27 yr CG retiree with 60% service connected disability from injuries while deployed serving Iraq and at sea in the Northern Arabian Gulf in 2003-2004 as well as cumulative injuries sustained doing counternarcotic patrols in the Caribbean and off the Columbian coast. Coasties are treated exactly like any other Military service regarding VA care, commissary privileges, etc. And for that I am super grateful, thankful and blessed.

      • Dane December 13, 2019 at 10:02

        But you say you are a ‘retiree’ , that fact gives you access already. How about a CC who didn’t retire? That is the point in question. Is CC like any other veteran?

    • Chris Asman December 13, 2019 at 12:47

      Hi Jorge, I would suggest calling to be sure. The article specifically lists the Coast Guard Exchange. The new rule effective Jan 01, 2020 requires special status (e.g. Purple Heart) for physical base access for in-person shopping. You can already shop the CG Exchange online as of Nov 11, 2017 as a veteran with an Honorable discharge.

  34. Christy Brown December 7, 2019 at 06:26

    I don’t understand why everyone retired is so mad about this. Less than one percent of the US population has served, and you all are acting like as soon as other veterans have access to base its going to be a constant black Friday rush. Calm down, Johnny Awesome, you’ll still have your golf courses. Change happens, get over it, or at least we were told to “Suck it up and drive on.” Furthermore, it would also behoove you to maybe NOT treat us all like bottom-feeders. #KTHXBAI

  35. Errol Britten December 6, 2019 at 23:19

    This is great and all, but it would be much easier for base personnel if they gave eligible vets a CAC. I wouldn’t mind bringing my VHIC to the nearest ID Card Office and getting a CAC. It just feels like this wasn’t well thought out.

  36. Archie Smith December 6, 2019 at 21:58

    Are the old VA. Service connected i.d. ok
    Or do you need the new one.. i serviced 1964 to 1967. 10% disability. My car had large flag on it

    • michael J stone December 16, 2019 at 10:38

      you need the new ID

  37. Marc Wahler Sr (SFC RET USA) December 6, 2019 at 19:29

    I do not know if this info is in all the above text messages. I talked with an official at the Ft Benning commissary and was told all Vets using their VA health care card would be charged 1.8% for using their credit or debit card each time you use the store. I thought this info would have been told during the news , good news, regarding the Vets ability to use the ( well most of the) post, base, or what ever each Branch calls their amenities.

    • Craig F Bronson December 9, 2019 at 12:45

      The commissary charges everyone that fee.
      Having worked with the main commissary facility in Ft. Lee VA, that fee provides the necessary resources to keep AFEES running, but new scanners for inventory, purchase services like new and more robust data centers across the globe. I’ll vlady pat the small amount rather than the 5-8% state taxes. This money goes directly into a fund that the managers take very seriously. It’s for the enlisted and officers and keeps costs down.

  38. Gerald Ryan December 6, 2019 at 18:10

    I guess 13 years in the Navy means nothing , was a E6 that did my job everyday ,but had a E8 that was by the book , when I put in the paperwork to reenlist ,was told it was denied .said that I couldn’t adapt , just another way of saying that I didn’t kiss ass , the same thing I still do to this day , if I have to taste s–t ,I will do without

    • Randall December 12, 2019 at 19:40

      I’ve met your type before. Refuse to do things because you think it’s “kissing ass” or beneath you yet blame everyone else like your E8 for your problems. Life is about adapting and as long as you refuse to you’ll always be “denied” and blocked from advancing. Try not thinking everyone is out to get you and just follow the rules because I can tell you I’ve only met one type of person that is “denied” reenlistment.

      • Dane December 13, 2019 at 10:12

        There are two sides to every comment. Hopefully you aren’t saying ‘politics’ aren’t in affect in the armed forces! It is my way or the highway attitude. In the 10 years I was in i saw it frequently. A chief who said I reminded him of his worthless son ordered those under him to write me poor annual reviews affecting my promotions. Another installation I was taken out of a supervisor job for no other apparent reason but skin color. When I discovered I outranked the other individual they had me working under then, I was moved to another position that didn’t even exist.
        So the kiss but, good ol boys club , etc I am sure still exists today!

  39. hecnav December 6, 2019 at 16:55

    I was able to find the following at the below website:

    “This means that they will not be able to use the gyms, since these are subsidized by the DoD. However, they can patronize MWR-run on base restaurants, movie theaters and golf courses. On base hotels, bowling alleys and other for-profit enterprises are also going to be opened to identified categories of veterans and caregivers”.

    https://militaryshoppers.com/exchanges-and-mwr-opening-up-for-more-veterans-in-2020/

    Also:
    “That includes the PX, commissary, and other retail stores on base, in addition to morale, welfare, and recreation (MWR) facilities, such as golf courses, bowling areas, campgrounds, and lodging facilities, per Military.com”.

  40. hecnav December 6, 2019 at 16:12

    opps forgot how about MAC flights on space A?

    • John Barry Dreher December 9, 2019 at 22:10

      Are you joking? That is for retirees and 100% service connected veterans.

  41. hecnav December 6, 2019 at 16:09

    will lodging, billeting be authorized as they are MWR programs?

  42. Robert Davis December 6, 2019 at 13:32

    Any clarity on SOFA in the United Kingdom? I would shop at RAF Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall, if permitted by UK law, as I am rated at 90% Service Connected.

    • CHARLES E ALEXANDER December 8, 2019 at 21:51

      The large response to this article is due in part to its misleading TITLE: “Veterans need Veterans Health Identification Card (VHIC) to access bases for commissary/BX/MWR privileges.”

      I,like many others, thought that this was referring to me. I am a vet, honorably discharged, with a VHIC card! Why not me, and millions of others like me, who served over the decades (1962 – 1965), but never had to go “down range!”
      That Commissary benefit would be an appropriate “Thank You,” even though a bit delayed.

      But there are RESTRICTIONS to who is eligible for this privilege: those with active duty, “service-connected,” injuries…as the article goes on to lay out. Sort of a clumsy, thoughtless, “bait and switch” scheme, if you ask me! You piqued the hopes and desires of millions of ordinary vets, and their families, with VHIC cards, only to quickly squelch those hopes, sending us back with our heads bowed in disappointment! Shame on you, and shame on those who under fund these important and beneficial programs, then restrict them to a tiny (though deserving) minority. Expand these MWR benefits at least to the honorably discharged (with income restrictions, if necessary). Now that would be a Merry Christmas!!

  43. Epes Croom December 6, 2019 at 13:07

    Veterans Department, I am a disabled veteran. Who do I contact and what is the office postal address and telephone number at the military barracks canteen exchange to order the mail order house. Can they arrange locomotive engine to trasnport the house to Nye, County, NV? Entire house wanted, furnishing, table, chair, bedding, linen, lumber, window casings, doors, flooring, sink, toilet, cast iron back tub, roofing, brick, and mortor.

  44. Caregiver/Daughter To 20 YR AF Vet December 6, 2019 at 11:20

    As my Father’s Caregiver and Plenary Guardian I applied for and received a DBIDS Smart Card. As I am sure you are aware this allows me the same privileges as a VHIC. My issue is that I work full time and also take care of my Father. I attempted to make purchases online through my Father’s “Shop My Exchange” account and my order was canceled. When I contacted Customer Service I was told that “Caregivers” are not allowed to Shop on Line for the Sponsor. Why would this be the case?

    • The Chuckster December 6, 2019 at 15:57

      If you could just wait till January 1st, and attempt to make another purchase, this will clarify if the VA is not confusing your purchase for your dad as part of the rollout starting January 1st. If you still get a cancellation then that will tell you there is something wrong, because everyone and including caregivers will be allowed to make purchases. Even though you have your caregiver card on you sometimes things just fall through the cracks.

  45. Jules Ann December 6, 2019 at 10:44

    I cannot believe the condescending “my service was better than yours“ comments. The fact of the matter is that any of us that took the oath and wore the uniform served our great country.

    The VA card does not have to say “service connected,” it has to say “health care enrollee” and which branch of service, I.e., Army, Air Force… I will always hold respect for those who served in country during conflict, WWII, Korean, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom and so forth, but those that stayed stateside, we’re never deployed served support roles. As a Vietnam Era WAC, I’ve endured harassment, discrimination, and sexual trauma, and I was not allowed to see conflict. We are all veterans! Be kind to each other as we are a brotherhood and sisterhood that anyone who has never served would not understand.

    • Marcus Love December 6, 2019 at 13:15

      Yes, I agree with you 100 percent. My card says “Health Care Enrollee,” and there shouldn’t be an issue with using it as proof of honorable service.

      • Diane Williams December 6, 2019 at 19:44

        If you see the actual photo of the ID above, it does list “VA Healthcare Enrollee” under our photos, among the other listed classifications that were discussed, so it is acceptable. I have used mine many times with no issues, the only better thing now is the fact that we can utilize an array of services now. It’s about time

        • michael J stone December 18, 2019 at 12:23

          It has to be the new style VHIC .. 0 % service connected as a minimum.

      • Kevin L. December 7, 2019 at 01:05

        “for in-person installation and privilege access. The card must display the Veteran’s eligibility status (i.e., PURPLE HEART, FORMER POW or SERVICE CONNECTED).“

        Veterans eligible who are enrolled in VA health care, “but do not possess a Veteran Health Identification Card will not have access to DoD and Coast Guard installations for in-person commissary,” exchange, and MWR retail privileges, but will have full access to online exchanges and American Forces Travel.

      • Patricia A. (Forrey) Watts December 8, 2019 at 23:03

        I believe that the term “service connected” refers to classification for disabilities resulting from injuries sustained during qualified active duty service. This has to do with the veteran’s eventual VA Disability Rating; it has nothing to do with his/her branch of service.

    • Chris December 8, 2019 at 17:07

      Veterans eligible solely under this act who are eligible to obtain a Veteran Health Identification Card must use this credential for in-person installation and privilege access. The card must display the Veteran’s eligibility status (i.e., PURPLE HEART, FORMER POW or SERVICE CONNECTED)..
      Just having health care enrolled wont cut it.

  46. Mike Staser December 6, 2019 at 10:34

    Does this include military billeting?

    • Brian Heim December 7, 2019 at 11:08

      Yes! I have a buddy still in and he verified for me that you can stay in lodging on base under this new law. Made me very happy as well!!

  47. Rudolph Belohlavek December 6, 2019 at 10:12

    I am veteran but did not retire from the military and i do have veteran benefits With a VA valid card can i use the military commissary

    • Stanley Rokusek December 6, 2019 at 11:17

      What a bunch of f(redacted)n whiners

    • michael J stone December 18, 2019 at 12:27

      You need the new VHIC and you have to be a minimum of 0 % service connected on the front right of the card..

  48. Eric Dorsey December 6, 2019 at 08:32

    To ensure this isn’t a slap in the face to retired veterans, I believe those that are retired shouldn’t be required to pay the commissary surcharge and those that are now receiving the privilege should pay the surcharge. That way the retirees are still being honored for there service.

    • T. Thomas December 6, 2019 at 10:36

      A veteran is a veteran. We all have sacrificed. What makes a retiree more important than a veteran who had to separate for other reasons. The veteran community has always been more selfless than what you are requesting. Everyone’s story is different. Be blessed.

    • Myhra, Matthew December 6, 2019 at 10:52

      I will preface my answer with the fact that this is only my opinion; however, I believe that your retirement pension/benefits is already providing you that same honor. To state that people who served as little as 4 or as much as 18 years did not fulfill honorable service to the country I believe is disingenuous. Also, for individuals like me who have worked as a federal civilian employee for 12 years since my six years of active military service this is the first time they are allowing us to access it and it’s not like we’re not serving honorably either. Just my thought.

    • Diane Williams December 6, 2019 at 19:49

      My comment to you is, “Wow,” so if someone did not retire like yourself, then we should not be honored for our service? As long as you served and were Honorably Discharged, then you should be honored for your service, despite the amount of years you served. What would make you anymore special? we all served with some staying in longer and some not for perhaps other reasons; however, they should not be shamed and considered not to be honored for their service.

    • T W December 12, 2019 at 07:57

      Retirees are honored once a month with their retirement checks.

    • JB December 24, 2019 at 03:03

      No I don’t go along with your comments…retirees get a monthly retirement pay and Tricare because they chose to stay in for 20 years or more. Should you be thought of as less because you got out and pursued other avenues? These are benefits that should had been in place decades before now.

  49. John Whalen December 6, 2019 at 04:58

    People asking about OCONUS I know in South Korea it will be OK.
    Anyplace retirees are able to shop you will have access.
    Part of the new law:

    1065. Use of commissary stores and MWR facilities: certain
    veterans and caregivers for veterans
    ‘‘(a) ELIGIBILITY OF VETERANS AWARDED THE PURPLE HEART.—
    A veteran who was awarded the Purple Heart shall be permitted
    to use commissary stores and MWR facilities on the same basis
    as a member of the armed forces entitled to retired or retainer
    pay.
    ‘‘(b) ELIGIBILITY OF VETERANS WHO ARE MEDAL OF HONOR
    RECIPIENTS.—A veteran who is a Medal of Honor recipient shall
    be permitted to use commissary stores and MWR facilities on the
    same basis as a member of the armed forces entitled to retired
    or retainer pay.
    ‘‘(c) ELIGIBILITY OF VETERANS WHO ARE FORMER PRISONERS
    OF WAR.—A veteran who is a former prisoner of war shall be
    permitted to use commissary stores and MWR facilities on the
    same basis as a member of the armed forces entitled to retired
    or retainer pay.
    ‘‘(d) ELIGIBILITY OF VETERANS WITH SERVICE-CONNECTED
    DISABILITIES.—A veteran with a service-connected disability shall
    be permitted to use commissary stores and MWR facilities on the
    same basis as a member of the armed forces entitled to retired
    or retainer pay.
    ‘‘(e) ELIGIBILITY OF CAREGIVERS FOR VETERANS.—A caregiver
    or family caregiver shall be permitted to use commissary stores
    and MWR facilities on the same basis as a member of the armed
    forces entitled to retired or retainer pay.
    ‘‘(f) USER FEE AUTHORITY.—(1) The Secretary of Defense shall
    prescribe regulations that impose a user fee on individuals who
    are eligible solely under this section to purchase merchandise at
    a commissary store or MWR retail facility.

    • Ken Reeves December 14, 2019 at 14:34

      Regards paragraph (d) – I am an honorably discharged vet with a service connected disability. Since I am being treated by a non-VA doctor I am not enrolled the VA health system and my care is paid for by non-VA insurance. A couple of years ago the VA started issuing a new Veterans Identification Card so the thousands of people out there in the same situation had proper identification for discounts from stores, etc. Why is this card not being updated to include “SERVICE CONNECTED” so it can be used for this additional access? I am sure that there are thousands of guys out there in the same situation.

  50. Mark December 6, 2019 at 04:09

    This is for those who keep asking this (unintelligent) question after this info was posted in the article:

    Q: Can I bring a spouse/friend/guest?

    A. Yes, but all guests must go through the required vetting at the visitor control center and must remain with the sponsor at all times.

    Veterans and caregivers should know that while they can bring guests onto the installation and into the facilities, those guests will have to stop at visitor control and go through the required access steps, which includes providing acceptable proof of identity (e.g., REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or U.S. passport) and undergoing a quick basic background check. If the guest shows up without the proper ID, they will not be able to accompany the veteran or caregiver onto the installation.

    Q. Does this includes bases overseas?

    A. It includes installations in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and the participating U.S. territories and possessions. Access at installations overseas in foreign countries is subject to status of forces agreements, international laws, and other agreements with host countries. SO, FOR NOW THE ANSWER IS NOT ALL INSTALLATIONS OVERSEAS WILL HONOR THIS PRIVILEGE!!!

    Q. Does this include Class Six, gyms, golf courses?

    A. Yes to Class Six, no to gyms, yes to golf 

  51. rafael melendez December 6, 2019 at 00:17

    which is the minimum % for a service connected to obtain this privilege, or the veteran have to have 100% compensation

    • R.Nunez December 6, 2019 at 12:28

      Having a “Service Connected” injury is what makes this available to you. Whether it’s 0% or 100%, your still allowed this benefit.

    • Roger chevrette December 9, 2019 at 19:07

      0% service connected qualifies

  52. Lee Ewert December 6, 2019 at 00:16

    Vets need transportation not silly cards.

  53. Brenda L McNeese December 5, 2019 at 23:44

    This is sensational news. I tried to go on a base one time because l thought we already had this privilege. Got embarrassed. Had to pull out of line and u-turn it off the base.

  54. Eric Hughes December 5, 2019 at 22:15

    People are going to be mad at me for this, but this new policy sucks. I served 20 years and base privileges were an entitlement I earned through retirement. Giving everyone who served with a rating base privileges takes away from what I earned. You want base privileges do 20 years. I wonder if this was done to bring in more business to base. Anyway, I’m disappointed with this new policy.

    • KN Klein December 6, 2019 at 07:59

      Navy Seal who served 14 years and 364 days, was injured in Afghanistan seriously with head injury. He did several tours in the Middle East and is fluent in Farsi, and Tagalog for his embedded tours in the Philippines. Navy would not give him the one extra day he needed for retirement. This man served his country under the most adverse conditions and sacrificed more than just his blood, sweat and tears. His father (also a Navy veteran) died while he was serving his country. His 2 grandfathers, one grandmother, both parents, and several uncles served in the US military.
      Please don’t be “disappointed” with this policy. Many, many veterans made sacrifices regardless of years served.

      • Timothy Brown December 6, 2019 at 10:01

        Couldn’t agree with you more!
        What will happen when the disabled homeless vets start pan handling, setting up tent cities. Refuse to leave the base ect.
        Has base Security received training on dealing with drug addicted, mentally ill homeless disabled VETS that refuse to leave the facility?

        • Elaine P. Richardson December 6, 2019 at 11:06

          To KN Klein. Absolutely. Some retirees have not sacrificed as much as others/Vets who had served shorter terms…We ALL served and “honorably” need to be the only criteria. As a retiree, I have no problem with benefits to Vets.

        • Randall December 12, 2019 at 20:07

          are you serious?

    • Papa H. USAF disable veteran December 6, 2019 at 09:25

      I was hurt and was discharged. I fought to stay in and retrain but the ruling of 5 officers said no. So I did not have the chance to do 20 years. So you are saying you are better than those of us who were discharged due to our being hurt. Glad you had a long and safe time in the military.

    • Theresa Reynolds December 10, 2019 at 15:06

      I am very disappointed in my fellow retired Vets. Mr. Eric Hughes, if you only retired to keep your commissary/Exchange benefits, that would explain your comment. As a retired vet, this should be for all honorable Vets, period. I retired for a pension personally, like most realistic people. I don’t really shop at the exchanges because I have found cheaper prices as most companies price match.

    • JB December 24, 2019 at 03:11

      It’s because the commissary is losing money to the stores on the outside of the base

  55. L. Hamilton December 5, 2019 at 22:03

    Anyone that’s enrolled in the VA Health System, but, does not have a card, needs to get there card immediately, it’s a new method of tracking all veterans now, they the Gov’t want to keep an accurate count of how many Vets are out of circulation/underground etc.. Upon getting the card you should be able to have access to all military facilities/benefits.

    • Anita Osborn December 12, 2019 at 02:38

      Just having a VA healthcare card doesn’t make you qualify for these benefits. The card must display the Veteran’s eligibility status (i.e., PURPLE HEART, FORMER POW or SERVICE CONNECTED).for you to be eligible for base privileges, etc.

  56. Derik Danes December 5, 2019 at 21:45

    The sense of entitlement is overwhelming here..you were lucky enough to leave the military with your health…enjoy it!

  57. Kim J Stone December 5, 2019 at 21:44

    I am a 30 year retired CSM, In the late 30’s the Veterans Hospital were set up for Retired Military, and those that were injured while on active duty. Those veterans that did their two or three years and went back to their families and friends were not authorized these privileges! Most veterans lived on a substandard pay, civilians workforce made two or three times the money military received for the same work, civilians did not have to pick up and move every few years relocating their families. Those that sacrificed their lives and families, to serve and protect our Great Nation were awarded these privileges. In the mid 90’s there were not enough veterans utilizing these VA hospitals and there was a push to close many facilities, Someone made a decision to allow anyone with an honorable discharge access to VA health care system, utilizing a co-pay amount, depending on your yearly income. Then Obama care came to be, the veterans healthcare system was swamped by people taking advantage of VA Hospital. Now the retired of injured veterans who were previously authorized the healthcare are having to wait for treatment because the health system is overwhelmed with new patients, Big failure! Now another dumb change, allowing anyone with a Honorable discharge access to our military facilities is another big mistake! All military facilities are tax exempt, there will be a lot of resale (Black Marketing) of items purchased on base. Lifers sacrifice family and friends spending years away from loved ones. not counting the years spent in combat. I personally spent twenty three (23) years over seas. These are some of the sacrifices retired veterans do to earn these privileges. Why should they be given to non retired individuals?

    • KN Klein December 6, 2019 at 08:31

      Again, please remember those who sacrificed so much, were riffed at 18 years served, or were afflicted with PTSD, who lost marriages, who worked 84-96+ grueling hours/week for 8 years in the Army (equivalent to 16 years for a civilian) plus 4 years reserves, etc. Or the injured Navy Seal mentioned above whose injuries and related issues prevented a 20 year career…and someone higher up in command literally discharged him one day before he would have met retirement criteria.
      Suggestions: 1. Full retirees and disabled vets SHOULD be given TOP priority for apptmts.
      2. Your insight regarding black marketing is valid. State and federal taxes could be charged for non-retirees non-disabled; however that could be difficult to implement and possibly more costly and onerous to administer. You have a very good point. Possibly a set amount, example 10% could be added for non-retired/non-disabled veterans. This could then go back to funding services particularly for disabled vets.
      3. Maybe a special checkout for retirees/disabled making purchases if an area is crowded or there are long lines. Possibly a max dollar amount per month which would cap the newly eligible folks; to prevent misuse of the system.

      • Samuel smith December 6, 2019 at 10:54

        Something flakey here. A service member who is wounded, and forcibly retired because of injuries, wouldn’t be summarily discharged. He/she would be medically retired. Big difference there. And no officer or panel can “give” a dash of service. No process to allow that. It’s bad enough that we will now allow non-serving/retired service members at exchanges, gyms, etc. Those facilities are over-stretched as it is. No facility can absorb the massive impact if everyone decided to use them. Today, it is veery difficult to use things like auto shops and especially campgrounds. Add a huge influx, and today’s authorized users are screwed. I respect all veterans, but this is ridiculous. AAFES and such merely want to increase profits….which is sensible. But the impact will be like when USAA insurance opened to enlisted and just relatives of service members. Service will be impacted for everyone.

        • Brian Heim December 6, 2019 at 12:24

          Good point on USAA, thought I was the only one that noticed. Used to love them but had to switch to progressive actually.

        • Donald Guerriero December 8, 2019 at 03:17

          As far as I can see, the new regulations are not allowing every veteran to have access. They must be classified as having a service connected disability. There is nothing funny about being disabled. Also, there were a few comments about veterans using VA hospitals. That’s only in very restricted ways, not something every veteran can take advantage of. Finally, others are too incensed about this benefit for an additional group of service members and veterans. Frankly, with all the online sales places like Amazon, Cot o and Walmart, finding and driving on to a military installation for shopping isn’t much of a benefit to most veterans.

      • Jack Smith December 11, 2019 at 04:02

        Dear CSM You are wrong and you respect your fellow vets. So don’t thick you for better than the rest of us that did not do 20 years

    • Papa H. USAF disable veteran December 6, 2019 at 09:33

      how about those of us who were hurt while serving our country and not given the chance to do the 20 or more years? Or are we to be just under your foot as dirt? You talk like you are better than those of us that got hurt.

    • Papa H. USAF disable veteran December 6, 2019 at 09:37

      Kim Stone: Thank you for your service. I was hurt and was discharged. I fought to stay in and retrain but the ruling of 5 officers said no. So I did not have the chance to do 20 years. So you are saying you are better than those of us who were discharged due to our being hurt. Glad you had a long and safe time in the military.

    • Jack December 7, 2019 at 15:00

      So what you’re saying is people that served longer deserve more privileges than those who haven’t. A regular old grunt could hit an IED causing life altering brain injury’s in his first year; and you say he’s not deserving because he didn’t do 20 years. F*** YOU. Come on man you should be wiser by now. Think about it, each members situation is different but there must be a minimum qualification and a Service connected disability is a good one. Some served only a few years but have sacrificed more than all your years. It could be reversed also I recognize. Regardless if someone served honorably and was injured due to their service that member deserves benefits. End of story!!!

    • John Barry Dreher December 9, 2019 at 22:01

      My nephew is ready to go golfing. He only served 1 month in Navy bootcamp, hurt his leg, and got an honorable discharge. The VA gave him 0% service connected and he got his VHIC. He said that when he goes golfing in 2020, a retired Admiral has to wait in line behind him and can’t golf if he got last spot and if he uses hotel lodging and gets the last room, Admiral has to sleep in his car. We laughed a lot. Now all sc veterans with just a month served are equal to retired officers. I bet that soon all sc can fly free Space A. Bye, see y’all at the commissary.

      • Bryan Walrath December 13, 2019 at 20:47

        That’s the dumbest comment I’ve read on here so far. If you think that your nephew or any other vet who is allowed these new privileges will take precedence over an active duty vet or retire of any rank you’re not that damn intelligent.

    • Mr. Greatful December 11, 2019 at 14:11

      In countless cases the only reason one person was able to retire and another left service prior to retirement or lies dead in the ground is dumb luck. There should be some privilege, and that privilege should be extended to all those in Active Duty, because they may not come home tomorrow.

      ALL others to the back of the line.

  58. Timothy Brown December 5, 2019 at 21:43

    Only Disabled veterans with a service connected disability 0 TO 90 percent. Honorably discharged veterans ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THIS PROGRAM..

  59. Leo December 5, 2019 at 21:03

    I served as an MP for 10 years. My K9 partner got service connected for having ticks and has a VA Vet (veterinarian) Services card. Can I shop with my K9?

  60. bill scott December 5, 2019 at 19:46

    I read through the questions and if they had comprehend the intro text the answers world of been answered.
    My service connected disability is 10% and will use the on base facilities. The late John McFall added our new benefits
    into the defense appropriation bill so thank him for leaving a legacy.
    I have said for years that vets need these added benefits and will increase the sales in Commentary and exchange etc.
    Being a retired civil service employee get to use the MILITARY VACATION CLUB and have a retired base pass.

  61. Dwight Coleman December 5, 2019 at 19:15

    Once again most Vets are on the outside looking in. We served at a great cost and some gave more than others and we honor them but we’re all honorably discharged Vets. Don’t leave doing the right thing for all Vets to the civilian business community. We need their help but we are yours. We followed our leaders and lead with honor for our country. As a Vet with base access and only the standard issue Vet ID, I would think much more could be done for all honorably discharge Vets.

    • JB December 24, 2019 at 03:20

      All honorably/ under honorable conditions vets can get these benefits but you have to file a disability claim in which case you will be giving a rating of 0-90% with service connected, former pow, or purple heart printed on the card

  62. Cyrus December 5, 2019 at 18:54

    What other medals qualifies for this benefit besides purple heart and Medal of Honor? Since these two medals were the only examples, is there a list somewhere of all qualified medals for this benefit?

  63. Walter Orellana December 5, 2019 at 18:49

    Any veteran that served honorably should have access to commissary bx what ever store on base…I was in the infantry went to battle didn’t get wounded thank god didn’t get a medal vid honor and did not get captured by the enemy I did my service and would do it again if allowed why not allow m to shop on base…

  64. Richard D. Rendon December 5, 2019 at 18:06

    i did not see anywhere that we could use hotel inside base can we

  65. Bruce Costs December 5, 2019 at 18:01

    I’m confused… and didn’t read through all the comments but, at this time is the benefit only extended to PH and 100% SC vets?

    • Errol Britten December 6, 2019 at 17:49

      Purple Hearts, Former POWs, and vets with service connected disabilities (VHIC must state one of these). Medal of Honor recipients and retirees already had this privilege.

  66. Selwyn E. Garner December 5, 2019 at 17:50

    I’ve been trying to get my AF medical records for quite sometime now. I went to the VA and the VA says we don’t have them and to go to St. Louis….St. Louis says no we don’t have them and to go back to the VA…..and that’s where I’m stuck in the mud. I separated from the AF in 1984. Any suggestions or advice…..

    • Eric Dorsey December 6, 2019 at 08:29

      Work with a Veteran organization like DAV and they may be able to help with this.

      • Stan Small December 7, 2019 at 16:00

        I served from 1959 to 1967. Assigned a 0% disability by the VA in 1963. Continued to be blown off by the VA until 2015 when I contacted my U.S. Congressman (Dan Webster (R) FL) who was able to mysteriously locate my missing service/medical records & was finally assigned a 10% service connected disability. Put your representatives & senators to work for you instead of them wasting our money & their time being unproductive in DC.

    • KN Klein December 6, 2019 at 08:44

      Try your local Veteran representative in your community. The one in Coldwater, Michigan has been tremendously helpful.
      Records may exist in obscure places. The VA and St. Louis could not find any record of a one week hospitalization in Landstuhl Germany, but there was an entry in an outpatient progress note that showed that one medication was refilled later related to that diagnosis.
      I would put your concerns in writing, and persist in the search. Possibly check again if it has been awhile since you tried.
      If there happen to be any medications related to your diagnosis, any notation that it was prescribed while in the military could get the ball rolling.

    • Papa H. USAF disable veteran December 6, 2019 at 09:45

      Selwyn Garner: I got discharged in 1985 after being hurt. My records are also gone, and according to a letter I got back around 1991, there is a national search looking for my records (LOL). Still do not have them. Keep bugging everyone you can and maybe (I hope they do) they will find them. Good luck and Thank You for your service.

      • MICHAEL O'CONNOR December 6, 2019 at 19:11

        I was drafted then did another 14 yrs in the reserves. last time I went to re-up in ’85 they couldn’t find my records, either. (2) congressional investigations and 1 senatorial inquiry (McCain) later…nothing.
        Finally, (5) yrs ago they determined that some other (unknown) federal agency requested my records, as I had been telling them all along, and they haven’t been seen since. Fortunately, my DD-214 was all I needed for eligibility.

    • Ronald E Nesler December 7, 2019 at 16:41

      Good luck! I was US Amy 1967 to 1975 with Vietnam service 1970 and 1971. In 1991, without keeping copies, St Louis Records Center sent the ORIGINALS of my eight years of Army medical records to the Albuquerque, New Mexico VARO. The VARO acknowledged receiving the records, but they have never been seen again. Despite decades of Congressional complaints, nobody at VA will even talk about what happened to my records. The VA is a crime syndicate

  67. George Conklin December 5, 2019 at 17:47

    Common people, read the article!
    NOW read it again.
    See there now all your questions are answered.

    • KN Klein December 6, 2019 at 08:52

      “Common people”? If someone has a comprehension problem, you are not superior to them. Some veterans with head injuries and/or PTSD deserve your respect, even if they may not fully comprehend what they read as well as you do.
      There is no harm asking a question, even if it is repetitive or redundant. Are you truly that invested in correcting “common” people? You certainly seem to feel that way. Let the questions happen, the more the merrier!

      • MICHAEL O'CONNOR December 6, 2019 at 19:17

        uh duh, KN; he meant c’mon (lol)

  68. James A Bish December 5, 2019 at 17:44

    I already have a CAC for base access as a DoD employee. Do I need a VHIC to shop in person? I already have online access

    • JB December 24, 2019 at 03:21

      Yers you will need the VHIC with one of the 3 identifiers printed on the front of the card

  69. Charlene Perry December 5, 2019 at 17:40

    If you were awarded 0%, it will say “Service Connected” on the VHIC. 0% means that you have a service related condition, but the VA doesn’t consider it to be compensatible with a monthly disability check, You can still treatment at a VA facility. For instance hearing loss might be rated at 0% which means the VA will provide you with hearing aids.

  70. Charley December 5, 2019 at 17:33

    From HUNDREDS of comments you came of with 3 questions??…… and use of the gym or golf course made that list? Man it would seem that 24 hr fitness and the local Country Club are going to see a plunge in their bottom line for 2020!!

  71. Jude chang December 5, 2019 at 17:22

    Do you have to be 100% disables to enter the commissary even if you have the card and are service connected?

  72. Mark Wadlow December 5, 2019 at 16:40

    Same question, i.e. are the “old” VHIC cards, one with the US flag across it, bar code on the end, and states “Service Connected” under my picture, usable at the bases?

    • james kelley December 10, 2019 at 07:54

      same question. my id has flag across with no branch of service identified and “va healthcare enrollee”
      under my picture. I am 40% disabled and receive monthly checks but none of that is reflected on the
      card.
      VA please clarify this new policy.
      Sounds like me and many others need a new updated card.
      Signed
      CONFUSED

  73. John T. Seiffert December 5, 2019 at 16:32

    Good info. I have a VHIC card with 80% disabled. You mentioned military golf courses are eligible. Does this include the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO?
    Thank you

  74. Farha Cameron December 5, 2019 at 15:54

    I have a service connected disability and so does my husband. Are we allowed to bring our small children on base with us. There is info on this article but I says nothing about dependants. Children Dont have i.d.

    • Brian Heim December 6, 2019 at 12:20

      There’s no way they would make you leave your children at the gate.

  75. Tommy H December 5, 2019 at 15:45

    I have a VA medical card due to being exposed to chemicals in the Camp Lejeune water supply. That seems service connected. The VA is paying the out-of-pocket for my daughter’s cancer treatments.

  76. Evelyn Ruppel December 5, 2019 at 15:10

    Does this benefit includes staying at Military campsites … FamCamp?
    That would be a useful benefit!

    • JB December 24, 2019 at 03:31

      Contact MWR on March AFB

  77. Mark Alan Auld December 5, 2019 at 15:08

    I had a fellow soldier who in a drunken rage punched a window. He damaged some nerves in his hand and lost some mobility to his ring finger and pinky. He is now service connected I believe 10 % . He did 8 mos service before receiving a general discharged (unable to adapt).
    I did 20 years, honorable discharge. 12 surgeries while in, also 2 deployments. I now share the same benefits minus TRICARE as everyone? Time, quality of service or even completing your first enlistment means nothing? So now the quality of my benefits goes down.
    Feel free to jump on my a$$ for my opinion. I don’t care I will not reply said all I need to say.

  78. Mark Alan Auld December 5, 2019 at 15:04

    I had a fellow soldier who in a drunken rage punched a window. He damaged some nerves in his hand and lost some mobility to his ring finger and pinky. He is now service connected I believe 10 % . He did 8 mos service before receiving a general discharged (unable to adapt).
    I did 20 years, honorable discharge. 12 surgeries while in, also 2 deployments. I now share the same benefits minus TRICARE as everyone? Time, quality of service or even completing your first enlistment means nothing? So now the quality of my benefits goes down.
    Feel free to jump on my a$$ for my opinion. I don’t care I will not reply said all I need to say.

    • Eddie December 6, 2019 at 08:12

      I am with you. This new law is a slap in the face to all active duty and retirees. The commissary has enough shortages already. Now we add to the customer base.

      • MICHAEL O'CONNOR December 6, 2019 at 19:26

        re-up, and buy a brand new car…
        re-up, and show ’em how (disgruntled) you are.
        re-up, I’d rather throw up…

      • You selfish pricks December 6, 2019 at 23:22

        Wow, what a horrible feeling it must be to have to share your precious f****ng commissary and px with some sorry piece of s**t small time veterans, huh? That’s gotta be almost as bad as having to put up with seeing those sorry part time Reservists like myself walking around on post like they have actually earned the right to be there, lol. Kiss my a**.

  79. Betty Dixon December 5, 2019 at 14:55

    This should have happened years ago!

    • CPL Phil Morris, December 8, 2019 at 18:19

      Sad / selfish statement.

  80. Kenneth Hanson December 5, 2019 at 14:51

    We in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles. When entering our zip code at
    https://www.commissaries.com/shopping/store-locations/find-a-store
    we were given Camp Pendleton as our nearest commissary at:
    Bldg 20850 Vandergrift Blvd., Camp Pendleton MCB, CA 92055-5212

    This is a 12 to 24 hour round trip drive from where we live. Not Good!

    Los Angeles AFB is a two to three hour drive depending on the traffic.

    Is there any military commissary near Van Nuys or Burbank, California?

    • Gregory Potts December 5, 2019 at 17:31

      March Air Reserve bade has a decent size commissary and a small BX — both in riverside CA

    • PK December 6, 2019 at 00:45

      DoD base overseas should be included. We have veterans there aswell.

    • Stephen Brenot December 6, 2019 at 01:51

      I lived in Chatsworth, which is in the northwest portion of the San Fernando Valley a number of years ago and I am aware that things do change but I also know for a fact that the Navy has a test facility and a Naval Air Station in the Oxnard/Ventura area and the Air Force has Edwards Air Force base located in the Riverside area. I also believe that there are a couple Air Force facilities in the Palmdale area but these might be secret high-security test facilities. In addition, if you drove a little further northeast to the China Lake Naval Weapons Center located in China Lake California. Be sure to stop to eat at the Golden Frog restaurant if you visit this Naval base and town. The main Air Force Command Center is located close to LAX but I would call each of these and Google them. Oh, Van Nuys Air National Guard station at Van Nuys offers various services such as issuing Veteran IDs and offering military veteran discounts on all sorts of things, including travel.
      Good Luck,
      Steve Brenot

    • Diane Williams December 6, 2019 at 20:04

      The last time I checked, driving from the San Fernando Valley to Oceanside aka Camp Pendleton is not a 12 to 24 hour roundtrip. I live outside the base and yes, it would take a couple of hours, but that is all – so at the most you might have a 5 hour round trip, make it a day of fun going and coming, but again it is not 12 to 24 hours round trip unless you decide to stay in a hotel, then of course, but you might want to check your Google Maps again.

    • Frank eala December 7, 2019 at 13:12

      If your getting the benefits, then use them. I used to live in camp Pendleton and drove to van nuys every weekened for liberty. Are you taking a horse carriage to say that it takes 12-24 hrs HAHAHAHA to say the least i would understand 3 hrs max. Stop complaining use the benefit and live life. What a fu@%&^ shame…

  81. William Carter December 5, 2019 at 14:03

    Will the access to MWR include the ability to purchase discounted tickets?

    • Adam Urbach December 5, 2019 at 17:22

      I can’t answer your question, but Vet Tix is a source for discounted tickets for veterans.

    • R.Nunez December 6, 2019 at 12:46

      Short answer is YES!

  82. jeffrey thomas December 5, 2019 at 12:25

    This assess has nothing to do with the current administration or the VA fighting for the rights of non-retired veterans. It has to do with money. With Walmart, Target, Publix and big box stores on every corner the military commissary is losing money and they are expanding usage. The allure of shopping at commissaries is not as it was too much competition other places. The only reason I shop there is because I work close to one. On the weekend or holidays I go to Walmart like everyone else. I spent over 20 years in the Navy so I have had assess for 45 years.

    • Keith Baumback December 5, 2019 at 15:15

      Your message is not at all clear. Are touting having had the privilege of using on base facilities for 40 years or are you saying veterans should be using public stores like Walmart instead? Money spent in on-base facilities generates money for the MWR services which some services stopped funding out of their DOD budget buckets about 35 years ago. Those MWR funds are needed and valued by the existing service personnel. Money makes the world go round and in this regard you can choose to spend your money when and if you want to spend it. You can look at it as a money issue, but the former members who live near to the more remote basis may find this offer very worthwhile. The constructive, positive view would be that this benefit is better than no benefit. It’s a win-win.

  83. Cathy Jimerson December 5, 2019 at 12:07

    My husband is 100% disabled vet and was medically retired from Vietnam. He has a permanent ID card since Vietnam. We were full time RVers for 7 years and stayed mostly at Military RV Parks. This addition and inclusion of new people who are able to obtain ID cards and use the services on bases is gonna REALLY affect availability at Military RV Parks. It was already almost impossible to get RV spaces at some of them. This doesn’t affect us because we no longer RV but I feel bad for those who still do unless the bases are going to work on enlarging the RV parks to accommodate more people and I can hardly see THAT happening.

    • Darlene Pittman December 6, 2019 at 06:04

      My late husband was 100 percent totally disabled service connected due to PANCREATIC CANCER!! Died in 1998 at age 41 I didn’t remarry until 2015. I have all my benefits EXCEPT my ID card. I have a ChampVa card for my health coverage.I loved shopping the commissary and was there two three times a week. I was devastated when they made me give it up in 2015. In 1998 I was told if I remarried I would be allowed to keep it due to my late husbands 100 percent service connected disability. When I married my current husband who is at 90 percent (still fighting for his 100 percent). has already said he’s not using it!! Not allowing the spouse to have Commissary privileges UNLESS he is present is going to deeply affect Commissary sales and the Exchange with your decision as to how many will actually use the commissary. NOT allowing us an VHIC card for commissary is just plain stupid. Whoever made this rule is not thinking smart! Must have been a man to make this rule!!

  84. MiChelle December 5, 2019 at 11:59

    I found this on a clearer blog (https://vaww.blogstest.va.gov/VAntage/67974/commissary-military-service-exchange-mwr-access-extended-veterans-beginning-january/):

    Who is eligible Jan. 1, 2020?
    Veterans
    Purple Heart recipients
    former prisoners of war
    Veterans with 0-90% service-connected disability ratings

    Medal of Honor recipients and Veterans with 100% service-connected disability ratings are already eligible under existing DOD policy.

    Caregivers
    On Jan. 1, individuals approved and designated as the primary family caregiver of an eligible veteran under the PCAFC will be eligible for these privileges.
    For information about primary family caregivers in the PCAFC, visit https://www.caregiver.va.gov/.

  85. A Rey December 5, 2019 at 11:38

    Mark,

    I spoke to VA health care person who clarified a couple of points in the article. Having a VHIC alone is insufficient for base access on Jan 1. It must list a priority category. So a Category 8 VHIC card holder would not have access according to this employee. He did confirm access to online services, and one additional one not in your blog: shopvcs.va.gov

    • Tom D December 7, 2019 at 04:52

      Question- I’m 80% disabled, and enrolled in VA- my card doesnt list a category or say “service connected”- am I to get a new card?

  86. WIlliam DeCamp December 5, 2019 at 11:15

    Total complete BS! All Veterans should have access not just those fortunate enough to get through bureaucratic red tape of getting a service connected disability. Serve 10 years active, Honorably discharged and still don’t qualify for this ID card and now I’m denied for income level exceeding the max allowed, just more bureaucratic BS. Thanks VA

    • Samuel Covelli December 5, 2019 at 12:44

      I agree totally, this policy is discriminatory on its face and an insult to all veterans. Purple Hearts and other awards were handed out very suspiciously in a number of cases I witnessed.

      • Ben L. Barker December 5, 2019 at 16:39

        I totally agree with your statement. My income also is above the $75K annual limit so I’m denied the V.A. Health Care and other privileges. I served 8.5 years in the Air Force, Honorably Discharged and when I got out a whole host of “privileges” had been changed. When I joined, I had G.I.Bill for life. That got changed 1 year before I got out. Then I find out because I make more than that allowed income, I was disqualified for V.A. Benefits. I feel our government like to me and others. And to top it off, the Community College of the Air Force said I was never enrolled. Funny, I have two transcripts, which are way shorter than my original one as there was a fire and my original one got destroyed. So I think no problem, the CCAF will have it. So when I applied for it years later, I got this letter saying “How dare you as you were never in the A.F.! ” But they ended up sending me a transcript with minimum credits, not the Associated Degree I had with my original. Then when I asked them about it later, they said I was never enrolled. Go figure.

    • Rick Belleville December 5, 2019 at 13:22

      William, I’m with you. This is BS. This should definitely be extended to at least all VFWs that were fortunate enough not to get a Purple Heart or MOH. But, it should be extended to all who served, regardless of where or when. At least give out specially marked cards just for the purposes of using the Commissary and not for medical purposes.

      • John Bybee December 5, 2019 at 14:40

        I’m a Gulf War Vet with VHIC card. I have no service connected. Am I eligible?

        • Louie Bassi December 5, 2019 at 16:08

          According to the info above, no. The VHIC card must display the Veteran’s eligibility status (i.e., PURPLE HEART, FORMER POW or SERVICE CONNECTED).

    • Rick Iseminger December 5, 2019 at 14:20

      I agree. I have a dd-214, I have a choiceva card, I’ve been denied benefits for the va so I won’t be able to get a card. It’s damn sad that my own government doesn’t recognize my veteran status as an honerably discharged. So this does nothing for me, thank you very much Congress of the 80’s to make my uniform, honor, and my code less than what it should be.

    • Luis Cano December 5, 2019 at 14:47

      I think the access to the exchanges and facilities should be extended to ALL honorably discharged veterans, not just those with injuries. I completely understand that the degree of sacrifices varies extensively, some by choice (length of service and MOS selection) and some by chance. Some veterans were unfortunate enough to get a disability or worse and others who served equally or for a longer time were lucky enough not to get injured. I think they ALL deserve the privileges. I enlisted to active duty at 17 years old as a combat engineer and served in the regular army, MOS 12B. I was lucky enough to not get injured. It would be nice to be able to access some of these facilities once in a while…

    • pat ming December 5, 2019 at 23:23

      I got out of the military in 1973. I have an honorable discharge and finally qualified for 100% disability 10 years ago. Perhaps that does not mean much to some of you, but I would have much rather did my 20 and retired without the nightmares and hell that I have gone through. It would have saved a lot of pain and I would be done with it. I do not begrudge benefits to anyone who earns them, but now being in a position to hear some cases, I don’t see how jumping down and breaking an ankle while you were under the influence or hanging out in the psych ward because “you think you can convince someone that you deserve disability because a drill instructor didn’t hold your hand and tuck you in at night. So while we are airing it all, air this. Be grateful if you do not qualify for disability, because unless it has changed, you must walk to the gates of hell before you qualify. My brother in law was sent as a remote radio man during Viet Nam he has 50%. My husband was a platoon leader during Viet Nam and had to call artillery on his own position because he was surrounded . He died at 34 with no disability. I have talked to vets that could not drive because they had flash backs, loud noises that sent them to cover, The military for thousands is a job just like any other, office workers, cooks, dental assistants, they never see action and like any other job if you quit before retirement you get nothing. For those that see action, they deserve our respect, there is something about someone that is willing to face fire and risk life to protect what they hold dear. Unless you are in that group then be grateful, show respect to those that were, and stop your whining. Blessed day

      • R.Nunez December 6, 2019 at 12:56

        Thank you, Pat.
        Bless you and your family too.

        • Rita K Levell December 7, 2019 at 12:08

          Pat, there is no change. In 1991 I received a 10% disability rating. In 2006 I submitted an application to have that rating increased. It wasn’t until May of this year my rating was increased to 60%. 13 years, and countless phone calls, hearings and the “oh wait we need additional informations” for it to be approved. In the mean time it took me only 8 months after requesting social security disability to get it approved for the same thing I was discharged for in the Army. Go figure.

      • prks December 6, 2019 at 17:27

        Thank You Pat, my feelings entirely! I’d give back these benefits in a heartbeat to be a whole person again.

  87. Frank Allen December 5, 2019 at 11:08

    Are spouses able to come with us on base?

    • Douglas Darnielle December 5, 2019 at 14:36

      You didn’t read about this? Its one of the first questions asked

  88. Carrie Cassou December 5, 2019 at 11:06

    Went to the VA clinic yesterday and was told my VHIC doesn’t need to state Service Connected because the Commissaries will be updating their computer systems. So when they scan the card it will show the eligibility. I see this being a huge CLUSTER F$CK come January. Guess I will be bringing my disability paperwork with me when I shop!!

    • James Ephlin December 5, 2019 at 14:34

      I contacted the VA hotline and they mailed me a new card with the word service connected disability right on the card… It only took about a week to get one… Phone nmbr is 1-877-222-VETS (8387)

    • Es Wallace December 20, 2019 at 08:19

      Lol well said!

  89. Stephen Weller December 5, 2019 at 11:04

    This “comment” section typifies one of the many things that are wrong with the VA health care system. These are not comments. These are pathetic cries for the help some of you so desperately need.

    • Vern Flick December 5, 2019 at 13:14

      Is your ass that tight that you only see your view of things?? walk a mile in your brother and/or sisters shoes before spewing crap like that!! A helping hand goes a lot further than stepping on people when they are down.

  90. Carrie Cassou December 5, 2019 at 10:59

    I already see there being a huge issue with this. Even though this particular article clearly states that on the veterans health card it must state service-connected or Purple Heart recipient, I have already gone to the local VA clinic and when I explain to them the new standards and even showed them this particular article , The VA clinic told me yesterday that it does not have to say that on our card because the commissaries are updating their computer system so when they scan our card it will show that we’re eligible. So who is right this VA article about the change or the VA clinic? So it looks like as a veteran with 80% service connected disability I will need to bring in my paperwork because my card does not say service-connected and the VA told me yesterday that it will not update it and does not need to be updated! HELP!

  91. Doug Reeves December 5, 2019 at 10:59

    are the Fam Camps part of MWR?

  92. JAMES AHLFELD December 5, 2019 at 10:51

    I served in the Army & have a Service Connected Disability…Can I access any Commissary/Exchange, NAVY-MARINES, etc-etc?

    • Robert Johnson December 5, 2019 at 12:32

      Did you not read the article? It literally contains all the information you need to know to gain access to these installations…

      • Jude chang December 5, 2019 at 17:23

        It doesn’t say that you have to be 100%, is that true or not?

  93. Angelo Allen December 5, 2019 at 10:50

    Does this apply for Army bases in OCONUS like Germany?

  94. Matthew Murphy December 5, 2019 at 10:43

    I have my service connected VHIC – does this allow access to Military RV Camp Grounds?

    • Vickie Rock December 5, 2019 at 11:35

      I have the same question.

    • Cheryl Ann Morgan December 5, 2019 at 14:56

      You cannot shop in the commissary or the px in most oconus, especially Germany

    • Tara Sperry December 5, 2019 at 15:49

      Yes it does

    • Laura Allen December 5, 2019 at 20:38

      It depends on that country’s status of forces agreement

  95. Florensio Bonillo December 5, 2019 at 10:42

    My card says VA Healthcare Enrollee, that’s all. Does that allow me privileges as stated in this article, i.e. commissary, PX.?

    • Michael arentz December 5, 2019 at 12:33

      From what I’m comprehending you need a service connected disability.

    • Dean Lucas December 5, 2019 at 12:53

      I hope so

    • Robert Antone Deichl December 5, 2019 at 13:18

      I have the same question

  96. Rodney Nordbye December 5, 2019 at 10:33

    Can my spouse accompany me? She’s not a primary care giver. Thank you

    • Douglas Darnielle December 5, 2019 at 14:40

      Uh yes..its in the article!

    • Tony December 5, 2019 at 23:02

      If you are the primary card holder, yes she may accompany you. During service you were able to escort non military guest on base but they had to check in at the Visitors Center and you took full responsibility for them,

  97. Charles Douglas Hanson December 5, 2019 at 10:28

    At my separation physical, I was told I was given a 0% compensable service-connected disability for issues with my back. Looking at my account at the VA, it shows no service-connected disability. How can I get this corrected?

  98. Garland Moore December 5, 2019 at 10:22

    After serving 12 years in the U.S. Army, I departed honorably as a Sergeant First Class (E-7) to use my Vietnam Era G.I. Bill educational benefits before they expired to complete my undergraduate degree, some graduate school and law school. While I do have a VHIC and have utilized the many VA Medical Center benefits afforded to me over the years (including a quadruple by-pass surgery 4+ years ago), my card does not denote Purple Heart, POW or Service Connected; I am pleased with what I have received from our federal government as a military veteran and do not bemoan the fact that others who contributed more than me receive more benefits than me. They earned it and I am grateful for their service, contributions and sacrifices. And so I say to all those eligible, enjoy your new benefits!

  99. Brian heim December 5, 2019 at 10:21

    Are we eligible to stay at on base lodging? Is that included under MWR?

    • John Barry Dreher December 6, 2019 at 04:55

      Yes you can stay on base lodging 6 months if you want. If anyone is travelling in Florida, you can visit Patrick AFB in Cocoa Beach and buy some I Dream of Jeanie souvenirs. I heard that sometime in summer of 2020, while there you and your wife or caretaker can take a shuttle over to Cape Canaveral and go in a Space X Falcon 9 Rocket and buy souvenirs. Only 100%ers and retirees with proper ID can take free Space A flights to wherever it is scheduled to go at that time.

  100. James L. Henderson December 5, 2019 at 10:20

    My son served for 4 years and then was discharged with a Less than honorable discharge. Four years later he applied to have his discharge upgraded to Honorable and got it.
    My question is does he qualify for this card/access?

    • Roger Gulbransen December 5, 2019 at 14:23

      He is eligible if he has the VA ID and has a service connected disability

    • Stephan Rothstein December 5, 2019 at 14:55

      I do not think he qualifies for this benefit since he did not have a service connected disability. This is just for disabled vets and the people who earned certain medals.

  101. rodney hester December 5, 2019 at 10:13

    I am thinking that a clear document as to who can enter with the disabled Veteran would be nice. IE, friend, daughter, brother ect. ect.

  102. RICHARD RIDLEY December 5, 2019 at 10:11

    I have 20% service related disability. Do I get this access?
    I also have access to military bases due to working gov contract. Do I still need the VHIC?

  103. Peter Johansen December 5, 2019 at 09:58

    Is overseas base access allowed to the commissary and exchange such as in Germany?

    • Tony December 5, 2019 at 23:04

      Not at this time..Just stateside.

  104. Single Parent December 5, 2019 at 09:57

    I’m a qualified caregiver, a mother of a SM. Due to the catastrophic injuries suffered by my SM, I had to leave my civilian job (actually let go b/c there were no job protection laws applicable). I was placed on military orders and took care of my SM for three years at the military hospital. My SM and I were sent back to a community that didn’t care one bit. I never recovered from the job loss. I think the government needs to reconsider what happened to some Caregivers whose lives and careers were destroyed by no fault of their own. This gesture hardly scratches the surface.

  105. Jerry L Price December 5, 2019 at 09:52

    i have the old VA picture ID card—-will i need to get it replaced with a new card like one pictured at start of article ? Thanks

    • Greg M Shane December 5, 2019 at 10:55

      I went to a VA Hospital for a checkup on my service connected injury and at admissions they issued me a new card, took about 15 minutes, got the card in 4 days in the mail. No problems.

    • prks December 6, 2019 at 17:35

      Contact the Base/Post and see what they wish you to carry in the form of ID.

  106. Matthew Shifflett December 5, 2019 at 09:50

    This is amazing and I am so glad that they are finally opening this up. I always felt that my 12 years meant nothing and I was pushed out and could never look back. I am excited and so thankful they finally agreed to do this.

  107. Rodney Rees December 5, 2019 at 09:43

    If I met someone that’s a veteran and they had green eyes and red hair, did not have a service disability but a wooden leg could I access the commissary and only buy Cat Food? That is only on Wednesdays and if it’s raining?
    That’s how ridiculous some of the questions posted here sound. It’s embarrassing people. READ THE ARTICLE IT’S COMPLETELY SELF-EXPLANATORY! WTF OVER! BTW… Do I solve the math equation at the bottom of the comment section using Common Core Math or Old School Math. I only ask because I need to know if I should put down the number 7 or 7 bananas because I ate 2 of the 9 bananas I had before I met the red headed green-eyed veteran.

    • Ron Mexico December 5, 2019 at 11:11

      I’m thinking you still get credit for the 2 you ate and check Red’s pineapple and papaya count. They’ll go good with your 7 leftover ‘Nanners’, Sir!

      • ALBERT Donald Howard II December 5, 2019 at 23:31

        These replies actually made me laugh so hard my chest hurt! We can tell from the questions/replies/comments if they were made by an Officer or Enlisted as well as if you were combat arms or a POAG! Please keep the replies coming!!

    • Henry McCabe December 5, 2019 at 13:32

      You are correct. When I tried to enlist in the U.S. Navy I was underweight. So my father went out and bought me 7 pounds of bananas and made me eat them. That was in 1963 and I have not eaten a damn banana since. But I did get into the Navy, best move I ever made. I do have green eyes and red hair but no wooden leg at least not yet. I tried the cat food yuk!

    • Leo December 5, 2019 at 21:04

      I served as an MP for 10 years. My K9 partner got service connected for having ticks and has a VA Vet (veterinarian) Services card. Can I shop with my K9?

    • Tony December 5, 2019 at 23:09

      The veteran serves as the military member. As long as your guest has a REAL ID Government issued, and can pass the background check you should be good. I am happy to see these benefits extended to other veterans.

    • pRKs December 8, 2019 at 20:59

      THANK YOU Rodney, this is exactly how I feel about many of these questions. I’ve always known, but never had it so graphically illustrated. Must share with my man, a 20 year USAF Veteran, we met at the DLIFLC in 1979.

  108. Charles Chaney December 5, 2019 at 09:35

    Thank you President Trump and the VA for this benefit. I am a 90% disabled Vietnam Veteran.
    Chuck

    • Tom Cook December 5, 2019 at 11:17

      Are you having a bad day? lol

    • Ron Mexico December 5, 2019 at 11:39

      Yup

    • jeffrey thomas December 5, 2019 at 12:03

      Thank you for your response

    • tom masden December 5, 2019 at 12:56

      Trump didn’t have a thing to do with it, he’s too busy chasing shadows, ghosts, and conspiracy theories so he can make up fake crap about joe Biden. He doesn’t care about you or any vet or active duty personnel anyway, only his own fat ass. This was approved by congress and the pentagon so why don’t you just wise up and get better informed so you won’t possibly look stupid.

      • STEPHEN G GULAS December 5, 2019 at 17:30

        President bone spurs.

        • Sonia Madinah December 10, 2019 at 06:56

          totally agree !

      • Saundra Santana December 5, 2019 at 22:10

        Thank you Tom for that true statement. Trump doesn’t give a flying @%# about vets or active duty. If he loved this country so much he would have been in the jungle with you and not getting deferments.

      • Vic December 6, 2019 at 07:04

        Well… Did happen during his watch so… Thank you DT!

    • Pete Hegseth December 5, 2019 at 13:12

      Thank you Chuck for giving credit where credit is due.

    • Gene Jurrens December 6, 2019 at 07:19

      So to be clear, MWR (and specifically access to Fam Camps, aka on-base RV parks) has always been offered to active, retirees, reservists, and their families, but NOT to 4-year disabled (service-connected) vets (like me). That’s what the link above still states. Are you saying this recent change does nothing to make access to Fam Camps on military installations to non-retired, non-active vets? I’m just seeking clarification.

      Also, as has been stated elsewhere in this thread, one reason such a change makes a lot of sense from a business perspective: with civilian competition, demand for on-base facilities has dropped, causing these to be under-utilized assets. That’s why opening up ALL base facilities to a broader set of customers makes good biz sense. Just one grunt’s humble opinion.

      Thanks.

  109. David Carpenter December 5, 2019 at 09:29

    I am an Army vet and Ex-pat. I am a legal resident of Japan and would be happy to visit a base here for shopping. Anyone know how to get info on if this pertains to OCONUS locations too???

    • Teresa Whittman December 6, 2019 at 05:24

      Hi David! First I’d like to thank you for your service to our nation. There are so many nasty, mean, condescending and rude comments to our fellow veterans in this thread so I just wanted to say I appreciate you before answering your question. I don’t understand why there are so many negative Nancy’s in this thread. It’s quite appalling considering we’re are all veterans and that mean a lot in my eyes.

      Each overseas base has an individual Status of Forces Agreement with the host nation that will dictate who they allow on base and what the protocol is for requesting access. Based one my personal experience I’ll share an example of how extremely difficult it is to access a base. The base I’m referring to is in Rota Spain. Access is managed by the Spanish government and the base is secure by the Spanish Marines. It took several months of advanced planning to request a certificato from the Spanish government and your request can be denied at their discretion. It was always a pain going to that base when our military hospital on base requested our assistance.

      I would start with reaching out to the local JAG office on the base as they’re very knowledgeable of the SOFA with Japan and can guide you through the process or at least refer you to the correct office who can assist you. Good luck to you. I hope you’re able to get it all figured out as soon as possible.

  110. Robert Stratton December 5, 2019 at 08:46

    I’m a disabled vet with my va card will I be allowed to shop at the Air Force base exchange and commissary? Thank you

    • Brian heim December 5, 2019 at 10:33

      Uuuhhhh that is what they article stated , multiple times, in clear plain English. That was basically the whole point of said article. Geesh!!

      • Ashley Wamsley December 5, 2019 at 22:42

        Omygoodness!!! Lmao these comments tho

      • Es Wallace December 20, 2019 at 08:33

        For god’s sake! How stupid of me read this much BS. bye

    • Stephen Weller December 5, 2019 at 11:01

      This “comment” section typifies one of the many things that are wrong with the VA health care system. These are not comments. These are pathetic cries for the help some of you so desperately need.

  111. Scott Valentine December 5, 2019 at 08:37

    I have one of the old style VA ID cards. It looks different than the one pictured above, my old one does have the barcode and the words “Service Connected” on it. Do I need to get the new style card to use the new benefits?

    • Brian Miller December 5, 2019 at 15:20

      No, the older cards with “Service Connected” will not be accepted

    • A Sims December 5, 2019 at 17:56

      I don’t believe it matters. I have the same as you. Just says that it has to state service-connected.

    • John Barry Dreher December 6, 2019 at 04:22

      You are good. Service Connected are the two magic passwords.

  112. Michael A Soetaert December 5, 2019 at 08:27

    I understand from the above comments that my wife can come on base with me…Can she also play golf with me as my guest

    • A Sims December 5, 2019 at 17:54

      I don’t believe it matters. I have the same as you. Just says that it has to state service-connected.

  113. Rob Cannon December 5, 2019 at 08:25

    Does this include the use of any Military campground and can I bring my wife and kids? If they can come what is the process for getting them on base?

  114. Epes Croom December 5, 2019 at 08:24

    Can I buy like a sears house by the mail at the Military Commissary and Exchnage. I want to build my own house like the Sears mail order house. Where can I ask about how I am supposed to order it?

    • Tommy Saxon December 5, 2019 at 12:25

      If it is for sale, why not. I have not seen a house kit from Sears since the 1950’s.

  115. Scott Valentine December 5, 2019 at 08:19

    I think this is a great program. I am calling the number listed above and am unable to get through; I am on eternal hold.

    • Cesar Freytes December 5, 2019 at 13:27

      You need to tell VA to renew your medications

    • ALBERT Donald Howard II December 5, 2019 at 23:36

      Welcome to the VA!

  116. Ferrell Naputi December 5, 2019 at 08:01

    “Veterans with felony convictions, felony arrest warrants, or other types of derogatory information related to criminal history or terrorism will not be permitted entry.” This statement was nowhere on the bill that was signed. This dose create a problem causing a double standard. So Veterans with a 100 % and do have previous felony records can access base. Also veterans with less that 100 % and court martial records can access base. Isn’t this a double standard. Everyone who is eligible should be able to gain access to utilize what the original intent of the bill was and if anyone should misuse or do anything on base that is illegal privileges will then be suspended. Everyone makes mistakes in life it is what they do after that counts. The Word says there is no one good not one that anyone should boast.

    • Edd Prfit December 5, 2019 at 12:16

      Some of us learned to behave at an early age. Felony conviction restrict you from many other things than base access. No HUD, no employment in medical, no employment in LE and the list goes on. Can’t complain now that you lost due to your actions, your the only on to blame.

    • ALBERT Howard December 5, 2019 at 23:42

      FYI, retired and 100%, with felonies that were not O6 and above are now denied access to the bases. 06 and above have their own things going to allow them to continue to access the bases. Please trust me on this as I worked in Law Enforcement after the military and have direct knowledge of this Secret Squirrel arrangement.

      • Sam December 13, 2019 at 00:44

        “Presuming the individual in question has served their time for the felony and is currently not on a felony want or warrant list, DoD physical access policy (Directive-type Memorandum 09-012) does not prohibit a convicted felon from accessing the base, escorted or unescorted,” officials with the Office of the Secretary of Defense told us in a statement.”
        https://www.military.com/spouse/military-benefits/can-i-get-a-military-id-with-a-felony-conviction-qb.html

        So Albert as long as there’s not a felony warrant, and the time has been served, a veteran with a felony CAN get a base access. Veterans with 100% and a DOD ID card can bypass the visitors center and go right on base. There’s no background check, all they do is show their DOD Card to the MP.

        Check that article…

  117. Larry Hollingsworth December 5, 2019 at 07:59

    Thanks for the update!

    • Sonny December 5, 2019 at 11:04

      Quit whining already!

  118. michael harris December 5, 2019 at 07:43

    you act as having a service connected disability is some kind of benefit, Its not, Im sure you could trade your health with someone who has gone through the pain and suffering requiring medical treatment. We all volunteered, some made it back ok others didn’t..

    Im %50 disabled, I will give you all my benefits if you take on my health issues I have suffered from since the 1980s

    • Carl May December 6, 2019 at 17:11

      No, we did not all volunteer. Some were drafted and lost their lives or were disabled. Most draftees during the Viet Nam era and somewhat earlier were forced to do two years active duty, two years of active reserve, and two years of inactive reserve for a total of six years before they got their discharge. The lives of draftees were just as disrupted and the long-term effects of those disruptions, including service-connected disabilities, just as profound as those who volunteered.
      .A couple of other minor points: (1) Most VA hospitals have small retail stores where any veteran can shop, though prices tend to be slightly higher [or, at best, no better] than big box stores. But they are still handy and a benefit for people stuck in the facilities. (2) From the stories I hear, VA medical care and the quality of other benefits can vary widely depending on where you are in the U.S. In the San Francisco Bay Area, medical care is very good, with the major VA hospitals in San Francisco and Palo Alto are connected to a couple of the best few university medical schools in the U.S. Whatever, it serves no purpose to make derogatory comments about VA physicians, nurses, and other staff who are probably trying to do their best to serve patients under whatever bureaucratic circumstances prevail locally.

    • pRKs December 8, 2019 at 21:07

      Thank you Michael, You, I, and others here feel the same.

      Take my disability I will gladly give up the benefits.

  119. David Mark Lyon December 5, 2019 at 07:32

    I have a VID card issued by the VA, how does this work in the new regulation? I do not have a VHIC as I have been denied VA Health Benefits because I do not meet the means threshold.

    • Cynthia Pratt December 5, 2019 at 20:47

      I will too.

      Ckinzner

  120. Aaron December 5, 2019 at 07:28

    I’ve recently submitted my disability paperwork and am still waiting to hear back from the VA. Does submitting my Disability package automatically enroll me into the VA healthcare system?

    [Editor: No, but you can enroll, here: https://www.va.gov/health-care/how-to-apply/%5D

  121. Charles Gregory Jaudon December 5, 2019 at 07:10

    All honorably discharged Veterans should have access to facilities. Here in Puerto Rico the civilian security rent-a-cops of the Coast Guard have access to purchase but I as a USCG veteran am not allowed. Homeland Security employees and their dependents have exchange privileges. It would make good business sense to allow all honorably discharged veterans access. Its not like it would cost the system any money to open for all veterans.

  122. Thomas A Szuch December 5, 2019 at 07:08

    I am a retired navy veteran with my DOD ID card. I cannot currently use the commissary or exchanges over in Europe. Will I be able to utilize those facilities with this card? Why would this card be acceptable and not my retired ID card?
    Thank you in advance for your answer to this question.
    Regards,
    Tom

  123. Lowell E Ebalo December 5, 2019 at 06:58

    Example….. me and buddy go to war but my buddy gets injured and I’m the only one around to carry him back to the unit. He gets disability and gets privledges like commissary exchange and all that good stuff. But me who had to sacrafice my own life to carry him off to safety disregarding my life that didnt get any disability gets no such privledges. Not even a mention of saving a life while in combat. Isnt that just wrong? A VETERAN IS STILL A VETERAN DISABLED OR NOT. WE ALL JOINED THE US MILITARY TO DEFEND OUR COUNTRY. But those who are not disabled just gets a pat on the back while those who are disabled get all the luxuries of US military. And get paid too.

  124. Eugene Dooling December 5, 2019 at 06:49

    When I received my card it said enrolled, but now I got my 10% Rating do I need to have that added to my card?

    Gene

    • John Barry Dreher December 6, 2019 at 04:19

      Si, oui, yes !!!

  125. Russell McCord December 5, 2019 at 06:32

    I’m a service connected veteran (not 100% connected/not retired), living overseas in Germany. Living as a Local National. Remember leave the local

    Are overseas Commissaries still available? I’m presuming the same local tax rules apply, like for the retirees over here.

  126. Lowell E Ebalo December 5, 2019 at 06:21

    It says that The card must display the Veteran’s eligibility status (i.e., PURPLE HEART, FORMER POW or SERVICE CONNECTED). So is this exclusive only for disabled veterans purple heart and former POW? Or is this for all veterans disabled or not?

    • Dave Winkler December 5, 2019 at 13:27

      Doesn’t your question really answer itself? Must means must.

  127. Lowell E Ebalo December 5, 2019 at 06:14

    I’m still in the process of getting my disability. The doctor who checked me out and said that I do have a disability but the VA is the only ones who can say you’re disabled or not.and how much percentage you get. Whether or not I do get my disability approved am I still able to go the commissary exchange and MWR? I already have my VETERANS ID CARD.

    • John Barry Dreher December 6, 2019 at 04:13

      If your card says SERVICE CONNECTED, you can.

  128. Chris Holland December 5, 2019 at 06:01

    Hello, I received my VA Status before they started issuing the cards. I live Overseas in Germany. How can I get an ID and can I use to go on the bases here in Germany too?

  129. Jasper snowden December 5, 2019 at 05:36

    I have a ID but mine doesn’t say service connected will that be issuing new card for those who already have them becuase I know for a fact I have service connected injury my card just doesn’t say it

  130. Al Petru December 5, 2019 at 05:35

    I don’t understand why I had to go through all the trouble to get a Veterans Identification card and they won’t accept that for this new service, (to shop in the Exchange). They need to include this ID card instead of putting us all through the extra trouble to get “another card”. The Veterans Identification card has my photo and my branch of service and is used instead of my DD Form 214.

    • Tommy Hyde December 5, 2019 at 14:22

      That card was created to make it easier for veterans to access the many Veteran Discounts offered by civilian businesses.

  131. ASTRID TOLLEFSEN December 5, 2019 at 05:33

    A WOMAN IN THE MILITARY, IF MARRIED WHO HAD A DEPENDENT, COULD, NOT SERVE AFTER CHILD BORN, AND THEREFORE COULD NOT DO HER 20. IT WAS FINE FOR A MAN TO HAVE A CHILD HOWEVER. ALSO A MARRIED WOMAN COULD NOT GET A HOUSING ALLOWANCE FOR A HUSBAND.
    WE COULD NOT RETIRE LIKE THE MEN BECAUSE OF THESE REASONS. WE HAD TO RESIGN OUR COMMISSIONS IF WE HAD A CHILD…PRIOR TO CIRCA 1972. AND COULD NOT REGAIN OUR COMMISSIONS AS WELL.

    • Chaz Wilson December 5, 2019 at 16:41

      So, I’m only guessing here, the military forced you to get pregnant? It’s unfortunate that during that time period women weren’t allowed to have a child and stay in the military but you knew the rules. There was a time when seeking mental health care was taboo in the military and would likely get you kicked out. Now, it’s encouraged. Times change.

      • pRKs December 8, 2019 at 21:19

        CHAZ WILSON, Read through Astrid’s post very slowly, THIS was NOT ONLY about having a child or not. Married Military Women sacrificed everything that a Married Military Men were NEVER forced to sacrifice.

        THEY HAD NO CHOICE AT ALL.

        And please tell me when Military Men were ever forced to give up their benefits in order to have children?!

        • C G December 9, 2019 at 08:31

          Thank you!

        • Nick December 13, 2019 at 09:29

          Simple answer, sex doesn’t physically change men…biology and logic wins again

  132. John F Czujko December 5, 2019 at 05:30

    Ok so what are the restrictions on what to buy at the Exchange and Commissary? I was informed that we would not be able to purchase Alcohol or Tobacco products. Is this True? Which to me makes so sense, if you are giving service connected veterans the same access as everyone else, but I will not be able to shop and pick up a nice bottle of wine for dinner, is just ridiculous.

    • Henry Berger December 14, 2019 at 15:01

      I’m being told the same thing by the exchange customer service personnel in Biloxi

  133. Juanita Evans December 5, 2019 at 05:28

    My husband has a card and is 70% service connected, will he be able to use the facilities at bases?

    • John Barry Dreher December 6, 2019 at 01:48

      Yes. He should apply for TDIU and get paid at the 100% rate. Then get a tan DOD ID card/2765 so he can fly free Space A military flights.

  134. Waddle Dale December 5, 2019 at 05:27

    I have a card and I am at 60% disability, I go to the VA for treatments, Am I entitled to use these privileges,,

  135. Caleb Laurent December 5, 2019 at 05:26

    I am 50% disabled and have a vhic. Can I bring a civilian (girlfriend) on base with me to go shopping as well?

    • G. Foster December 5, 2019 at 11:09

      Go back to your VA facility and have them retake your picture and issue a new card with “service connected” located on the right side of the card just below your picture. Someone must have missed that when the card was issued. They will verify your status and update your card.

  136. Mark Petrowicz Seabee December 5, 2019 at 05:22

    Thanks for the information

  137. Craig Snyder December 5, 2019 at 05:22

    So, the real benefit is only saving on taxes? I don’t see that as good reason to bypass 15 grocery stores etc to go on a base to shop. Are there other benefits i’m not seeing that might give me reason to spend money on a base instead of off base?

    • Robert Dunn December 5, 2019 at 14:37

      I have not been on a military base for a long time. I would enjoy going to the base to shop sometime.

    • Jojo December 6, 2019 at 14:13

      LMAO. And this is more than likely the reason for the change. So many people thought like you, that the commissary and exchange are losing money. They have been for years. Indeed this new change is something to celebrate, but don’t think for once that the veteran was thought of first with this solution. But at the end of the day does it matter?

    • Henry Berger December 14, 2019 at 15:19

      I hadn’t shopped in a commissary in about 20 years. We went a month ago and compared to Walmart, we estimated that we saved over 25% .. now some things that we knew were cheaper at Walmart such as laundry detergent, we didn’t get at the commissary.

  138. CLIFFORD GILLIAM December 5, 2019 at 05:20

    so if im right im a veteran and i get medical threw the va have a card but no purple heart or none of the other all tho i am on disability but not service connected or va disability i get ssi so this means i can not use com or none of it right

    • Sonia Madinah December 10, 2019 at 07:12

      I agree. Money was the first and foremost thought. Benefits to veterans was just a very nice side effect…probably why things weren’t as well thought out as they should have been.

  139. Paul J. Howley December 5, 2019 at 05:18

    This is my 2nd try, I’m not the most computer adept.
    All the men and women who honorably served in defense of our nation and essentially put their lives on the line for the good of ol’ USoA deserve to be furnished all benefits afforded some of our discreet few who are entitled to military base priviledges.
    Who are we to discriminate?
    Do the right thing!

    Retired Vietnam Era USAF
    100% Disabled

    • Bill Bacon December 5, 2019 at 18:33

      You’re right, Paul, IMHO. We all took the same oath to protect our Constitution and the interests of the country as a whole. The thing that differentiates all of us were the orders that we received; nothing more and nothing less. None of us had a say in what those orders might be. We were assigned where needed and there was nothing in the world that was able to change that fact. We all had the same commitment to military service, regardless of circumstances. In essence, the Veterans’ Administration is highly discriminatory. We all served. Period. Should one’s unit or in-service assignment be deemed more important over those who may have served in an active theater of war? Again, one’s VA eligibility and classification is a function of one’s military orders, not of one’s unwillingness to accept this or that assignment of duty. Maybe the Veterans’ Administration should re-read the oath that all service people took when they turned over their lives for Uncle Sam’s Department of Defense and for the betterment of a free republic.B

    • Art Conway December 5, 2019 at 18:37

      For many years, all veterans could shop at the Exchange on the internet. Go to “www.shopmyexchange.com” and provide the required information (DD214, etc.) when you sign up for the first time. Takes a week or so to get approved and then you can shop online at the exchange.

    • Teresa Whittman December 6, 2019 at 05:37

      Paul I agree with you. One of the things that make our military so amazing is the fact that it’s not a government requirement to serve. Our service members volunteer to serve this nation and that speaks volumes. No one ever has the same experience in the military as someone else but that doesn’t make anyone better than everyone else. We all volunteered, knew we were getting ourselves into and still chose to make the sacrifice and serve this nation.

  140. James Campbell December 5, 2019 at 05:16

    I reside in Japan. Will my veteran’s medical ID and the reserve ID card I still carry allow me access to all US Military facilities?

  141. michael raby December 5, 2019 at 05:07

    On order to take my wife with me to shop she has to have a prostate exam at the gate. No way to get a long term pass for her. While i am working she cannot go shopping on post for me. A woman that stood by my side the entire military life, nurses me back to health after the surgeries or injuries, and she is treated like a criminal that needs an escort. Why would i put her thru this to save money. Someone needs to seriously look at how they treat our damn spouses.

  142. Brian smalls December 5, 2019 at 05:03

    Does anyone read? Sometimes if you scroll through the questions 79% of the time someone asked what you want to ask. A lot of the OX’s and commissary’s don’t require ID to walk in anymore, they require ID at the register to purchase. I can’t read anymore comments, the same reading skills you needed in the military are the same skills required for this article.

  143. Joe Diebold December 5, 2019 at 05:01

    So why stay 20 years anymore. You make a career of the military with promises of certain benefits when you serve for 20 plus years. Now you have to get behind the thousands of vets who served even less than one enlistment, but were able to get a VA disability. SMH

    • G. Foster December 5, 2019 at 11:25

      You can bring anyone in that you like. The issue is at checkout at most bases. If she is making the purchase she will not be allowed to do so because she is not a dependent with a dependent’s ID card. You would have to make the purchase using your ID card (as she smiles through check out) for her and that applies to anyone who is not a dependent, active duty, Guard, retired, or Vet. everyone needs some kind of ID to check out of a Commissary or Exchange. Some bases that are contractor type bases allow the use of a VIP card at the small BX locations but not the main BX or Commissary. I was in New Mexico a month ago and tried to use my VET ID because I had left my Retired ID home thinking I could use the VET ID inplace of my retired ID. At that time they would not let me check out with my VET ID. Now after Jan 1, 2020 I should be able to leave my retired ID home and just carry my VET ID. Good Luck!

    • Liliana Tincher December 5, 2019 at 21:27

      Do you honestly believe people stay in so they can have access to exchanges and the commissary?
      If the 5% savings and no tax is such a hard sell, why do I constantly see uniformed sailors and marines at COSTCO and Sam’s?
      Sometimes it’s a whole group shopping huge amounts of food for picnics and BBQ’s.

      You should be happy your brothers and sisters get such a small reward for putting their life on the line like you.
      Shame on you!

      • Jojo December 6, 2019 at 14:01

        Your first line says it all…smh at these comments!

    • ALBERT Howard December 5, 2019 at 23:58

      Would you like to trade? I was seriously injured while I was deployed doing things Clinton said was not happening (TS Crap). 85 troops 650 needed. If you were hurt you were considered a POS. We took care of ourselves as we had access to all the medical supplies. No medical records were kept. I had to get letters from officers and others about my injuries, then have the statements reviewed by MI and modified so no TS. info was released. It has been a fight to get compensation. Want to trade your 20 for the rest of my life of injuries and my broken dreams???

    • John Barry Dreher December 6, 2019 at 01:41

      Veterans who served 3 months with a 0% service connected disability have the same base privileges as veterans who served 20 years and retired. Bases are going to be crowded. I bet all the guards are dreading Jan 1, 2020. Probably on Jan 1, 2021, everybody will be eligible for Space A flights. A tan DOD ID card/2765 is almost worthless anymore.

  144. Edgar Dixon December 5, 2019 at 04:44

    Please confirm if Vetarans without service connected but that served bravely have access to this new program.

    • Andy Rice December 5, 2019 at 12:46

      Nope…only mailbox money veterans with disability get the benefit. Sooo…if a person served three years as a clerk and got 10% disability for sleep apnea because they drove the VA crazy and spent a large portion of their time on medical appts….. they get the privilege….the person who served 12 years, worked harder and deployed more than most but was a little too proud to lie about ailments….gets nothing.

    • S. Xiong December 5, 2019 at 16:17

      Only if you have a VHIC that states “Served Bravely”

    • John Barry Dreher December 6, 2019 at 04:00

      That’s a big NO!!!

  145. Glynn Carlock December 5, 2019 at 04:27

    I have base access to the base because I work on base. So do I still need VHIC to shop at the exchange.

  146. Byron M. Lomnick St. December 5, 2019 at 04:09

    I’m a service connected Veteran can my spouse obtain an ID and enter without me?

  147. Richard R Baker Jr December 5, 2019 at 04:05

    With the new process and the ability for me to go to a post commissary, will my wife be able to have a card to go shopping without me?

    • G. Foster December 5, 2019 at 11:34

      Sadly you will still need to follow the criteria posted in the article. If you did not retire and or have an appropriate ID or are not a “service connected” veteran or a Purple Heart recipient, you won’t have access to the Exchange or Commissary. Some bases like Hill AFB allow base contracted personnel or Fed employees to use the small BX or the food court but none of the actual base amenities without proper ID. My son in law sometimes gets away with using a DD214 at these locations but not always. He served 6 years in the Air Force. Good Luck!

  148. Ralf Nadir December 5, 2019 at 03:56

    Contacted MWR about using their campgrounds. No response from them.

  149. Roger A Boyer December 5, 2019 at 03:55

    I am currently 90% service connected disabled. I have the old VA Photo ID Card. It does not say that I am service connected. Will I automatically get a new Card?

    Secondly my wife helps as my daily caregiver. How do I get her the letter?

    • C G December 9, 2019 at 08:25

      Get a new ID card at your VA health center.

  150. Harold Milton Kriner December 5, 2019 at 03:54

    I’m 85 years old, residing in Germany, 3 years – 6 months Service with Honorable Discharge & awarded the COMZ Certificate of Achievement for Outstanding Service!! Do I qualify and if so, how do I go about it? Thanks

  151. bryon neubauer jr December 5, 2019 at 03:43

    Will we be able to use the exchange and commissary OCONUS, like in Japan?

  152. CJ Kennedy December 5, 2019 at 03:42

    Would i be allowed to go on post in Germany also?

  153. Timothy Yochum December 5, 2019 at 03:40

    I have a 10 percent disability from the Air Force. Is there any way I can get the card so I can visit the VA clinic after I retire. I will retire from my regular job and want access to the VA clinic in my home town?

  154. Robert Wayne Beverly December 5, 2019 at 03:36

    I am a 100% service connected Veteran, USMC-Vietnam 66/67, living in Thailand. While I applied in Texas for VA care in 2010. I moved before any appointments were set up. All my claims have been handled by the VA Foreign Affairs Office and Foreign Medical Program. I have never received any ID of any kind. How do I get VA ID and this necessary ID? We do have a military facility in Bangkok, JUSTMAG, would I be able to use their commissary etc. if they have? I know the Embassy has but I doubt the card would be good for there. Keep in mind, the VA has no system in their 2 step verification for foreign phone numbers.

    • C G December 9, 2019 at 08:24

      If you’re 100% you already qualify for the military ID and commissary.

  155. Rogelio Arc December 5, 2019 at 03:18

    Are the overseas military bases included in this program to access the Commissary and Exchanges with a valid VHIC?

  156. Timothy Towler December 5, 2019 at 03:13

    So service connected veterans with any type of felony conviction will not be permitted? I have a felony DUI.

    • Sam December 13, 2019 at 00:36

      “Presuming the individual in question has served their time for the felony and is currently not on a felony want or warrant list, DoD physical access policy (Directive-type Memorandum 09-012) does not prohibit a convicted felon from accessing the base, escorted or unescorted,” officials with the Office of the Secretary of Defense told us in a statement.

  157. Linda Darlene McDowell December 5, 2019 at 03:05

    I am a widow of a service connected disabled veteran, am I able to get access to the exchange and commissary privileges?

  158. Byron M. Lomnick St. December 5, 2019 at 02:53

    I’m a service connected Veteran can my spouse obtain an ID and enter without me?

    • C G December 9, 2019 at 08:22

      No.

  159. Thomas R Smith December 5, 2019 at 02:48

    Does this mean the RV park at bases are available for “service connected”veterans?

  160. Glenn Holmes December 5, 2019 at 02:30

    I am wondering i am service connected and I have a VHIC card. Is this going to be available to people that are retired and living in Germany. I am civilian retired not military, but I am dod retired. I asked at the base entrance where I must get signed into by the bank representative to do my monthly banking and they have no idea what this is. I also have a government dod retired id. I have served my country my entire life. Please advise

  161. Eric Matheu December 5, 2019 at 02:28

    I am service connected and have my VHIC. Can my wife use Armed Forces Travel if travelling without me?

  162. Crs December 5, 2019 at 02:28

    Scroll up and READ, guarantee your question was asked.

    • Neil December 5, 2019 at 12:37

      Great New, what about family members?

  163. Sidney Tuggerson Jr December 5, 2019 at 02:24

    This is really great for those men and women that service less than 20 years in the service

    • bob reeser December 5, 2019 at 14:46

      This will be very helpful ,due to my wife being necessary for many needs of mine due to my handicap.

  164. Terry December 5, 2019 at 02:14

    Does this program also all access to the on base rental housing while in any given area for over night stays?

  165. David Stemm December 5, 2019 at 02:02

    Is this for vets living in europe(specifically Germany) as well?

  166. Nickolas Rolf December 5, 2019 at 01:37

    I periodically shop at Yokota AB where I was stationed here in Japan to purchase clothing and shoes that fit my tall frame. I have always been able to access the base with my blue retired military member ID card. How do I get a VA photo if I live in Japan where there is no VA facility? Since I will now be required to have a VA ID to access the base, does that mean that I will now be able to receive VA treatment at the medical facilities on the US bases throughout Japan?

    • Alex Chaney December 5, 2019 at 11:51

      If you are retired military all you need is your retired ID card. This doesn’t change anything for retirees. This just adds access for service connected disabled veterans.

    • C G December 9, 2019 at 08:20

      You don’t need a VA ID if you already have a military ID. The VA medical system is separate from the military.

  167. Michael John Tarayos December 5, 2019 at 01:36

    will Authorized Disabled Veterans be able to purchase event and entertainment tickets at the base MWR ticket offices.

  168. Jon S. December 5, 2019 at 01:31

    Headed to Philippines this coming Jan , they said that there’s a VA facilities in the country , Can I use my VA card to get access there?

  169. Ryan December 5, 2019 at 01:29

    What about a base overseas like in Germany?

  170. Freddie J Blevens December 5, 2019 at 01:22

    I took care of my husband who passed away from a service connected disability so that makes me a caregiver…so why wouldn’t I be eligible?

    • C G December 9, 2019 at 08:17

      You are not currently a care giver if your husband has passed away.

  171. dan December 5, 2019 at 01:11

    either this article is incomplete or it’s misunderstood. nowhere does it state that one has to have a service-connected disability but that one needs to have a veterans healthcare identification card (updated cards have more printed info as to veteran status) for commissary/bx/px privileges. service-connected disability or purple heart is approved under a specific dod policy but there was no explanation as to the additional benefits so it was a moot point since bottomline these base shopping priviledges is for all vets with a vhic. also, all veterans that have either a general or honorable discharge have access to va healthcare and identification card. please be more clear.

    • Jojo December 6, 2019 at 14:20

      It’s incomplete..I had the same concerns as you..hence the comment I left above. For those who think all info was included in the article, I just assumed they already have access to the facilities (retirees, or svc connected at a rate to have the privilege).

  172. Richard T Baker December 5, 2019 at 01:06

    If there is not a designation on the VHIC because there is no disability who would we talk to at the VA Medical facility to get that put on the ID to have access to base facilities?

  173. Autry Clayton December 5, 2019 at 01:01

    Are we eligible to fly on a hop?

  174. Randy Deyoe December 5, 2019 at 01:00

    So if i am fully retired with 24 years of service and have an ID, do i still need an ID from the VA hospital?

    • C G December 9, 2019 at 08:15

      No

  175. Rene' C. Custer December 5, 2019 at 00:20

    Where on your card does it state that you are service connected? My husband is 12% disabled from the Gulf War and I am Honorably Discharged. We both have the new cards; we have been in the VA system for several years now. Are we eligible to go on base and access the above mentioned services? Thank you for helping me understand!

  176. Al Waschka December 5, 2019 at 00:09

    Will this program provide access to FamCamps?

  177. Jared Scott Murphy December 5, 2019 at 00:07

    As a Service Connected VHIC will I be able to access the base pharmacy and use the recreational facilities such as on base camping for RV’s?

  178. Kermit Pavlo December 4, 2019 at 23:57

    Will this allow me into Area 51 to buy an alien anal probe?

    • Jojo December 6, 2019 at 14:22

      Funniest comment here…

  179. William S. Perry December 4, 2019 at 23:52

    If your VHIC card says , VA Health Care Enrollee, below your picture, are you authorized to use the base commissary? I am a Vietnam Vet & waiting to request a presumptive condition from agent orange.

    • John Barry Dreher December 6, 2019 at 03:50

      Once and for all, it has to say SERVICE CONNECTED. It does not have to say a percentage or name of an illness.

  180. Richard Johnson December 4, 2019 at 23:50

    Does the MWR benefit allow us to use base campgrounds?

  181. Lance Holmes December 4, 2019 at 23:34

    Finally!

  182. David Harrison December 4, 2019 at 23:26

    Will the Hale Koa hotel be part of the MWR privilege?

    • Raul Quiles December 5, 2019 at 13:10

      Please
      I am veteran with with out service connected but that served with honorable discharge l could acces to this program.
      I have my va health card.
      I wait for you soon response
      Thanks
      Raul Quiles

      • Leo December 5, 2019 at 21:13

        You need to have a service connected disability in order to be eligible. And I heard that the wording “Service Connected” needs to be printed on the VHIC (VA Healthcare Identification Card). All veterans should have access regardless if a service connected disability exists or not. Hopefully, all veterans will have access soon.

      • John Barry Dreher December 6, 2019 at 03:53

        Must say SERVICE CONNECTED !!!

  183. Samuel Boggus December 4, 2019 at 23:25

    OMG people please read the darn article! All VIC cards specify is Service Connected……….if you have one or are 0-100 Percent then you are good! Go get your card and go shopping!

  184. Samuel Boggus December 4, 2019 at 23:25

    OMG people please read the darn article! All VIC cards specify is Service Connected……….if you have one or are 0-100 Percent then you are good! Go get your card and go shopping!

  185. Timothy Brown December 4, 2019 at 23:21

    Fantastic. Will homeless Veterans with Mental illness be allowed to pan handle outside of the commissary and Exchange? Will homeless veterans be allowed to construct tent cities on base? How will base Security handle mentally ill veterans that are homeless and refuse to leave the facility?

    • Michael arentz December 5, 2019 at 12:58

      Thank you for addressing this. Curious minds want to know. I’m taking it only if it happened while they were serving. And is on their ID card.

    • Michael arentz December 5, 2019 at 12:59

      Thank you for addressing this. Curious minds want to know. I’m taking it only if it happened while they were serving. And is on their ID card.

    • Leo December 5, 2019 at 21:18

      @Tim – Do they do that now at VA facilities? Such as hospitals and clinics. I live in Tampa, and I have never seen anything like you just described. Also, we should have a bit more respect for those with mental disabilities. I’m one myself. I’m sure security will have everything under control.

  186. T Wagner December 4, 2019 at 23:17

    According to this article, you only need the VA med card to access the exchanges. It doesn’t say you must have a service connected disability – or did I misunderstand it?

    • Don E December 5, 2019 at 22:51

      You misunderstood it…

      “Veterans eligible solely under this act who are eligible to obtain a Veteran Health Identification Card must use this credential for in-person installation and privilege access. The card must display the Veteran’s eligibility status (i.e., PURPLE HEART, FORMER POW or SERVICE CONNECTED).”

    • Jojo December 6, 2019 at 14:30

      Can you please repeat this entire post again, in hopes that some of us will not feel the need to rack ‘n’ stack our entitlements..smh

    • Jojo December 6, 2019 at 14:34

      You didn’t misunderstand it. As as example it lists (i.e., PURPLE HEART, FORMER POW or SERVICE CONNECTED).” As written, that indicates you could have those things in parenthesis OR NOT. You do need at least 0% svc connectin though. Read the article at va.gov…it was written better. https://vaww.blogstest.va.gov/VAntage/67974/commissary-military-service-exchange-mwr-access-extended-veterans-beginning-january/

  187. Brian King December 4, 2019 at 23:15

    I just hope that we will be able to use the class six and lodging.

  188. Charles W. Hudson December 4, 2019 at 23:09

    I have a VHIC card, but under the pic it only says “VA Health care enrollee”. Is this sufficient for access to the exchange and commissary?

    • C G December 9, 2019 at 08:12

      No

  189. Glenn Diaz December 4, 2019 at 23:04

    I have a 10% service related but am not on VA healthcare (my employers insurance is better). Can I get a VIHC, even though I’m not on VA healthcare? Last time I called (5 yrs ago) they told me (rudely, btw) that I made too much at my employer to qualify.

  190. Doug Reed December 4, 2019 at 22:56

    Seems to be another VA “benefit” given to only a very select few, not even -close- to being -all-, honorably discharged vets..Such a shame that the VA does not support -all- “discharged for other than dishonorable” vets equally. But congrats for patting yourselves on the back! Spin this story like it’s for all, then expect the vet to drill down to the details, only to find out, once again, good luck to you.

  191. Marc Lacrimosa December 4, 2019 at 22:52

    So I have service connected I’d card. When traveling to a base to use the PX or commissary can my wife go with me?

  192. Christopher Cochran December 4, 2019 at 22:52

    Does this also open the use of the military resorts, base/post hotels, and or rv camping locations? If so I am assuming that spouses and immediate family would be able to join? MWR use include movie theaters, pools, bowling, rentals? NCO club?

  193. Lonnie Snyder December 4, 2019 at 22:51

    I was tried and convicted in a court of law for involuntary manslaughter in a road rage incident I did not start, and just finished serving nine months in prison in New Mexico. BUT I DIDN’T DO IT! I’m 67, broken down and harmless. Are you sure it’s in the US Air Force is the singer in the band. Is it still mean I can’t get on base to go to the commissary Here in Enid, Oklahoma?

  194. Anita L Davis December 4, 2019 at 22:35

    I am a surviving spouse of a veteran who passed away from a service connected illness and had 100% disability status. I currently receive a monthly benefit and also have ChampVA. Do I qualify for this? I have also recently remarried. Would my current husband also have access if accompanied by me if I qualify? Thank you.

  195. Mike December 4, 2019 at 22:25

    I have a VHIC card and a 60% service related disability but the car does not say that. Should t ask at my next VA hospital visit for a new card? Would they have a record or do I need to take paperwork? Thanks

    • C G December 9, 2019 at 08:09

      Yes, get a new card. They have your info in the computer.

  196. James Dumas December 4, 2019 at 22:22

    I enlisted in 1972 a served for 4 years. Honorably Discharged after the Vietnam war.
    Raised a family, all my sons are active duty now.Their families live on bases, when I go and visit them and my grandchildren I CANNOT get on base unless they meet me at the gate and sponsor me.
    How disrespectful and embarrassing

  197. Pete G December 4, 2019 at 22:18

    It’s great that our disabled vets get better benefits, also retired vets, but I think the rest of us are a bit left out. Any vet who has served, and volunteered, should be able to at least use the on base services, we are not civilians, no matter how long we served the fact is we did, especially those with an honorable discharge. All who served should get benefits, and as I do agree cost needs to be controlled the benefits should be scaled, those who fully retired or are injured should get more but the vets who have served and departed service without injury should not be neglected.

  198. Thomas Spengler December 4, 2019 at 22:12

    I think many of these people have a brain disease. He keeps answering the same question over and over and over.
    I guess I just get frustrated because I spent two tours in Viet Nam and wrecked my knees climbing out on ropes in the ship yards to take down the radio antennas, but did not have major knee problems until I was out two months. My pay was $259 a month for an E5 over 4. So I don’t think I got much pay either. We would sit in Danang Harbor and shell around the city every night for months so the Viet Cong would not attack the city. Then go out on gunnery duty for the troops during the day. Since I was not killed or hit on the ship (although the ship was hit) and have not died of cancer, guess I am just one of the lucky ones. But the VA would not even give me a flu shot.

  199. Lyle J. Kroll December 4, 2019 at 21:52

    If you are a contractor of Government civilian with base privileges and have a veterans mark on your driver’s license, can you still use the Commissary with those credentials? Just curious.

    • C G December 9, 2019 at 08:06

      No

  200. Larry Jason Carr December 4, 2019 at 21:35

    I have a proper ID card showing service related disability. Will I be allowed to use campgrounds on bases?

  201. David​ Griffin December 4, 2019 at 21:30

    100%? That’s ridiculous, stop pretending to gaf about veterans. You already don’t give anyone 100% rating who clearly deserves it, and instead keep them at 90%.
    Neither should veterans need to have been wounded or disabled to be recognized and respected by the DoD. It’s pathetic. Neither does this little token gesture make up for lack of real benefits and care for the disabled veterans. We all served. We all deserve a DoD who treats us properly and recognizes our sacrifices and service, even after discharged without being disabled. Commisary isn’t a charity, it operates at cost, meaning it doesn’t matter how many people have access, stop trying to make it an elitist activity for the deadbeats who never get a real job in life.

  202. Derrick Parker December 4, 2019 at 21:25

    I have a va health ID card with a 10% disability, do I have access to the commissary and px and shoppete?

    • C G December 9, 2019 at 08:05

      Starting on Jan 1st

  203. Terrell Stevens December 4, 2019 at 21:24

    What about access to Commisary and BX/NEX overseas? In Rota, Spain there was a special card/ID you had to have in order to even go into the stores.

  204. Robert Woods December 4, 2019 at 21:22

    Seems to me like Medal of Honor recipients should be on this list.

    • C G December 9, 2019 at 08:04

      They already have this benefit as do 100% disabled veterans. This announcement is about newly eligible veterans.

  205. Al Womac December 4, 2019 at 21:21

    My VA card doesn’t show my eligibility status. Does that hinder me from getting into an exchange?

  206. Traniece Ward-Henning December 4, 2019 at 21:20

    I’m going to need everyone to just pay attention to the fourth and fifth paragraphs. It explains everything. As long as you are eligible and obtain a VHIC then you have access as a veteran. I.e means in example, that is not limiting your status to what is listed. If you have not committed any crimes that interfere with your benefits then you should be good to go.

  207. Ben Sorrell December 4, 2019 at 21:15

    I have a VHIC Purple Heart card, and just tried to book a flight on AFT for late January, 2021; they don’t have me in their database yet. Will I have to wait until Jan 1 to book…or later? How long will it be before these organizations update their information?

  208. John Tompkins December 4, 2019 at 21:10

    I see the americanforcestravel website in the post but I don’t see anywhere on their website that says that it’s coming soon. They do talk about DoD civilians getting access soon but not disabled vets. Any idea if this is going to be a thing? Thanks

  209. Hal Warren December 4, 2019 at 21:04

    I have my VA Medical card and it has all of the information mentioned except there is nothing on there about disability or Purple Heart, etc. I do not have a service-connected disability so is that why there is nothing there? Am I still eligible for this program?

    • C G December 9, 2019 at 08:02

      Correct, you are not currently eligible.

  210. Matt Graham December 4, 2019 at 20:57

    Do I, a service connected veteran, have to be present for my wife to shop at the commissary or exchange?

    • C G December 9, 2019 at 08:01

      Yes.

  211. Rob Nez December 4, 2019 at 20:53

    I have a 60% rating and was medically discharged after 14 years, not medically retired. I am so happy this book was passed. Thank you to every organization that lobbied on our behalf. And thanks VA for spreading the word.

    Also- fellow vets if you need the updated VA ID card to show your service-connected, you can quickly call 1-877-222-VETS (8387) and order one for free. I received mine in the mail within a week.

  212. RONALD BRANCH December 4, 2019 at 20:47

    What installations will not honor disabled vets under this new DOD order? The closes to me is Kings Bay, GA. Will they be open to allow us into the installation?

  213. Robert James Daniels December 4, 2019 at 20:38

    Can we buy beer, liquor, and cigarettes with this new benefit?

  214. HOWARD BARNES REINEY December 4, 2019 at 20:32

    Thank you VA and President Trump. I have had VA medical care for a Service Connected Disability now for more than six years and I have nothing but praise for the care that I have received. I appreciate all the benefits that I have received.

  215. HOWARD BARNES REINEY December 4, 2019 at 20:31

    Thank you VA and President Trump. I have had VA medical care for a Service Connected Disability now for more than six years and I have nothing but praise for the care that I have received. I appreciate all the benefits that I have received.522

    • C G December 9, 2019 at 07:59

      Trump had nothing to do with this.

  216. Dale K. London December 4, 2019 at 20:19

    I’m a service-connected disabled vet but I live overseas and am in the Foreign Medical Program rather than VA Health. I called the VA and asked how I could get a VHIC and their answer was: “Go to your local VA hospital.”
    I live in the UK. The nearest VA hospital is over 3,000 miles away.
    Please tell me this is NOT the best the VA can do!

  217. Sonny Luciano December 4, 2019 at 20:08

    Will I be able to utilize on post/base hotels?

  218. Donnie Prescott December 4, 2019 at 19:47

    how do I get a DOD creds being 100% rated?

  219. RICK RANDALL December 4, 2019 at 19:38

    What about eligibility to Class VI

    • Shawn Whalen December 5, 2019 at 11:55

      I’m 100% how can I get a FOR card?

  220. Kevin Allen December 4, 2019 at 19:25

    When will the health card be authorized to enter the USO at airports?

  221. Lisa C Posey December 4, 2019 at 14:31

    I’m am a surviving spouse off 100% disabled veteran service connected. I have a spouse military ID card. Am I included in this change?

    • John Barry Dreher December 6, 2019 at 05:00

      You are fine. You don’t need this card.

  222. Daniel Edward Rhyne December 2, 2019 at 20:29

    Can I get access to the Exchange and commissary if I’m a protected veteran without any disability, no POW status, or Purple Heart? I was going to look into getting a VHIC, but now I’m not sure if I’m eligible. I do however have my Armed Force’s Service Metal and protected Veteran status.

    • Jessie December 4, 2019 at 20:10

      What is a protected veteran? If no PH, POW or SC then no.

      • T. Wood December 5, 2019 at 21:37

        Short answer, no. Protected Veteran Status is governed by Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 (VEVRAA). This act protects veterans from workplace discrimination by employers affiliated with the US government.

        Don’t hesitate to enroll in the VA healthcare system; call the number listed above in the blog or apply online. If you’re determined to be eligible, you will be able to receive a VHIC.

    • RugbyVet December 4, 2019 at 22:28

      I have a VHIC emblazoned with a “Service-Connected” legend. I’m already making use of online access to AAFES, NEX, MCX, CGX and VCS.

      When the new law goes into effect on 1 Jan 2020, will my status on DEERS be automatically updated or must I do something proactively to gain access to MWR and commissary privileges?

    • Rugby Vet December 4, 2019 at 22:28

      I have a VHIC emblazoned with a “Service-Connected” legend. I’m already making use of online access to AAFES, NEX, MCX, CGX and VCS.

      When the new law goes into effect on 1 Jan 2020, will my status on DEERS be automatically updated or must I do something proactively to gain access to MWR and commissary privileges?

      • Brian December 5, 2019 at 23:57

        Your DEERS eligibility doesn’t change as you aren’t using an ID card issued by them, i.e CAC or DoD retirement card. You are instead using your VA card to access commissary and exchange privileges.

    • Bill gee December 4, 2019 at 23:48

      No. You should (redacted).

    • JAVIER AGUILAR December 5, 2019 at 04:20

      I live in Germany. Do overseas bases provide the same access privileges?

    • Steve Barnard December 5, 2019 at 06:08

      It’s my understanding as long as you have signed up for the Veterans health care it’s the same card correct?

    • El Golfo December 5, 2019 at 07:11

      You have to be enrolled in the VA system. Did you apply for your VA access within three years of getting out? If not, you have to apply for VA access under a service related disability.

    • Joel Ames December 5, 2019 at 08:36

      What is a protected veteran?

    • Lydia Byer December 5, 2019 at 09:01

      Best Christmas Present Ever!!! I miss my commissary privilege. I can’t wait!

    • Matt w December 5, 2019 at 09:06

      I’m pretty sure I’m in same boat, and I’m pretty sure I’ll be able get vhic card

      • backman v derrick December 5, 2019 at 11:00

        i spent 4 years in AF 1966 to 1970..i do use VA but no disabilities.its not fare i and others like me cant use the commissary..my neighbor just joined the national guard can use NOT RIGHTm FAIR..i was in Philippines.that was like war zone

  223. Jim Young December 2, 2019 at 19:45

    The future is to purchase online using a credit or debit type card, have your items home-delivered. Kinda like a resupply mission.

  224. Kathyann Hooper December 1, 2019 at 08:43

    I have a VHIC card n doesn’t state my status n I’m new n I don’t have ‘Service Connected’…n I read that Veteran disability from 0 – 90% qualifies? Do I qualify or not?

    • William Parker December 4, 2019 at 22:30

      I’m 10% service connected and it does say “Service Connected” on my card. If you are service connected you probably need another trip to the service office at you nearest VA medical center to get it clarified.

    • Dan Haros December 4, 2019 at 22:51

      Yes you qualify as long as you have your VHIC

    • Anthony Scott December 4, 2019 at 23:45

      I went in and got it updates to say service connected. Got my card on 5 days.

    • Junglecat December 5, 2019 at 01:35

      Nope.

  225. Benjamin Lee Brooks III November 30, 2019 at 16:35

    If just Honorable Discharge but have no PURPLE HEART, FORMER POW or SERVICE CONNECTED, then cannot get on base access to exchange or commissary ?

    • Jerome Neidigh December 4, 2019 at 20:27

      Correct.

    • Jeff Gross December 4, 2019 at 22:02

      no

    • James P Carragher December 5, 2019 at 00:08

      There are many questions asked about “service connected”. My card states under my photo, “VA health Care Enrollee”. Is that sufficient or does my disability need to be listed? Thank you in advance.

      • C G December 9, 2019 at 07:55

        They don’t put your disability or percentage on the card. If you have a rating it will say service- connected.

  226. Larry W. Quickel November 30, 2019 at 09:22

    I have my VHIC indicating “Service Connected”. Will I be permitted to go fishing in the lakes on the East Reservation of Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana?

    • Brian Watkins December 5, 2019 at 02:59

      Yes, make sure you have your fishing lic.

  227. Sarah S Miller November 29, 2019 at 13:20

    I live about an hour and a half from a base. When I’m in that town, my family is with me. Will I be able to take my spouse and children on base with me?

    • Mark A. Merrick December 2, 2019 at 10:28

      Yes

      • Emily Ciano December 5, 2019 at 07:22

        I doubt it. I am a contractor on base and already have a VIC card and I cannot escort anyone on base at all.

        • C G December 9, 2019 at 07:53

          VA ID are not eligible until January 1, 2020

    • Marc December 5, 2019 at 00:06

      call the base and ask….

  228. Sarah S Miller November 29, 2019 at 13:19

    Our VA hospital takes a photo and issues the card immediately. Maybe you could try your VA hospital. I didn’t get one automatically, either.

  229. Daniel Bruce Caterino November 29, 2019 at 08:39

    Can my wife come on base with me shopping? I am service-connected, with ID.

    • Mark A. Merrick December 2, 2019 at 10:29

      Yes

      • Jonathan Austin December 5, 2019 at 02:15

        Mark A. Merrick, I had the same question. Can you point us to a reg that authorizes spouse visit? Can they access post with just a state-issued ID (driver’s license)? I like that you say spouses can accompany, but I don’t want to try until I see it in formal announcement. Can you point to one?
        Many thanks.

        • JW December 26, 2019 at 08:21

          Jonathan, installation access regulations allow individuals authorized access to installations to bring guests on with them. Because the type of identification newly eligible veterans and caregivers will be using is not DoD-issued, your guests will have to stop at the visitor control center to undergo the standard visitor vetting before they are cleared to accompany you (just like newly eligible veterans and caregivers will have to undergo upon their first visit to an installation). If the state-issued driver’s license or non-driver’s identification card is REAL ID-compliant, they can use that as proof of identity. If it is not REAL ID-compliant, they will not be able to use it and will have to use another type of identification listed on the acceptable credentials list (a U.S. passport is probably the next most common type). Once identity is verified and purpose is established (to accompany you to the XXX), they will run an on-the-spot background check. As long as the background check doesn’t come back showing derogatory criminal or terrorism activity, she will be able to accompany you onto the installation. If the installation you are visiting has credential enrollment capabilities and the credentials are enrollable, they can be enrolled for recurring access, which means you won’t have to stop at the visitor control center every time they accompany you to the installation.

    • james f miller December 5, 2019 at 09:10

      I have a service connected disability of 50 percent and have my va health care card am i eligible to us commissary at local air force base

      • C G December 9, 2019 at 07:52

        After January 1, 2020 you can use your VA ID to get on base and shop.

        • JW December 26, 2019 at 08:08

          CG, not everyone with a Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) will be authorized in-person shopping privileges after January 1, 2020. If your VHIC displays “PURPLE HEART,” “FORMER POW,” or “SERVICE CONNECTED” below the photo on the front of the card, you will have installation and in-person privilege access.

      • JW December 26, 2019 at 08:12

        James, if your Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) displays “SERVICE CONNECTED” on the front of the card below your photo, then you will be able to access your local Air Force base beginning January 1, 2020, to use the commissary, exchange, or MWR retail facilities.

    • JW December 26, 2019 at 08:25

      Daniel, your wife certainly may accompany you; however, she cannot make any purchases. Keep in mind, also, that you will have to stop at the visitor control center on your way onto the installation and she will have to be vetted for entry. She will need to have an acceptable credential like a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or a U.S. passport to prove her identity. Accompanying you to the XXX is her purpose. Then they will run a basic on-the-spot background check. As long as the background check doesn’t come back showing derogatory criminal or terrorism activity, she will be able to accompany you onto the installation. (BTW, you will also have to stop at visitor control on your first visit for the same vetting). If the installation you are visiting has credential enrollment capabilities and the credentials you and your guest use are enrollable, you can have them enrolled for recurring access, which means you won’t have to stop at the visitor control center every time you want to go to the installation.

  230. Stanley Wilcox November 28, 2019 at 23:31

    If a person is eligible for this new benefit, and you go to the commissary, does you wife have to have a letter for her to get in with me?

    • Mark A. Merrick December 2, 2019 at 10:30

      No

    • JW December 26, 2019 at 08:01

      Stanley, your wife will not have to have a letter to accompany you into the commissary; however, she cannot make any purchases. Keep in mind, though, that you will have to stop at the visitor control center on your way onto the installation and she will have to be vetted for entry. She will need to have an acceptable credential like a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or a U.S. passport to prove her identity. Accompanying you to the commissary is her purpose. Then they will run a basic on-the-spot background check. As long as the background check doesn’t come back showing derogatory criminal or terrorism activity, she will be able to accompany you onto the installation. (BTW, you will also have to stop at visitor control on your first visit for the same vetting). If the installation you are visiting has credential enrollment capabilities and the credentials you and your guest use are enrollable, you can have them enrolled for recurring access, which means you won’t have to stop at the visitor control center every time you want to go to the base.

  231. Kathleen Marie Wilson November 28, 2019 at 22:04

    So once again I get the hachet for going in when women only seen the gas chamber as far as combat. 1973 to 1974.
    I was the first gal through computer repair and setup. I was to smart and was made an instructor of the first 18 weeks of the class. I taught guys who ended up with some disability from thier job. I feel for those who were hurt or killed in combat duty. I know I trained a few who are disabled now. I became disabled but from a non service connected disability and yet I cant have benifits of those who are service connected. If I had not taught those men who are disabled they would not have been hurt.
    Sorry for rambleing but we all are vets. Why cant the goverment give us all use and benefits just for being part of the service system.

    • Mark A. Merrick December 2, 2019 at 10:32

      The line has to be drawn somewhere, or civilians having never served would want equal benefits.

      • Montely Wilson December 2, 2019 at 15:23

        That’a a lousy reply. Are you saying that a civilian has the same status as someone who would have gone to battle if called upon has. Try again please, because your response makes no sense.

        • Tina Ndoumbe December 5, 2019 at 01:35

          Amen. I agree, that makes no sense At All!!

        • xsquid December 5, 2019 at 09:36

          What he’s saying is non service related is non service related. It didn’t happen in the service. It has nothing to do with battle but if it happened in the service or not. She is whining because she did not get hurt in the service, she is getting the hatchet for nothing. If she gets hurt in service it’s the same service related as someone that went to battle.

          I am 100% with some non service related stuff also

      • Jim Young December 2, 2019 at 19:37

        The primary benefit of shopping at the exchange or commissary is no TAX. Other than that, most prices and quality rank with Target and Wal-mart stores. The exchange and commissary operations are not the same operations as the military had during and immediately after the Vietnam War. The real truth is that the benefit has been taken away from service members because of increased military pay. Look at some of the old pay tables from 1972-1982.

        • Patrick Joseph Rice December 4, 2019 at 21:46

          Ditto Jim,
          I remember when purchases on base beat local retailers. With the advent of WalMart, Amazon and the rest the Echanges/Commissaries cannot compete. Eventually the only thing that will survive is the overseas Commissary. The overseas Exchanges cannot compete with online sales delivered to APO/FPO. They are probably hoping that VHIC sales will boost revenue.

        • prks December 4, 2019 at 22:08

          Here, I will say it, the line has to be drawn. It makes no sense to give a SERVICE CONNECTED DISABILITY BENEFIT to a Veteran who DOES NOT HAVE a SERVICE CONNECTED DISABILITY.

          The VA Disability Benefits are to help those of us who were harmed DURING OUR SERVICE TO COUNTRY and thus became less employable or unemployable.

          If a Civilian becomes disabled he/she has Local, State, and Federal Programs, ie: Workman’s Comp, Social Security Disability. Civilians may also apply for private coverage. Las but not least, there are some places that apply discounts for the disabled, you only need to do a search.

          I will also say this, Kathleen is allowed her opinion, and she can be angry all she wants, but for her to literally sht on all women with a service connected disability like she did, is just plain wrong. Be pissed at the system, that’s fine, we all do that from time to time.

        • Gary Koepp December 4, 2019 at 22:17

          To Jim Young. Thanks for your info comment on the benefit of the Veterans for 2020 bx/px commissary usage. I kind of thought that the Big Box stores would be just about as good as going on Base/Post for shopping. Especially now a days with Veterans 10% discount at a lot of stores. Yes, base pay for E-1 $300 month(1974). Only If I could buy my cigarettes cheaper, would I even want/need to go near a Military Installation. What info on tobacco purchase? Tax free with a limit of cartons? USAF 40% In Service(Non-Combat) (DEP 12-27-73) Active Jun 74/Jun 80. 60th – 4787th Air Base Groups
          You know, I really feel good that the current level of respect for Veterans is at the level it is now.
          For the youngsters here crying about “how come all veterans” can’t be included. Well, this was reserved for Retired Personnel, who served a life time. Now it has been extended to combat troops, and I welcome that and salute all combat troops, with service connected injuries and awards. I salute all combat troops. They have my upmost respect.

        • Roman Maese December 4, 2019 at 22:34

          I also agree with Kathleen. I served in the USMC but did not retire from USMC . We should at least commissary privileges.

        • Robert Armstrong December 5, 2019 at 03:09

          You are correct, No real good buys at the Commissary or Exchange or any other Base facility. You can thank your Congress Representative for that. Many years ago they protested that any Tax money was used to subsidize anything for Military people. So they brought in Outside contractors to manage the Exchange and Commissary along with other services that benefited Military members. Now they set the prices and skim their profits off the top before giving a little back to the base services for families.Basically they stripped away any good deals for the Military families. Thanks a lot Congress.You can guess which political party was behind this. Certainly not the party that cares about our Military.

        • John Parsons December 5, 2019 at 03:13

          Community retailers got upset at exchange prices so DoD agreed to keep them within 10% of local retail prices.

        • Diana Archuleta December 5, 2019 at 04:37

          So 22 years and my Army ID card gets me squat? The pay argument doesn’t work either. In the 70’s when pay was low prices on goods and services were also way lower. Can’t buy a house for 40K anymore. Apparently you don’t remember when gas was only 35 cents. And at the PX I could purchase cigarettes for $3 a carton, and that was in the 80’s. Know what the cheapest ones cost now? $57. So this is just another way to mess with Vet’s. Should I just toss my military ID? Doesn’t seem to be worth much anymore.

        • Fred L Johnson December 5, 2019 at 08:10

          I agree that the Exchanges aren’t what they used to be. My experience with Fort Jackson is “jacked-up” prices equal to and greater than prices that you’d get from Walmart, even with the sales tax. Most electronics are out of date or lower end, and choices in general are very limited.
          You definitely have more options with better deals between Sam’s, Costco, Walmart, Best Buy, Amazon, etc

        • Joe Smith December 5, 2019 at 10:04

          Exactly!…very good.

        • Master Chief Kent Whitney USN Ret. December 5, 2019 at 10:30

          On top of that Jim, “No Tax” is not true, we pay a 5% Surcharge on the total of the purchase at the Commissary (Hidden Tax!), but No Tax or Surcharge at the PX/Exchange. I also find that the overall price comparison at the Exchange is on par with Wal-Mart, Target and Costco. Gas on most bases is higher than at the Costco and Sam’s Club stations here in Southern California…

          V/R Master Chief USN Retired

        • Leo C December 5, 2019 at 14:08

          Not only do you pay a surcharge at the commissary, baggers work off of tips. So savings are negated by these fees.

      • GT December 4, 2019 at 20:15

        Civilians have never served and wouldn’t have a VHIC either, nor could they get one. So why isn’t this being offered to all veterans again?

        • prks December 6, 2019 at 18:35

          “Why is this benefit not being offered to all Veterans?” you ask, let me see if I can write this as simply as possible so that you and others might understand.

          Able bodied Veterans are discharged from the military ready and able to work.

          Able bodied Veterans will earn income at the same rate to better than when they entered the military.

          Disabled Veterans are not ready to work after discharge, and have been rendered less employable to completely unemployable due to to harm they were subjected to while serving.

          Disabled Veterans will earn LESS income to ZERO income because of the Disability they have incurred during their service. Thus the VA is compensating them for the loss of income.

          I hope this answers your question and makes things more clear for everyone.

          Please understand that I and every disabled Veteran would trade every single benefit over for a Whole Body and Sound Mind, In a New York F-ING MINUTE!! I never once asked to be disabled.

        • JW December 26, 2019 at 07:46

          GT, the law specified the particular groups of veterans and DoD is simply implementing the law. DoD infrastructure is not equipped to handle an influx of over 15 million additional veterans to these types of facilities without severely impacting its ability to provide these critical services to active duty personnel and their families, which is why they exist.

          While not all veterans are eligible for in-person privileges, all honorably discharged veterans are eligible for online military exchange shopping privileges through the Veterans Online Shopping Benefit that went into effect on November 11, 2017.

      • Jim duncan December 4, 2019 at 23:19

        You need to have them update your card like i did recently after getting my rating a year ago. You can do it her maybe or at your med facility and thy will mail it to you in a couple of weeks. It will say service connected under your pic..

      • Marc youmans December 4, 2019 at 23:51

        What are you even saying? That ramble didn’t even make much sense. Did you serve? Did you get an honorable discharge? Did you get a rating though the VA? Do you have a VHIC? If your answers are anything but yes to all of the above then NO you do not get nor deserve access. You sound like military spouses that say they “serve too”.

      • M. E. Burke December 5, 2019 at 01:28

        Yeah, this Mark dude is pretty much an a** on all his replies. WTF.

      • Lowell ebalo December 5, 2019 at 06:40

        So veterans that are not disabled dont really have benefits like those who are disabled, right? Then why even bother calling us veterans? Why not give us another name like former military service. That would help distinguish veteran privledges and we wouldnt have to look at every topic that deals with veterans. This really hurts to be called a veteran but can use privledges like this because we are not disabled. Some disabilities are faked just to get the pension. But yet they still get to use the base privledges. WE ARE STILL VETERANS AND SHOULD BE GIVEN THE PRIVLEDGES AS THOSE WHO ARE DISABLED.

      • Charles Smelley December 5, 2019 at 07:30

        Are you kidding me? That response is not an acceptable answer. Veterans who were not deployed, for whatever reasons, were there and ready to go at a moments notice. All veterans deserve the respect of this country. Civilians are great and I love them but a veteran said I will give my life for my country and countrymen. Civilians did not do that. Veterans of our great military are special and should be treated as such.

      • WIlliam DeCamp December 5, 2019 at 11:21

        Read her comment again, she served or did you not understand that?

    • Anthony L Roch December 4, 2019 at 20:04

      Kathleen, go to your local VA and file for a 0% disability claim. That labels you as service connected.

    • Val December 4, 2019 at 20:08

      You literally only served for a year. You think you deserve the same benefits as a COMBAT Veteran having served AT LEAST 3 years? Minimum 4 if you were a Marine. Shame on you.

      What they need to do is gives us ACTUAL healthcare not this BS they call the VA.

    • Xsquid December 4, 2019 at 23:04

      You seem to be confused on how it works. If you were hurt on the job or even while you were in YOU would be service connected. Non service connected means it happened after you were out, or no proof it happened while in.

      Going to battle does not assure you of service related. Only if it happened while in.

      One can go to battle and STILL have non service related injuries. It has nothing to do with being a woman or what your job was so stop whining.

    • David Tony December 4, 2019 at 23:51

      If you served for more than 30days in a combat zone your a vet. Inquirer at your local DAV, or department of veteran services, or VA hospital. They advise you about your preveliges.

    • Darrell December 5, 2019 at 02:20

      Jim I work for the Federal Government and after speaking with staff they advised me they have that in the plans for all Veterans that served get commissary access but, they had to redo all the cash registered, train staff etc.. and start with disabled veterans it everything ironed out.

      • Chris December 5, 2019 at 11:28

        Darrell, are you saying that future plans would include all veterans?

      • JW December 23, 2019 at 15:24

        Darrell, I don’t know who your source is, but based on your comment, what they relayed to you is not correct.

    • J. Hess December 5, 2019 at 02:33

      She already disqualified herself by stating that her disabilities are not related to her time in service. Therefore, she can’t get certain benefits merely for serving for 2 years as an instructor. Yes, she’s a vet. The issue here is that it sounds like she’s looking for a hand-out.

      I signed the dotted line for an 8 year contract right off the bat so that I’d be guaranteed the training program that I desired. I got banged around pretty bad a few times, enough to put an end to any hope of a 20 year military career yet I still managed to separate with an Honorable discharge. Now I’m P&T 100% service connected for a bunch of different mild to moderately sever physical conditions…I earned it. This lady did not.

    • RENDY RICAFRENTE December 5, 2019 at 02:58

      Thank you for your service This may not solve your wishes, but definitely is recognized by me in your sacrifices. May God Bless You today and always ❤️

    • John n porter December 5, 2019 at 05:08

      You can shop online with them.. just not the food side…

    • Howard Burgess December 5, 2019 at 09:02

      Have you applied for a VA card? VAs were started for service connected veterans only, BUT now many VAs will allow access to honorable discharged Vets. Each VA is different because of their ability to handle more patients. Please apply. I worked for the VA for 12 years.

    • xsquid December 5, 2019 at 09:25

      You are getting the hatchet for nothing. You get the same benefits as a male the went to battle, so stop feeling sorry for yourself.

      Look again at Service related and non service related and you will see it is self explanatory. Service related means you were injured or started a medical condition in service. Period. It has nothing whatsoever to do with going into battle. Clearly going into battle is service related, but so is falling off a ladder, out of a chair, or getting hit by a car off base. Non service related means……..it did not happen in the service. Duh.

      So you are complaining about not getting hurt in service. You have never gotten the hatchet, you have a national defense ribbon (Vietnam era), many male and female service members were in when you were and are service related not because of going to battle but getting hurt in service.

      I am 100% service related and also have some non service related stuff. Getting hurt while in (battle or not) is a roll of the dice and I bet plenty of injured people wish they were in your shoes and had all of their limbs, etc. I, for one, am embarrassed at your post.

    • Annoying Customer December 5, 2019 at 12:23

      From what I’ve ‘seen’, you don’t sound ‘to’ smart to me…

  232. Teresa Rogers November 28, 2019 at 19:50

    My question is what exactly are the veteran’s that are 100% service connected disability eligible for regarding DOD credentials under DoD policy?

    • Jim duncan December 4, 2019 at 23:21

      I believe 90-100 were already eligible.

      • C G December 9, 2019 at 07:43

        100% and MoH were already eligible

      • JW December 23, 2019 at 15:18

        Jim, 90 percent is NOT correct. Veterans with a 100 percent service-connected disability or unemployability rating are already authorized DoD privileges and a DoD identification card.

    • Debra Schwitzer December 5, 2019 at 02:17

      A lifetime of pain and suffering in my case and I have a card issued by the VA hospital that I am assigned to. If you are asking what I use to get on base with, I use my driver’s license with the VA ID. I don’t get what you are trying to say with your reference to DOD credentials under DID policy.

    • Bryan Hassler December 5, 2019 at 03:18

      You and your dependents would receive an actual DOD ID card. Similar to a retiree card, but Tan and your dependents get dependent cards. It gives you privileges to Exchange, Commissary and MWR. No Tricare, but you get covered by the VA Health Care System. There’s also quite a few state benefits for being a 100% so look into contacting a state veterans representative. And there’s also a student loan forgiveness program for those with 100%. It’s a complete payoff that many have take advantage of. Lastly, and most importantly for many, it’s the monthly monetary compensation for a 100% rating. There might be more, but that’s all I can think of at the top of my head.

    • Brian smalls December 5, 2019 at 05:13

      I understand your question, I wondered the same thing but probably nothing. Took a lot to get the 100% and gain those benefits and now 100% doesn’t give you any special benefits over someone who has 0% or 10% service connected. That kinda craps all over those who got hurt a good bit worse than someone who hurt their small to and got 2%. Hats off to you because getting 100% ain’t easy at all!(well at least my didn’t, I had to lose the use of parts of my body).

    • Eddie December 5, 2019 at 06:37

      Commissary has a tax. It’s called a “surcharge” and equals the sales tax in most states, who usually don’t tax food.

      • JW December 23, 2019 at 15:13

        Eddie, actually, the commissary surcharge is always 5 percent. It has nothing to do with state tax. It’s required by law and it pays for commissary construction and maintenance projects. Even with the surcharge, the commissary delivers a worldwide average savings of 23.7 percent over commercial grocery stores.

    • Jose Lopez December 5, 2019 at 07:09

      As far I know and I have a neighbor who’s 100%. As a 100% disable veteran you will get the blue ID card which entitles you to the same as a retiree. Therefore this new thing doesn’t even apply to them.

      • Leo C December 5, 2019 at 14:37

        The 100% disabled Vet card is tan not blue. The blue retiree card affords the holder commissary, BX/PX/NeX/CGEx, MWR, medical care on base, and Space A flight for eligible family members who also hold a DoD issued card. The 100% tan card holders get the same benefits, minus base medical care for themselves and family members. Plus no Space A flight privileges for tan card holding family members.

        • Xsquid December 5, 2019 at 21:30

          Absolutely right Leo.

          100% does qualify family members for champva and Delta dental through the va. Plus some school benefits, etc.

  233. Ralph Michael Miller November 28, 2019 at 14:43

    I enrolled in VA Healthcare in Baltimore, Maryland on June 21 2012 and have still not been sent an ID card from them. In August 2018 I went to the VA in Mansfield, Ohio to have my membership transferred to there. I have not received a VA ID card from them either Do you have a reason that you may explain to me as to why I am having so much difficulty in receiving a VA ID card? I would appreciate receiving one as I guess I should be concerned about my health!.

    • Ron Miller December 4, 2019 at 23:04

      If you’re in Mansfield, drop down to the Columbus VA Ambulatory Care Center just south of the airport on James Road. It’s probably closer to your home than the Cleveland VA. I rather imagine that you’d have your picture taken and have a card in the mail in a few days. Getting a card for you is not exactly doing you a favor. Making sure that every VA-eligible veteran has one actually makes it easier and more efficient for them to provide care, so they have a strong incentive to get that done for you. The Columbus VA is a very well-run facility.

    • Nick Tangen December 5, 2019 at 00:42

      You need to go to your closest VA medical center, go to their enrollment office, tell them you need a VHIC and they’ll need to see your ID (i.e. drivers license, passport, etc.). Then they’ll process your request and send you an ID, I got mine in a matter of 7-10 days.

    • wlbrown December 5, 2019 at 00:58

      You need to go to your VA facility to request an ID card. The card requires a photo and can’t just be sent out automatically as they were many years ago. When you enter the facility just ask the person at the desk about an ID and they will point you on the right direction. Good luck and thank you for your service. God bless!

    • MJ Messa December 5, 2019 at 01:16

      An actual DOD ID card like a retiree but orange

    • Jonathan Austin December 5, 2019 at 02:18

      My ID was made at the VA Hospital I first walked into after receiving my 30 percent rating. There was a staff there, looked at my driver’s license, looked at my rating paperwork, told me to smile for the camera, and 10 minutes later handed me my card.

    • Gladys Bell December 5, 2019 at 03:06

      I’m service connected with 0% and can’t get an ID Card because my income is too high on the MEANS from. I dont understand why I can’t get an ID Card; its service connected. I can go to the VA medical facility only for that problem annually. Any thing else is billed to my personal insurance. ‘m also not allowed to have a primary care physician there because of my income.

      • JW December 23, 2019 at 15:08

        Gladys, if you have a 0 percent service-connected condition and you received a VA Health Eligibility Center Form H623A that placed you in VA health care priority group 8E because of your income, you can bring the HEC Form H623A with an acceptable credential like a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or a U.S. passport for DoD installation and commissary, exchange, and MWR retail privilege access. DoD just recently identified this as an alternate to the VHIC for those veterans with a 0 percent condition who are unable to obtain a VHIC due to income.

    • Matthew P Scarborough December 5, 2019 at 03:44

      Hey Ralph,
      Truth is you will never just “get one.” There is a specific place in each VA Medical Center that handles the issuing of these ID cards. No appointment needed, but I believe you just bring in a photo ID, and there might be a quick 1 page paper to fill out (I can’t remember, but it was easy). I was actually told by someone working at the VA Medical Center that I should go down and get one when I was there (Syracuse) but my wife was not told, nor did she know about it. It was only through my persistence that she went back and got one. They send it to you through the mail about a week or so later. Hope this helps!!!

    • Micheal Adams December 5, 2019 at 05:00

      You don’t just get one, you request to have one. I asked my CBOC if I could get one and they gave me a paper with what I needed to bring to show identity and place of residency. Took pic there and got it in the mail 2 weeks later. It’s the VA, you ask for it, not wait and see if you get it.

    • Christopher B Milligan December 5, 2019 at 06:32

      You need to go to the Eligibility Office at the VA.

    • Joel Ames December 5, 2019 at 08:28

      Enrolling in VA Healthcare doesn’t mean you automatically get an ID card from them. You must go to the enrollment and request a card. In my case I enrolled in the VA healthcare system in 2006 but I did not get an ID card until I actually went to the enrollment window at my local VA Clinic in 2014 and requested one. They printed it right there on the spot. They may mail them now. I don’t know if they have a new policy to mail all cards now. Good luck!

    • Dan Hanley December 5, 2019 at 09:03

      Did you go and haveyour photo taken? I receivedmine right there on the spot at the VA facility.

    • Marine on a stick December 5, 2019 at 09:09

      I took my photo at the VA clinic in Maryland. Received my ID in 10 days. You may want to call and inquire.

    • Marquis Fernandes December 5, 2019 at 09:14

      I just went to the enrollment center two weeks ago at the Baltimore VA and received my ID card. If you did not sit and take a picture then you did not request an ID card. I suggest going to the Baltimore VA and requesting it because it is not automatic.

    • Stephen eitel December 5, 2019 at 10:05

      They don’t automatically give you a card. You have to go to the ID office at the branch you go to and request an ID. They have to take your picture and everything just like a drivers license.

    • Jennifer Eichhorn December 5, 2019 at 10:34

      I wondered the same thing when I enrolled in 2014. I got the ID when I went to the hospital, took a picture and if I remember right got it right then, so you may want to go to the nearest VA hospital, I’ll assume there should be one in Columbus to get the card.

  234. Steven Bell November 28, 2019 at 14:35

    Derogatory criminal history?! I’m not perfect yet no felonies either. Will I be automatically denied entry?

    • Amy Gunn November 29, 2019 at 13:01

      to help a little, I too in the past year received healthcare but did not receive an ID card. The ID card wasn’t required to have for the medical clinic to provide services, as they only needed an ID which was my driver’s license. I then learned that I had to go into the facility and request to have the ID card. I went into the facility requested the card, and they assisted me in the very same day. They had a certain individual who takes care of this. He got me in right away, took my picture, and I received my card within 7 days. Please go back to the healthcare place, and let them know you need a VHIC card, and they will be able to assist you in getting one.

      • Larry K December 5, 2019 at 01:45

        When I got my photo ID at Hines Hospital near chicago one of the VA employees that assisted me told me I would also be getting a little complmentory ditty bag when I came back to him. I never recieved any such bag and don’t know what was in it.
        I don’t have any idea what was in it, but I wouldn’t be surprised if these VA employees take that stuff home with them.
        I also used the barber at that location and got a buzz cut. The barber that cut my hair tried to request more money because, according to him. I had a lot of hair. My hair was about 6″ long.
        The V. A. commissary there had prices that were as high, if not higher, than a regular retail store.
        I would imagine that
        A regular brick a d mortar retail store has a much higher overhead and profit margin than a commissary on a military installation.
        Somebody please explain to me how that works.
        The first VA employee I had to talk to at Hines told me I spent no time in an area that would have exposed me to Agent Orange.
        I spent part of my first week in Vietnam in Bien Hoa, which was a main distribution and storage installation for Agent Orange. Haven’t been back to the V.A. in years.
        I understand that they have changed enormously for the better. I sure hope so. I need to take my 70 year old butt back and get checked out.

    • Sarah S Miller November 29, 2019 at 13:14

      Our VA hospital takes a photo and issues the card immediately. Maybe you could try your VA hospital. I didn’t get one automatically, either.

    • Kermit Pavlo December 4, 2019 at 23:37

      I lived in MD and now OH, too. If you head up to Parma VA Clinic, there is a booth with a camera and they will get your VHIC processed and sent in the mail.

    • Theresa Haight December 5, 2019 at 00:08

      Your Card is not sent to you. Call your county Veteran Services Office and find out the nearest place to get a ID card.

  235. Jennifer Smothers November 28, 2019 at 12:51

    What is the phone number for the cummunity care office? What are the qualifications and how do you apply to obtain a letter as a care giver? Is there someone that can assist me with this?

  236. Jessica Black November 28, 2019 at 12:50

    Will spouses be able to accompany the VHIC holder during visits to commissaries and MER facilities?

    [Editor: Yes!]

    • JW December 23, 2019 at 14:56

      Jessica, eligible veterans may bring guests to accompany them onto the installations and into facilities. Similar to how the newly eligible veteran or caregiver must stop at the visitor control center the first time, so will your guests. They will need to show an acceptable credential, like a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or a U.S. passport, as proof of identity at visitor control. At visitor control, they will verify identity and purpose (to accompany you to the store), and then they will run an on-the-spot background check. If the check comes back with no derogatory criminal or terrorism history, then they will be able to accompany you onto the installation. If the installation has credential enrollment capability and the acceptable credential they use is enrollable, it can be enrolled for recurring access so that you don’t have to stop at the visitor control center every time they come with you. Your guests must remain with you at all times and they may not make any purchases.

  237. Roger November 28, 2019 at 12:12

    How can spouse accompany veteran ?

    • Mark A. Merrick December 2, 2019 at 10:34

      Show up with your spouse!

      • J. Hess December 5, 2019 at 02:35

        I was going to say, “Try using your legs and flash your ID when required…kind of like Costco.”

    • JW December 23, 2019 at 14:53

      Roger, eligible veterans may bring guests to accompany them onto the installations and into facilities. Similar to how the newly eligible veteran or caregiver must stop at the visitor control center the first time, so will your guests. They will need to show an acceptable credential, like a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or a U.S. passport, as proof of identity at visitor control. At visitor control, they will verify identity and purpose (to accompany you to the store), and then they will run an on-the-spot background check. If the check comes back with no derogatory criminal or terrorism history, then they will be able to accompany you onto the installation. If the installation has credential enrollment capability and the acceptable credential they use is enrollable, it can be enrolled for recurring access so that you don’t have to stop at the visitor control center every time they come with you.

  238. Lou Rivera November 28, 2019 at 11:31

    Where can I find the 0 rating approval information. It sounded like 100 percent only from the article.

    [Editor: It’s the same info.]

    • Mark Basinger November 30, 2019 at 17:59

      Clearly you didn’t read it. The card must say “service connected” these cards do not specify percentage. MOH and 100% could get base access before this and don’t need these new rules to gain access.

      • Alfred jones December 4, 2019 at 20:58

        I’m a vet with honorable discharge will I have access to box and commissary? Travel at Travis AFB?

        • JW December 23, 2019 at 14:37

          Alfred, to take advantage of the new commissary, exchange, and MWR retail privileges, you must be a Purple Heart recipient, a former prisoner of war, or a veteran with a service-connected disability rating between 0-90 percent and it must display “PURPLE HEART,” “FORMER POW,” or “SERVICE CONNECTED” below the photo on the front of your Veteran Health Identification Card. Space A travel is not included in these privileges.

      • Ken Bell December 4, 2019 at 22:35

        Perhaps another look at the VHIC graphic at the head of this story will help. First on the list is “VA Healthcare Enrollee” So If I understand correctly, it need not say “service-connected” to be eligible.

        “Veterans and Primary Family Caregivers who are eligible and want to take advantage of in-person benefits must have a Veterans Health Identification Card, or VHIC.”

        “Veterans use VHICs for identification and check-in at VA appointments, but will also use them for base access under the new program.”

        “Veterans eligible solely under this act who are eligible to obtain a Veteran Health Identification Card must use this credential for in-person installation and privilege access.”

        The problem may be reading this sentence: “The card must display the Veteran’s eligibility status (i.e., PURPLE HEART, FORMER POW or SERVICE CONNECTED).” While it does not specify “VA Healthcare Enrollee” I don’t see any exclusion.

        So while I can not find that language, and I do think it could have been more clearly expressed, I’m going to assume that if you possess the VHIC you are good to go unless the editor says no.

        • JW December 23, 2019 at 14:34

          Ken, everyone who has a VHIC should be stamped “VA Healthcare Enrollee,” but not everyone with a VHIC is eligible for these privileges. In addition to “VA Healthcare Enrollee,” the card must display any one or combination of the new eligibility criteria for these privileges, “PURPLE HEART,” “FORMER POW,” or “SERVICE CONNECTED.” If it doesn’t say “PURPLE HEART,” “FORMER POW,” or “SERVICE CONNECTED,” you are not eligible.

    • Jim duncan December 4, 2019 at 23:27

      It adds 0-90%. I have a10% for hearing. I also got a 0% rating for coverage of two teeth injured while on duty. but no cash allowance. That is how you get a 0% qualification.

    • C G December 9, 2019 at 07:39

      If your ID says service- connected then you are good to go.

    • JW December 23, 2019 at 14:41

      Lou, veterans with a 100 percent service-connected or unemployability rating from VA already have DoD access privileges. These new privileges are for veterans who are Purple Heart recipients, a former prisoners of war, or a veterans with a service-connected disability rating between 0-90 percent and it must display “PURPLE HEART,” “FORMER POW,” or “SERVICE CONNECTED” below the photo on the front of your Veteran Health Identification Card.

  239. Robert Morrill November 28, 2019 at 10:50

    My spouse is not a vet. I have my VA ID. She is a great shopper so want to have her accompany me on base. How will this be handled so she doesn’t have to go to the visitor center? Will her California Drivers license be accepted at the gate as other visitors are when accompanying a retiree? Thanks and Happy Thanksgiving!

    • Mark A. Merrick December 2, 2019 at 10:35

      Yes!

    • John Barry Dreher December 4, 2019 at 23:29

      Isn’t it great now that a Veteran who only served 3 months with a 0% service connected disability has the same benefits as a Retiree who served 20 years. Soon everyone will be eligible for Space A flights.

      • JW December 23, 2019 at 14:19

        John, space A flights are not included in these privileges as they are not operated by the commissary, exchange, or MWR.

    • JW December 23, 2019 at 14:26

      Robert, eligible veterans may bring guests to accompany them onto the installations and into facilities. Similar to how the newly eligible veteran or caregiver must stop at the visitor control center the first time, so will your guests. If her California driver’s license is REAL ID-compliant, she will be able to use it as proof of identity at visitor control. If it is not a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, she will need to have another acceptable credential like a U.S. passport. At visitor control, they will verify her identity and purpose (to accompany you to the store), and then they will run an on-the-spot background check. If the check comes back with no derogatory criminal or terrorism history, then she will be able to accompany you onto the installation. If the installation has credential enrollment capability and the acceptable credential she uses is enrollable, it can be enrolled for recurring access so that you don’t have to stop at the visitor control center every time she comes with you.

  240. Sasha November 28, 2019 at 10:45

    I am 100 percent service connected now. Do I need to do anything else? I already have privileges tobhe get on installations etc?

    • ronald branch December 4, 2019 at 20:51

      You do not anything else if you have already been approved at the commissary.

    • J. Hess December 5, 2019 at 02:45

      Just schedule an appointment with your local RAPIDS office to get your 100% serviced connected DoD ID card, and take all of the required paperwork with you; VA commissary letter, DD-214, identity documents, etc.

      At your appointment, they’ll snap a photo and print your base access card right there on the spot….good to go!

      Your spouse and any dependent kids can get ID’s too. My kids feel special when we go shopping and they get to whip out their “military ID” at the base gate & at check out. The guys on watch at the gate get a chuckle out of it. What? Gate duty stinks….been there, done that. Haha!!

  241. Ron Hilburn November 28, 2019 at 10:27

    Does this give access to all military golf courses.

    • Mark A. Merrick December 2, 2019 at 10:37

      Yes! MWR access.

    • JW December 23, 2019 at 14:15

      Ron, see my response below. Also want to be clear that this applies in the United States and in the U.S. territories and possessions. Access to installation golf courses in overseas foreign countries is subject applicable host-nation laws and applicable international agreements, like status of forces agreements.

  242. Ron Hilburn November 28, 2019 at 10:25

    Does this allow golfers access to on base golf courses .

    • Mark A. Merrick December 2, 2019 at 10:37

      Yes!

    • JW December 23, 2019 at 14:12

      Ron, to be clear, it doesn’t allow anyone who wants to golf access to installation golf courses, but it does allow veterans and caregivers who meet the new eligibility criteria (Purple Heart recipients, former prisoners of war, veterans with service-connected disability ratings between 0-90 percent, and Primary Family Caregivers for eligible veterans under the VA’s Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers) to access installation golf courses, provided they have the approved documentation.

  243. VAisapiece Ofshit November 28, 2019 at 10:11

    It is easy to get a VAIC; but it does the veteran injustice if their claims are denial without merit. I am not saying that the claims got denied because I don’t have a current medical support documents, they denied my disabilities claims without looking at my medical records. It is easy with a stroke of the keyboard and close the case. I am sicken tired of the military mentions about MWR benefit or commissary benefit. Who give a DAMN about going shopping there. Everything there is very expensive compare to Winco or Walmart.

    • Christopher Colegrove December 4, 2019 at 21:45

      Reapply, if it’s in your service treatment records and you have a diagnosis now it shouldn’t be an issue to get rated. A lot have changed recently that take effect on Jan. 1, 2020!

    • Marc December 5, 2019 at 00:12

      why don’t you try reapplying? I highly doubt they just “didn’t look at them”. if you don’t care about these benefits then why are you even here commenting?

  244. Richard Tyson November 28, 2019 at 09:52

    I have service connected disability and wanting to find out if non caregiver spouse will be able to company me onto base to visit bx/commissary? Will I be able to bring guests onto the base?

    • Mark A. Merrick December 2, 2019 at 10:38

      Yes, your immediate family is allowed to accompany you.

    • JW December 23, 2019 at 14:04

      Richard, as an authorized veteran with a service-connected disability and a Veteran Health Identification Card that displays “SERVICE CONNECTED” below your photo on the front of the card, you are the only authorized patron. That said, your spouse and child may accompany you onto the installation and into the facilities, they just cannot purchase anything and they must stay with you at all times while you are on the installation. You will need to stop at the visitor control center on your way onto the installation and any guest with you that is 18 years or older will need to present an acceptable credential like a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or a U.S. passport to verify identity. After an on-the spot background check is run, if it doesn’t show any derogatory criminal or terrorism history, they will be allowed to accompany you onto the installation. If the installation has credential enrollment capability and the acceptable credential they use is enrollable, it can be enrolled for recurring access so that you don’t have to stop at the visitor control center every time they come with you.

  245. john c gallagher November 28, 2019 at 09:44

    THANKS TO ALL FOR THIS.

  246. Roger Peterson November 28, 2019 at 09:33

    I have the card for service connected disability. Will my wife and 14 year old daughter be able to go in to the PX and Commissary with me, it does it only give me access?

    • Mark A. Merrick December 2, 2019 at 10:39

      Yes, as it stated in the article.

      • J. Hess December 5, 2019 at 02:48

        I guess people don’t know how to read or do their own research on the interwebs.

        Yes, your spouse and kids can come with you.

        No, they won’t be detained at the gate.

        Yes, you can access MWR to see movies and play golf.

    • JW December 23, 2019 at 14:02

      Roger, as an authorized veteran with a service-connected disability and a Veteran Health Identification Card that displays “SERVICE CONNECTED” below your photo on the front of the card, you are the only authorized patron. That said, your spouse and child may accompany you onto the installation and into the facilities, they just cannot purchase anything and they must stay with you at all times while you are on the installation. You will need to stop at the visitor control center on your way onto the installation and any guest with you that is 18 years or older will need to present an acceptable credential like a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or a U.S. passport to verify identity. After an on-the spot background check is run, if it doesn’t show any derogatory criminal or terrorism history, they will be allowed to accompany you onto the installation. If the installation has credential enrollment capability and the acceptable credential they use is enrollable, it can be enrolled for recurring access so that you don’t have to stop at the visitor control center every time they come with you.

  247. Aaron L Mills November 28, 2019 at 09:14

    Will I be able to access all military installations using my VHIC or are there certain ones that are not participating?

    • Mark A. Merrick December 2, 2019 at 10:40

      All

      • Patrick Joseph Rice December 4, 2019 at 22:21

        At overseas installations it depends on the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA).

      • Doug Pruner December 5, 2019 at 06:16

        Great! Area 51, here I come!
        :-)

      • John Delves December 5, 2019 at 11:44

        Mark, I think this is great and a very good move for veterans.

        I do have one question?

        I do have the VHIC card and do get medical help and support.

        If I understand what I think I read and saw above only the three types of specific VHIC cards will get this new privilege ?

        • JW December 23, 2019 at 13:48

          John, only veterans who were awarded the Purple Heart, who were former prisoners of war, or who have a service-connected disability rating between 0 percent and 90 percent are included in these new privileges. It must display “PURPLE HEART,” “FORMER POW,” or “SERVICE CONNECTED” below the photo on the front of the Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC).

    • JW December 23, 2019 at 13:54

      Aaron, all of the installations in the United States and in the U.S. territories and possessions are included, since U.S. law applies here. In overseas foreign countries, applicable host-nation laws and applicable international agreements, like status of forces agreements, may limit access, so it is best to check with the installation before you try to access it. And if they tell you it’s not included, please understand that it’s not personal, it’s just the way it is.

  248. Dr. Billy Lyon November 28, 2019 at 08:55

    Hallelujah! About time ALL veterans are recognized for their service.

  249. Denver Cocke November 28, 2019 at 08:29

    But the rest of us veterans who did not have any health problems and no service disability are still left out.

    • Mark A. Merrick December 2, 2019 at 10:41

      You’re correct. You had the opportunity to serve 20 years and retire just like the rest of us. If you did not retire, that’s the consequence of your choice.

      • Dawn Williams December 4, 2019 at 20:02

        Mark, that’s insulting. Not everyone was able to stay in and retire.

      • Jerry White December 4, 2019 at 20:40

        I tried to get a VHIC and was rejected because of my income. If I had applied 47 years ago I could have gotten it. I waited until I retired at 65 yrs. I have no disabilities other than hearing loss. All I could get was VIC. Why am I penalized for my income now?
        I can’t get BX privileges because of this. Are there no exceptions?

        • JW December 23, 2019 at 13:43

          Jerry, if you have a 0 percent service-connected condition and you received a VA Health Eligibility Center Form H623A that placed you in VA health care priority group 8E because of your income, you can bring the HEC Form H623A with an acceptable credential like a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or a U.S. passport for installation and privilege access. DoD just recently identified this as an alternate to the VHIC for those veterans with a 0 percent condition who are unable to obtain a VHIC due to income.

      • Brian Bursch December 4, 2019 at 22:03

        That’s a sarcastic answer. We (Veterans without service connected) were in the military just like anybody else that was in, wartime or not, we still were ready to go if it amounted to that. We are still Veterans.

      • Ed Long December 4, 2019 at 22:47

        Jeez you don’t have to treat him like he got a DISHONORABLE DISCHARGE!

      • Dustin Cheatham December 4, 2019 at 22:56

        That’s a shtty reply. If everybody served 20 years and retired they wouldn’t need a program like this at all as retirees already have base access to facilities. Quit being sour and either assist those with questions, or simply leave the page. If somebody honorably served for 8 years or 18 years and then separated for reasons other than medical, I see no reason at all why they should be denied access to base MWR or shopping facilities.

      • Denver Cocke December 4, 2019 at 23:43

        Yep, I could have but I decided that I gave them 4 years to send me anywhere they chose. I did not get hurt, lucky me. I worked outside and paid taxes so you could get paid since you worked for the military and the tax they took out was still our tax dollars that civilians paid from real productive related work from the private sector who are the ones who really pay real dollar taxes into the government.

      • Va25 December 5, 2019 at 00:19

        You sound stupid! Some people may if not been able to for other reasons besides being disabled. Service is service and everyone should be entitled especially if honorable.

      • Diane Portuesi December 5, 2019 at 01:01

        What kind of snide remark is that? I was in for 6 years until I ended up with a profile that barred me from re-enlistment. So no I did not have the choice of stating for 20 years until I retired and I have been left out of any and all recognition for the time I did spend. So keep your snide remarks.

      • Bobby Register December 5, 2019 at 01:16

        Retirement benefit is clearly better than being honorable discharge veteran, as it should be. But opportunity calls us all in different ways. Point is we are all veterans if we served. And if the gov states expanded benefits and access for veterans that expansion doesn’t deprive or diminish the retirees benefit, right? So whether we retired at twenty active, or got out and did some other positive thing with our veterans based life opportunities, the point is we are all just as beneficial to society and worthy of the benefits we were all promised when we signed up as part of the all volunteer force this country relies on.
        Besides, the prices will come down if there are more purchases from the local base stores. Especially on high end lower supply items. That is just common business sense. From what I can see the vendors are not discounting the prices at the BX anymore and low efficiency of lower sales make your prices higher. So if you have veterans shopping at your stores you will see lower Walmart type pricing because you will have higher volume sales. You retirees and active duty guys want our dollars in the mix. Thus should have happened to benefit you as well as us a long time ago. It keeps you more influential in the products outlet side of supply chain and resulting prices.

      • Travis December 5, 2019 at 01:24

        Well not all, I know many people that were force shaped out of the Air force that wanted to continue on. When they applied for other jobs the denial took so long they did not have a chance to apply for other fields. They applied for law enforcement and aircraft mechanic which are the two most needed.

      • Kevin M Kelly December 5, 2019 at 01:49

        Sorry Mark. You are incorrect. I was “right sized” out of the military in the 90’s. Would have stayed in, but I didn’t have a choice.

      • sandra pucell December 5, 2019 at 01:59

        you say we had a choice to stay 20 years well when I and several others were at Ramstein GE in 1992 were medically retired (I had over 18 and some had 19+) we had NO CHOICE AND CHANCE TO GO 20, so Mark A. Merrick, I think you should rephrase that answer and be glad this did not happen to you and you should offer an apology to those you insulted by the statement… “You had the opportunity to serve 20 and retire just like the rest of us, that’s the consequence of your choice”., I served and was medically discharged under my maiden name.

      • Richard A Ward December 5, 2019 at 02:05

        Sorry.. that’s a BS answer. Are you saying the person that served 10 years, or 5 years, or even 15 years is any less a veteran than the person who served 20??? We all wore the uniform, served our country, and should have the benefit of something as little as commissary or MWR benefits. Just because someone didn’t do 20 years doesn’t mean they aren’t as equal a veteran as the person who did 20.

      • Scott Ottman December 5, 2019 at 02:07

        Not trying to call you out Mark, but are you really a veteran or just another internet troll? I’m only asking because on a few of your responses you’re coming across sounding like a millennial that spends too much time on Facebook. Whether having served 4, 20+, service connected, or not, a veteran is a veteran and should be able to expect some semblance of respect at least from one another.

      • J. Hess December 5, 2019 at 03:11

        I concur with Mark. If you didn’t get seriously hurt or weren’t driven somewhat crazy by the jacked up stuff you saw overseas, weren’t captured & tortured, didn’t do something totally awesome to receive a Medal of Honor, or didn’t retire from service (serve 20+ years), and then have any of the above reviewed and approved by the VA, then why the heck should you receive special rewards and privileges?

        A lot of people sign on the dotted line to take Uncle Sam’s Wild Ride, but not everyone pays the price of admission. You already got your free ride, made your own choices, and you blew your shot by not sticking it out for 20 years or getting wounded/seriously injured in the line of duty.

        You are a veteran, yes, but you aren’t a protected class of veteran. Er go, no big cookie for you at the end of the ride, dude. I paid for my ticket, and it sounds like Mark paid for his….and it sounds like guys like us paid for guys like you to sit around and accomplish nothing during their entire enlistment.

      • Ellen D Jackson December 5, 2019 at 04:06

        Wow, how disrespectful. Some of us left due to the poor treatment of others. Serving more than a decade should rate something for serving honorably. And when I served, there was no TSP or great pay. It was suggested buying US savings bonds. And if you’re old enough, you’ll know this went away long ago. If you’re not, google it. Don’t show disrespect because some of us decided it was time to leave without retiring. Serving IS serving. How dare you.

      • Joshua December 5, 2019 at 04:31

        Or you had the opportunity to be looked down upon when you needed to go to sick call so you didn’t because every other person was labeled a POS when they went to sick call so nothing is in your record and cant be proved service connected.

      • Chuck Leapley December 5, 2019 at 05:31

        So what this should be clearly conveying is For Retired Veterans and Disabled Veterans Only.

        All other Veterans need not apply.

        And Yes, an Honorably Discharged Veteran, regardless of anything, is a Veteran.

      • Doug Pruner December 5, 2019 at 06:13

        Good answer, Mark. I served for about eight years and left with a 10% disability (hearing loss). I’m “in the system” and get a small check each month. I also get free hearing aids and meds with a very small copay.
        Not to mention learing a trade in the eight years.
        Not a perfect system, but it works.

      • Charles Gregory Jaudon December 5, 2019 at 07:21

        Nope, serving 20 yrs does not elevate you to any special status although I think you want to believe that. When one raises their hand, swears in , and signs the contract then you are serving for what ever purpose that may be required by the country at that time. Good for you that you served 20 but just because someone did 3, 4, or 6 or whatever time does not make them any less and I think not having exchange privilege is not a “consequence”. Cmon man, here in PR they give civilian employees access to purchase. Bullshit if you ask me.

      • Michael Ogaldez December 5, 2019 at 09:11

        Wow what self righteous prick you are. We still served and recieved and honorable discharge. I served during combat just wasn’t injured. Screw you.

      • jarutha scot December 5, 2019 at 09:26

        Wow!!! never mind circumstances that may have precluded these veterans from serving 20 years you know like the death of a spouse and being left a single parent , or from fortunately not having a service connected disability. Your response is a little short cited…

      • Anne M. Pistilli December 5, 2019 at 09:27

        True, I am grateful for the healthcare benefits that I am allotted. I served a bit over 6 years, and am astounded I am given the healthcare. Thank you for those who served until retirement! I love seeing that there are benefits given to those who suffered injuries, served in conflict or were taken prisoner. I appreciate them and it made my day knowing they get a little extra today.

      • Another Veteran December 5, 2019 at 09:36

        Mark, you are a serious piece of work. Your comments are absolutely amazing. Someone should give you a Jr. G man badge or at a minimum put you on a recruitment billboard. Keep up the good work providing valuable feedback…..

      • USS SARATOGA CVA 60 December 5, 2019 at 09:52

        Well aren’t we special…you’re telling me if you serve in the military during armed conflict…you’re not a real veteran unless you serve 20 years…that really sux ! l went in 1962 (active 4 years 2mo.: 2yrs 2mo at sea). So l shouldn’t be considered a”real” veteran. l was told that if l served my country l would have full VA BENEFITS when l completed my service… only to have a 2007 law passed (by a lot of people that weren’t alive in 1962) to take away what l was promised by my country ( how about “ex post facto”? ). When l went in you didn’t get to choose your duty- you went where you were told and did what you were told to do… ALL THOSE PEOPLE WHO DIED ON MY SHIP WERE NOT REAL VETERANS because they were in the wrong theater at the time….there’s something wrong about that…

    • Mark West December 4, 2019 at 23:58

      You want the fruits of labor while only providing minimal labor? The vast majority of retirees have between 20 to 40 years of service and have thus earned this benefit while providing virtually all of the labor. Undoubtedly a very easy concept to understand, even for civilians.

    • Kathleen Wolphagen December 5, 2019 at 01:19

      Yes, it’s about time. I’ve always been thinking about this ever since we were given the privilege to order online. I have a VA Health Ins Card & currently have no disability. Am I eligible to go on base to shop? I feel every VETERAN should have this privilege. Thank you!

      • JW December 23, 2019 at 13:20

        Kathleen, if you are a Purple Heart recipient, a former prisoner of war, or have a service-connected disability rating between 0 percent and 90 percent, then you would be eligible for in-person shopping privileges. If you do not meet any of these eligibility criteria, then you are not eligible for in-person shopping privileges.

  250. John Windham November 28, 2019 at 07:51

    If you are already enrolled with the VA medical and have the old VHIC card, will the VA automatically send the new one?

    • Michael O'Byrne November 29, 2019 at 22:37

      Same with me. My old card shows Service Connected and Purple Heart. Will that bw sufficient for access or do I need to get a new one? Thanks in advance for responding.

      • JW December 10, 2019 at 11:11

        Michael, as long as your Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) displays “PURPLE HEART,” “FORMER POW,” or “SERVICE CONNECTED” below the photo on the front of the card, you should be good to go.

    • Mark A. Merrick December 2, 2019 at 10:42

      Yes.

      • Oscar Mardis December 4, 2019 at 23:13

        Question: Does your “old card” state that it is a Veterans Identification Card (VIC)? If so, you need to get an updated card. In 2014, the Veterans Health Identification Card (VHIC) was issued to replace the VIC. Be very aware that this guidance only allows access for veterans with a VHIC. Therefore, if your card does not resemble the sample above, then you will need to contact the VA to receive a new VHIC.

    • Gerardo Toranzo December 4, 2019 at 21:41

      I’d stop by your local VA and get a new card, the government is not quite known for its efficiency.

    • Ed Long December 4, 2019 at 22:43

      Jeez you don’t have to treat him like he got a DISHONORABLE DISCHARGE!

    • C G December 9, 2019 at 07:26

      The new IDs came out several years ago. If you still have an old one you need to go to your VA health center and get a new one.

    • JW December 23, 2019 at 13:14

      John, if you are a Purple Heart recipient, a former prisoner of war, or have a service-connected disability rating between 0 percent an d90 percent AND your current VHIC displays “PURPLE HEART,” “FORMER POW,” or “SERVICE CONNECTED” below the photo on the front of the card, you should be good to go. If it does not, you will need to contact VA to get a new one.

  251. Darth Vader November 28, 2019 at 07:23

    Its nice to see so many people on here were retired for being illiterate.

    • A H-S November 29, 2019 at 10:45

      lol..so true. I’m reading all these questions and I’m like, “C’mon, really?!”

      • Marc December 5, 2019 at 00:16

        I’m reading many of these just shaking my head……..they don’t read, they can’t seem to research, they sure as hell can’t write a proper sentence. they don’t even realize that they are asking certain questions that should be answered directly by the VA, not on here.

      • J. Hess December 5, 2019 at 02:49

        I thought I was alone in that regard. Thank goodness someone else knows how to read and comprehend written language. LoL

      • DEAN PHILLIPS, SGM (R)) December 5, 2019 at 08:39

        Darth Vader and AH-S: Its not very nice to degrade people and call them illiterate. Especially veterans!. Who do you think you are? This is why some veterans probably don’t get the help they need because people like you are working in places that can deny them benefits. What the hell is wrong with you!

    • Curly Joe December 4, 2019 at 21:37

      nyuk nyuk good one

    • Rod jonhs December 5, 2019 at 05:19

      Not cool man. Some people on here are extremely old. Some are former POWs dealing with mental issues that might hinder their abilities to spell correctly or articulate their questions.

  252. Mike Mccaffrey November 28, 2019 at 06:52

    I was wondering will I be able to use my card to gain access to the gyms on Fort Knox

    • Mark A. Merrick December 2, 2019 at 10:42

      Yes

      • Russ Roe December 5, 2019 at 00:11

        How about the gold vaults ?

      • Jim Mac December 5, 2019 at 07:46

        Are you sure about that? I understood that these folks would be allowed to use all patron funded MWR activities. The base gyms are all appropriated funded. Are they actually going to allow potentially thousands of people into base gyms every week that are all ready pretty crowded as it is. I would think that the active duty folks would be pretty upset if they could not use the gym due to over crowding.

        • JW December 10, 2019 at 11:00

          Jim, MWR fitness centers and gyms on the installations will not be accessible for the new categories of veterans and caregivers.

      • gerald mahle December 5, 2019 at 08:48

        I just viewed the the presentation from Ft. Belvoir. They mentioned several times that gyms are “mission-essential” facilities and are not available to VHIC card holders.

    • C G December 9, 2019 at 07:23

      No.

    • JW December 10, 2019 at 11:07

      Mike, MWR fitness centers and gyms on the installations will not be accessible for the new categories of veterans and caregivers.

  253. Michael Yohn November 28, 2019 at 05:09

    I have a VHIC, does my wife have to do anything for access to go with me?

    • Mark A. Merrick December 2, 2019 at 10:43

      Yes, she has to accompany you.

      • xsquid December 5, 2019 at 09:31

        lol.

    • JW December 10, 2019 at 10:55

      Michael, your VHIC needs to display “PURPLE HEART,” “FORMER POW,” or “SERVICE CONNECTED” below the photo on the front of the card. Not everyone with a VHIC will be authorized access to these benefits. If you meet the criteria, your wife will be allowed to accompany you. You will have to stop at the visitor control center so that she can undergo the routine security check, so she will need to have an acceptable credential like a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or a U.S. passport with her. On the installation, she must stay with you. And she cannot make any purchases.

  254. Louis R meiklejohn November 28, 2019 at 05:08

    Correction to my last. AHIC Service Connected card is in my wallet ready to show at the gate.

  255. Louis R meiklejohn November 28, 2019 at 05:02

    Thank you VA and President TRUMP. I have my VAIC card in my wallet ready to show. I will now be able to shop at the 29 Palms Marine Base which is only 4 miles from my house. In the past I’ve ordered from AAFEES on line; however, now I will actually see, feel, inspect the item prior to my purchase, not worried about having to return for a refund. Again Thank you VA and President TRUMP.

    • Alex Garrett December 4, 2019 at 22:40

      You should thank the following representatives who introduced the bill which was referred to the Committee on Armed Services: Mr. Lipinski (for himself, Mr. Jones, Ms. Bordallo, Mr. Bost, Ms. Brownley of California, Mr. Capuano, Ms. Clarke of New York, Mr. Cohen, Mr. Correa, Mrs. Davis of California, Mr. DeFazio, Ms. Barragán, Mrs. Dingell, Mr. Donovan, Mr. Fortenberry, Mr. Gaetz, Mr. Gallego, Mr. Gonzalez of Texas, Mr. Grijalva, Ms. Norton, Ms. Jackson Lee, Mr. Johnson of Georgia, Ms. Kaptur, Mr. Kilmer, Mr. Kinzinger, Ms. Kuster of New Hampshire, Mr. Lynch, Mr. Sean Patrick Maloney of New York, Mr. McGovern, Mr. Moolenaar, Mr. Moulton, Mr. Neal, Mr. Norman, Mr. O’Halleran, Mr. Payne, Mr. Peterson, Ms. Pingree, Mr. Poliquin, Mr. Raskin, Mrs. Radewagen, Ms. Rosen, Mr. Rush, Mr. Ryan of Ohio, Mr. Scott of Virginia, Ms. Shea-Porter, Ms. Sinema, Mr. Suozzi, Mr. Soto, Mr. Thompson of California, Mr. Vela, Ms. Velázquez, Mrs. Watson Coleman, and Ms. Wilson of Florida).

    • Saundra Turner December 5, 2019 at 01:53

      The process for this benefit started before #45 came into office. Thanks goes to President Obama.

    • Marine on a stick December 5, 2019 at 09:14

      Had nothing to di with Trump. This was in place before he became president.

    • C G December 9, 2019 at 07:21

      Trump had nothing to do with this.

  256. Darrel P Bowles November 28, 2019 at 04:14

    The prices in these facilities are not cheaper than your local retailers so please do not confuse the public. I have compared prices this past year with the same brand articles and groceries, In Germany, you have to pay a certain amount of custom tax added together with your so-called non-taxable items from the Military establishments.

    • Proud Vet1 December 5, 2019 at 08:45

      You should be thanking Sen. Jon Tester (Dem.) who drafted this act. He has been a veteran advocate for years and relentless in the pursuit of expanding veteran benefits.

  257. Darrel P Bowles November 28, 2019 at 04:08

    There are a different set of rules in Germany so check with your customs office and Post coordinators first.

    • Karen Schleif November 29, 2019 at 18:19

      It depends where you are in the country. In Hawaii, the prices on most grocery items are much cheaper. Meat and local products, not so much. It is a huge blessing on the budget for us.

  258. Ferrell Naputi November 28, 2019 at 03:30

    If you don’t want it to be recurrent accessing the base. Can you just get a pass whenever you need to go to exchange or commissary. All I want to use is the service station where gas is cheaper and the commissary on a monthly basis and the exchange every so often as needed.

    • JW December 10, 2019 at 10:47

      Ferrell, enrolling your VHIC for recurring access allows you to avoid stopping at the visitor control center every time you want to go to the gas station or the exchange, no matter how frequent it is. If you don’t want to have your VHIC enrolled, then you just need to build in extra time every trip to stop at visitor control.

  259. Ruth L Brown November 28, 2019 at 03:18

    I am a Veteran with a 50% Service Connected Disability. My father is also a Veteran, but no Service Connected Disability. He does have his VHIC. Would he and my mother be allowed to accompany me into the commissary or base exchange?

    • JW December 10, 2019 at 10:43

      Ruth, as an eligible veteran, you would be allowed to have guests accompany you onto the installation and into the facilities. The guests will have to stop at the visitor control center and go through all of the routine security checks, so they will need to have an acceptable credential like a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or a U.S. passport with them. Also, your guest will have to stay with you and they cannot make any purchases. You should also know that you can only make purchases for yourself.

  260. Matthew Ellis November 28, 2019 at 02:25

    All Veterans regardless of disability should be able to use these resources. A disable veteran should be given far more privileges and respect than they get today. Think about it, a Congressman or Senator (even the ones who have never served in the military) gets their full retirement and full benefits for life after one tour in office. That my brothers and sisters is a shame!!

    • Stanwick Walker November 29, 2019 at 11:35

      I wholeheartedly agree with you on that statement about all Veterans should be able to use these resources and would go even further by saying our representatives should not get free health care for life after they leave office. They can apply for VA health care just like we do if they want it for free or pay out of pocket.

      • Warner Anderson MD December 5, 2019 at 01:28

        A little off-topic, but you are completely wrong about senators and representatives’ retirement and benefits. It is easy to look up on any authoritative reference.

      • Lowell E Ebalo December 5, 2019 at 06:25

        It says that The card must display the Veteran’s eligibility status (i.e., PURPLE HEART, FORMER POW or SERVICE CONNECTED). So is this exclusive only for disabled veterans purple heart and former POW? Or is this for all veterans disabled or not?

        • C G December 9, 2019 at 07:18

          Yes, only the disabled veterans, POW, or purple heart are included in this new benefit

        • JW December 10, 2019 at 10:31

          Lowell, the new veteran categories eligible for this new benefit are specifically Purple Heart recipients, former prisoners of war, and veterans with a service-connected disability rating between 0%-90%.

      • Chris Wilson December 5, 2019 at 09:31

        Your right it should be open to ALL honorably discharged veterans. From what I have heard and understand is that civilian employees of the DoD are allowed to use the commissaries.

        • JW December 10, 2019 at 10:27

          Chris, you are mistaken. DoD civilians are not allowed to use commissary stores unless they are assigned to military installations overseas in foreign countries, accompanying the force. And 19 million additional veteran shoppers would certainly overwhelm the DoD resale facilities, which are sized to support the military mission.

    • sandra pucell December 5, 2019 at 02:03

      agree

    • David Newmqn December 5, 2019 at 02:21

      Mathew,
      Congressman / Senators, do not automatically get retirement and healthcare for life even after just one term as you stated. This has been a false rumor that is spread by those that are upset and not in the know. I am not trying to start an argument just setting the record straight.
      RETIREMENT:
      A report on “Retirement Benefits for Members of Congress,” prepared in November by the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service, outlines how pension benefits are calculated.
      The key provision: no member of Congress is eligible for any pension unless he or she has served in Congress for at least five years. (Senators serve six-year terms; House members must seek reelection every two years.)
      To collect, a congressman or senator must be age 62, or be at least age 50 with 20 years of service, or be any age with 25 years of service.
      Under the most recent pension program, adopted in 1984, the size of a pension is based on the highest three years of a member’s salary, the number of years of service and a multiplier, which is 1.7 percent for the first 20 years of service and 1.0 percent for subsequent years.
      Here’s an example, using a typical 25-year rank-and-file member who retired this year. The pension would be the sum of two calculations. First, multiply $172,443 [the average salary over the last three years] times 20 years times 0.017. Then, multiply $172,443 times 5 years times 0.01 and add that number to the first calculation. The total: about $67,250 per year.
      A three-term congressman (or one-term senator) who has now reached retirement age would be eligible for an annual pension of $17,588 for six years of work. That’s generous, but not close to full pay.
      Federal law prevents members of Congress from getting full-pay retirement when they leave office. The report says, “By law, the starting amount of a member’s retirement annuity may not exceed 80 percent of his or her final salary.”
      Under the formula, it would take 67 years of service to hit that limit.
      So saying that members of Congress can “receive full pay retirement after serving one term” is blatantly bogus. It’s never full pay and the only one-term members who would be eligible for any pension would be senators.

      While not as expensive as some of us pay here is the fact on their healthcare cost
      HEALTHCARE:
      https://www.cnbc.com/2017/07/25/heres-how-much-members-of-congress-pay-for-their-health-insurance.html

    • William Hinton December 5, 2019 at 07:51

      You are wrong, U.S. Congressmen have to be elected to a third term to get a pension, then it is a percent base. A U.S. Senator must complete their one term to get a pension, then it is a percent base.

    • JW December 10, 2019 at 10:37

      Matthew, veterans with a service-connected disability rating from 0%-90% will now be eligible for these benefits beginning January 1, 2020, along with Purple Heart recipients and former prisoners of war, so long as they have a Veteran Health Identification Card that displays “PURPLE HEART,” “FORMER POW,” or “SERVICE CONNECTED” below the photo on the front of the card.

  261. Richard boyle November 27, 2019 at 23:52

    military disabled
    do we have access to class 6 stores?

    • James Stewart December 4, 2019 at 12:19

      Yes

  262. Richard boyle November 27, 2019 at 23:50

    As a disabled connected disability are we allowed access to the class six store ?

    • Oscar Mardis December 4, 2019 at 23:22

      No access to the Class Six Store or to military uniforms is included in this new benefit.

      [Editor: DoD confirmed that Class VI IS included.]

    • JW December 10, 2019 at 10:21

      Richard, the class six store will be accessible to the new categories of eligible veterans and caregivers.

  263. Sammie E Davis November 27, 2019 at 23:27

    As a veteran, can I bring a civilian on base with me and have access to everything I have, as long as that person is with me.

    • ron December 4, 2019 at 19:40

      This privilege is for the veteran not your neighbor or bar drinking buddy.

    • JW December 9, 2019 at 16:37

      Sammie, if you meet one of the new veteran qualifications, you may bring a guest with you to an installation and into the authorized facilities. They will have to stop at the visitor control center and go through the routine security checks, so they will need to have an acceptable credential with them, like a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or a U.S. passport. They will have to stay with you throughout your visit and can accompany you into the facilities, but they cannot make any purchases.

  264. Michael November 27, 2019 at 22:47

    will my spouse be able to accompany me into the commissary and exchange or will she need to get some type of pass?

    • JW December 9, 2019 at 16:32

      Michael, yes, your wife may accompany you as your guest. She will have to stop at the visitor control center and go through the routine security checks, so she will need to have an acceptable credential with her, like a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or a U.S. passport. She will have to stay with you throughout your visit and can accompany you into the facilities, but she cannot make any purchases.

  265. Manuel Castillo November 27, 2019 at 22:37

    Can I bring my wife and kids when I visit the px or commissary?

    • JW December 10, 2019 at 10:17

      Manuel, yes, your wife and kids may accompany you as your guests. They will have to stop at the visitor control center and go through the routine security checks, so they will need to each have an acceptable credential if they’re 18 or older, like a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or a U.S. passport. They will have to stay with you throughout your visit and can accompany you into the facilities, but they cannot make any purchases.

  266. Chris F. November 27, 2019 at 22:14

    I have read through this article and others, as well DOD statements and such. My only question is can my wife accompany me to the commissary. I would make the purchases and be driving, but can she join me as a guest? Aside from that very excited about this expansion of benefits. It’s about time.

    • C G December 9, 2019 at 07:14

      Yes

    • JW December 9, 2019 at 16:22

      Chris, yes, your wife may accompany you as your guest. She will have to stop at the visitor control center and go through the routine security checks, so she will need to have an acceptable credential with her, like a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or a U.S. passport. She will have to stay with you throughout your visit and can accompany you into the facilities, but she cannot make any purchases.

  267. Ronald Lawrence Hall November 27, 2019 at 22:11

    I have what I’m guessing is an older card. It has a more stylish flag image on the left, with my picture, my printed name and service connected on the front. The barcode is on the right side of my picture and the magnetic strip on the back. But if there was an ID number on it it has rubbed off. Am I correct in assuming that I will need to figure out how to get this replaced before I can access the bases?

    • C G December 9, 2019 at 07:13

      Yes. You can get one at your VA health center. Go to the eligibility office and tell them you need an ID.

    • JW December 9, 2019 at 16:18

      Ronald, what you are describing sounds exactly like what DoD is requiring for access. You shouldn’t have to get it replaced.

  268. SHERY HILL November 27, 2019 at 21:15

    I’m sorry I meant I am a recently widowed survivor of a Viet Nam vet that died of service related injuries. Am I eligible for this benefit?

    • Brian Watkins December 5, 2019 at 03:17

      Yes

      • Shery Hill December 5, 2019 at 14:54

        I called China Lake MWR and was told I can not get a card. Although he passed of service related injuries he was only at time of passing 90%. Is there anyone that can direct me to someone that’s either in the know or….. Thank you.

        • JW December 9, 2019 at 16:11

          Shery, I am very sorry for you loss. This new benefit is only for the eligible veteran or eligible caregiver and it doesn’t begin until January 1. It is not for family members and it is not transferrable.

      • JW December 9, 2019 at 16:15

        Brian, this benefit does not extend to family members or survivors of the new veteran and caregiver categories.

    • C G December 9, 2019 at 07:11

      No, you are not eligible.

    • JW December 9, 2019 at 16:13

      Shery, this benefit does not extend to family members. You are not eligible.

  269. JoAnn Blang November 27, 2019 at 21:12

    My husband has a disability but it isn’t listed on his VHIC card. We were told that he doesn’t need a new card yet your eligibility information states that the disability needs to be listed on the VHIC card. 1- does he need a new card stating his disability. 2- If so what do we need to do?

    • Randall Baumgardner December 4, 2019 at 22:38

      Would like to know the answer to this question…

    • John B Dreher December 4, 2019 at 23:17

      It doesn’t have to state his disability. It just has to state Service Connected.

    • Leo Lee December 5, 2019 at 01:29

      The disability type doesn’t need to be listed on the VHIC card. All it needs to say is “Service Connected “.

    • Brian Watkins December 5, 2019 at 03:20

      No new card is needed. All it can show is “Service Connected”

    • JW December 9, 2019 at 16:05

      JoAnn, a veteran’s disability should not be listed on the VHIC. While it is true that your husband does not need a new VHIC to access his medical appointments through the VA, if he wants to take advantage of these new DoD privileges, then he will need to have a VHIC that states “PURPLE HEART,” “FORMER POW,” or “SERVICE CONNECTED” under his photo on the front of the card. This is the only way that DoD will be able to quickly verify his identity and eligibility, since not everyone who receives a VHIC is eligible for these privileges.

  270. Yea i said it November 27, 2019 at 21:11

    So true i left a full grocery cart in the exchange last week simply couldnt afford the groceries and it seem the prices hacked up on everything they giving access to get the money back the va is giving vets.

    • ron December 4, 2019 at 19:51

      So why did you fill the cart up and leave it? I am sure you would have looked at the pries as you went through the store.

  271. SHERY HILL November 27, 2019 at 21:05

    Soooo survivors or Veterans that have died of service related injuries do not qualify?!

    • CHRISTOPHER A POPE December 5, 2019 at 08:41

      This service isnt designed for the families benefit. Its for the service member. Once your service member passes away you have no business being on any military instill
      ation.

    • JW December 9, 2019 at 15:58

      Shery, that is correct. This benefit is for the qualifying veteran or caregiver only, not their family members. And a caregiver will lose their eligibility when they are no longer providing care for an eligible veteran.

  272. Thomas Llo November 27, 2019 at 20:58

    Eligibility requirements state that VHIC must show the eligibility reason (SERVICE CONNECTED, PURPLE HEART, or ?). My current VHIC does not have my eligibility reason (SERVICE CONNECTED). What is the process to obtain a new VHIC with the designation?

    • Perry Harrison December 4, 2019 at 23:18

      I was issued my first ID card before I received my dis. Rating. Later, I just went to the VA hospital. I go to, had them look me up, and they issued, mailed, me a new card. No big deal.

    • Eric Carlton Husher December 4, 2019 at 23:46

      My question too. I am at 20% disabled now for Gulf War Syndrome, and failing pretty quick. I expect to be up to 30% in another six months, ans things continue to go South. I have the ‘card,’ but I was issued it BEFORE the GWS hit; what do I need to do to get a NEW one to refelct that ‘change of status?’

      • C G December 9, 2019 at 07:08

        Your card doesn’t have the percentage on it. It will just say “service- connected”. If it doesn’t say that and you have a rating then go to your VA medical and get a new card.

  273. Michael Bosco November 27, 2019 at 20:56

    I made it is unemployability made it a hundred percent receive all the hundred percent considered 100% disabled militarily. Also federally disabled. So what do I need to get in the base do I still need to get the special card

    • Roger chevrette December 4, 2019 at 21:32

      Yes

    • Brian Watkins December 5, 2019 at 03:24

      Go to the base I.D. Card building with your va paperwork and get a DOD ID card.

  274. Michael Bosco November 27, 2019 at 20:51

    Compensated at the hundred percent rate considered as unemployable by the military therefore compensated at that rate. I am eligible for everything at 100% Medical Dental at all including my disability pay. An employee ability level which is equal to the hundred percent disability level isn’t mentioned how do I go about getting that card or access to the base based on that and what would I need to show them

    • ronald branch December 4, 2019 at 20:55

      Take your award letter to the base, get in and then go to the commissary and show them the same paper. At 100% you are automatically qualified. You have everything all of us vets want. But you still can work part time. Read your award letter or check with your service rep or attorney.

      • pRKs December 9, 2019 at 03:26

        Check again, if 100% Disabled Veterans can work, they can have their disability rerated to a lower percentage. Veterans have been rerated for volunteering at the VA Hospital. I had considered volunteering at one time, but after another PTSD Episode and agoraphobia kicking back in I cannot even leave my house without drugs.

    • John Barry Dreher December 4, 2019 at 23:43

      You should have already been going on base and free Space A flights. Don’t you have your Dept of Defense tan ID card, form 2765 ? Please don’t ask, what am I talking about? If you don’t know, I have no more answers. I can’t believe the questions on this blog.

    • C G December 9, 2019 at 07:04

      You’re already eligible.

  275. Alan Uyehara November 27, 2019 at 16:12

    I have the VHIC: Can my wife accompany me to (for example) an Army/Air Force Commissary and Exchange or will I be the only one permitted to enter?

    • Emily Ciano December 5, 2019 at 07:26

      I doubt it. I am a contractor on base and already have a VHIC card and I cannot escort anyone on base at all.

      • C G December 9, 2019 at 07:01

        This doesn’t take effect until Jan 2020.

    • C G December 9, 2019 at 07:02

      You can bring a guest but they must stay with you.

    • JW December 9, 2019 at 15:47

      Alan, if your VHIC displays “PURPLE HEART,” FORMER POW,” or “SERVICE CONNECTED” below your photo on the front of the card, you are eligible for access to these benefits and your wife may accompany you as your guest. She will have to stop at the visitor control center and go through the routine security checks, so she will need to have an acceptable credential with her, like a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or a U.S. passport. She will have to stay with you throughout your visit and can accompany you into the facilities, but she cannot make any purchases.

  276. Justin November 27, 2019 at 13:44

    Hello, does this also give us the ability to use the base ticket office? It says MWR, but I am not sure if that means I can get the reduced tickets to Disneyland, etc also with this. Thank you in advance.

    • John November 27, 2019 at 17:56

      I would check once you have access.

    • Alex Jennings November 28, 2019 at 08:17

      Yes. You can take advantage of everything you used to on base. Minus purchasing uniform items and the daycare.

      • JW December 9, 2019 at 15:40

        Alex, you are mistaken. Not all of the morale, welfare, and recreation activities are going to be available to the new categories of veterans and caregivers. For sure, the revenue-generating activities will be available, like golf, bowling, marinas, entertainment, restaurants, equipment check-out, RV parks, recreational lodging, resorts, etc. DoD is still working on the policy for other MWR activities, so it would be best to check with the base once you get access.

    • Robert Wessel November 28, 2019 at 09:49

      MWR is a military acronym that stands for Morale, Welfare and Recreation. The term is given to a complete range of community support and quality of life programs for members of the Armed Forces, their families, and retirees at more than 2,000 facilities on U.S. military bases throughout the world.

      • Gene Jurrens December 5, 2019 at 08:11

        If this is addressed elsewhere, apologies. How about access to Fam Camps (on-base RV parks)? I’m service-connected and live in an RV. Used to be only retirees had access to these campgrounds? Is that now part of MWR to which I now have access as a 4-year (not retiree) vet? Thanks for clarifying.

        • JW December 9, 2019 at 15:23

          Gene, access to military RV parks is an authorized revenue-generating MWR activity. Eligible veterans may begin making reservations starting January 1.

    • JW December 9, 2019 at 15:41

      Justin, I would follow John’s advice and check once you have access. Even though you have to pay for the tickets, the base ticket offices are not “revenue-generating” MWR activities, so you may not have access. DoD is still working on the policy for MWR activities that are not revenue-generating. You should also know that not everyone who is authorized to use the base ticket office is allowed to purchase or use every ticket they sell. Sometimes the vendors put restrictions on the tickets.

  277. Christopher Flowers November 27, 2019 at 11:05

    Very thankful for this

  278. Kenneth Binkley November 27, 2019 at 02:21

    What good is it if the VA has taken away (disappeared) my service connected disability?

  279. Daniel Ibarra November 26, 2019 at 23:12

    Do u have to be 100% disability to be eligible

    • Jared November 27, 2019 at 21:29

      negative, any service connected veteran with a rating above 0% is eligible. Though you must have the VHIC reflecting the status. Hope this helps!

    • Marvin Keller November 28, 2019 at 00:06

      Does my spouse get expanded access priveliges with my credentials.

      • JW December 9, 2019 at 15:12

        Marvin, these new privileges are only for the new categories of veterans and caregivers. They do not extend to family members. That said, spouses may accompany eligible veterans and caregivers as guests onto the installation and into the facilities. As a guest, they will have to stop at the visitor control center and undergo the routine security check, so they need to have an acceptable credential like a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or a U.S. passport with them. Also, they must stay with the sponsoring veteran or caregiver at all times and they cannot make any purchases of their own.

    • Jeff Duncan November 28, 2019 at 00:19

      Read the John S. McCain Defense Authorization Bill of 2018. It states all service connected disability 0-99 will have this benefit from 1 January 2020. You need to use your VA Healthcare that indicates service connected, purple heart, Medal of Honor, etc. It allows shopping on base in the exchange (formerly known as BX or PX), the commissary, and use of MWR facilities on a space available basis. Every veteran should review bills and laws passed to see if it affects them or not. It is all on line. The simple answer is no you do not have to be 100 percent to shop on base.

      • JW December 9, 2019 at 15:07

        Jeff, please allow me to correct a few of the details you’ve tried to share. This authorization came from the Purple Heart and Disabled Veterans Equal Access Act of 2018, located in the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019. The Act doesn’t tell you what identification is needed. DoD and VA have been working on the implementation details and DoD has agreed to accept the Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) that displays “PURPLE HEART,” “FORMER POW,” or “SERVICE CONNECTED” below the photo on the front of the card for installation and privilege access for the newly eligible categories of veterans. Military retirees, Medal of Honor recipients, and 100% disabled veterans already have privileges (and DoD ID cards). So this act really only applies to Purple Heart recipients, former prisoners of war, veterans with service-connected disability ratings between 0%-90% (disability ratings are 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, and 100). It also includes individuals assessed, approved, and designated as primary family caregivers of eligible veterans under the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers. The eligible caregivers will be sent an eligibility letter from the Office of Community Care, which they will use for access. Morale, welfare, and recreation access is not on a space available basis, but it is limited to the revenue-generating activities like golf, bowling, entertainment, RV parks, recreational lodging and resorts, marinas, etc.

    • Leon Langley November 28, 2019 at 10:14

      Does a 10% disability qualify me for access to commissary & PX?

      • Roger chevrette December 4, 2019 at 21:42

        If you have a service connected disability even a 0%,just bring your award letter to a nearby VA hospital or health clinic that issues chic. You will then be qualified.

      • JW December 9, 2019 at 14:54

        Leon, yes, a 10% service-connected disability rating meets the eligibility requirement for to access installations and these new privileges. But you must have a Veteran Health Identification Card that displays “SERVICE CONNECTED” below your photo on the front of the card to gain access.

    • Robert Morrill November 28, 2019 at 10:45

      No. “Service connected”
      As shown on your VA ID

    • Thomas Llo November 28, 2019 at 11:09

      No. 0-100% Service Connected.

    • JW December 9, 2019 at 15:19

      Daniel, this is a new benefit for certain categories of veterans and caregivers who do not already have benefits (like military retirees, Medal of Honor recipients, and veterans with 100% service-connected disabilities). The new categories of eligible veterans are Purple Heart recipients, former prisoners of war, and veterans with service-connected disability ratings between 0%-90%. These newly eligible veterans must have a Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) that displays one of the three categories on the front (PURPLE HEART, FORMER POW, or SERVICE CONNECTED) below the photo. Newly eligible caregivers are individuals assessed, approved, and designated as the primary family caregiver of an eligible veteran under the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers. These newly eligible caregivers will receive an eligibility letter from the Office of Community Care.

  280. Arnold Cabral November 26, 2019 at 17:33

    Veterans who read this can you please help Disabled Veterans who is 100 percent service connected needs a Dentist know how to G4 implants so please email your Senators or Representative contract Veteran Affairs Committee passed a new Veteran Benefit Law for free because they don’t have one work at a Veteran Medical Centers or have a contract with Veteran Administration if a Disabled Veterans who is 100 percent service connected doesn’t get the G4 implants it would really bad Health Problems plus it would cause really bad Gums Disease also it may cause Cancer…..Semper Fi

    • The mama November 28, 2019 at 09:42

      my husband received implants at VA medical center dentist

  281. Venture 1 November 26, 2019 at 17:07

    More focus on better, privlaged, low prices, both in commissary & BX, would help soldiers active an retired. Military must not put pay raises on the backs of Retired personal, which has been done by Clinton administration. It is time to correct the pay tables. Making soldiers all equal in pay ,for rank. Retired must no longer be penalized. Bring back equal reconstruction in pay !

  282. Vincent M Ortiz November 26, 2019 at 16:17

    Not at all. You can either access an installation with your Retiree ID or with the VHIC ID now. Basically this gives access to a wider range of veterans who might not have retired.

  283. Jerome Duchaine November 26, 2019 at 14:25

    I am medically retired. Have a Blue DOD retirees identification card as my wife has a dependents card.

    I have a current V.A. Photo I’D. Do I need to worry about this new program??

    • Oscar Mardis November 27, 2019 at 09:09

      No need to worry. Blue or Red DD Form 2 (Retired/Reserve/National Guard) Identification Card holders are already entitled to these benefits and more. Veterans with a VA service connected disability rating from 0-90%, Purple Heart recipients, former prisoners of war, and caregivers are affected by this new benefit. Meaning those who left the military with absolutely no medical or longevity based on 20+ years of service (and in some cases 15+ years) retirement.

    • JW December 9, 2019 at 14:50

      Jerome, nothing changes for military retirees, Medal of Honor recipients, or 100% disabled veterans. You are all still eligible for DoD ID cards and the same benefits you’ve always had. The Purple Heart and Disabled Veterans Equal Access Act of 2018 has extended access to some new categories of veterans and caregivers. These new categories of veterans and caregivers will not be eligible to obtain a DoD ID card, so this article is telling them what DoD will accept to allow them onto installations and into the retail facilities to shop.

  284. Sheldon Patton November 26, 2019 at 14:06

    Are these benefits also extended to the bases here in Germany?

    • Todd Ota November 27, 2019 at 23:48

      According to what I have heard, it will be implemented, but this is still being worked on through USAREUR, USAFE, USNAVEUR, et al. It is still going to be contingent upon Status of Forces Agreements etc for the different countries. As I understand it, in Germany we will have to get the “pink card” from the German Zollamt to pay the VAT taxes (19% I believe).

    • Kriss Sabien November 28, 2019 at 00:15

      Good question. I’m wondering the same thing. I’m looking to move back to Germany within the coming months (civilian side), and unless I have a job on base, I won’t have access, which will make GETTING a job on base more difficult, in the least.
      Thx!

    • WillWho November 28, 2019 at 01:17

      Q: Will commissary, exchange and morale, welfare and recreation retail privileges be available at overseas
      installations?

      A: Although new patrons eligible solely under the Purple Heart and Disabled Veterans Equal Access Act of 2018, will have in-store commissary, military exchange and MWR retail privileges in the United States and in the U.S. territories and possessions, such access is not guaranteed at installations in foreign countries. Status of forces agreements and other host nation and international laws and agreements may limit or prevent access in foreign countries.

    • JW December 9, 2019 at 14:45

      Sheldon and Kriss, U.S. law only applies in the United States and in the U.S. territories and possessions. Access at overseas installations in foreign countries is subject to status of forces agreements, international law, and other agreements with the host countries, so you will need to check with the installation(s) you’re thinking about visiting.

  285. R.T.M. November 26, 2019 at 14:04

    Just read, the eligibility requirement is in black and white.

  286. Sharon Murphy November 26, 2019 at 13:25

    How is this different from a regular retiree’s MID card?

    • Wendy December 5, 2019 at 04:29

      My question as well. Retired 2 years ago and been using my blue ID for everything. I have not been denied access to anything. As a matter of fact, I’ve been issued an access card to access the gym after hours.

      Not really clear on the need for another ID. The only benefit I see is access to your medical information; if that’s truly a benefit of the card.

    • C G December 9, 2019 at 06:55

      It’s just making more people eligible to go on base. If you’re already qualified nothing changes for you.

    • JW December 9, 2019 at 14:38

      Sharon and Wendy, nothing changes for military retirees, Medal of Honor recipients, or 100% disabled veterans. You are all still eligible for DoD ID cards and the same benefits you’ve always had, which actually allows you broader access than this Act. The Purple Heart and Disabled Veterans Equal Access Act of 2018 has extended access to some new categories of veterans and caregivers. These new categories of veterans and caregivers will not be eligible to obtain a DoD ID card, so this article is telling them what DoD will accept to allow them onto installations and into the retail facilities to shop.

  287. Bryan May November 26, 2019 at 11:47

    Unless something changed in a week, only Vets with Service Connected disabilities are eligible. They should put that in bold print in this article.

    • Ken November 26, 2019 at 15:20

      The qualifications are clearly stated.

      • John firlder November 26, 2019 at 21:34

        I am service connected 20%. Do I qualify.

        • Oscar Mardis November 27, 2019 at 09:12

          Yes. 0-10-20-30-40-50-60-70-80-90% service connected disability ratings are eligible for this new benefit.

        • Crystal December 4, 2019 at 23:54

          this is awesome and long overdue. Been told for years had to be 100%. I’m at 60% and 100 with asthma would darn near be, if not actually dead. I have had a VA card for years, fortunately I work on a base so have access and went with friends (current or retired military) if I really needed something and on occasion the PX would let me purchase something with my CAC card. But this will now be awesome to be independently able to go and purchase what I need when I need it. Again awesome….

        • JW December 9, 2019 at 14:27

          John, yes, a 20% service-connected disability rating meets the eligibility requirement for to access installations and these new privileges. But you must have a Veteran Health Identification Card that displays “SERVICE CONNECTED” below your photo on the front of the card to gain access.

    • Cathy J November 27, 2019 at 20:00

      I don’t have a disability but was still able to sign up to use the NEX online. 7yrs honorable discharge. Better then nothing I guess.

    • Ernest Mumford November 28, 2019 at 06:01

      I read that the veteran can have a 0% disability as well

      • Ernest Mumford November 28, 2019 at 06:06

        Does the 0% disability have to be stated on the card?

        • calvin rodney Ford December 5, 2019 at 01:48

          they will not put your percentage rating on your card. it will say service connected, or not
          your percentage is your business and no one else’s By the way you can be service connected
          and still have O% rating. it’s called government math. you can be 100% and only get paid for 50% it’s the VA way of keeping more of the money. it’s a full time job fighting them for what some have rightfully earned.

        • Howard Burgess December 5, 2019 at 09:07

          the amount of disability is never posted on a card period. It would be a HIPPA violation

        • JW December 9, 2019 at 15:35

          Ernest, if you have a service-connected disability rating, it only needs to say “SERVICE CONNECTED” below your photo on the front of your Veteran Health Identification Card. It doesn’t need to show the percentage number.

    • JW December 9, 2019 at 14:33

      Bryan, you’re not 100% correct. New categories of veterans include Purple Heart recipients, former prisoners of war, and veterans with service-connected disability ratings between 0%-90%. Individuals assessed, approved, and designated as Primary Family Caregivers of veterans under the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers are also eligible beginning January 1. Primary Family Caregivers will receive a letter indicating their eligibility from the Office of Community Care. Veterans who wish to take advantage of this new benefit will need to have a Veteran Health Identification Card that displays “PURPLE HEART,” “FORMER POW,” or “SERVICE CONNECTED” below the photo on the front of the card.

  288. Israel Soto November 26, 2019 at 11:40

    I send my paper 2 Gear back .i wang to now of i cualified for en benefit for VA. Sauth i hace to do. Thank.

    • Miguel A Acevedo November 28, 2019 at 08:58

      A donde mandastes eso. Esto es para ir al los PX y a la comisaria. Sólo con ID del hospital de Veteranos

      • Alexander Sanabia December 5, 2019 at 11:53

        Seriously?

        • PD Moua December 11, 2019 at 23:26

          LOL

  289. Earl Garner November 26, 2019 at 10:42

    I’m a retired Marine and have a valid ID card, am I still required to have this VA card?

    • Lee November 26, 2019 at 15:37

      No! Since your retired military, you already have access.

      • Bobby Register December 5, 2019 at 01:30

        I am glad this is out there. My understanding is this is for qualified veterans, and not just retirees with those qualifications. So that is for all the answers. Qualified veterans thus is new for us. Retirees already get these benefits. Our numbers are good for these uses and help justify the numbers of dollars spent to provide these services. That’s what is the mutually beneficial part that helps drive the affirmative decision to do it. Not to take from retirees but to bolster the programs because the numbers are fairly often low uses. My opinion only.

      • Randy RicaFrente December 5, 2019 at 03:49

        Thank you for your service This may not solve your wishes, but definitely is recognized by me in your sacrifices. May God Bless You today and always ❤️

    • JW December 9, 2019 at 14:18

      Earl, nothing changes for military retirees, Medal of Honor recipients, or 100% disabled veterans. You are all still eligible for DoD ID cards and the same benefits you’ve always had. The Purple Heart and Disabled Veterans Equal Access Act of 2018 has extended access to some new categories of veterans and caregivers. These new categories of veterans and caregivers will not be eligible to obtain a DoD ID card, so this article is telling them what DoD will accept to allow them onto installations and into the retail facilities to shop.

  290. Daniel Razo November 26, 2019 at 10:15

    These benefits can have pro’s and con’s…. depending where you live. I live in Texas, and the nearest base to me is in Fort Worth. It wouldn’t be worth the hassle to drive X number of miles to save a couple of dollars. I hope the base exchange can start price matching with other competitors such as Target, Walmart. I recall some items at the commissary being more expensive than your local grocery store. Either way, this benefit was way overdue.

    • Lee November 26, 2019 at 15:36

      No! Since your retired military, you already have access.

      • Cynthia Green November 27, 2019 at 14:30

        Base exchanges do price match with actual stores. You can also shop the exchanges online.

    • The Exchange December 2, 2019 at 09:24

      Hi Daniel, thank you for your service. The Exchange does price match in stores and online. ShopMyExchange.com will match a lower price (including shipping and handling) on any identical stock assortment item currently available for sale from competitor’s Internet site (marketplace and third-party sellers excluded). “Identical” is defined as same brand, same manufacturer and same model number.

  291. Apostle Joshua Selman November 26, 2019 at 09:06

    That’s Great

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