Posted on 11/14/2019 9:09:45 AM PST by mountainlion
Just how the Defense Department will allow an estimated 3.5 million veterans and their caregivers on base early next year to use commissaries, exchanges and some recreation resources is still largely unanswered, despite a looming deadline and potentially complicated access issues.
Beginning Jan. 1, 2020, all service-connected disabled veterans, caregivers enrolled in the Department of Veterans Affairs' Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers program, and former prisoners of war will be able to shop at on-base grocery stores and exchanges. They will also be allowed to use some MWR amenities, such as golf courses and bowling alleys.
(Excerpt) Read more at military.com ...
https://www.military.com/daily-news/2019/11/07/veteran-commissary-access-coming-theres-still-no-policy-making-it-happen.html?ESRC=army_191112.nl
The BX is a joke. The only thing worth shopping for in Alaska is furniture. In the Lower 48, furniture is much less expensive, so even that is no bargain down there. I can find anything for less out in town. The commissary is still a good deal in Alaska, so we go there. But most people who are newly eligible won’t find much of a deal at the BX. I’d be surprised if sales increase by five percent.
No real beneficial savings and hardly worth the effort.
My state sales tax is at 10% so I do like saving that. BX sales are tax free.
I concur with a lot that is said before, however, when the Exchange has a Red-Tag sale, they often sell items for pennies on the dollar just to get rid of them. Also, I do find dog food cheaper at the NEX.
Thanks for the link. 100% P&T PH combat veteran here.
Glad to hear those benefits have been extended to disabled vets and PH recipients, though the AAFES doesn’t offer much of a discount anymore. Fortunately, the commissaries still do.
our base exchange is rather expensive.
I use the commisary but i don’t like how they allow “caregivers” to use the facility.
Like they are going to turn in their credentials when the eligible person has passed away.
I have that going on with a person i know and it’s a shame.
Thank you for you service and sacrifice!
Retired USAF here.
We have been using the online exchange for close to 3 years.
Prices are good and sometimes excellent.
We pay no sales tax and get free delivery.
Also, any profit goes back to the exchange not some mega billion $ company.
Then, I charge it to my Prime card for even more savings.
Retired USAF here.
Thanks. Back at you.
Army Viet Nam 1970-71 Sgt FO
Why do they check your ID at the BX? Answer: To protect the public!! I only go to the BX at Elmendorf when my wife is shopping at the commissary. It’s slightly less boring that walking up and down isles of food.
I am in Virginia and now that the state has flipped blue I will be shopping as much as I can online at the Exchange. I am not giving Virginistan another cent if I don’t have to.
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