If I'm allowed to enter I assume that they won't allow my car on base so I'll just have to find someplace not too far from the gate. I just hope that when they "wand" me they believe that I have two metal hips. I've never had a problem at airports.
Your metal hips are titanium and won’t set off metal detectors cuz they’re non-ferrous.
The base pass from Visitor’s Center is all you need to get on and around base -with your car. You may need a Red Badge for building access to the courts martial area and that will likely be from the Site Security Office (SSO) which is usually separate from the gate and visitor’s center.
Because of all the nuances and bored guards with guns I recommend a trip or two beforehand for familiarization. You can ask for a base map at the visitor’s center.
DD214 is good to show military affiliation but I don’t think it’ll be used. You’ll just go in as a civilian.
Without a DoD ID tho you can’t use shopping facilities which is a bummer. You may try and go to a local VA hospital or clinic, do a walkin and complain about something from your time in service. They’ll send you to get a VA ID so they can check you out at the Dr.s. You will need your DD214. It’s No Cost and you’ll have a VA ID even at initial 0%. This should (i think) get you entered into Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) which can put you on the path of a permanent ID good for base access, etc. Hopefully they will use your VA ID for DEERS enrollment.
You’re qualified and capable of getting on base so ...go for it.