Surviving the pandemic

Thanks to the passing of bill HR 1292 - Starting Jan. 1st 2020, new access to commissaries and exchanges will be granted to the following personnel:

• Purple Heart recipients
• former POWs
• all service-connected disabled veterans, of all ratings
• caregivers enrolled in the VA’s Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers program.

Like with many new Government programs there seems to be a lot of confusion as to exactly how this will work. 

I finally went to the local Air Force base here and got set up for access to the base commissary and exchange.

The process was easy and pretty straight forward.

Here's what you need to know:

You need to stop in at the visitor's center.  This should be located just outside the front gate of your military installation.  Currently our facility requires you to wear a face mask. You must present your Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC), drivers license, vehicle registration and proof of insurance. They will run a background check and once that is completed, they will take your photo. 

You should be all set at that point to shop on base.

 (NOTE: Felons will not gain access to military facilities) You may wish to go  online to eBenefits and print off a veteran status letter which will show you are a service connected veteran.

I was told after my first visit I could bring a guest but they will have to stop at the visitors center each time to gain access to the base.

The folks with newly granted access will have access to revenue-generating Morale, Recreation and Welfare amenities, places such as golf courses, recreation areas, theaters, bowling alleys, campgrounds and lodging facilities that are operated by MWR.