• FORT GREGG-ADAMS

The Department of Defense (DoD) recently announced measures to improve installation access for eligible disabled veterans wanting to use their commissary, exchange and certain morale, welfare and recreation (MWR) benefits.

The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) welcomes the new process, and reminds these eligible beneficiaries to take advantage of the benefit’s significant patron savings, improved convenience and shopping experience

NEW GUIDANCE

As of Nov. 1, disabled veterans who do not have a VA-issued Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC), as well as eligible caregivers, can enroll for installation access at the base’s visitor center using their REAL ID Act-compliant driver’s license or non-driver’s identification card.

Eligible veterans who do not have a VHIC, as well as eligible caregivers, will still need to provide a copy of their VA-issued caregiver patronage letter, VA-issued service-connected disability letter, or VA Health Eligibility Center Form H623A to show eligibility at the commissary, exchange, or authorized MWR services, since these facilities cannot electronically verify eligibility.

Under the new DoD guidance, eligible disabled veterans and their caregivers should go to their installation visitor center to enroll for recurring access. There, they must perform the following actions to gain installation access:

• Present an acceptable credential (VHIC, REAL ID or VA-issued credentials) to establish identity.
• Submit to an on-the-spot criminal record and terrorism check.
• Go through an electronic verification process to confirm on-installation benefits eligibility. If the reason for the base visit is for health care, and the DoD installation doesn’t have a commissary, exchange, or authorized MWR service, then the visitor must provide proof of their appointment.
• Once visitors enroll their VHIC or REAL ID for recurring access, they will be able to go directly to the installation gate and present the same credentials to gain access for future visits.

Enrollment is typically valid for one to three years, or one year after the last installation visit. If a patron’s VHIC or REAL ID expires, they must reenroll with their new cards.

On Jan. 1, 2020, more than 3 million service-connected disabled veterans, Purple Heart recipients, former prisoners of war and primary veteran caregivers were extended eligibility to shop at commissaries as well as military exchanges and use certain MWR activities.

The expanded privileges and access were the result of the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act.

THE BENEFIT

Now with this new guidance in place, Navy Command Master Chief Mario Rivers, the senior enlisted advisor to the DeCA director, said that many eligible shoppers who might have avoided their local commissaries for one reason or another will now be able to enjoy the benefit that they have earned.

“We look forward to seeing you back in our stores, and we are sure you will find it worth the trip,” Rivers said to eligible disabled veterans. “And while you’re on base, please take advantage of all the other savings available at base exchanges and morale, welfare and recreation outlets.”

Rivers continued, “Commissary CLICK2GO is a convenience that allows customers to order and pay for groceries online and pick them up without going into the store.

“Other savings options are also available, such as Commissary Store Brands, which now include an expanded line of prepared meals for our patrons who are short on time to cook at home.”

Disabled veterans living overseas are advised to check the host country’s Status of Forces agreement (SOFA) for possible base access and shopping restrictions.

Source: DeCA
Edited by Larry Lapka