Military exchanges to be open to veterans beginning in Nov 2017

[rudywoofs (Pam)]

Starting in November 2017, honorably discharged veterans will be able to access the *online* stores of military exchanges. The new benefit will not apply to the actual brick-and-mortar stores, but veterans will be able to shop at any service's exchange website. The online benefit will be available on Veterans Day, November 11. 

“AAFES is honored to offer this well-deserved benefit to those who raised their right hands, took the oath and served our Nation with honor,” said AAFES Director/CEO Tom Shull. “There are many generations of service members who have not been properly recognized for their sacrifices. The Veterans Online Shopping Benefit (VOSB) acknowledges their service and welcomes them home.”

The exchanges will use information provided by the Defense Manpower Data Center to verify whether or not a veteran is eligible. According to AAFES, if a veterans records are incomplete, they will need to register through the VA. 

While an honorably discharged veteran will be able to use the benefit, there are no plans to extend it to their dependents. The benefit was the proposal of AAFES Director/CEO Tom Shull in 2014. 

http://m.waaytv.com/redstone_alabama/military-exchanges-will-be-open-to-honorably-discharged-veterans/article_c25e2178-f6cf-11e6-a5e9-572f468968b2.html

 

[Gregory Matthews]

While this is an increased benefit to those who served, its value is limited for those living in the United States.

Here in California, my wife and I do shop some at the AAFES Store and at the Commissary (for groceries).  But, we do most of our grocery shopping at other local stores as they can often beat the Commissary prices.

NOTE:  The AAFES store is different from the Commissary.  The announcement that Pam made in  the post above is strictly limited to the AAFES store.  Shopping at the Commissary will continue to be strictly limited.

As to the AAFES store:  We do much more shopping at Costco and other stores to include online shopping as we can  often beat the AAFES selection and price.

Why would the government allow AAFES Shopping for these additional veterans:  The earnings that AAFES makes are used to pay for recreational services for active duty military that are not funded by the government.

Currently only active duty and retired people and their dependents can  shop at AAFES and the Commissary.  Overseas, some additional people may be allowed to use them.