The Defense Department recently announced expanded Commissary, Military Service Exchange and MWR access Jan. 1 and established a standard for physical access to military installations. Earlier today, the DoD and VA held a Facebook LIVE event to discuss implementation of the Purple Heart and Disabled Veterans Equal Access Act of 2018 and to answer questions from Veterans and their families.

Here are some of the questions and answers from the event:

The VHIC topic came up several times during the LIVE event.

Learn more about the VHIC requirement and how you can get one here.

Download the Expanded Access at Commissaries, Exchanges and Recreation Facilities fact sheet here.

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25 Comments

  1. Mike Nelson December 9, 2019 at 05:08

    Thanks Also for the update

  2. Mike Nelson December 9, 2019 at 05:06

    Please What Kind of ID must my kids have if I’m using my VHIC?

  3. Arturo Alvarado December 5, 2019 at 22:16

    Are swimming pools included

  4. Jordan Balolong December 5, 2019 at 12:26

    I’m 70% but my ID just says enrollee and not service-connected. Will I still be able to access these services?

  5. chris mills December 5, 2019 at 08:00

    So, If I volunteered in 1972 and was only 17, I am just a Vietnam Era Vet. Yipee Ki-yah! I don’;t even think there is a bumper sticker for that. I am great full for the Medical benefits thru the VA, But that took me almost 40 years to get that after a emergency visit. Most of us all supported the mission, what ever it was. Many had dangerous jobs, whether in or out country. Many also, have damage or injuries that would never qualify for a disability. Most could have been called at any time to do whatever. Some of us were volunteered for things, we can’t even discuss. But, I can not even buy a beer on base. Seriously!

  6. Lowell E Ebalo December 5, 2019 at 06:46

    A VETERAN IS STILL A VETERAN DISABLED OR NOT. So why cant veterans that have no disability have these privledges?

  7. James R Coulson December 5, 2019 at 06:36

    I am a Vietnam veteran. Many years ago I was diagnosed as PTSD. I also have military Sexual abuse.

    From all information I’ve found when I know longer handle could the mental strain by constantly being shuffled around and conflicting information.

    I’m now in a nursing home. I no longer have most documents. I spent almost six months recently in VA mental health
    PRRTP
    Jesse Brown.

    Is there any help to try again.

  8. Frank Yau December 5, 2019 at 04:40

    I am 10% rated disable vet. Does the MWR benefits include Space-A travel domestic and overseas? Thanks,

  9. Jack December 5, 2019 at 01:40

    What are the different of those 100% disable veterans and those with less than 100 service connected veterans. Are all have the same privileges on a military post including MWR facilities and PX/commissary usages.

  10. Winfred A Kennedy December 5, 2019 at 00:54

    Are only 100% service connected veterans eligible. I have 30%.

  11. HOWARD BARNES REINEY December 4, 2019 at 19:54

    I am a Viet Nam Veteran and I have a new VA I.D. Card that says Service Connected under my picture. Will the VA officially notify those Veterans who are eligible to shop at the Exchange and Commisary at Ft. Benning, GA?

  12. Patricia Babcock December 1, 2019 at 10:59

    Hate to say it, as a Retiree as of 2004, the prices are not that great a savings. More often than not the prices are a little high in lower cost of living areas since they are mass priced. But then items going on sale and they are okay. Living in semi-rural USA, where there is only 1 military base (Fort McCoy), a 4 hour drive to the base is not going to happen. Even then when I can buy a T-shirt or hat showing my branch for $9.99 at the community market on Saturday but the VA Shopette wants $3-5 dollars more I don’t see the deals. Many times the technology items are last years or I can go directly to the manufacturer site and get the newest, with their military discount, for less. Sorry Exchanges but I am not a fan. Commissary so-so but I love the MWR & Lodging since the costs are very reasonable and it just feels safer on post.

    • Bob w. December 5, 2019 at 08:22

      I’m thinking these services are hurting for both customers & money. I remember when when it took either active duty or to be retired to access these areas. I thought it was a privilege for. Now all it seems to take is one enlistment to get those benefits that at one time was a privilege.
      Wondering how those groups are going to feel now that something they thought was for them is being opened to all that may have served one term, (because the military wasn’t for them, or just hated the idea of taking orders etc..) will now have to share something that was only for the selected group.
      Like I mentioned earlier, they must be at a breaking point. Not enough regular customers (allot of the items sold at the base exchange aren’t such a deal – compared to off base stores) except for no sales tax. The commissary, the same – but they do add a surcharge of sort. It’s been 20 years since I’ve been to, maybe things changed.
      I’m not a fan of opening up something to other groups. Maybe I’m thinking that if they had wanted these services they could’ve stayed & Retired (unless retirees aren’t offered access anymore)
      Let’s all hope that there aren’t many disgruntled people who now will have access to a military base to roam about &….. Is this the beginning of another benefit that once was for, that is now becoming to to any.

    • Gene Jurrens December 5, 2019 at 08:26

      Patricia, it’s been difficult to get specific info on MWR facilities access for non-retirees, even under this new program. Maybe you know. As a 4-year service-connected vet (not a retiree), will I have access to on-base fam-camps (RV parks) nationwide (in US). Wife and I live in a motorhome, and this would be a huge benefit to us. Do you know? Thanks!

  13. Blaine Grauerholz November 29, 2019 at 13:09

    I’m service-connected and have a VHIC card so realize I’m eligible for these privilege’s starting 1-Jan. I have not heard anything about the use of gymnasiums on the installations?

  14. Michael Alan Crothers November 29, 2019 at 10:18

    My ID says “Service Connected” can my wife accompany me when I go to use these facilities?

  15. Richard Sellers November 28, 2019 at 13:43

    My question is the answer given to Juan Vasquez. He asked if there were limitation to what Veterans could purchase. The reply was no limitations. I heard Veterans would not be able to purchase alcohol or cigarettes.

    [Editor: DoD confirmed Class Six is available. No limitations.]

  16. Doug November 28, 2019 at 09:45

    Do veterans have access to Class Six stores with this new benefit?

    [Editor: Yes!]

  17. Miguel A Acevedo November 28, 2019 at 09:06

    Thank You

  18. Steven T Collins November 27, 2019 at 12:11

    I have a 80% va rating, i dont have a purple heart, or i wasnt a pow, do i still get to use the commissary. And are the gyms also included?

    • Doug November 28, 2019 at 09:47

      Fitness centers are not included.

    • Fredrick Neal Rehders December 5, 2019 at 00:23

      You may want to ask that 80% question, again. I read 100%, but I am no expert!

  19. Mercy Terry November 27, 2019 at 08:04

    What type of ID must my kids have if I’m using my VHIC?

  20. Kinglee November 26, 2019 at 19:37

    Thanks for this great update shared. But i have a question, How does a Veterans get a new VHIC card when they have the old card?

  21. Douglas Duffett40 November 26, 2019 at 19:15

    Will my wife also have access?
    Will the ID card help me get on post?

Comments are closed.

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