Score savings with these sweet February deals

FORT LEE, Va. – For the shortest month of the year, there’s a lot happening for commissary patrons. February brings them in touch with football, romance and history.

“Whether you’re cheering on your favorite team in the Super Bowl, celebrating Valentine’s Day or honoring the important contributions that African-Americans have made to our nation during Black History Month, visit your local commissary to gather what you need for all of the special moments in your life,” said Tracie Russ, DeCA’s director of sales.

Patrons can score game-winning savings on chicken wings and soda at their commissary before they huddle up with family and friends for your Super Bowl party, Russ added. And don’t forget that Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, because commissaries are offering sweet deals on treats for that special someone.

But Valentine’s Day isn’t just about indulging. It’s also about making choices that are good for your heart, so patrons can visit the Commissary Connection blog to learn how to show your heart some love on Valentine’s Day and check commissaries.com for more dietitian-approved recipes. For instance, did you know, studies have shown dark chocolate may offer health benefits for the heart when eaten daily in moderation?

During Black History Month, DeCA is working jointly with our military resale partners, the exchange services, to celebrate the life and accomplishments of Maj. Charles B. Hall of the revered Tuskegee Airmen from World War II. You are invited to join us on our Facebook page on Feb. 12 as we share live video streams from Coca-Cola’s “Share Your Service Story” contest events on Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, honoring Hall’s legacy. Live videos will be shown throughout the day from 10:45 a.m. to 3 p.m. CST, weather permitting.

Plus, throughout February, m­ilitary commissaries are offering discounts beyond everyday savings. DeCA encourages customers to check displays at the ends of the aisles, where stores showcase products with extra-low prices.

The agency reminds customers to visit its new online customer portal, MyCommissary, to manage their online shopping experience. The portal makes it easy to access your Commissary Rewards Card account, see the current sales flyer and place a CLICK2GO curbside pickup order at participating stores.

Patrons with existing rewards card accounts must create an account on the MyCommissary site to access its features. Your new MyCommissary account can be linked to your Commissary Rewards Card using your existing rewards card number. Once you link your card to the portal, simply click “My Coupons” and then “Go to My Wallet” to access your digital coupons.

Overseas stores may have substitute events for certain promotional programs. Customers should check with their store managers to verify if and when they will be offering the following sales events:

• In observance of Black History Month, you can “Share Your Service Story” on social media for a chance to win one $5,000 scholarship or one of three $1,000 scholarships. This contest is sponsored by Coca-Cola in partnership with the USO and Mondelez. Applicants can post a photo or video no longer than 2 minutes to either Twitter or Instagram sharing service stories of their own or their relatives. All entries must use the hashtag #ShareYourServiceStoryContest. Contest open Feb. 1-28.
• During the Fourth Annual Gold Bond Winter Lotion event, Gold Bond coupons and demo events will be offered at 50 commissaries in the continental United States so customers can try all of the Gold Bond Ultimate lotions. Event continues through Feb. 3.
• Unilever will distribute 200,000 coupon flyers offering about $7 in savings to commissaries for its Sixth Annual “Healthy Heroes” event. These coupons were created exclusively for commissary customers. The company will also host up to 500 in-store demos, give away up to $60,000 in commissary gift cards and donate up to $5,000 to Camp4Heroes as part of this event. Select products from brands like Talenti, Seventh Generation, Dove and Q-Tips will be on display from Feb. 18 to March 3.
• Get Free Freedom’s Choice Juice when you buy any three participating items with a special military store coupon. Choose from products such as Kellogg’s Froot Loops, Apple Jacks, Corn Pops or Corn Flakes, Eggo Pancakes and French Toast and Keebler Caddy Packs, Cracker Packs and Fruit Snacks. Coupon expires March 30.

 “The commissary is a military benefit you’ve earned, so we strive to offer the products you need at the savings you deserve,” Russ said. “We are here to support you through all of the special moments in your life.”

-DeCA-

-- By Courtney Rogers, DeCA consumer advocate

About DeCA: The Defense Commissary Agency operates a worldwide chain of commissaries providing groceries to military personnel, retirees and their families in a safe and secure shopping environment. Commissaries provide a military benefit, saving authorized patrons thousands of dollars annually on their purchases compared to similar products at commercial retailers. The discounted prices include a 5-percent surcharge, which covers the costs of building new commissaries and modernizing existing ones. A core military family support element, and a valued part of military pay and benefits, commissaries contribute to family readiness, enhance the quality of life for America’s military and their families, and help recruit and retain the best and brightest men and women to serve their country.