New DOD process makes base access easier for eligible disabled veterans seeking to use commissary, exchange, certain MWR benefits

FORT GREGG-ADAMS, Va. – 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.

As of Nov. 1, disabled veterans who do not have a VA-issued Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC), as well as eligible caregivers, can now 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.

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 morale, welfare and recreation activities. The expanded privileges and access were the result of the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act.

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, said Navy Command Master Chief Mario Rivers, DeCA’s senior enlisted advisor to the DeCA director.

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

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 as referenced above) 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.

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

For your local commissary access information, healthy recipes and more, visit our website at commissaries.com.

-DeCA-

NOTE: Information from the Nov. 15, 2024, Defense.gov news release, “DoD Improves Installation Access for Eligible Veterans and Caregivers,” was used in this story.

About DeCA: The Defense Commissary Agency operates a worldwide chain of commissaries providing groceries to military personnel, retirees, disabled veterans and other authorized patrons 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 supports the costs of building, modernizing and sustaining commissary facilities. A core military family support element and valued part of military pay and benefits, commissaries contribute to family readiness, enhance the quality of life for America’s military services and their families, and help recruit and retain the best and brightest men and women to serve their country.