Posted on Apr 2, 2015
Do Retirees Really “Deserve” Access to AAFES Stores More Than Non-Retirees?
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* Please vote in the survey here *
Note: I am a RallyPoint member (served in USAF for 5 years) and wish to remain anonymous, because I need to be 100% honest that I feel the DoD is discriminating against non-retirees like me. Please tell if I am right or wrong here.
While I was serving in the USAF (5 years active), I enjoyed shopping at AAFES locations and online as well. It saved me a lot of money and the deals always seemed good. Now that I am a civilian, and did not hit retirement before I got out, and am not rated 100%, I can’t shop at AAFES anymore. I think that’s flat out wrong. I put in my time as much as anyone.
I know there are going to be RallyPoint members who respond with, “You only did 6 years, and you knew AAFES rules full well.” Well, here is what I say to that.
I did a 7-month tour in Iraq at FOB Taji. Easily left the wire more than 10 times. I hurt my shoulder due to wearing my kit a lot (30% rated). I did as much as most retirees, including retired grunts. I deserve AAFES access as much as any retiree. I respect that retirees served a little bit longer, but I did 7 months in Iraq.
Am I justified in thinking I should get full AAFES access?
Please vote in the survey below. Thank you.
Note: I am a RallyPoint member (served in USAF for 5 years) and wish to remain anonymous, because I need to be 100% honest that I feel the DoD is discriminating against non-retirees like me. Please tell if I am right or wrong here.
While I was serving in the USAF (5 years active), I enjoyed shopping at AAFES locations and online as well. It saved me a lot of money and the deals always seemed good. Now that I am a civilian, and did not hit retirement before I got out, and am not rated 100%, I can’t shop at AAFES anymore. I think that’s flat out wrong. I put in my time as much as anyone.
I know there are going to be RallyPoint members who respond with, “You only did 6 years, and you knew AAFES rules full well.” Well, here is what I say to that.
I did a 7-month tour in Iraq at FOB Taji. Easily left the wire more than 10 times. I hurt my shoulder due to wearing my kit a lot (30% rated). I did as much as most retirees, including retired grunts. I deserve AAFES access as much as any retiree. I respect that retirees served a little bit longer, but I did 7 months in Iraq.
Am I justified in thinking I should get full AAFES access?
Please vote in the survey below. Thank you.
Posted in these groups: 
Benefits
Benefits
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 625
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"I did as much as retired grunts..." Tell me how little did retired grunts do in 20-30 years that you did the same or more in the USAF in 5 years? So leaving the wire, say 10 times, equates to 20-30 years of grunt duty? I have no doubt you served well, but do not belittle others due to your perceived injustices. I am sure a SEAL, Delta Force, Recon, MARSOC, SOF, Ranger has done more than you in 1 month.
Also I don't perceive AFFES or the exchange as being any better than Wal-Mart. The only real deal is the commissary, and that is if you live close to it. Not all retirees live outside a military base.
Also I don't perceive AFFES or the exchange as being any better than Wal-Mart. The only real deal is the commissary, and that is if you live close to it. Not all retirees live outside a military base.
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I honestly don't understand why they don't allow you to continue to shop there after you've gotten out unless you retired with 20 years. Just the fact that you joined the 1% and served at all should entitle you to a lifetime of gratitude. The AAFES stores will still be makin money whether you've served 1 year or 20. Hell maybe just give a discount to those vets who have served 20.
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SGT (Join to see)
Also - I am in no way agreeing with the original post, saying his 5 years is just as good as a vet with 20. However, just because we decide not to serve a full 20 shouldnt disqualify us. I am still in, so I can still shop there, though I don't understand why there are those who think we shouldn't be able to shop there of we don't serve the full 20. this is a little benefit they can grant all United States current and former armed forces servicemen/woman as a thank you to help supplement our mediocre pay.
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I did 7 years and I don't expect PX access. I have read there is somthing going on to potentially allow online access to all vets. It's not been approved though
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I'm voting "Yes" only because there is not a "Maybe" option, and the same thoughts requiring the qualified yes vote preclude an absolute "No".
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I spent 9 years in the reserves, discharged honorably. No war, other than Shield/Storm, we activated but didn't deploy. I don't feel like I deserve the Exchange. Not one near me anyway. I have my Vet ID from Bucks County. I used my VA benefit to buy my house. I feel I've been adequately compensated by the military for my service. So no I don't agree you should have access. You should have served longer and earned your retirement, then you would have access.
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Want to use the px/bx reenlist use it all you want, retire and use it all you want. Do you think employees at Microsoft get to use the Microsoft store once they quit...? I bet not
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Do your twenty. Do a thirty. Do longer if you're able. But do not come into this group with that story and expect it to go very far toward this point. Thank you for your service, Fair Winds. . .
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With the downturn and budget pressure, AAFES and DECA can use all the customers they can get. I think the standard for bebefits being set at "retired" diminishes the value of many vets service. In history and literature honorable aervice brought benefits up to and including full citizenship. To set use of a retail outlet so much higher is to me disconcerting.
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ok well here it no you don't deserve it why because you are not 100 percent or a retiree I did 18 months got hurt can no longer work. i did get 100 percent which makes me eligble now while some get lower ratings and cant work im going to figure since you wont show who you are youd be worried about getting called out. I don't care about that benefit of getting to buy cheap booze although I do use it I only have a guard base to go to not a full set up. but crying over not getting to go to aaafes really.
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