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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7 months and 10 missions isn't anything glad you served but no you don't deserve xchange access.
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As a retiree, I do not have a problem with all honorably discharged veterans having access to the PX/BX/NEX. Although, I do not think this is much of a benefit. But have at it.
DOD is not discriminating against non-retirees...it is a political thing...if you want it to change, get with your local veterans org and get them to start pushing this issue through the veterans lobby.
As far as your argument goes, you need to do a better job framing why this is a good idea or needed. Your argument immediately starts failing when it down plays the service of others (retirees) versus pursues why all Veterans should receive this privilege. Also, because there are a lot of "I"s and "Me"s in your argument, it sounds self serving which causes it to fail in getting general support from the community. Makes it sound like "as long as I get mine, I don't care about the other veterans in a similar circumstance."
Finally, this "story" seems to be planted because of its extreme stance; I think it was posted just to create a lot of comments and there is not actually a person out there that wrote this and honestly felt this way.
DOD is not discriminating against non-retirees...it is a political thing...if you want it to change, get with your local veterans org and get them to start pushing this issue through the veterans lobby.
As far as your argument goes, you need to do a better job framing why this is a good idea or needed. Your argument immediately starts failing when it down plays the service of others (retirees) versus pursues why all Veterans should receive this privilege. Also, because there are a lot of "I"s and "Me"s in your argument, it sounds self serving which causes it to fail in getting general support from the community. Makes it sound like "as long as I get mine, I don't care about the other veterans in a similar circumstance."
Finally, this "story" seems to be planted because of its extreme stance; I think it was posted just to create a lot of comments and there is not actually a person out there that wrote this and honestly felt this way.
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There seems to be less and less Incentive to go beyond 20 years now. What do you have for benefits? Money, healthcare and education in various forms after separation. I live waaaaaaaay too far from any military base to take advantage of any PX or Commissary privileges other than possibly online shopping. The rest of my so called earned benefits? Education benefits are handed out like candy to pretty much anyone low income for free (No sacrifice necessary) Healthcare? Obamacare fixed that ( Handed out for free- paid for by the working class... again... no sacrifice needed) Money? Between the "Everyone is disabled" mentality and the excessive welfare programs in the country this too is a mute point. The average citizen can fill out the appropriate forms or get a government worker to do it and presto it's like scratching off a winning cash for life ticket.
So, What did you do all that sacrificing for? There are probably kids that rolled their ankles in Basic training discharged and on disability calling themselves veterans that would disagree with me but that is OK, they can keep their pie holes shut.
So, What did you do all that sacrificing for? There are probably kids that rolled their ankles in Basic training discharged and on disability calling themselves veterans that would disagree with me but that is OK, they can keep their pie holes shut.
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CMSgt (Join to see)
Hey neighbor! Lol
I would like to agree with that but a few points.
If this is trolling and RP allowed it and allowed it to continue getting us all wound up, it is bad practice. If it is legit, is RP going to allow "anonymous" posts to cloak the weasels that don't have the stones to ask big-boy/girl questions? Just a thought. :)
I would like to agree with that but a few points.
If this is trolling and RP allowed it and allowed it to continue getting us all wound up, it is bad practice. If it is legit, is RP going to allow "anonymous" posts to cloak the weasels that don't have the stones to ask big-boy/girl questions? Just a thought. :)
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7 months? Seven WHOLE months? No. You do not deserve AAFES benefits, and your post makes you sound like an entitled baby.
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Im not so sure Id care if I were out, the PX is hardly ever competitive with price or stocked shelves in relation to Walmart, Target, Sams, etc. Plus as bad as Walmart is about having only 3 cashiers working during rush hour their lines are still shorter than the PX's.
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Join the crowd everybody feels discriminated against in today's America..my answer is no! It should be kept for military services members, retirees and their families. One of the Benefits you get for staying the long haul!
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When your in you have it, now that your out you want it. The system is set up to reward those that give the most. Yes you received 30% but with out knowing if you could have changeded MOS to stay in till retirement is another story. You can go back and seek retirement or ask to get a waiver and go back active. Sorry , you you have to earn all the perks. Not pick and choice the ones we want when they are lost.
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Firstly, I would like to say this is pathetic. Someone failed you in your life. This (woe is me attitude) is disgraceful and rots ones soul from within.
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