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 >1 y ago
Responses: 625
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I appreciate your service and respect your honorable actions; however, that does not equate to a career of sacrifice. Retiring from the military after 20+ years requires dedication and commitment beyond a single enlistment. If you want the benefits, then do your time. Simple.
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I feel that someone who served 20ish years has priority over a regular "Veteran". That said, Disabled Vets should get the same privileges as a retiree. But step back and look at the situation, it's the BX/PX. It's not like they are getting into Disneyland or something. Tax free is the biggest benefit. I you need the perk of AAFES that bad should be able to sign a hardship letter and be granted access. IMO of course.
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Wow. Just wow. Okay lets shoot straight here. Some folks did 20 years or more and were never in any danger. They deserve benefits they earned for thier service. You chose to leave before 20 years so, you dont. That is the way it works period. Sorry to be blunt and thank you for your service but thats just the way it is.
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By writing this anonymously you are already telling us that you do not have conviction in what you think. I have aaroblem with people who think they deserve something that they did not earn. I've learned that you cannot compare your career with any other service member because no two careers are the same.
The PX is for the few of us that that have gone the full distance of time and sacrifice. They worked their assess off for this benefit (they deserve more) and it should belong to them and Active Duty only.
The PX is for the few of us that that have gone the full distance of time and sacrifice. They worked their assess off for this benefit (they deserve more) and it should belong to them and Active Duty only.
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Not to be rude but.... Seriously, are we having this discussion? Those who choose, to get out, got out... If you choose do get out after 4 years 5, 15, you did not retire, retiring is a separate monster in itself but it is 20, 20 plus years of devotion, so why should someone who did not make the same commitment get the same benefits?? Why retire?? Why give 20, 20 plus years if I can still get or earn (however you choose to phrase it) if I can just pop in for a few years or the minimum amount and get the same thing. I honestly don't see the point to this thread... Again not to be rude ( I thank you for your service, and this may not fit you)... Sounds like the entitlement syndrome.
That is all carry on.
That is all carry on.
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I disagree that non-retirees should get AAFES benefits.... I was one of those "Army grunts"... in my 18 month deployment to Iraq 2004-2005 I went IN the wire about 10 times. We lived on a patrol base (just our unit 130 men and an SF team) and went on base to pick up mermite food twice a day. MREs for lunch. I served 8 years and have been an embedded Army contractor for almost 5 years now. I have done another year in Taji and 9 months in Afghanistan as a contractor. I am part of the personnel count for an Army unit. I work on military bases with the unit everyday and I still don't even get PX, Commissary or Class 6 benefits.
So, thank you for your 10 times out the wire and summer camp deployment, but no... you in no way deserve as much as a retiree or a disabled vet. I would enjoy the benefits but I knew when I got out that I would lose them, I still got out and so did you.
So, thank you for your 10 times out the wire and summer camp deployment, but no... you in no way deserve as much as a retiree or a disabled vet. I would enjoy the benefits but I knew when I got out that I would lose them, I still got out and so did you.
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My personally feeling is that non-retirees who served in the Guard, Reserves, and on Active Duty in all services and retirees of all services should be allowed to use AAFES. I beleive in today's environment and world they have all served their country in one form or fashion. Let's all get along as service men and women in this country and take care of our retirees and veterans!
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