Does anyone still shop at the Commissary?

It is no big secret that our nations economy and debt is steadily becoming a serious problem. As big government programs continue to kick off well into 2014 expenditures are sure to go up with it. Some citizens have expressed concern over the vast rising taxes that tend to come with rising expenditures of our government. So with the US government looking to save money for its tax paying citizens by utilizing sequestration and other methods it seems that the military/defense commissary system (DECA) is next on the chopping block.

As a public figure in Texas and amongst the military community, this author has to ask why would a staple of military benefits (the few that actually remain) even be considered for expulsion?

Reports from Fox News, CBS News, ABC News, CNN and many local sources state that current plans are to dissolve the commissaries located inside military bases located in the continental United States. Although reports are varied amongst the sources the fact is this is being seriously considered.

A good portion of the US military forces already do without these amenities as you will not typically find a commissary on a National Guard or Reserve installation however, that is not to say members of these branches do not travel to active installations to use them. The commissary is part of a shrinking list of military benefits that still remain for service members to cope with the "life" of a service member. Typically shopping at the commissary offers savings and discounts you would not otherwise see outside the base/post. Most importantly after interviewing many service members at bases all over Texas, Georgia and Florida the not having to pay taxes on food was something they enjoyed most.

When speaking with a retired veteran about the subject they had this to say,

"Young servicemembers and their families have a much higher dependency on the commissary than higher ranking members...the pay difference allows more outside shopping and it was my experience that Walmart, Sam's Club and Costco could and would normally be just as economical to shop at as the commissary...overseas living in base housing the commissary was almost a necessary facility, here in the States the prices aren't nearly as competitive with exception of a very few items almost eveything is as cheap or cheaper in the off base markets...even the Exchange is getting too expensive for any realistic shopping...clothing and electronics are a whole lot cheaper off base and the selection is much better...maybe the military should let Walmart set up on the installations like Burger King does.."

This veteran raises some very interesting points. This is also why my question is does anyone still shop at the commissary? Is this institution still valid in the days of Wal-Mart, Costco and the like?

In a time when our country needs to make cuts to save money and reduce spending can we as military members make further sacrifices for the betterment of the nation? Can we take another one for the team? It would not be the first time we have all made sacrifice for the nation and I'm sure it will not be the last.

What are your thoughts on the subject?

How will a decision to cut commissaries in the continental US affect you?

Should the bases privatize stores like the commissary or PX/BX with the local civilian counterparts and bring them on base much like Burger King does now?

I for one would not mind seeing a H-E-B, Jason's Deli or Fry's on my local post in Texas.