Are veterans allowed to go on base and shop or visit?

2021-12-15T22:31:29-05:00

I heard a rumor that we can go on base and shop or visit. I've been out for decades, but would love to go to the commissary. I do have a disability and my VA ID, but it never gave me access before.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 15 at 2021 10:38 PM

2021-12-15T22:38:45-05:00

SSgt Cynthia Hamilton I was able to go on a Marine Corps base, Camp Pendleton with my VA card that showed that I had a Service Connected Disability.

Veterans with a service-connected disability will need a Veterans Health Identification Card, or VHIC, to able to gain access to the bases and use these facilities. The VHIC must state the veteran’s eligibility. For example, the card must have a designation for Purple Heart, Former POW, or Service Connected rating.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Dec 16 at 2021 9:17 AM

2021-12-16T09:17:52-05:00

https://www.va.gov/resources/commissary-and-exchange-privileges-for-veterans/

Commissary and exchange privileges for Veterans | Veterans Affairs

Find out if you’re eligible for commissary and exchange privileges and what kind of IDyou’ll need at checkout.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Dec 16 at 2021 9:18 AM

2021-12-16T09:18:00-05:00

https://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits/everything-veterans-need-know-about-accessing-base-benefits.html

Everything Veterans Need to Know About Accessing On-Base Benefits

So far, so good. Veterans can now access their local military base to take advantage of benefits there. Here's how to do it.

Response by SFC Larry Orsborn made Dec 16 at 2021 9:53 AM

2021-12-16T09:53:28-05:00

As long as you possess either a military ID (retired) or your VA identity card... You're good to go

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 16 at 2021 8:51 PM

2021-12-16T20:51:31-05:00

Anyone with a DoD ID card can get onto military bases - so active duty, NG, Reserve and retirees, dependents with dependent ID card. If you come on base with someone who holds a DoD ID card you don't have to get a visitor pass.

If you want to go on unescorted, you need someone with a DoD ID card to sponsor you. You'd have to contact that base you want to go to and see what their policy is on visitor passes.

This lists who has what privileges for the exchange: https://www.aafes.com/exchange-stores/patrons.htm#:~:text=AP%2096370%2D1180-,Veterans%20Privileges,who%20discharge%20honorably%20from%20service.

Approved Veterans can shop the online exchanges, including ShopMyExchange.com! Shopping with the Exchange online gives you access to exclusive military pricing and offers, tax-free shopping and more. This is a lifelong benefit that will be extended to all who discharge honorably from service. This does not grant on-installation access. For more information about this benefit, please check out our Veterans page.

patrons.htm%23:~:text=AP%252096370%252D1180-

Response by PO3 Teresa (willcox) Lee made Feb 16 at 2022 9:04 PM

2022-02-16T21:04:05-05:00

Go to VA.gov and select VA Letters, you will see a commersary letter down load it and print it off, go to the base and at check in show them your ID and the letter, your good to go!