Posted on Nov 15, 2017
Retirees, according to Army Europe policy, you can't use MWR lodging in Germany unless you "visit" over 30 days. How is this right?
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"Retired U.S. military personnel, and veterans who are 100 percent disabled, and their accompanying eligible Family members who either reside in Germany or who visit Germany for more than thirty (30) consecutive days and who have obtained a Zollbescheinigung (pink card) from a German Customs office."
MWR
Germany
Posted 7 y ago
Responses: 9
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Sounds like it has to be connected with SOFA to me seeing how you got to ge the"pink card" from customs. I know if I use the PX or Commissary I have to get the tax stamp as well. For me it is not worth the time or hassle.
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MSG (Join to see)
SGM, you are absolutely correct. It is a SOFA thing. My daughter currently works at the PX on Ramstein, and it breaks her heart every time she has to tell a retiree that without the customs stamp, which is only given if you stay for 30 days or more, that they cannot use the PX. You can still buy stuff in the shoppette, just not the PX or Commissary. On a side note, the members of the two college basketball teams that recently played a game here in Ramstein were authorized to shop in the pX. Doesn't sound quite right that these student athletes have the privilege, but the person who dedicated his/her life to the U.S. military cannot.
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SGM Mikel Dawson
MSG (Join to see) - With me living in Denmark, I wonder if it would apply to me as well, I'd have to be in Country 30 days? Or the fact I live in Denmark is enough? Makes no difference. The cost for me to drive down and back over rides anything saved. Only thing I'd like to get is dill pickles. Don't got them up here.
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MSG (Join to see)
SGM, I wish I would have known last month, I would have brought you as many pickles as you wanted. I'm in a transportation company and we had a mission drive through Denmark enroute to Sweden. If we go back up ill get in touch with you and see what we can do for you.
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SGM Mikel Dawson
MSG (Join to see) - That would be great. Surprised to hear you going to Sweden. When NATO had JHQNE in northern Jutland, used to see U.S. military up here every once in a while. Now it is gone (with my APO) never see any.
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According to Army in Europe Reg 500-700L . U.S. military retirees in the USEUCOM AOR do not have status under the NATO SOFA and are not granted the rights, privileges, and benefits of the agreement. Any rights, privileges, and benefits they may receive are based on bilateral agreements and concessions with host-nation authorities.
In short, it's not our country and we've got to abide with what they determine is fair,
In short, it's not our country and we've got to abide with what they determine is fair,
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Sounds like SOFA. The German tax man doesn’t want to miss out on a single Euro
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