Well that's iffy b/c dishonorable diacharges don't necessarily mean loss of benefits. If they re-enlist one time they have an honorable discharge and access to their benefits.
But I do agree. My only change would be all other than dishonorably discharged veterans should have access. If non veteran politicians are given access why not those of us that served be given access.
I would go by DD 214. If the code listed is anything less than honorable, there should be zero incentives. Everyone else that came in, did their time, and got out, they should be entitled to this.
@@Stephen-G that's why said it's iffy. What if someone loses a limb or is severely injured during their first enlistment or medically discharged and isn't medically retired they don't receive an honorable discharge they receive a general (usually under honorable conditions).
I agree with you on that one. Even if you have an general discharge or even an OTH but did a good amount of time and had an honorable discharge when re-enlisting then you should use to PX or commissary you’re still a veteran who served. If you have a dishonorable then you don’t get entitlements to anything.
Now if only we can make Veterans day an actual holiday for veterans. Federal govt employees should not have the day off while real vets have to work thru it
Team Tate Yea but...you’re a vet. My point is vets in the private sector work while fed govt non-vet employees get the day off. Just make it an observed holiday across the board problem solved lol
@@damiion666 What do you mean by make it an observed holiday? It is observed by the federal government and all 50 states as far as I can tell. I don't think the private sector can be forced to observe a holiday if that's what you mean. Most of the big chain stores only close on Thanksgiving, Christmas and maybe New Years as an example. I believe getting Veteran's Day off is between you and your employer if it's a private business.
John “I don’t think the private sector can be forced to observe a holiday”....ding ding ding ding! You win the prize! No shit?! That’s my point exactly. Federal govt workers automatically get TEN PAID holidays whereas a private sector worker is lucky to get at least 6 of those as a paid holiday (not including veterans day). Which was my point, federal (and state) workers get veterans day off and get paid for it (whether they’re a vet or not), while a vet in the private sector more often than not has to either work thru that holiday and not get paid overtime for it. Now u get it??? Damn
@@JeffSpehar-ov1cn You on some bull shit. Veterans are Active, Guard, and Reserve. The Active Component cannot go to War without out the Reserve Component Forces. Every War fought, Guard and Reserve Component forces have contributed greatly. The Army and Air Force National Guard is title 32 State, and title 10 Federal. Combat Arms in the Army National Guard makes up half of the Total Active Army's Combat Operational Fighting Force, facts. The 19th and 20th Special Forces Groups is Army National Guard. They do full time missions all the time, all over the world. So does the Air Guard. The bottom line is this, you get that VA Status, A Soldier Sailor Airman Marines Active Component, or Reserve Component with VA Status deserves the PX and the Commissary. Get off the bull shit.
@Linda Bentley "OH YES" they do ring, and my hearing is really bad, and thanks for the kind words, although I never thought of myself as a bad ass, but thanks,
I've been a 100% for the past 20 years and able to shop at the PX and Commissary. I went once and found that their prices are higher then outside stores. Hell, Walmart is cheaper. The only reason they are now offering veterans to be able to shop at the PX or Commissary is due to the fact that their sales have gone down down. They have found that military personal were shopping on the outside do to lower prices. Don't waste your time.
If you live near a major base or PX its handy. 🎗✔💲... I'm in Orlando.gov . We have a NEX ⚓ place near me, reserve navy location but I rarely go by it. AAFES, NEX, VA is not really a big deal if you are single, not near the stores. Sam's Club, Costco, etc are about the same. 🛒. BTW, Sam's Club offers military veterans, spouses huge 💰 discounts too. Lots of free stuff, offers too. Costco has a veteran rate but I dont recall what it is. I think its $25.00/yr.
There is a web site that you can check with the va that has many different kinds of illnesses and health problems on there that relate to agent orange that has been updated within the last few years. If he has an honorable discharge tell him to look into it because he is entitled more money if he is already dealing with the va. And could even qualify for back pay. I wish I wld of known this while my father was alive but no one told him Abt it. I just recently found out and shared if with a good friend of mine and his father is looking into it because of his health issues. I hope that it helps you out if you didn't know abt it. Good luck and thanks for his service.
Many Vietnam Vets Don’t Know They Now Qualify for Agent Orange Benefits feeds.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2018/vietnam-korea-agent-orange-benefits.html?_amp=true. Here is the site I found it on. Good luck I hope it all works out for y'all
@@garryowen8673 it is weird until you understand the formula. Basically how the do it is subtracting from your able body %. When you 1st start a claim you're 100% able bodied whatever your highest rated injury is subtracted from your able bodied % then everything else is a percentage of what's left. So take the example you gave for instance. You start at 100 % able bodied and you have an injury/illness the VA rated at 70 %. 70% of 100 is 70. Now you are 30 % able bodied. Your next highest rated injury/illness has a VA rating of 40%. They take 40% of 30 which is 12 and add it to the 70% disabled body. Now you're 82% disabled and and 18% able bodied. Next injury/illness is 10% VA rated. 10% of 18 is 1.8 which totals out to 83.8% disabled and 16.2% able bodied. For payment purposes they round down to 80% but for claim purposes you are still at 83.8 % disabled and every % added to that will come from the 16.2 % able bodied number. System is stupid but it won't change any time soon I am also getting screwed by there system. I've had a claim in for almost 6 years. 100 % would be cool but I'm more concerned with the amount in medical bills I am paying for service connected shit that the VA didn't rate me for. It helps reach my copay faster but that's money I shouldn't have to spend up front.
I know how and why they use this system, but if you'll excuse my French it's bull shit. Here's proof: they say since your already 70% disabled so when you prove a different disability that the dbq says is 40% it's only 40% of the remaining 30% making it 12%. Here's the flaw let's say I didn't have that first 70%. I go to my c&p the dbq rates at 40%, and the VA starts paying me at 40%. Having PTSD doesn't change the value of your hearing. Being deaf doesn't make not having a leg easier. If anything having multiple issues makes life harder. I know I could beat this horse for the rest of my life, and wouldn't change a thing, but it's like I told a boss years ago about forced overtime. He was selling it as a benefit when I already had plans. I told him I'll do the ot because I like my job, but don't piss on my head and tell me it's raining liquid gold.
The true VA benefit is the home loan program. I have used it twice and has saved me money. I also used the education benefit for college after I was discharged.
the VA home loan program is a great program but the VA medical services are much more important to a lot of vets than a home loan including me. For those who do not need a home loan the home service means nothing but on the other hand help with medical needs is truly a great benefit for all servicemen.
Welp our era hon dis veterans have yet to receive a GI Bill the DOD demanded we pay for it upon enlistment or get nothing. Decades later that isnt fixed yet either, it's right there on the DD214. Never assume any hon dis veteran got anything the govt promised
How ironic!! I've been wanting to enter to the PX and Commisary for 12 years now but I wasn't allowed due to my disability rate wasn't in the ranged allowed back then. Now disability rate is higher and this happens; those even with low disability rate can now enter.
Not true for me. I did 10 years and got out with honorable discharge. I still go on base/post to visit my active duty friends and every time I go there I get treated like a fking terrorist at the gate. The civilian gate guards would hold my driver’s license until my sponsors(friends) come claim me which I totally understand but just hate being treated like I’m the bad guy. More importantly regaining access to commissary will greatly impact my budgeting and planning. Also can’t wait to have access to the 24hr shoppette. I can see why some people might take all these for granted...because they haven’t really felt the feeling of no longer having access to these great benefits. This will restore my long lost happiness. Thank you for your service.
@@Nowayjose-z2r 24 hr shoppette? Which base? I've only ever seen a 24 hr bx/shoppette when i was deployed, just left active duty and the base i was at would close everything early, but luckily for me i can go on post meanwhile i wait for my va rating because i'm in the irr for a few years.
I joined the Navy in 72. Vietnam was raging along. My recruiter told me that these privileges would always be here for me. Got out in 76 and felt spit upon by my own people. Still feels that way. Honorable discharge with no lost time, four years of my life given and I can't even go to a px? Illegal aliens in my state get everything for free. Just remember kids that recruiters are not above lying to you to achieve their goals.
@@JeffSpehar-ov1cn IF those are the rules then so be it. My complaint is that was never communicated to me, in fact I was told the opposite by the recruiter. I probably would have spent those 4 years in College instead, and would have been much better off. I don't need no stupid PX anyways, I have Costco.
The VA have continued to refuse to issue me a Veteran's Health ID card ( 0% service connected disabled). Their reasoning? I earn too much money at my job. I told them I needed it to access the exchange commissary. Still refused. (the Hawaii VA office).
I feel like that’s mostly symbolic, there’s almost nothing in exchanges that you can’t get cheaper online delivered to your door. The gym & legal services would be my first request. Even gas is cheaper off base. Also remove fed prohibition on firearms authorized on installations and open up a few range lanes for us. We’d be wise to propose exemption from NFA laws, carry permits. Bigger breaks on property taxes, mass transit passes and a break on tag-license fees. Business licenses & loans too. Most of that bullshit is unconstitutional anyway. Maybe it would start to topple all that fuckery.
Kudos to the Vets who can use this benefit. I did 4 years, not asking for anything. I do appreciate the free meal every Veterans Day at Applebees.👍 I am not eligible for this new perk. 👌
Thank you for this information. This will help my family a lot. God bless you for putting real information that is actually useful out for us normal people. Thank you! Liked. Subscribed.
Thanks for the info! Now that I live in north Texas, I need to decide which exchange to use....Goodfellow AFB, Sheppard AFB, Lackland AFB, Ft. Hood, Ft. Sill, or Ft. Polk!!!!!
Thank you so much. Your video answered all my questions. I'm 90 % and getting my card at the base in Italy where I work. I retire in a few years. Goid job, thsnks agsin.
There are some things on post I wish I could use sometimes. I only have a military star credit line, which I keep spotless. It will be nice to be able to use it for groceries instead of useless items to maintain good credit.
I hope that is true because I was denied purchasing merchandise from the PX at FT Sill in 2013. We went to the base for my son's graduation from basic training I think it's pretty sorry that a veteran with a VA card cannot buy things at a army base PX.
Hey...GOOD information. Many thanks. It's strange. MILLIONS of combat veterans from the wars of the last 70 years have not been eligible because they didn't stay in 20 years. WTF? In civilian jobs, with pensions, a person is eligible if they work 5 years. A person in the military gets NO credit for their military service...if they don't stay 20 years. WTF? I remember after Vietnam, they RIFTED officers, many of whom had combat time in Vietnam, at 16 years. That means they lost ALL benefits! WTF? Letting ALL service members, past or present, us the PX and Commissary is a VERY SMALL "thank you" for putting their asses on the line for this ungrateful government....filled with ungrateful politicians.
Might go occasionally, but really with AAFES policy is to set prices with local economy to not under bid local businesses it's not like you're saving much shopping the exchange.
retired in 09. Never had a need to go on post. Unless buying large groceries no reason. Easier to use Walmart, HEB, etc...plus dont have to worry about trying to get on post, ID card gate issues. Nothing special on post that I can't get off post.
They're not doing this out of the kindness of their hearts. While shopping on base we support MWR. As a young soldier I appreciated having access to those facilities. One time in Germany a bunch of us cooked a Sunday dinner in the kitchen they offered. We dressed up in our civilian finest and ate like we had manners for a change. If I can support the next generation by shopping at the exchange, I'm happy to.
Big Up there Brother 👍 👍 🇺🇸🇺🇸 I always like your videos ! Even though I am Navy , all US military are brothers in arms . After all my Cousin retired as a 4 star General , { Bless his memory , RIP } so , in addition to train ( etc) at Ft. Campbell , and friving another Army general's VW kamper to Ft. Ord .... I sually use the PX at Boca Chica { big pitchers of brew 👍 ) GoD Bless US🇺🇸 & you all !
This is great. You brothers (veterans) don't be shy when you go out to dinner to a restaurant to ask for a Veteran's discount, 10% is good for a beverage. Also, Lowe's Hardware Stores will give you a 10% discount on everything you buy, just apply for it at the Customer Service Dept. God bless the USA.
By the way, StoneFire Grill (So. Cal.) gives a huge 50% discount to ALL arm service members and veterans. Excellent food and service. God bless the USA.
It's actually written exchange underneath PX and it's also called AAFES which stands for Army and Air Force Exchange Services, so you can call it the exchange or even the post exchange or PX for short it doesn't really matter because it's the same place.
Thanks Brother for the info! I served 9.5 years in the Army. No disabilities. I am a contractor now and I work on various posts. I never shopped on post because I though I was not eligible.
@@incognegro2315 No I did file when I first got out. I got the VA ID card. But my rating is 0 percent.this next year Im going to get everything reevaluated!
If you work at the Exchange you can shop there if you dont have any other status like dependant active or retired. I work at the Exchange. All Exchange employees are DOD CIV employes with a CAC Card that can get on any non restricted access military instalations. Being just an Exchnage employee i cant shop at the commissary. The commissary and Exchange are going to merge idk when and idk how its going to affect as to whos allowed to shop and any of them.
All veterans should have full access, except for folks who have been dishonorably discharged . We served our country, gave up years of our lives, been shot at and the government says no to use of the base exchange? Is the government on our side?
The biggest problem is going to be installation commanders of small installations with barely enough facilities to sustain the active duty population. I foresee those commanders invoking their discretion to limiting the use of the facilities to only the active force, their dependents and the traditional retired military community. They have the power to limit the access on to the installation based on limited resources. I was in Puerto Rico during Hurricane Maria in 2017 with my brother who is retired and a DoA employee with access privileges. I’m a veteran and volunteer for Army Community Services, as well as for the Civil Air Patrol (US Air Force Auxiliary). I was one of only a handful of volunteers allowed on base at Fort Buchanan and that was because I had met the Garrison Commander and the 1st Mission Support Command Commander when I showed up to volunteer to help before the Garrison was closed off to any one other than military or essential personnel. Being that I was helping the small community of families with delivering essentials, I was granted base access but not to anything else unless I was escorted by a military ID card holder. I really wasn’t there to do shopping so I didn’t care, and as soon as the PX food court opened that’s where I went to eat, as most people did because the mess Services were issuing MRE’s, and the food court was open to everyone. So yeah, access in some places is going to be messed up.
When I was doing the medical part of my out processing, I told the Dr I had lost some hearing in my left ear from a SAW firing next to me. The Dr told me my hearing was fine. He never tested me. Now I am going to have to pay the VA for my hearing aid. Remember, just because the Dr is an officer, you don't have to except being disregarded as I did.
File a claim with the VA, get an audiogram and if you can a statement from a civilian Doctor. Be sure to mention your tinnitus (ringing in the ears). They will send you to a VA CP exam and they will make a final determination. Hearing loss alone is 0% and gets you free hearing aids, tinnitus will get you 10% $140 a month. But file the claim, see a service officer at the VFW, AL, DAV or county veterans office, they can really help you.
@@rph111745 thanks for the advice. I had my hearing tested at the VA and they ordered my hearing aid. I will definitely look further into the options you mentioned.
@@watergrunt3694 Be sure to file a claim and make an issue of tinnitus, getting a 10% rating will also get you free medical care with co-payments only for medications. Generic drugs co-payment is $15 for a 90 day supply. I was a tanker and tankers and artillery are pretty much assumed to have hearing loss.
The VA does not charge a veteran for anything! I did 10 years in the navy about 40 years ago. I did not retire from the military (20 years). But the VA gave me cancer treatment including chemo and radiation for free. the bill would have been over $150,000. I paid not one red cent. You are misinformed.
In my country, bases are much smaller and much more like complexes near the edge of the city, so PXs and commisary are usually located in commercial districts of the city, so they can be used by anyone (if during the checkout you provide your id number, or a military member's id number you get a discout) But its quite interesting how different they are. Our military bases/complexes usually consisting of barracks, offices, small medical center, chow hall & kitchen garage with the vehicles, the officer's salon, all of this around a main square where formation and ceremonies take place. maybe a few ammeneties such as tennis court, soccer field, maybe a pool, maybe a bbq area, obstacle course, maybe a shooting range and not much more. Then, depending of which branch, they might have some land for execises. Then, the military usually has installations close by such as stables and track where soldiers can train equitation. Some bases have the stables inside the precinct, some have it near by (5-10 minute walk or a veeery short drive) Housing for families are divided into militsry neighborhoods somewhere else, and they are divided between the houses of officers and enlisted. So a military base is much more integrated to the city which has it, rather than being a huge area.
As a Vietnam veteran I always thought it was sad I had to work on Veterans Day November 11th while everyone else had off kids at school Banks Federal officials many other businesses. All honorably discharged veterans should have the day off with pay.
A veteran’s ID card issued by the VA (no barcode) will not get you access to the base. At a minimum you will need a VA medical card with a barcode on it to get through the gate.
Thanks for the info! My dad (Korean War vet with 10% disability and a Purple Heart) now qualifies and as his caregiver I might not have found out any other way. Don't know if it will actually save us anything but if it does every little bit helps...
I served for about 4 years in active duty (army) as a cannonneer. I applied for a tinnitus claim but was denied about a year ago. I was hoping to get service connected so I can have access to the PX. What else can I do to have access to it. Thanks for any assistance on this matter. CNMI veteran asking.
I think to get rated for tinnitus you also need to have hearing loss documented as well. Try making an apointment with a DAV representative to go over your records and see if there is anything they can help you get a rating for.
Bad news is they are combining exchanges and DeCA. So prices will go up since the commissary will go from not for profit to making a profit. Also everyone pays a surcharge no matter how they pay. Other than that many may find the commissary cheaper on some items.
Thank you so much..I got rilly mad win I got turned around an they wouldn't let me in because I didn't have a active army Id. I will definitely be going agen
As a vet this is great. IT BRINGS BACK MEMMORIES shopping at the px. As a bronze star recepient it did kinda piss me off how i couldnt even get on base to go to the px and check it out.. so yes it helps and makes u feel like u earned ur shit to shop their as oppesed to not being able to got to the px and served 18 months in iraq. Makes sense
Vet here, no Va privileges... Good Information... while I was in the Army in the mid 90's the PX was great for clothing. Good name brand stuff. And when they open PX online to vets, I looked but just found that their products are now sub-standard. The electronics are comparable to commercial sources, like best buy, big TV store, and now Amazon is tearing up the competition. In turn, I do not find the PX to be of interest, and ita now not even a 3rd place ecommerce I'd shop at. I look occasionally, but they are like 6th rank in my ecommerce list. Commissary, now they are winners in this category... at times. The meats are much lower than than of Walmart, and would bash the hell out of Target, Harris Teeter and Wegmans (East Coast stores). But now, I'd factor the cost, and travel time to the base. My closest installation is Quantico and Fort Belvoir, both still over a hour ride, where Walmart and even target is 15min. I dont see the value add, for traveling to a military installation to save $20, when I'm going to spend $10 in gas to get there and back. When I'm at work, and I'm on base maybe, I'd hit one of shops, but unlikely. In the words of the Army... PX and Commissary access is a NO-Go at this station for me. Maybe, when I retire and I'm looking for cost savings, but if I complete my investments properly I should have 12k a month and no debt, I still wont need to save $10 dollars In food.
my BX/PX/COMMISSIONARY is more like a WalMart but with higher prices. and there's no place to eat except a fast food place worse than mcd's. can officer retirees still eat in the officer's dining?
If they were extend some of those benefits the only recruiting ad in the near future will have to say is "We cover jobs, housing, food, and our store is cheaper (especially tobacco). Oh and you get paid, so sign up today. "
After 25 years being out I wanted to take a drive-through of my old duty station just to refresh memories. Was turned down at the gate. Now another 25 years later I can go back and they can't reject me Cause I will have The right to come on base with my 10% disability. To bad it's on the other side of the country And I likely don't have enough energy to get there.
Most US Army bases allow visitors. I live right next to Fort Knox and am on post all the time. I go to chapel on Sundays, go out to eat and just drive around. Any base you want to visit, call ahead and check their policy on gate access for civilians.
Don't get too excited over these Bennies. The PX and commissary are too highly-priced and can always be easily beaten off the post. The concessions around the PX and BX are generally grossly overpriced. Hill AFB is a good example of this. I never shop there anymore. H
Scott AFB was bad when I was in. The BX and commissary were geared more toward all the field grade and flags running around there. Junior enlisted didn't benefit much from any of it.
All veterans except for folks who have been dishonorably discharged should have full access
Well that's iffy b/c dishonorable diacharges don't necessarily mean loss of benefits. If they re-enlist one time they have an honorable discharge and access to their benefits.
But I do agree. My only change would be all other than dishonorably discharged veterans should have access. If non veteran politicians are given access why not those of us that served be given access.
I would go by DD 214. If the code listed is anything less than honorable, there should be zero incentives. Everyone else that came in, did their time, and got out, they should be entitled to this.
@@Stephen-G that's why said it's iffy. What if someone loses a limb or is severely injured during their first enlistment or medically discharged and isn't medically retired they don't receive an honorable discharge they receive a general (usually under honorable conditions).
I agree with you on that one. Even if you have an general discharge or even an OTH but did a good amount of time and had an honorable discharge when re-enlisting then you should use to PX or commissary you’re still a veteran who served. If you have a dishonorable then you don’t get entitlements to anything.
Now if only we can make Veterans day an actual holiday for veterans. Federal govt employees should not have the day off while real vets have to work thru it
Alot of Vets work for the Government(myself included). My agency and location is in a military city.
Team Tate Yea but...you’re a vet. My point is vets in the private sector work while fed govt non-vet employees get the day off. Just make it an observed holiday across the board problem solved lol
@@damiion666 What do you mean by make it an observed holiday? It is observed by the federal government and all 50 states as far as I can tell. I don't think the private sector can be forced to observe a holiday if that's what you mean. Most of the big chain stores only close on Thanksgiving, Christmas and maybe New Years as an example. I believe getting Veteran's Day off is between you and your employer if it's a private business.
John “I don’t think the private sector can be forced to observe a holiday”....ding ding ding ding! You win the prize! No shit?! That’s my point exactly. Federal govt workers automatically get TEN PAID holidays whereas a private sector worker is lucky to get at least 6 of those as a paid holiday (not including veterans day). Which was my point, federal (and state) workers get veterans day off and get paid for it (whether they’re a vet or not), while a vet in the private sector more often than not has to either work thru that holiday and not get paid overtime for it. Now u get it??? Damn
I'm a vet and a federal employee...
A US Veteran is A US Veteran! We should all have access to The PX & Commissary!
Vet's should've always had these privileges permanently after their service! Hooah! Scouts out!
"SCOUTS OUT" Hooah
I think all vets with an honorable discharge should have the commisary and PX.
Bullshit. Only active duty and retired should get the benefits.
Definitely sir.
@@JeffSpehar-ov1cn You on some bull shit. Veterans are Active, Guard, and Reserve. The Active Component cannot go to War without out the Reserve Component Forces. Every War fought, Guard and Reserve Component forces have contributed greatly. The Army and Air Force National Guard is title 32 State, and title 10 Federal. Combat Arms in the Army National Guard makes up half of the Total Active Army's Combat Operational Fighting Force, facts. The 19th and 20th Special Forces Groups is Army National Guard. They do full time missions all the time, all over the world. So does the Air Guard. The bottom line is this, you get that VA Status, A Soldier Sailor Airman Marines Active Component, or Reserve Component with VA Status deserves the PX and the Commissary. Get off the bull shit.
No
No
That's good to know, I served 10 years US Army, but no disabilities , but I am glad my Brothers that can use it,
How did you serve 10 years if contracts are 3 or 6 years? 🤔
@@xXSgtWolfXx probably did a 4 year then a 6. Some units you can extend for a year as well.
@@xXSgtWolfXx its not just 3 or 6. Coming out of high school you have the option of 3,4,6
@Linda Bentley "OH YES" they do ring, and my hearing is really bad, and thanks for the kind words, although I never thought of myself as a bad ass, but thanks,
This is totally awesome, I still live on a military base and I’m tired of having to go to Walmart. Thanks for the update.
Lol haha
i went in a px a few years ago and i think walmart is cheaper.
About damn time we all should be able to
I've been a 100% for the past 20 years and able to shop at the PX and Commissary. I went once and found that their prices are higher then outside stores. Hell, Walmart is cheaper. The only reason they are now offering veterans to be able to shop at the PX or Commissary is due to the fact that their sales have gone down down. They have found that military personal were shopping on the outside do to lower prices. Don't waste your time.
I’m no longer shopping at Walmart after the firearms BS. Hope the go bankrupt
there's military stuff and services you can't get off base. the uniform shop is what i want access to.
So glad care givers are getting noticed . My father in law is agent Orange survivor. Ever little bit helps.
If you live near a major base or PX its handy. 🎗✔💲... I'm in Orlando.gov . We have a NEX ⚓ place near me, reserve navy location but I rarely go by it. AAFES, NEX, VA is not really a big deal if you are single, not near the stores. Sam's Club, Costco, etc are about the same. 🛒. BTW, Sam's Club offers military veterans, spouses huge 💰 discounts too. Lots of free stuff, offers too. Costco has a veteran rate but I dont recall what it is. I think its $25.00/yr.
There is a web site that you can check with the va that has many different kinds of illnesses and health problems on there that relate to agent orange that has been updated within the last few years. If he has an honorable discharge tell him to look into it because he is entitled more money if he is already dealing with the va. And could even qualify for back pay. I wish I wld of known this while my father was alive but no one told him Abt it. I just recently found out and shared if with a good friend of mine and his father is looking into it because of his health issues. I hope that it helps you out if you didn't know abt it. Good luck and thanks for his service.
Many Vietnam Vets Don’t Know They Now Qualify for Agent Orange Benefits
feeds.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2018/vietnam-korea-agent-orange-benefits.html?_amp=true. Here is the site I found it on. Good luck I hope it all works out for y'all
I was just browsing RUclips and ran into your video. Thanks for the info, it may be very useful. Have a great day
I'm at 80% wooohoooo finally I get to go thanks bro for the info
You gotta love VA math 70%+40%+10%=83.2%=80% disability
@@garryowen8673 Its the most confusing shit ever.
@@garryowen8673 it is weird until you understand the formula. Basically how the do it is subtracting from your able body %. When you 1st start a claim you're 100% able bodied whatever your highest rated injury is subtracted from your able bodied % then everything else is a percentage of what's left. So take the example you gave for instance. You start at 100 % able bodied and you have an injury/illness the VA rated at 70 %. 70% of 100 is 70. Now you are 30 % able bodied. Your next highest rated injury/illness has a VA rating of 40%. They take 40% of 30 which is 12 and add it to the 70% disabled body. Now you're 82% disabled and and 18% able bodied. Next injury/illness is 10% VA rated. 10% of 18 is 1.8 which totals out to 83.8% disabled and 16.2% able bodied. For payment purposes they round down to 80% but for claim purposes you are still at 83.8 % disabled and every % added to that will come from the 16.2 % able bodied number. System is stupid but it won't change any time soon I am also getting screwed by there system. I've had a claim in for almost 6 years. 100 % would be cool but I'm more concerned with the amount in medical bills I am paying for service connected shit that the VA didn't rate me for. It helps reach my copay faster but that's money I shouldn't have to spend up front.
I know how and why they use this system, but if you'll excuse my French it's bull shit. Here's proof: they say since your already 70% disabled so when you prove a different disability that the dbq says is 40% it's only 40% of the remaining 30% making it 12%. Here's the flaw let's say I didn't have that first 70%. I go to my c&p the dbq rates at 40%, and the VA starts paying me at 40%. Having PTSD doesn't change the value of your hearing. Being deaf doesn't make not having a leg easier. If anything having multiple issues makes life harder.
I know I could beat this horse for the rest of my life, and wouldn't change a thing, but it's like I told a boss years ago about forced overtime. He was selling it as a benefit when I already had plans. I told him I'll do the ot because I like my job, but don't piss on my head and tell me it's raining liquid gold.
@@garryowen8673 I feel ya bro...
I am retired Air Force, but this is great news. Thanks
Thank brother for the information. I will use this new privilege as I am 90% rated.
The true VA benefit is the home loan program. I have used it twice and has saved me money. I also used the education benefit for college after I was discharged.
the VA home loan program is a great program but the VA medical services are much more important to a lot of vets than a home loan including me. For those who do not need a home loan the home service means nothing but on the other hand help with medical needs is truly a great benefit for all servicemen.
Do you know how long we have to transfer our education benefits to our kids? Im 100% but not T&P. I wanted to pass my post 9-11 gi bill to my boys
Welp our era hon dis veterans have yet to receive a GI Bill the DOD demanded we pay for it upon enlistment or get nothing. Decades later that isnt fixed yet either, it's right there on the DD214.
Never assume any hon dis veteran got anything the govt promised
How ironic!! I've been wanting to enter to the PX and Commisary for 12 years now but I wasn't allowed due to my disability rate wasn't in the ranged allowed back then. Now disability rate is higher and this happens; those even with low disability rate can now enter.
Retired here. Let me tell you, your not missing anything.
Agreed.
Not true for me. I did 10 years and got out with honorable discharge. I still go on base/post to visit my active duty friends and every time I go there I get treated like a fking terrorist at the gate. The civilian gate guards would hold my driver’s license until my sponsors(friends) come claim me which I totally understand but just hate being treated like I’m the bad guy. More importantly regaining access to commissary will greatly impact my budgeting and planning. Also can’t wait to have access to the 24hr shoppette. I can see why some people might take all these for granted...because they haven’t really felt the feeling of no longer having access to these great benefits. This will restore my long lost happiness.
Thank you for your service.
@@Nowayjose-z2r 24 hr shoppette? Which base? I've only ever seen a 24 hr bx/shoppette when i was deployed, just left active duty and the base i was at would close everything early, but luckily for me i can go on post meanwhile i wait for my va rating because i'm in the irr for a few years.
same retired from air force did 4 in army and man he right but cheap groccery i look at it better then nothing
The commissary is cheaper. The PX not so much.
I joined the Navy in 72. Vietnam was raging along. My recruiter told me that these privileges would always be here for me. Got out in 76 and felt spit upon by my own people. Still feels that way. Honorable discharge with no lost time, four years of my life given and I can't even go to a px? Illegal aliens in my state get everything for free. Just remember kids that recruiters are not above lying to you to achieve their goals.
PX and commissary are for active duty aND RETIRED not veterans. Do 20 then you get the benefits.
@@JeffSpehar-ov1cn IF those are the rules then so be it. My complaint is that was never communicated to me, in fact I was told the opposite by the recruiter.
I probably would have spent those 4 years in College instead, and would have been much better off.
I don't need no stupid PX anyways, I have Costco.
@@JeffSpehar-ov1cnPX and commissary is for active military, reservists, National Guard, Purple Heart recipients, and disabled veterans and retirees
Well Trump isn't president so suck it up.
I'm a service connected veteran and glad to hear about this new change. 👍
This is great, I am being medically discharged w/ a VA rating of 70% and now I can still use my local PX when I move. Thanks for the info!
Medically discharged who are medically retired could always use the PX/commissary.
The VA have continued to refuse to issue me a Veteran's Health ID card ( 0% service connected disabled). Their reasoning? I earn too much money at my job. I told them I needed it to access the exchange commissary. Still refused. (the Hawaii VA office).
Not sure how it's even legal for them to deny you that card. Sounds like a felony offense to me.
you dont qualify for VA health care with 0% unless theres financial situations so no card
Well just stick to Maui Mike's and zippys
@@just_because_ o0l
Wow Thanks much for the info. .Glad I listened to it twice. I caught the part that the changes do not go into effect till JAN,2020
I feel like that’s mostly symbolic, there’s almost nothing in exchanges that you can’t get cheaper online delivered to your door.
The gym & legal services would be my first request.
Even gas is cheaper off base.
Also remove fed prohibition on firearms authorized on installations and open up a few range lanes for us.
We’d be wise to propose exemption from NFA laws, carry permits. Bigger breaks on property taxes, mass transit passes and a break on tag-license fees. Business licenses & loans too. Most of that bullshit is unconstitutional anyway. Maybe it would start to topple all that fuckery.
Totally agree.
Ain’t nobody got time to stroll through the exchange hunting for sales..
Amazon brah.
What is the website to shop online and compare prices?
Can someone please post the info here?
TIA
The gym is not included in this new benefit. I do not know about legal
I have the DD-214 Alumni tee shirt. USN 22 years.
I have the Gruntstyle.com living the dream OD 👕. Its a bit tight after a few washes. Lol...
Link to dd214 shirt . headed to bragg next week 1st time since I got out in 07
Kudos to the Vets who can use this benefit. I did 4 years, not asking for anything. I do appreciate the free meal every Veterans Day at Applebees.👍
I am not eligible for this new perk. 👌
Go get tinnitus rating
Major props for this info bruh , had no clue.
Thank you for this information. This will help my family a lot. God bless you for putting real information that is actually useful out for us normal people. Thank you! Liked. Subscribed.
thank you so much for including a link for us to shop online. 🙃
(service connected 40% disabled Army veteran)
Thanks for the info! Now that I live in north Texas, I need to decide which exchange to use....Goodfellow AFB, Sheppard AFB, Lackland AFB, Ft. Hood, Ft. Sill, or Ft. Polk!!!!!
Ray Ray Also Carswell AFB in Ft worth.
Great info, I will pass the to the veterans community at Los Alamos National Laboratory.
Thank you so much. Your video answered all my questions. I'm 90 % and getting my card at the base in Italy where I work. I retire in a few years. Goid job, thsnks agsin.
There are some things on post I wish I could use sometimes. I only have a military star credit line, which I keep spotless. It will be nice to be able to use it for groceries instead of useless items to maintain good credit.
That's awesome I didn't know that. Thanks for the info.
I hope that is true because I was denied purchasing merchandise from the PX at FT Sill in 2013. We went to the base for my son's graduation from basic training I think it's pretty sorry that a veteran with a VA card cannot buy things at a army base PX.
Hey...GOOD information. Many thanks. It's strange. MILLIONS of combat veterans from the wars of the last 70 years have not been eligible because they didn't stay in 20 years. WTF? In civilian jobs, with pensions, a person is eligible if they work 5 years. A person in the military gets NO credit for their military service...if they don't stay 20 years. WTF? I remember after Vietnam, they RIFTED officers, many of whom had combat time in Vietnam, at 16 years. That means they lost ALL benefits! WTF? Letting ALL service members, past or present, us the PX and Commissary is a VERY SMALL "thank you" for putting their asses on the line for this ungrateful government....filled with ungrateful politicians.
your lacking infor son, better cath up on your VA infor
@@matcab5831 YOU are the one lacking info..."son". The VA is just another scam government program that says one thing and does the opposite.
I can see the bases are about to get more increase in sales. Stay tuned...
Trust me, we need it
Might go occasionally, but really with AAFES policy is to set prices with local economy to not under bid local businesses it's not like you're saving much shopping the exchange.
retired in 09. Never had a need to go on post. Unless buying large groceries no reason. Easier to use Walmart, HEB, etc...plus dont have to worry about trying to get on post, ID card gate issues. Nothing special on post that I can't get off post.
They're not doing this out of the kindness of their hearts. While shopping on base we support MWR. As a young soldier I appreciated having access to those facilities. One time in Germany a bunch of us cooked a Sunday dinner in the kitchen they offered. We dressed up in our civilian finest and ate like we had manners for a change. If I can support the next generation by shopping at the exchange, I'm happy to.
Big Up there Brother 👍 👍 🇺🇸🇺🇸
I always like your videos !
Even though I am Navy , all US military are brothers in arms .
After all my Cousin retired as a 4 star General , { Bless his memory , RIP } so , in addition to train ( etc) at Ft. Campbell , and friving another Army general's VW kamper to Ft. Ord ....
I sually use the PX at Boca Chica { big pitchers of brew 👍 )
GoD Bless US🇺🇸 & you all !
This is great. You brothers (veterans) don't be shy when you go out to dinner to a restaurant to ask for a Veteran's discount, 10% is good for a beverage. Also, Lowe's Hardware Stores will give you a 10% discount on everything you buy, just apply for it at the Customer Service Dept. God bless the USA.
MuyTico2 j
By the way, StoneFire Grill (So. Cal.) gives a huge 50% discount to ALL arm service members and veterans. Excellent food and service. God bless the USA.
It's not the BX or PX anymore, it's now called the Exchange. The change happened years ago.
Potato, Potahto, AKA semantics.
Right?
It's actually written exchange underneath PX and it's also called AAFES which stands for Army and Air Force Exchange Services, so you can call it the exchange or even the post exchange or PX for short it doesn't really matter because it's the same place.
Thank you so much for the video this will definitely help my family out a lot.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH HAVE A OUTSTANDING DAY.
Thanks Brother for the info! I served 9.5 years in the Army. No disabilities. I am a contractor now and I work on various posts. I never shopped on post because I though I was not eligible.
You served 9 years and not claimed any disability 🤷🏽♂️ You need to file a claim
@@incognegro2315 No I did file when I first got out. I got the VA ID card. But my rating is 0 percent.this next year Im going to get everything reevaluated!
@@JLanc1982 yeah bro don’t wait. KEEP PURSUING. I know a good company that will help you with your claim. If you want it
If you work at the Exchange you can shop there if you dont have any other status like dependant active or retired. I work at the Exchange. All Exchange employees are DOD CIV employes with a CAC Card that can get on any non restricted access military instalations. Being just an Exchnage employee i cant shop at the commissary. The commissary and Exchange are going to merge idk when and idk how its going to affect as to whos allowed to shop and any of them.
All veterans should have full access, except for folks who have been dishonorably discharged .
We served our country, gave up years of our lives, been shot at and the government says no to use of the base exchange? Is the government on our side?
Not on "our side" me thinks
Also we will have access to the MWR benefits.
Some not all
Yep, fitness centers and all. There are going to be some exceptions to that, of course.
Only because they are going broke from Amazon etc.
Commissary would definitely be worth it though. Miss those prices and sales.
The biggest problem is going to be installation commanders of small installations with barely enough facilities to sustain the active duty population. I foresee those commanders invoking their discretion to limiting the use of the facilities to only the active force, their dependents and the traditional retired military community. They have the power to limit the access on to the installation based on limited resources. I was in Puerto Rico during Hurricane Maria in 2017 with my brother who is retired and a DoA employee with access privileges. I’m a veteran and volunteer for Army Community Services, as well as for the Civil Air Patrol (US Air Force Auxiliary). I was one of only a handful of volunteers allowed on base at Fort Buchanan and that was because I had met the Garrison Commander and the 1st Mission Support Command Commander when I showed up to volunteer to help before the Garrison was closed off to any one other than military or essential personnel. Being that I was helping the small community of families with delivering essentials, I was granted base access but not to anything else unless I was escorted by a military ID card holder. I really wasn’t there to do shopping so I didn’t care, and as soon as the PX food court opened that’s where I went to eat, as most people did because the mess Services were issuing MRE’s, and the food court was open to everyone. So yeah, access in some places is going to be messed up.
Excellent video. Very good information. Hooah!🤘
Didn't know the new policy, would be nice to get back into a PX thank you got a new sub
When I was doing the medical part of my out processing, I told the Dr I had lost some hearing in my left ear from a SAW firing next to me. The Dr told me my hearing was fine. He never tested me. Now I am going to have to pay the VA for my hearing aid. Remember, just because the Dr is an officer, you don't have to except being disregarded as I did.
File a claim with the VA, get an audiogram and if you can a statement from a civilian Doctor. Be sure to mention your tinnitus (ringing in the ears). They will send you to a VA CP exam and they will make a final determination. Hearing loss alone is 0% and gets you free hearing aids, tinnitus will get you 10% $140 a month. But file the claim, see a service officer at the VFW, AL, DAV or county veterans office, they can really help you.
@@rph111745 thanks for the advice. I had my hearing tested at the VA and they ordered my hearing aid. I will definitely look further into the options you mentioned.
@@watergrunt3694 Be sure to file a claim and make an issue of tinnitus, getting a 10% rating will also get you free medical care with co-payments only for medications. Generic drugs co-payment is $15 for a 90 day supply. I was a tanker and tankers and artillery are pretty much assumed to have hearing loss.
The VA does not charge a veteran for anything! I did 10 years in the navy about 40 years ago. I did not retire from the military (20 years). But the VA gave me cancer treatment including chemo and radiation for free. the bill would have been over $150,000. I paid not one red cent. You are misinformed.
@@skiprussell2606 I have received bills from the VA for visits. Maybe I didn't register correctly or something?
Great information..I miss going to the px..
30% or above= retirement
50% or above equals free treatment from the VA for anything service connected or not
The thing to find out is if the instillation will let you on Post or Base because they do Not accept VA ID cards to enter any US Instillation.
You have to register your VA I’d card at the base and it needs to say service connected or Purple Heart. Then you can use it to access bases.
This is awsome, it minimizes some of the loss of community when people get out and also saves on groceries
In my country, bases are much smaller and much more like complexes near the edge of the city, so PXs and commisary are usually located in commercial districts of the city, so they can be used by anyone (if during the checkout you provide your id number, or a military member's id number you get a discout)
But its quite interesting how different they are.
Our military bases/complexes usually consisting of barracks, offices, small medical center, chow hall & kitchen garage with the vehicles, the officer's salon, all of this around a main square where formation and ceremonies take place. maybe a few ammeneties such as tennis court, soccer field, maybe a pool, maybe a bbq area, obstacle course, maybe a shooting range and not much more.
Then, depending of which branch, they might have some land for execises.
Then, the military usually has installations close by such as stables and track where soldiers can train equitation. Some bases have the stables inside the precinct, some have it near by (5-10 minute walk or a veeery short drive)
Housing for families are divided into militsry neighborhoods somewhere else, and they are divided between the houses of officers and enlisted.
So a military base is much more integrated to the city which has it, rather than being a huge area.
Commissary and PX are just as expensive as everywhere else.
Did I understand that correctly? Vets with a VA rating of "0-90" % now qualify for PX and BX? Thx
'
Effective 010120, that's what was discussed.
Yes you did understand that correctly as well as some other MWR facilities.
Yes
You can get a 0 rating, for example knee injury, meaning $0 monthly compensation but recognized and is a disability for future coverage.
I believe that your va card has to say “service connected” or else they won’t let you in?
This is only for service connected vets
This is great information. Thank you
Was issued a temporary eagle card in basic for the PX
As a Vietnam veteran I always thought it was sad I had to work on Veterans Day November 11th while everyone else had off kids at school Banks Federal officials many other businesses. All honorably discharged veterans should have the day off with pay.
A veteran’s ID card issued by the VA (no barcode) will not get you access to the base. At a minimum you will need a VA medical card with a barcode on it to get through the gate.
It should also be noted that veterans will be allowed to use MWR facilities. Facilities such as the gym and Outdoor Rec
really? That's awesome!
Thank you Soldier.
I love these news videos!!!!!
Wow thanks for the info, this might help means others out. Again thanks, now just have to make the call if I actually want to go on base. LOL
January 1,2020!
Thanks for the info...I like the new rule.
Not surprising. There is no savings between BX, Commissary and off base. Even the gas station is more expensive.
Is it really worth the hassle, gas and dealing with the gate sentry to save pennies? I'm going to Walmart.
Thanks for the info brother!
Thanks for the info! My dad (Korean War vet with 10% disability and a Purple Heart) now qualifies and as his caregiver I might not have found out any other way. Don't know if it will actually save us anything but if it does every little bit helps...
I served for about 4 years in active duty (army) as a cannonneer. I applied for a tinnitus claim but was denied about a year ago. I was hoping to get service connected so I can have access to the PX. What else can I do to have access to it. Thanks for any assistance on this matter. CNMI veteran asking.
I think to get rated for tinnitus you also need to have hearing loss documented as well. Try making an apointment with a DAV representative to go over your records and see if there is anything they can help you get a rating for.
Bad news is they are combining exchanges and DeCA. So prices will go up since the commissary will go from not for profit to making a profit. Also everyone pays a surcharge no matter how they pay. Other than that many may find the commissary cheaper on some items.
I'm moving to Thailand soon and planning a long layover in Korea. Can I still use Dragon hill lodge???
Thank you so much..I got rilly mad win I got turned around an they wouldn't let me in because I didn't have a active army Id. I will definitely be going agen
How many soldier work in technical writing it is important when despecification applied
As a vet this is great. IT BRINGS BACK MEMMORIES shopping at the px. As a bronze star recepient it did kinda piss me off how i couldnt even get on base to go to the px and check it out.. so yes it helps and makes u feel like u earned ur shit to shop their as oppesed to not being able to got to the px and served 18 months in iraq. Makes sense
The problem is that you need an active ID to enter any base every time or you have to apply for a restricted access pass at the gate every time.
Your VA card that says service connected should do!
Vet here, no Va privileges...
Good Information... while I was in the Army in the mid 90's the PX was great for clothing. Good name brand stuff. And when they open PX online to vets, I looked but just found that their products are now sub-standard.
The electronics are comparable to commercial sources, like best buy, big TV store, and now Amazon is tearing up the competition. In turn, I do not find the PX to be of interest, and ita now not even a 3rd place ecommerce I'd shop at. I look occasionally, but they are like 6th rank in my ecommerce list.
Commissary, now they are winners in this category... at times. The meats are much lower than than of Walmart, and would bash the hell out of Target, Harris Teeter and Wegmans (East Coast stores). But now, I'd factor the cost, and travel time to the base. My closest installation is Quantico and Fort Belvoir, both still over a hour ride, where Walmart and even target is 15min. I dont see the value add, for traveling to a military installation to save $20, when I'm going to spend $10 in gas to get there and back.
When I'm at work, and I'm on base maybe, I'd hit one of shops, but unlikely.
In the words of the Army... PX and Commissary access is a NO-Go at this station for me. Maybe, when I retire and I'm looking for cost savings, but if I complete my investments properly I should have 12k a month and no debt, I still wont need to save $10 dollars In food.
Depending on where you live, not having to pay sales taxes can be a factor.
hi im 62 now i did 4 yrs in the army switch over did 20 years in air force then did cybersecruity i go maybe 3 times a week good times
For someone who doesn't have a rating, it's great to be able to use my VA ID Card for many things.
It’s about time ❤️
Does this apply to MWR since it is part of the AAFES system? The gym? The pool?
my BX/PX/COMMISSIONARY is more like a WalMart but with higher prices. and there's no place to eat except a fast food place worse than mcd's. can officer retirees still eat in the officer's dining?
nathaniel cohen Depend on the Installation, and Base Commander. There is a website for that too.
When is the effective exact date ??? What iD do I need ? Any official site says this like the va.gov ?
Is there a fee for debt cards that is the as cash without having cash.?
If they were extend some of those benefits the only recruiting ad in the near future will have to say is "We cover jobs, housing, food, and our store is cheaper (especially tobacco). Oh and you get paid, so sign up today. "
I don't see the big deal about shopping in the PX/Commissary. Everything is freaking expensive and many times it is cheaper to go to Walmart, etc
Not in Hawaii boss and Walmart doesn't have everything you need.
chris aint nothin better than being a soldier in the army and going out and getting laid at one of those gentleman's clubs
All veterans be aware you are eligible for the Aafes/exchange just by verifying your 214 online. But i found there is no real price breaks.
Prices are usually the same. Where you save is by going into a PX because you don’t pay sales tax.
The PX will price match
Any idea how much the fee is for shopping at the commissary?
After 25 years being out I wanted to take a drive-through of my old duty station just to refresh memories. Was turned down at the gate. Now another 25 years later I can go back and they can't reject me Cause I will have The right to come on base with my 10% disability. To bad it's on the other side of the country And I likely don't have enough energy to get there.
Most US Army bases allow visitors. I live right next to Fort Knox and am on post all the time. I go to chapel on Sundays, go out to eat and just drive around.
Any base you want to visit, call ahead and check their policy on gate access for civilians.
@@freedomlover9560 This was Coast Guard. Either way the officer of the day said no.
@@Captain-Max Sorry to hear about your luck. I think anyone who served honorably should be able to go onto almost any military base without a hassle.
Just had my idea card confiscated by wannabe cops at gate in ft Buchanan pr he stated in was expired is this possible
This also opens up The MWR and those benefits as well
John Noonz Not sure, the directive I read was Exchange and Commissary.
Thank you for the information.
Don't get too excited over these Bennies. The PX and commissary are too highly-priced and can always be easily beaten off the post. The concessions around the PX and BX are generally grossly overpriced. Hill AFB is a good example of this. I never shop there anymore. H
Scott AFB was bad when I was in. The BX and commissary were geared more toward all the field grade and flags running around there. Junior enlisted didn't benefit much from any of it.
I have a VA Card! Yes, US ARMY Veteran! I'm going!!!!
You must be service connected or you can not go
@@garycourtney740 Your information is incorrect Sir.
@@garycourtney740 All You need is a VA id card like The Man in this Video said! You must be a Low IQ US Marine.lol
Thank you