Retirees Are Limited Access to Base Facilities
Skippy and Boomer have both warned me of an Air Force decision to either limit selected base access, or bar altogether, use by retirees. The claim is to reduce exposure to the Wuhan Virus- exactly how this works by grouping retirees into long lines and allowing a few in at a time is left unsaid.
Boomer sends a first hand account of his experience at AAFB on Guam.
What I experienced and witnessed yesterday (Saturday the 21st) at the Andersen commissary was outrageous and cruel. Allowing retirees access only on weekends to shop in the commissary or go to the BX was both an inane and insane decision by the two senior military commanders on the island IMHO. Apparently they don’t realize just how many thousands of us who served careers are on the island and what would occur trying to allow them access on just one or two days versus each weekday. I’m sure most would recognize the old term ‘goat rope’. It was worse that that!!!
What was most distressing was the fact that all of those in very very long lines, longer than I’ve ever witnessed before, were not only old, but most were handicapped to some degree. A few in wheelchairs. One lady holding herself up with two crutches. Myself, I suffer from a cardiovascular problem in my left leg that affects my lower back and causes severe pain if I walk too far or stand too long. I stood in that line for 2 1/2 hours just to get to the door. Arrived just past 7AM, the normal opening time for those with handicaps. Told that the store wouldn’t open until 10. After an hour in line, and it was growing fast, we were told it would open at 9. Then at 9 we were told it would open at 10 again. About that time the Base Commander’s vehicle showed up and some young guy got out and went to the commissary entrance. Apparently to tell them to open the damn store and let the people in.
Only 80 at a time were allowed it to start. I was well within that 80. After shopping and about 45″ later departing the parking lot the line was still as long, if not longer than when I was allowed into the store.
I just wonder how the commanders who made this decision would feel had their father or mother (if a retiree) had to stand in line for so long. Immediately in front of me was a lady about five feet tall, probably older than me at 82, who was beginning to teeter holding onto her shopping card. I was thinking I hope there is an ambulance ready to roll. Fortunately it appears nobody suffered serious injury. Me? I was rather uncomfortable for those several hours of standing in line. Today I was really slow to get up and move.
This should never have happened and I consider it, as I’ve already noted, cruel and unusual. If the problem is hoarding then I suggest, and they are already doing so, limit purchases on certain items. Water and toilet paper come to mind.
A pat on the back to Guam’s young Congressional representative for his efforts in asking the local commanders to reverse their insane decision to restrict access for those of us who served faithfully. He makes a good point of how divisive this action is. All we should ask for is equal treatment, respect and consideration for our service and for the privileges we’ve earned.
I’d really like to express how I really feel, but dare not because most receiving this are Christians.
This Sailor would have some choice words with whomever picked up the phone at the Admiral’s office, Christian or not. Some thoughts from Boomer’s friends:
Retired O-6 Jan writes: What’s the point in restricting access to 80 at a time when they’ve created a mass of humanity waiting for their chance to join the 80? The people who made this decision are every bit as responsible for those in the crowd they created as for those they let in. The impact of their decisions does not start at the doorway to the commissary. From the little you’ve told me about this situation I’d say it’s enough to lose confidence in the judgment, and therefore leadership ability, of the commander responsible. You need a change. Quickly. Before someone unnecessarily gets infected with the virus that has disrupted all of our lives.
BTW, I watch a lot of the news conferences the president and his team give and the main message running through all of them is “we are all in this together”. How does that square with the commander kicking retirees off the Total Force? It doesn’t. Time for better leadership.
Retired O-6 Jim opines: Keep stirring the pot Boomer! Restricting access to retirees is WRONG, WRONG, WRONG!!!!
Another retired E-9 Boomer states: That’s just NUTS! Hopefully this crap will cease. The Pearl and Hickam Commisarys were busy with moderate lines early in the day. I went mid PM and the only change back to what it has been is 100% ID checks at the entry door. Actually one can’t buy anything in either at the check out register if you don’t have an ID be it self check out or thru a regular manned checkout line. Since military actives work week days, and are generally off duty weekends, seems logical that retirees should come in Monday thru Friday to shop. Hellooooo you decision makers! Ya’ll got it bass ackwards!!!
That this is unfair, unnecessary and unsat goes without saying. It would make more sense to ration items that are in short supply, than treat those who earned the benefits as second class citizens. This is not leadership, and I hope some heads roll before the Good Idea Fairy takes wing.
Thanks Skippy and Boomer, for the head’s up.
Category: "Teh Stoopid", Air Force, America, Blue Falcons
Looks like the Air Force is trying to overtake the Navy in stupid commanders they need to fire.
I’m finding out quick how much the AF
Likes us and it’s a complete NO-GO
I have a friend who was trying to get a medical retirement from the Air Force a couple years ago. He spent over a year trying to get them to do what needed to be done so he could get that done. They put up every roadblock and every piece of tape they could find to prevent him from getting everything he deserved for line of duty issues. (Especially made worse because he was in the Army for part of his career)
While their priority used to be “people first, mission second!” it has changed drastically.
So, they don’t even like their own in uniform right now and it shows in their retention numbers.
“people first, mission second!”
Is that a joke? Do they realize just why they exist in the first place?
Uhhh – not aware that anything other than the mission ever came first. Not during my USAF experience anyway. But, I retired 15 years ago, give or take a few. Who knows what sort of insanity occurred after that.
After 9/11 happened, a lot of things began to change.
In 2012-2015, lots of retention issues and other morale problems began to increase substantially.
And having been in the Army and watching the Air Force mentality, from our perspective the Air Force always took care of their people way way better than the Army, until about a decade ago.
Never heard that. In the Marine Corps, the standard lie was “Mission first, men always.”
What in the everyloving phuque was this idiot thinking? Ohh…wait…there was NO thinking. This is wrong on so many levels. And the idea that certain languages may offend folks with Christian Values? Wouldn’t worry about that too much. The Original Christian showed His displeasure by breaking out a whip, turning over tables, and chasing the people that pissed Him off outside. Maybe that’s what needs to happen to the “Good Idea Fairy” that came up this plan.
Another Senior Officer heavily hit by the Good Idea Fairy!
Here at Selfridge ANGB, they have banned guests. We have few AD troops here as more than 99% are Guard or Reserve. That leaves us retirees as their customer base. If they were to shut us out like that, there would be hell to pay. As it is, i don’t understand how a commander has the kind of power to restrict access like that. We are allowed that access simply by virtue of our honorable service.
Same with Yokosuka. Only active duty, retirees, contractors, civilian employees, those with SOPA stamps, and dependents are allowed on base. No guests.
Why should guests be allowed in a Commissary?
They are not authorized to purchase items in the Commissary and DoD Recepients are not authorized to buy for them.
I hope Commissaries and PXs goes back to the practice of checking Military ID cards.
Asking For A Friend.
That I don’t know. I just know that the base as a whole is closed to guests.
Cameron:
My question was Rhectorical.
DECA put out the guidelines that only those authorized to shop at the Commissary, i.e. have Military or DoD ID cards are allowed to go inside the Commissary.
That was the Standard for a very long time.
IMHO, that standard should be brought back.
A “guest” should NOT be allowed to go inside and purchase items, especially items that stores are having a hard time keeping in stock, i.e. TP, meats, santizers, etc.
Those “guests” can buy their own stuff at a Civilian Grocery Store.
I can definitely say that guests are allowed in but they are not allowed to buy anything at the Yokosuka Commissary and they do check IDs now. Since I turned 23, my dependent ID expired so I can only go on base with my mom (I have been looking to get a contractor position). We both are hesitant to trust the Japanese stores and the commissary itself leaves a lot to be desired (one thing I do miss about home). Now my mom is not in the best shape health wise, so she likes to have me come help her. We might have to start using the Japanese stores.
Thank You, Cameron, for the feedback.
Am pretty sure that right now, if one does not have a Military ID card, one cannot physically go inside a Commissary.
That used to be standard practice. Don’t know why DECA changed the rules.
As mentioned before, Guests are not aurhorized to purchase and those with Military IDs are not allowed to buy for Non-DoD, but it now happens.
Was once stationed in Japan and have used their grocery stores when push came to shove considering the difference in price using commisssary versus the economy. Guess I got used to it, because the ninja family had a military duty tour on Oahu. Talk about sticker shock prices: they were high in BOTH the Commissaries on the Island AND the economy.
Good Luck on getting the Contractor position. Really hope you get that job, Cameron. You deserve it.
Thank You for taking care of your Mom! And who knows since Miracles do happen..Virginia may oneday go back to being an Elephant State, that is, if Northetn Virginia closes its doors to those durn Carpetbaggers.
😎😉
Thanks ninja and I think Virginia will be just fine if that rally is anything to go by. Heck, I think this virus may just be the catalyst we need to start shrinking the government (it won’t be easy, but I firmly believe it can be done and electing Trump was only step number one). And I haven’t given up on finding a contractor position. I’ll share some more pictures from my adventures here on the next weekend open thread.
We are looking forward to your pics, Cameron!
Have a great week!
They are checking them at Selfridge ANGB, Mi.
Interesting.
Cutrently not happening in our AO.
The ninja family are Retirees.
We had NO problem getting on an Air Base a couple of days ago to pick up our refill prescriptions from a Satellite Pharmacy.
The only change was that no one was allowed to go inside the pharmacy to pick up Medication. All of us had to wait in our cars in a line, while Pharmacy Techs wearing masks and gloves came to each car to get information on our refills.
Took less than 15 minutes to get our refilled medication, which is kinda ironic considering in the past, the ninja family sometimes had to wait OVER an hour inside the pharmacy to pick up refills.
Will make a PX and Commissary run tomorrow to see if the Retiree ROE is in effect at the Air Force Base we frequent.
We are running out of TP.
😉😎
Too many shoppers in one place could cause the
island to tip over. But just 80 is a bit silly.
Beans:
GOT your joke…about Guam tipping over!
🤣😂😁😅😆😉😎
Some Folks Are So Dumb:
“Hank Johnson Worries Guam Could Capsize After Marine Buildup”:
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/hank-johnson-worries-guam-could-capsize-after-marine-buildup/#
Good ol’ Hank, one of the stupidest corrupto-crats in Congress. If it weren’t for his autonomic nervous system, he would need an aide telling him when to inhale and exhale. I’ll bet only one characteristic got him elected to Congress; and it wasn’t charisma. He is living proof that people with lower than 85 I.Q.’s can make it in politics.
rgr769 commented:
“He is living proof that people with lower than 85 I.Q.’s can make it in politics.”
“If it weren’t for his autonomic nervous system, he would need an aide telling him when to inhale and exhale.”
Two things I have to say:
😂🤣😅😆😂🤣😅😆!!!
Ole Hank is ANOTHER Doofus!
😉😎
I read a similiar story to this where DECA/Commissaries made a decision to going back to checking ID cards before someone can enter a Commissary, i.e.no visitors. Sorry, but I said “Finally”. I resent folks shopping and purchasing stuff in the Commisssary when they never served or are not a direct family members (Spouse, Dependent Children). The ninja Family has personally witnessed folks bringing in their non-military friends and their families to the Commissary to shop only to be told at the Register “You are not allowed to purchase” after they failed to produce a DoD ID card. Now those Non-DoD folks cannot enter the Commissary. Halleluah. It’s about time. Here are the changes that DECA made: https://www.thenewsenterprise.com/news_alert/commissaries-modify-hours-rules-in-light-of-covid/article_dbae4338-16d2-5655-baf5-12e5af768a59.html “Defense Commissary Agency officials at Fort Lee, Virginia, announced operational changes and Fort Knox officials are taking additional measures, according to a military news report.” “All commissaries are conducting an ID card check at the door to ensure only authorized customers are able to enter. This includes disabled veterans with VHIC cards, the statement said. Designed to encourage social distancing and crowd control, no visitors will be allowed in the commissary, although children under age 10 can be admitted with an accompanying adult.” “Effective immediately, commissary cashiers no longer will handle patron ID cards to prevent the spread of germs. Instead, customers will be asked to scan their own ID or cashiers will use a handheld scanner, if available.” “All commissaries have suspended early bird shopping to allow more time for cleaning and restocking the store.” “Fort Knox also is reserving some weekday hours for particular shoppers. From 9 to 10 a.m., soldiers in uniform and accompanying spouses will be the only patrons permitted in the commissary. From 10 to 11 a.m., it will be limited to authorized patrons age 60 or older.” “In a move to address panic-buying, officials have instructed store directors worldwide to use their discretion in placing any shopping limits necessary to help maintain stock availability. The Fort Knox commissary is limiting purchases of small toilet paper packages to three per customer and one per customer for the… Read more »
I am now very confused on the Post, because this is what I read about the Commissary on Anderson Air Base:
21 March 2020:
https://www.pncguam.com/long-lines-at-andersen-air-force-base-commissary/
“There are long lines at the Andersen Air Force Base commissary as the facility prepares to open for all authorized patrons.”
“We are ready for Saturday and Sunday! The Commissary has been restocked and is ready for our retirees, Guard and Reserve, and their dependents,” a post from AAFB’s Facebook page stated.”
“Commissary hours for manåmko, those over 60 years old, are 10 a.m. to 12. All other patrons are welcome to shop from 12 noon to 7 p.m.”
“We highly recommend that all MEP use the commissary Tuesday through Friday unless absolutely critical. We are deeply thankful to all veterans who served our country with great honor, distinction, and selfless service and we are committed to serving our community,” AAFB stated.”
“We appreciate your patience as we work to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and preserve our mission capability. Remember to maintain social distancing, good hygiene practices, and be courteous to your fellow shoppers,” AAFB added.”
The Army has put a lot of time, talent, and treasure into building the Soldier For Life (SFL) brand which includes Retirees. The SFL program is widely marketed especially in Army Echoes, (The Official Newsletter For Retired Soldiers, Surviving Spouses & Families). So I’m hoping the Army doesn’t break faith and devalue my service like the AF has already done to its retirees.
What’s next, a Tricare For Life monthly premium? No Rx fills at any Military Treatment Facilities? The banning of Retirees from MWR facilities, programs, and services?
Come on Grey Panthers!! Let’s get mad as hell and tell ’em we’re not gonna take it any more!
CCR:
I think the post has been misinterpret.
Anderson Air Force Base IS NOT denying Retirees entry to shop there.
What I read in the above news article is that ONLY Folks over 60 can shop 1000am to 1200pm.
Fort Knox has 1000am to 1100am for those over 60.
This looks as if it serves two purposes: To PROTECT those over 60 from getting the Virus from younger folks and to also give over 60 folks their time to shop to obtain items they need to sustain themselves, i.e. not competeting with younger folks on getting necessary items.
I don’t think the “young” Base Commanders did this on putpose to make things “harder” for older folks. Most likely, they are following DECA and DoD guidelines.
What I read, there are or were long lines at the Navy Base in Guam as well. Guam has implemented guidelines the same as the US on staying at home.
I think those “long” lines were self created by those using the Commissary, i.e.panic buying, stocking up on necessities for 2 weeks.
If those older folks truly needed items, could they not use a local grocery store on the Island to purchase what they need? Is it worth saving some $$$ to buy items on a Military Installation versus a Civilian Grocery store?
IMHO, it is NOT worth the $$$$. Members of the ninja family are over 65 years old and if we see a line forming outside a Commissary, we will simply turn around and head to our Civilian Grocery store to buy our goods. Some of the stores even give Military Discounts if one asks for it.
BTW, CCR, ninja family members were using MTF while on Active Duty and Retiree Time.
As soon as the members of the ninja family turned 65, the MTF said “You can’t come back here. You need to go find a Civilian Doctor”.
It’s happening across DoD hospitals.
At least we can still use the Pharmacy. However, the ninja family discovered that based on Medicare and TRICARE FOR Life, prescriptions were inexpensive, e.g 29 cents for a 30 day supply of Blood Pressure medication.
You read it right. 29 cents. Cheaper than a stamp or gasoline per gallon.
My experience living in a community of thousands of retired GE workers has shown me first hand how the erosion of retirement security is insidious. ninja you and I had our retired pay based on the most generous formula of 2.5% per year of service because we entered before Sept. 8, 1980. Now four decades later DoD is on its fourth retirement plan including Redux and High Three, with the introduction of the Blended Retirement System (BRS). DoD wants its military retirement system to look more like the corporate world’s 401k.
Many GE pensioners have already seen their health care benefits eroded and so must shoulder a higher out of pocket expense for coverage. With the death of John McCain, I breather easier since he was the most vocal about introducing a monthly premium for Tricare For Life. I’m sure some other politician will look to do the same. In some ways military retirees are like the proverbial frog in a slowly heating pot of water not noticing we’re actually being boiled alive.
Semper Vigilans!
CCR:
Thank You for that feedback.
You NAILED it when you commented:
“In some ways military retirees are like a proverial frog in a slowly heating pot of water not noticing we’re actually being boiled alive.”
Yep. We were promised all kinds of things when we signed up.
And little by little, those promises are being broken.
Thank You again!
😉😎
Just was at Ft. McCoy, Wisconsin this past Tuesday.
Full ID check at the Main Gate, none at McCoy’s Restaurant (however, any beverages you purchased were served by the ladies behind the counter because the self-served beverage machines were closed because of the Corona) and the
Commissary & PX did 100% ID checks before you checked out.
They were out of almost all meats (except for hams), most fresh fruit and of course toilet paper/disinfectant.
As of 1 Jan 2020, I know that the Commissary changed their policy for who is eligible to shop there. These are the new additions:
All disabled veterans (Eligible Jan. 1, 2020)
Primary Veteran Caregivers (Eligible Jan. 1, 2020)
Purple Heart Recipients (Eligible Jan. 1, 2020)
Former Prisoners of War (Eligible Jan. 1, 2020)
Still haven’t figured out why the baggers work for tips in this day & age, though.
https://militarybenefits.info/commissary-benefits/
Frankly, M-F morning shopping for the retiree crowd makes more sense.
But hey, it’s Guam. I don’t know how many times civilians used to raid the NAVSTA commissary of meat, etc., only to find the exact same shit in the mom and pop stores in town. Lift their sticker and the commissary sticker was right underneath.
In fairness to Anderson Air Force Base and the Air Force: The Rest Of The Story: “Coronavirus Uptick On Guam Means Limited Shopping, Fitness, Movies For Those Serving There” https://www.stripes.com/news/pacific/coronavirus-uptick-on-guam-means-limited-shopping-fitness-movies-for-those-serving-there-1.622787 “Navy and Air Force bases on Guam have imposed a series of restrictions on base activities, from shopping and restaurants to fitness and teen centers, meant to stem the spread of coronavirus during a public health emergency there.” “On Tuesday, the Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services reported two new cases of coronavirus for a total of five. One of the new cases has a family connection to a prior case. The second new case had recently traveled to the Philippines, according to a statement from the U.S. territory’s Joint Information Center.” “Base access in general is limited during the week to “mission essential” personnel only, including active-duty service members, Defense Department civilian employees, contractors and employees of the base exchanges and commissaries. Others may come through the gates on Saturday and Sunday, according to Facebook posts on official base pages.” “Naval Base Guam on Tuesday imposed a limit at the Orote Commissary of no more than 50 customers at one time. Weekday access is limited to active-duty service members, Defense Department civilians with commissary privileges and their families, according to a Facebook post. Others, including retirees, may shop on Saturday and Sunday.” “All patrons are asked to remain calm and respectful while shopping and follow the policies that have been put in place,” said a statement on the post.” “Common prescriptions ordered by commanders to prevent the virus’ spread include maintaining “social distance,” or a minimum six feet between individuals at all times, and limiting gatherings to fewer than 50 people or conducting them via virtual methods whenever possible.” “Many businesses, programs and activities on Naval Base Guam are suspended or scaled down. Restaurants may provide take-out service only; the exchange barber shop is open, but patrons must queue outside. The base pool is open, but locker service is suspended.” “The base fitness center, teen center, theater, sporting events and tickets and travel office are closed, according… Read more »
MORE In fairness to the Air Force and the Navy and Anderson Air Force Base:
MORE of The Rest Of The Story:
21 March 2020.
“Guam Delegate Calls For Parity at AAFB, NBG; Long Lines On Saturday Morning To Access Military Facilities”
https://www.postguam.com/news/local/guam-delegate-calls-for-parity-at-aafb-nbg-long-lines/article_44ce1bc6-6b18-11ea-adff-87f6dfe42c6d.html
“On Saturday morning, the lines to enter Andersen Air Force Base and Naval Base Guam commissaries were long.”
“Videos and photos circulating on social media shows long lines of vehicles waiting to park, and people standing in lines to get into facilities.”
“For hundreds of veterans, retirees, Guardsmen and reservists living on Guam this is the first day they’ve had access to military installations to shop for food, check mail at the post office, and other necessities.”
“The restriction, according to military officials, said the decision to limit veterans’ and most guardsmen and reservists’ base privileges in the interim – is meant to contain the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19.”
“Navy Rear Adm. John Menoni, commander of the military’s leadership on Guam, released a letter to the public Friday following public criticism of the restrictions to only on Saturdays and Sundays while the island is under a public health emergency. Exempted from the limitation are guardsmen and reservists on active-duty status.”
“The base stores are also instituting a general limit on certain items.”
Last thoughts:
Sooo…Older folks are complaining about standing in a long line in humidity or waiting in line to get inside.
As shared and as the article stated, those restrictions were put in place TO PROTECT older folks from being exposed to the Virus.
Remember when some folks were complaining when President Trump started closing our Borders?
They are singing a different tune now.
The same with some Governors putting restrictions on their States.
What if Guam Commissaries DID NOT have a restriction?
What if those Older Folks came down with that Virus?
Would those same Folks or Family Members then complain that no one cared about their health or well-being?
See where I am going with this? It’s darn if you do, darn if you don’t.
Those long lines were self inflicting. It’s called Panic Buying Without Thinking.
Which leads me back to this: Why (other than the pychological aspect of hoarding, i.e. the fear of the unknown) are some folks STILL hoarding TP?
(Rhectorical Question)
“Wow! Out of TP still? The next time I see it I should grab a couple extra because who knows when I will see it again.”
Signal feedback induced shortage.
Same thing happened with ammo and primers a while back. Folks who normally would buy a box or two started grabbing a case “just to be sure”. The empty shelf signaled others to do likewise.
Dem-panic, not panic-demic.
ChiCom Covid Boogeyman riding the mottled-green horse of the non-pocalypse.
Dang…
Damn-panic not Pan-demic.
You can call it “dem-panic”. But at this point it’s gone bipartisan.
Many grocery stores in the Atlanta area are designating specific hours that are exclusive to only the elderly and others who are more susceptible to the virus. Those same groups are welcome anytime, but have their own designated hours to give them a little more cover from the masses.
They are doing that also in Las Vegas Nv
Smiths was the one that started it now everyone is doing it
A number of Grocery Chains are doing that and I say Kudos to them for doing so.
How long before some opportunistic wag says “discrimination! Lawsuit!”
Do any of you remember what the mission of those military installations, and the military in general, is? Hint; THE MILITARY IS NOT A SENIOR CITIZEN RETIREMENT CENTER.
The bases on Guam are closed Mon-Fri to all but mission essential personnel. Retirees are not mission essential. Perhaps that measure was taken to hinder the spread of the corona virus among mission essential personnel.
“people first, mission second!” was the phrase used by another commenter. WRONG! Seems to me in the last decade or two the military service is becoming more like the civil service; whine about being overworked and underpaid and all the sacrifices they make and more concerned with benefits than the job.
I would be on board with that if the SMs and spouses stayed on base to lessen the risk
But that doesn’t happen here because Holloman is a shithole per most of the airmen
There they spend more time in las cruces and El Paso then most do in Alamogordo
That used to be:
Mission First, and Men Always.
Mission was first, and rightly so.
At some point, it comes down to Mission First.
I have been retired for 5 years now and I’m OK with set hours for retirees.
What I’m not OK with is the attitude that those benefits we EARNED are somehow not to be honored today or in the future.
We took less pay than our friends in civilian life in order to have such benefits now. To see it any other way is lame and out of touch.
Also, if retirees who have earned these benefits are to be considered to be not “mission critical” then I want to know why family members are not treated the same. We won’t get into the thousands of contractors, government civilians, and others who could manifestly do their jobs off base.
We can never allow the discussion be an “us or them” concept because we know that if the politicos and their butt wipers in the Pentagram can treat retirees like lepers, they will then treat the service members like shit as well.
We have seen it before. Solidarity must be the way forward or everyone will lose all earned benefits.
Squawk, squawk, squawk!!
I used the Commissary at Bolling AFB once, just to find out what the big deal was. The prices on everything, including food, were higher than they were at local stores, by a LONG shot. The only difference was that shoppers didn’t pay tax on any of that stuff. It was not worth the effort and time it took to find anything worth buying.
Same thing here: there’s a NPX/Commissary nearby and the prices are idiotically higher than they should be because shoppers there don’t pay any tax on what they buy. Aldi has better prices, as does Walmart, and the tax doesn’t add much to the bottom line.
IN ADDITION, the fresh fruit/veg sections are better stocked and don’t look wilted or moldy.
I’ll stick with the real world, while the rest of you are bitching and moaning about this. You might want to try patronizing locals, even on Guam. I’m sure they could use the cash.
Ex: To compensate on paying taxes, we pay a Surcharge.
The majority of us also tip the baggers.
Remember a lot of states don’t charge sales tax. Here in southern New Mexico the commissary is definitely cheaper then any of the other choices we have
it depends where you live. Places like here in DC and I would think islands like Guam, HI, Kwaj, etc local groceries are likely far higher.
Also, while the prices at the Commissary are not always lower on ever item, meat and canned goods always are and its on a higher quality item at the same price.
We find that prices on dry goods and household products are usually better at places like wally world or SAMS and no one beats Aldi on things like boxed goods.
I’m not sure how that works out on the islands, but I”m sure local prices are high just by the fact that literally everything comes in on ships.
Like I said, here in NOVA, we are saving about 15% on groceries by using all options.
But that isn’t even the point of this issue. The point is that a retiree has EARNED certain benefits and if we allow it, the pentagram will take them from us.
That may not make a difference to a retired O6, but to a retired E6 it is huge, especially for those who retired in the 80’s or 90’s (or before) who worked for far less pay than the current generation.
Once the DC crowd sniffs that veterans will be OK with losing benefits, we will be back to the situation where they are looking to cut all benefits, including those to the active force like they did in 90’s.
In fact, TRICARE is the direct result of an attempt to get rid of all retiree and dependent health care. The result was that clinics and hospitals were closed and even AD had to go find their own doctors and dentists off post.
This is a solidarity issue. When one loses we will all lose.
When I was stationed in Los Angeles, at first I shopped at the local chain grocery store. 400 bucks to fill up a cart with food.
I went to the LA AFB commissary while I was there for medical and dental. That same cart of food? 120 dollars.
In some places, sure, the commissary / PX have worse deals. In other places, it is definitely a necessity.
It might not be needed at some locations, but in plenty of others it definitely is. Same as many other onpost services.
MSG Eric:
Out of curiousity, if you lived off Base while at LA, did you not receive Big $$$ for COLA for compensation purposes while stationed there?
My evil stepmother used to drag me to the commissary to help carry groceries. I hated it. It seems that long lines and crowds predate the current emergency. The only difference seems to be the lines were inside the commissary then.
Ret_25X I concur 100%. In my area of northwest Tennessee a $200 shopping trip at the commissary easily equals $300-$400 at Kroger or Wal-Mart.
I remember well the time period you referenced with closed clinics. One of the things that always chapped my ass was being active duty and involuntarily having money deducted from my pay for the Delta Dental Plan yet I was seen at an on post Dental clinic by a green suiter.
The links above are active and catching fire talk about a bunch of pissed off people
As one lady says if this is about COVID 19
Then why do you have no restrictions on your airmen and on civilians working on base
The AF is definitely picking up a black eye on this one
Skippy,
I listened to COL Campus on the Facebook as well as read the policy.
Sounds as if Holloman is temporary restricted to those who are mission essential.
He is doing this for a reasonable purpose. The restrictions are only TEMPORARY. It is to protect Retirees from getting or SPREADING the Coronovirus.
He is basically doing what Governors of some States are doing with restrictions,i.e. staying at home, businesses shut down, etc.
He is the Base Commander. He has responsibilities. What would you think would happen if a Retiree caught the Virus or spread it to Airmen or those who work on Holliman?
What would YOU do if you were in his shoes?
Again, the restrictions are TEMPORARY. When I read this post, I was led to believe something else, which changed after reading The Rest of The Story.
Retirees are being limited access to Holliman for a very good reason. I applaud the decision Colonel Campos made. His job is to take care of EVERYONE and the mission of Holliman. What if alot of mission essential folks came down with the virus? Could the Air Base be functional? What if alot of retirees who live off base came down with the virus and it turned out the virus came from someone working on base? And those retirees spread it to others?
Is it all worth it just to save some money shopping at the Commissary?
IMHO, the answer is NO. Ones’ Health and their Families Health are Way More Important than $$$$.
Evidentually, as with all crisis, this too shall pass. We should always look at a glass being Half-Full and not Half-Empty. Most likely, you and your Family live near local civilian grocery stores where you can buy what you need until our Country can control the virus. We should be thankful we live in a Country where we still Have items that sustain our lives and that we are not under a Dictorship or Socialist Rule.
Hang in there, Skippy.
This Too Shall Pass.
I’m seeing the error in my thinking
The way the information was put out
Hit me the wrong way I guess
But in the end it’s all good
Force readiness is definitely
Priority one
Who said this at Luke? I work there and there were no such restrictions on retirees, and yes I also am a retiree.
The information I received on Luke
Was from a Airmen the policy
Was not implemented as of yet
The after a call this morning
From someone from the AF
I’m supporting them on this
Information makes the mind fatter
Little Rock AFB has one case of COVID-19 in an airman who had “traveled”. Seem to be taking reasonable precautions so far but have to monitor their Facebook page. When last shopped two weeks ago, the Commissary was a madhouse. We stocked up on our medications with the assistance of the pharmacy commander who waived the refill restrictions in anticipation of having to hunker down. Rather than make the drive for nothing, the blond shopped Wal-Mart here in town with no problem. Having served in Hawaii for many years, I understand why retirees there and on Guam need the commissary over the local economy. There is no reason they cannot run night shifts for retirees if there is an exposure concern.
Here in South Carolina the bases have gone to “must work or live on base” to enter (Fort Jackson and Shaw AFB). The satellite pharmacies closed and most of the services have shut down or limited entrance (numbers at a time). The Commissary told us to avoid Friday to allow retirees to stock up. I am hoping since I work on base (contractor) I can still pop in for the spoilable necessities (milk, veggies, maybe meat and eggs) since COSTCO and Walmart seem to be out.
Fort Jackson seems to be cranking out the Basic Trainees, but they aren’t going far since no one is PCSing. The Air Force has gone to Relaxed Grooming standards for hair since the Barber Shops were closed, and people have been Ordered to avoid contact and crowds (yes Art 15 for spreading the virus in effect).
. “The Air Force has gone to Relaxed Grooming standards for hair since the Barber Shops were closed,”
My God! I hope all the senior NCOs are on suicide watch and getting the therapy they need. It must be very traumatic for them being non-mission-essential personnel now that their mission has been canceled.
I was going through the gate at an Air Force base sometime ago when I noticed the Wing Commander was doing gate guard with the SF troops. The Colonel checked my ID and noticed it said “Retired”, so he thanked me for my service. The next time it happens, I’m tempted to say, “Keep your thanks until you care, active duty is not forever.”
I had a good meeting with a senior enlisted
And a officer on this issue
And my stance is changed
On this
The info was not put out properly
In this area and accommodations
Are definitely being made to make sure
If in need access is given the hospital
Is still open to all it’s the issue of hoarding
That’s out of control and spread because
Of vectors families of active duty
Are living off base are advised to shelter in place or go play in the woods or desert
Away from people
I’m supporting this now
Typical AF response to crisis involving people. It’s not their strong suit.
This has morphed into a b**ch session if you ask me.
The main point as I see it is our retired benefits being taken away. No mater how small it should not be done. Especially by some post commander who thinks he has more authority then he really does.