VETERANS--ACCESS TO EXCHANGES

[Fox Mike]

I have found that there isn't too much savings on clothing, but electronics, tools, and such are a saving. Here in Maryland I save by not having to pay sales tax.

 

[SR1911SHOOTER]

I have found that Navy Exchanges, PXs and Air Force PXs offer high dollar items, at
high prices. I found that in when I was in the Navy, that I could buy the same item
in Kmart and Walmart for a bunch less money .
Blackie

 

[Bud0505]

Signed up recently but not sure if I’ll use it. Has anyone found the website to sign up for the veterans ID card? All I can find is the VA medical card for which you have to enroll in the medical program. I just want the card that proves I’m a veteran.

 

[powder smoke]

Wow nice to know haven't been in one since 1973. Next time I'm in Bangor I'm
signing up Thank You ps

 

[Jeepnik]

Too bad it doesn't allow use of brick and mortar stores. I frequent a number of military bases.

 

[Ray Newman]

I am USMC retired -- 3/1/'68 -- and first read about this several months ago in military.com. It is for on-line shopping only. From the link provided above by the OP: ( https://www.shopmyexchange.com/veterans )

"Who is eligible for this benefit?
"Honorably discharged Veterans of all United States Armed Forces....

"What is the benefit?
"Approved Veterans can shop the online exchanges, including ShopMyExchange.com! Shopping with the Exchange online gives you access to exclusive military pricing and offers, tax-free shopping and more. This is a lifelong benefit that will be extended to all who discharge honorably from service.

***

"Where can I use this benefit?
"Online with any of the military exchanges. This benefit does not grant installation access."

***

"Why doesn't this benefit extend to physical Exchange stores?
"The Department of Defense's policy change to extend a lifetime online shopping benefit to Veterans is specific to online shopping only and does not include access to brick-and-mortar exchanges. Visiting brick-and-mortar stores, many of which are on limited-access posts and bases, involves logistics and policy issues to include credentialing, access, etc. that could strain resources at already busy locations. Offering Veterans an online exchange benefit is a low-risk, low-cost opportunity to recognize their service without increasing costs to the DoD or overburdening the current infrastructure."

(Italics added RCN)

 

[Bud0505]

Signed up recently but not sure if I’ll use it. Has anyone found the website to sign up for the veterans ID card? All I can find is the VA medical card for which you have to enroll in the medical program. I just want the card that proves I’m a veteran.

I believe the only way you can get a VA ID is if you're registered in the medical system. I asked several vets in a LGS, some on active duty, and that was the consensus response.

The Veterans Identification Card Act was signed into law in 2015. The VA has finally figured out how to issue the cards and will soon be releasing that information:

https://themilitarywallet.com/veterans-id-card/

Apparently they have not yet hung a link on their website for applications although November is rapidly coming to an end.

 

[SR1911SHOOTER]

Signed up recently but not sure if I’ll use it. Has anyone found the website to sign up for the veterans ID card? All I can find is the VA medical card for which you have to enroll in the medical program. I just want the card that proves I’m a veteran.

Bud,
You can get the VA ID card, but you do not have to use the VA Medical Program. Although
I have never had a problem with it. I am still alive at 83!
Blackie

 

[Bud0505]

Signed up recently but not sure if I’ll use it. Has anyone found the website to sign up for the veterans ID card? All I can find is the VA medical card for which you have to enroll in the medical program. I just want the card that proves I’m a veteran.

Bud,
You can get the VA ID card, but you do not have to use the VA Medical Program. Although
I have never had a problem with it. I am still alive at 83!
Blackie

Thanks Blackie. The closest VA to me is 30some miles. If I thought I could just walk in with my DD-214 and get a card that might be an option. However I have my doubts about it being that easy. I’ll wait until such time the VA provides a webbased application. I’ve gotten by 41 years without one so I guess another few months won’t matter.

 

[Tom W]

One can, or could, shop at the PX at Ft. Benning if retired. Prices are not any lower than anywhere else, but the lack of sales tax is nice.

 

[SR1911SHOOTER]

Signed up recently but not sure if I’ll use it. Has anyone found the website to sign up for the veterans ID card? All I can find is the VA medical card for which you have to enroll in the medical program. I just want the card that proves I’m a veteran.

Bud,
You can get the VA ID card, but you do not have to use the VA Medical Program. Although
I have never had a problem with it. I am still alive at 83!
Blackie

Thanks Blackie. The closest VA to me is 30some miles. If I thought I could just walk in with my DD-214 and get a card that might be an option. However I have my doubts about it being that easy. I’ll wait until such time the VA provides a webbased application. I’ve gotten by 41 years without one so I guess another few months won’t matter.

Bud,
Check this out.
Blackie

http://www.military.com/daily-news/2017/10/16/vets-must-apply-online-new-va-id-card.html