Military Life Administrator MilitaryShoppers Page 17

DeCA hits 24 years of commissary benefits

09/24/2015 By Military Life Administrator

NEWS RELEASE
Defense Commissary Agency
Corporate Communications
1300 E Avenue, Fort Lee, VA 23801-1800
Tel: (804) 734-8000, Ext. 8-6105 DSN: 687-8000, Ext. 8-6105
FAX: (804) 734-8248 DSN: 687-8248
www.commissaries.com

Release Number: 56-15
Date: September 24, 2015
Contact: Kevin L. Robinson, public affairs specialist
Tel.: (804) 734-8000, Ext. 4-8773
E-mail: kevin.robinson@deca.mil

DeCA hits 24th year of delivering commissary benefit

By Dr. Peter Skirbunt,

DeCA historian

Note: To access photos related to this news release, go to https://www.flickr.com/photos/commissary/albums/72157656718507943.

FORT LEE, Va. – Twenty-four years ago on Oct. 1, the Defense Commissary Agency officially opened its doors for business around the world. Today, its employees are preparing to observe this anniversary the way they do every year: working hard to bring the commissary benefit to their customers with great savings on name-brand products at 240 stores in 13 countries.

And that’s a fine way to mark this anniversary, said Air Force Command Chief Master Sgt. Stuart M. Allison, senior enlisted advisor to the DeCA director. “Because what really matters are our customers, America’s military community — the people who bear the brunt of this nation’s defense today, and the people who performed that duty in the past, and those in their immediate families.”

In the last 24 years, the people of DeCA have improved the commissary benefit in multiple ways, Allison said. “You see it in the quality of the facilities we run, the stock assortments our stores carry, and the savings we provide our customers.”

While Oct. 1 marks DeCA’s 24th anniversary, the commissary benefit itself is almost 150 years old. In 1866, Congress authorized the Army to sell food items, at cost, to officers and enlisted men starting July 1, 1867. These sales were authorized at every Army post with a subsistence warehouse. Sales areas were simply a table or counter in the warehouse, and the official stock list was only 82 items – but this was the start of the modern commissary benefit.

Since the early years of the 20th century, commissaries have been similar to civilian grocery stores and supermarkets in terms of both layout and the number of items offered for sale. In the last 24 years, store facilities have been further upgraded, more people have become eligible to enjoy the benefit, and customer savings have increased.

In 1991, commissaries provided average customer savings of 20 percent when compared with local grocery chains. Today, average savings are more than 30 percent.

Thanks to customer surcharge dollars, which fund new stores or renovate existing ones, the agency strives to provide military families with a shopping experience comparable to civilian sector stores.

While the Congress-mandated surcharge has remained at 5 percent since 1983, the number of items stocked by commissaries has increased, from about 13,000 in the largest stores in 1991 to the 22,500 items available in DeCA’s larger commissaries in 2015. National Guard and Reserve personnel, always key components of the military, were granted full-time commissary benefits in 2004.

Through the years, conveniences such as self-checkouts, sushi bars, hot foods, deli-bakeries, credit and debit card acceptance, gift certificates and much more have been added to modern commissaries.

When natural disasters strike military installations, as happened 10 years ago when Hurricane Katrina hit Gulf Coast installations hard, commissaries provide crucial aid to military and civilian families in need of food and supplies. Even when commissaries were severely damaged, temporary stores brought some sense of normality to affected customers.

Commissaries provide a substantial savings, particularly in high-cost-of-living areas of the country, and overseas they bring a morale-building “taste of home” by providing familiar American food products.

“When our troops go downrange, the families left behind depend upon their local community services, including the commissaries, to see them through tough, lonely times,” Allison said. “I know firsthand because the commissary’s been there for my family when I’ve had to deploy.

“With 24 years of experience as a Defense agency, commissaries continue delivering this highly valued military benefit to our men and women in uniform and their families,” he added.

So, as the agency observes its 24th birthday, Allison said he’s celebrating with a movie from the exchange, and some drinks, popcorn and other snacks from his commissary.

“I appreciate my commissary benefit and the folks who have run it for nearly a quarter of a century,” he said. “And I salute them all for carrying on that tradition of service.”

-DeCA-

About DeCA: The Defense Commissary Agency operates a worldwide chain of commissaries providing groceries to military personnel, retirees and their families in a safe and secure shopping environment. Commissaries provide a military benefit and make no profit on the sale of merchandise. Authorized patrons purchase items at cost plus a 5-percent surcharge, which covers the costs of building new commissaries and modernizing existing ones. By shopping regularly in the commissary, patrons save an average of 30 percent or more on their purchases compared to commercial prices – savings amounting to thousands of dollars annually. A core military family support element, and a valued part of military pay and benefits, commissaries contribute to family readiness, enhance the quality of life for America’s military and their families, and help recruit and retain the best and brightest men and women to serve their country.

Stay Connected to Your Commissary Benefit

COMMISSARIES.COM: Visit www.commissaries.com to learn more about the Defense Commissary Agency: check out the latest news, find a store near you, see what’s on sale, create a shopping list, learn of food and product recalls, scan employment opportunities, read frequently asked questions, submit a customer comment form online through DeCA’s Your Action Line and more.

COMMISSARY CONNECTION: Stay connected with the latest news about your most valued benefit, Hot Links to additional savings, shopping sprees, contests, commissary promotions, events and more, go to www.commissaries.com/subscribe.cfm and subscribe to the Commissary Connection newsletter.

FACEBOOK: Visit www.facebook.com/YourCommissary, DeCA’s Facebook page, where you can post comments and share news, photos and videos.

YOUTUBE: To see DeCA’s latest videos, visit www.youtube.com/DefenseCommissary.

TWITTER: To see DeCA’s latest “tweets,” visit www.twitter.com/YourCommissary.

PINTEREST: To see DeCA’s theme-based image collections, visit http://www.pinterest.com/YourCommissary.

FLICKR: To see DeCA’s latest photographs, visit http://www.flickr.com/photos/commissary/.

September is Preparedness Month

08/27/2015 By Military Life Administrator

NEWS RELEASE
Defense Commissary Agency
Corporate Communications
1300 E Avenue, Fort Lee, VA 23801-1800
Tel: (804) 734-8000, Ext. 8-6105 DSN: 687-8000, Ext. 8-6105
FAX: (804) 734-8248 DSN: 687-8248
www.commissaries.com

Release Number:         52-15
Date:                              August 27, 2015
Contact:                         Kevin L. Robinson, public affairs specialist
Tel.:                               (804) 734-8000, Ext. 4-8773
E-mail:                          kevin.robinson@deca.mil

September is Preparedness Month

Commissary patrons can save on their emergency supplies

By Kevin L. Robinson,

DeCA public affairs specialist

Note: For a graphic related to this news release, go to https://www.flickr.com/photos/commissary/sets/72157655499189273.

FORT LEE, Va. – Ten years ago on Aug. 25, Hurricane Katrina began its historic path of destruction through the Gulf Coast, making landfall near Miami. When its rampage through southeast Louisiana, coastal Mississippi, Florida, Alabama and Georgia was done, Katrina would become one of the five deadliest hurricanes and the costliest natural disaster in U.S. history, causing nearly 2,000 deaths, displacing a million people and wreaking $108 billion in damages.

National Preparedness Month in September is reinforcing one of the most significant lessons learned from Katrina: Make an emergency plan for any crisis – natural or manmade.

As bad weather tends to be the source of the most recurrent and probable emergencies, the Defense Commissary Agency is keen on informing its patrons to prepare their survival kits by taking advantage of their benefit.

“The 10^th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina underscores the importance of being prepared for any crisis, especially the sudden disruption of electric power and water or the possibility of an evacuation,” said Tracie Russ, DeCA’s director of sales. “An emergency can happen anytime, anywhere, and together with our industry partners, we are offering savings on many of the items our patrons need to be prepared.”

Since April 1, DeCA’s severe weather preparedness promotional package is offering various items at reduced prices until Oct. 31. This package includes the following items: beef jerky and other assorted meat snacks, soup and chili mixes, canned goods, powdered milk, cereals, batteries, airtight bags, weather-ready flashlights, tape (all-weather, heavy-duty shipping and duct), first-aid kits, lighters, matches, lanterns, candles, hand sanitizer and anti-bacterial wipes. Specific promotional items may vary from store to store.

This preparedness emphasis parallels the peak activity for hurricanes in the United States. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30, covering the North Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico.

Emergency preparedness officials suggest having a disaster supply kit that includes the following items:

Water – at least one gallon daily, per person (three-day supply for evacuation, two-week supply for home)
Nonperishable foods – canned meats, fruits, vegetables, dried fruits, nuts, raisins, cereal, crackers, cookies, energy bars, granola, peanut butter, and foods for infants and the elderly (three-day supply for evacuation, two-week supply for home)
Paper goods – writing paper, paper plates, paper towels and toilet paper
Cooking items – pots, pans, baking sheets, cooking utensils, charcoal, a grill and a manual can opener
First-aid kit – including bandages, medicines and prescription medications
Cleaning materials – bleach, sanitizing spray, and hand and laundry soap
Specialty foods – diet and low-calorie foods and drinks
Toiletries – personal hygiene items and moisture wipes
Pet care items – food, water, muzzle, leash, carrier, medications, medical records, and identification and immunization tags
Lighting accessories – flashlight, batteries, candles and matches
Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
Duct tape, scissors
Multipurpose tool
Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates and insurance policies)
Cell phone with chargers
Family and emergency contact information
Extra cash
Emergency blanket
Maps of the area
Blankets or sleeping bags

For more information about National Preparedness Month, go to http://www.ready.gov/September and http://www.ready.gov/considerations/military-family-preparedness.

For more information on preparing for emergencies, go to the following websites:

the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/prepare/ready.php; the Centers for Disease Control, http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes/supplies.asp; the Red Cross, http://www.redcross.org/prepare/disaster; and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, http://www.ready.gov/hurricanes.

-DeCA-

Stay Connected to Your Commissary Benefit

FACEBOOK: Visit www.facebook.com/YourCommissary, DeCA’s Facebook page, where you can post comments and share news, photos and videos.

YOUTUBE: To see DeCA’s latest videos, visit www.youtube.com/DefenseCommissary.

TWITTER: To see DeCA’s latest “tweets,” visit www.twitter.com/YourCommissary.

PINTEREST: To see DeCA’s theme-based image collections, visit http://www.pinterest.com/YourCommissary.

FLICKR: To see DeCA’s latest photographs, visit http://www.flickr.com/photos/commissary/.

DeCA Announces its Best Commissary Winners

08/25/2015 By Military Life Administrator

Release Number: 50-15
Date: August 20, 2015
Contact: Kevin L. Robinson, public affairs specialist
Tel.: (804) 734-8000, Ext. 4-8773
E-mail: kevin.robinson@deca.mil

DeCA announces its Best Commissary winners
By DeCA Corporate Communications

Note: For photos related to this news release, please go to

FORT LEE, Va. – The Defense Commissary Agency announced the selection of its best stateside and overseas stores for 2014.
DeCA’s selections for the Best Commissary awards acknowledge the agency’s leading stores based on exceptional service and dedication in delivering the commissary benefit. The awards recognize the best of the best in commissary operations, said DeCA Director and CEO Joseph H. Jeu.
“Our commissaries worldwide deliver the commissary benefit every day, and these awards highlight the best examples of supporting our service members and their families,” Jeu said. “It’s important to note that a Best Commissary award speaks to superior teamwork – a collaboration of excellence involving our employees, industry members (vendors, suppliers, and brokers) and military stakeholders.”
To win, a store has to exceed DeCA’s normal criteria for customer service, accountability, safety, operations and sales.
The awards are named in honor of American statesmen who championed quality-of-life issues for the military community.
Winning commissaries by category are:
• Bill Nichols Award for the Best Large Commissary in the United States
o First Place: Moody Air Force Base, Georgia
o Second Place: Fort Huachuca, Arizona
• Richard M. Paget Award for the Best Small Commissary in the United States
o First Place: Fort Hunter Liggett, California
o Second Place: Saratoga Springs, New York
• Dan Daniel Award for the Best Large Commissary Overseas
o First Place: Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany
o Second Place: U.S. Army Garrison Vicenza, Italy
• L. Mendel Rivers Award for the Best Small Commissary Overseas
o First Place: Izmir Air Station, Turkey
o Second Place: U.S. Army Garrison Camp Humphreys, South Korea
• Director’s Award for the Best Superstore
o First Place: McGuire Commissary at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey.
o Second Place: Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina
-DeCA-

About DeCA: The Defense Commissary Agency operates a worldwide chain of commissaries providing groceries to military personnel, retirees and their families in a safe and secure shopping environment. Commissaries provide a military benefit and make no profit on the sale of merchandise. Authorized patrons purchase items at cost plus a 5-percent surcharge, which covers the costs of building new commissaries and modernizing existing ones. By shopping regularly in the commissary, patrons save an average of 30 percent or more on their purchases compared to commercial prices – savings amounting to thousands of dollars annually. A core military family support element, and a valued part of military pay and benefits, commissaries contribute to family readiness, enhance the quality of life for America’s military and their families, and help recruit and retain the best and brightest men and women to serve their country.

Stay Connected to Your Commissary Benefit
COMMISSARIES.COM: Visit www.commissaries.com to learn more about the Defense Commissary Agency: check out the latest news, find a store near you, see what’s on sale, create a shopping list, learn of food and product recalls, scan employment opportunities, read frequently asked questions, submit a customer comment form online through DeCA’s Your Action Line and more.

FACEBOOK: Visit www.facebook.com/YourCommissary, DeCA’s Facebook page, where you can post comments and share news, photos and videos.

YOUTUBE: To see DeCA’s latest videos, visit www.youtube.com/DefenseCommissary.

TWITTER: To see DeCA’s latest “tweets,” visit www.twitter.com/YourCommissary.

PINTEREST: To see DeCA’s theme-based image collections, visit http://www.pinterest.com/YourCommissary.

FLICKR: To see DeCA’s latest photographs, visit http://www.flickr.com/photos/commissary/.

Commissary Offers Cool Savings This Fall

08/20/2015 By Military Life Administrator

NEWS RELEASE
Defense Commissary Agency

Corporate Communications

1300 E Avenue, Fort Lee, VA 23801-1800
Tel: (804) 734-8000, Ext. 8-6105 DSN: 687-8000, Ext. 8-6105
FAX: (804) 734-8248 DSN: 687-8248
www.commissaries.com

Release Number: 49-15
Date: August 20, 2015
Contact: Kevin L. Robinson, public affairs specialist
Tel.: (804) 734-8000, Ext. 4-8773
E-mail: kevin.robinson@deca.mil

Your commissary offers cool savings this fall

By Sallie Cauthers

DeCA marketing and mass media specialist

Note: For a photo related to this news release, please go to https://www.flickr.com/photos/commissary/sets/72157657490324951.

FORT LEE, Va. – As summer fades, commissary shoppers will see plenty of cool sales events throughout their store offering Labor Day promotions, Oktoberfest celebrations, case lot sales, and lots of in-store coupon flyers and instant coupons full of high value savings, said the Defense Commissary Agency’s director of sales.

“As we head toward the cooler days of autumn, we want commissary customers to know we’re offering plenty of promotions to help them save money and maximize their benefit,” said Tracie Russ, DeCA director of sales.

DeCA’s industry partners – vendors, suppliers and brokers – are collaborating with commissaries to offer discounts beyond everyday savings. Overseas stores may have substitute events for certain promotional programs. Customers are asked to check their local commissary for details on dates and times for the following promotions:

Now and continuing through September, stateside commissaries are offering Customer Appreciation Case Lot Sales. Each store hosts individual two- or three-day case lot sales on one weekend between mid-August and the end of September. Commissaries in Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico are also participating.

These sales provide commissary shoppers super deals — up to 50 percent savings on some items — on bulk buys of cereals, breakfast bars, chips, beverages and paper goods. During these “parking lot” sales, commissaries also offer sale pricing on some seasonal fresh produce on sale and provide high-value coupons for products inside the store. Look online, http://www.commissaries.com/stores/html/store.cfm?dodaac=N&page=case_lot_dates, for the schedule of your local Customer Appreciation Case Lot Sale.

From late September until early October, commissary shoppers who cannot attend Oktoberfest in Germany can still find in-store products for their own celebrations. Commissaries have a full line of German products from chocolates, cookies, sauerkraut, mustard and red cabbage, to rich German coffee and more.

Unilever is offering their annual “Italian & American Festival of Savings” from Sept. 24 to Oct. 7. This year’s promotion features Unilever brands such as Hellman’s, Lipton, Knorr and Breyers, as well as personal care brands such as Dove, St. Ives, Vaseline, Q-Tips and Tresemme. More than 125,000 high-value in-store coupon flyers will be distributed worldwide. A donation of up to $20,000 on behalf of commissaries will be made to the Fisher House based on the total commissary sales for this savings event.

“Don’t miss these fall savings,” Russ said. “It’s worth the trip to your local commissary.”

-DeCA-

Stay Connected to Your Commissary Benefit

FACEBOOK: Visit www.facebook.com/YourCommissary, DeCA’s Facebook page, where you can post comments and share news, photos and videos.

YOUTUBE: To see DeCA’s latest videos, visit www.youtube.com/DefenseCommissary.

TWITTER: To see DeCA’s latest “tweets,” visit www.twitter.com/YourCommissary.

PINTEREST: To see DeCA’s theme-based image collections, visit http://www.pinterest.com/YourCommissary.

FLICKR: To see DeCA’s latest photographs, visit http://www.flickr.com/photos/commissary/.

Commissary Case Lot Sale News Release

08/13/2015 By Military Life Administrator

deCA

Release Number: 48-15
Date: August 13, 2015
Contact: Kevin L. Robinson, public affairs specialist
Tel.: (804) 734-8000, Ext. 4-8773
E-mail: kevin.robinson@deca.mil

Commissary case lot sales offer maximum savings

By Mike Perron,

DeCA public affairs specialist

Note: For photos related to this news release, please go to https://www.flickr.com/photos/commissary/sets/72157654783311664.

FORT LEE, Va. – With everyday prices averaging 30 percent less than other grocery stores, the commissary has earned its reputation as the best deal in town. But every once in a while – around spring and fall, in fact – patrons can find even better deals as stateside commissaries launch their “Customer Appreciation Case Lot Sales.”

This year’s fall sales are starting across the U.S. now, as each store hosts individual two- or three-day case lot sales during one weekend between mid-August and the end of September. Commissaries in Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico are also participating.

“You will find much higher savings at the case lot sales, up to 50 percent on some items,” said Sallie Cauthers, marketing and mass communication specialist at the Defense Commissary Agency headquarters.

Cauthers explained that some of the best values are found in bulk purchases. “If you have a large storage area, you can stock up on bulk supplies of paper products — toilet paper, paper towels and more — and save sometimes double off our regular commissary prices.”

The sales events are not limited to just a few select items. “These sales provide shoppers super deals on bulk items including cereals, breakfast bars, chips, beverages, and paper goods,” she said. “Commissaries also offer great deals on seasonal fresh produce and provide high-value coupons for products inside the store.”

In addition to better pricing, case lot sales are distinguishable from big box club stores by what is called “mix and match” offerings. “If you have a large family, you can’t go wrong with our mix and match section where you can take like items and mix up bulk-size cases,” Cauthers said. “Mix and match offerings include cereals, canned items, beverages and various other grocery items for year-round use.”

Customers have a variety of options to choose from. Sale items include products in the following categories:

Fruit snacks, pudding snack packs, granola bars, fruit bars, pastries, peanut butter and popcorn
Water and flavored water, teas, juices, juice mixes, sodas, sports drinks and breakfast drinks
Frozen pizza and sausage links
Chilled items to include cheeses, yogurt and yogurt mix
Prepackaged meats such as lunchmeat, bacon and pork loin
Pet supplies to include bagged and canned food, treats and cat litter
Pasta, barbecue and pasta sauces, spices, rice, oriental noodles and bowls, chili mix and condiments
Cookies, brownies, pancakes and muffin mixes; oatmeal
Canned fruit, vegetables, soups, tuna and chili
Sandwich, storage and freezer bags; paper products and cleaning supplies such as bathroom tissue, fabric sheets and laundry detergent
Health and beauty care including diapers, wipes, shampoo and conditioner, soaps, shaving gels and body lotions

Commissaries in Europe and the Pacific, while not officially participating, may have substitute events such as sidewalk sales.

“Our commissaries offer the very best grocery products worldwide in savings and great value to our military and their families,” Cauthers said. “These twice-a-year sales offer even more value and savings for their hard earned dollar.”

-DeCA-

Stay Connected to Your Commissary Benefit

FACEBOOK: Visit www.facebook.com/YourCommissary, DeCA’s Facebook page, where you can post comments and share news, photos and videos.

YOUTUBE: To see DeCA’s latest videos, visit www.youtube.com/DefenseCommissary.

TWITTER: To see DeCA’s latest “tweets,” visit www.twitter.com/YourCommissary.

PINTEREST: To see DeCA’s theme-based image collections, visit http://www.pinterest.com/YourCommissary.

FLICKR: To see DeCA’s latest photographs, visit http://www.flickr.com/photos/commissary/.

100 items added to Value Brand Program

02/24/2015 By Military Life Administrator

The following news release originally appeared on Commissaries.com:

Nearly 100 items to be added to Value Brand Program

FORT LEE, Va. (Feb. 5, 2015) – With nearly 100 more items set to be added to the Commissary Value Brand program, military patrons will have even more opportunities to save, according to the Defense Commissary Agency’s senior enlisted advisor to the director.

“The reenergizing of this program is still in its infancy, but we are making improvements each and every day,” said Air Force Command Chief Master Sgt. Stuart M. Allison. “We recommend that patrons continue to monitor the orange ‘Value’ signs in the stores because they will see a larger offering of products.”

By the middle of February, commissary patrons can expect to see labels identifying the addition of 99 more items to the Value Brand lineup. The new products include several cheeses, condiments, canned and powdered milk, canned soup, dry pasta, honey, rice, laundry bleach and paper towels.

DeCA reintroduced Commissary Value Brand in November, bringing back a sales initiative known 14 years ago as the “Best Value Item” program. The average savings for Value Brand is about 42 percent when compared to national brands and 25 percent against the store brand and private label items found in commercial retail stores.

Amid its resurrection, Value Brand is catching on with commissary customers, said Gordon Jones, the agency’s deputy director of sales.

“We are very pleased with the Value Brand program and have received positive feedback about it from our patrons,” Jones added. “We will continue to look at opportunities to expand Value Brand to other categories within our stores.”

With the influx of new items, the Value Brand mix will boast nearly 400 products such as frozen vegetables, pizza and entrees; pet foods; health and beauty care; cereals; cleaning supplies; soft drinks; coffee; canned fruit, soup and fish; disposable lunch and storage bags; condiments and more.

Shoppers like Dr. Thelma G. Smith, the spouse of a disabled Vietnam veteran, said she’s seen the orange signs at the Fort Lee Commissary. “I’ve chosen a few of them basically because of the pricing. From the few things that I’ve bought, I found the frozen vegetables to be very good – good quality for taste and good quality for cooking.”

The orange “Value” signs on the shelves, along with posters, banners, buttons, danglers and special displays make it easy for customers to spot these extra savings in stores. Shoppers who venture on DeCA’s website, commissaries.com, or stay tuned to the agency’s social media outlets, especially Facebook and Twitter, can get a heads up on value deals before they hit the store.

In addition to Commissary Value Brand items, biweekly promotions and other special sales offer targeted discounts. If commissary patrons take the time to add Value Brand to their savings strategy it will pay off at the register, Allison said.

“We are a big believer in checking the commissary sales flyer found on www.commissaries.com,” said Allison about how he and his wife prepare before they shop. “We also like to check out the promotional sales items, and we use our Commissary Rewards Card. By adding the Value Brand program to the mix, we maximize our savings even more.”

Allison said that commissary patrons can only benefit from a program that is growing and improving every day. His advice: Look for those orange signs.

“We’ve carried most of these items for years, but they were sort of hidden,” he said. “Unless you knew to look for them, you weren’t truly aware they existed. Now we’re giving the customer a highly visible option to compare and add more savings to their shopping experience.”

NOTE: To see photos of the Commissary Value Brand, please visit our Flicker page. And, you can see Value Brand videos on YouTube here and here.

About DeCA: The Defense Commissary Agency operates a worldwide chain of commissaries providing groceries to military personnel, retirees and their families in a safe and secure shopping environment. Authorized patrons purchase items at cost plus a 5-percent surcharge, which covers the costs of building new commissaries and modernizing existing ones. Shoppers save an average of more than 30 percent on their purchases compared to commercial prices – savings amounting to thousands of dollars annually. A core military family support element, and a valued part of military pay and benefits, commissaries contribute to family readiness, enhance the quality of life for America’s military and their families, and help recruit and retain the best and brightest men and women to serve their country.

Media Contact:
Kevin L. Robinson
(804) 734-8000, Ext. 4-8773
kevin.robinson@deca.mil

*SEE THE ORIGINAL NEWS RELEASE HERE

The Top 10 Best Military Vacation Secret Spots

08/29/2014 By Military Life Administrator

Acceptable. Fine. A bed. That’s normally how I describe temporary military lodges. As a military spouse, I don’t mind bunking there because it’s cheap, but I don’t brag about the amenities to my civilian friends. I brag about the price. That’s the majority of temporary military lodging. But there is something better.

It’s those cabins, townhouses and rooms with a view that are the best-kept secrets of the military.

They are the lodges that you know you should share with the newbie military spouses, but you don’t want to share your insider information. You are like a screaming toddler saying “it’s mine. It’s all mine.”

If you want super awesome military facilities, try the New Sanno in Tokyo, the Shades of Green Disney Resort, Hawaii’s Hale Koa Hotel or Edelweiss Lodge with views of the Alps. At these facilities you don’t get what you pay for. You get more than what you pay for. There is 1 small problem with these military perk places. Even though these hotels are exclusively for active duty and veterans, affordable doesn’t equal available. Often reservations need to be made a year in advance especially during the peak travel season. So instead of trying to wedge our way into the high-traffic military lodges, let’s take the road less traveled.

Let’s visit the top 10 military vacation secret spots that you will never read about in Travel & Leisure magazine.

Marines’ Memorial Club, San Francisco, Calif. Guest reviews on Yelp said “This is our second home away from home when we visit SF. The staff is very accommodating and attentive to your needs, service is top-notch, the location is perfect, the facility is excellent and makes you feel right at home.” Did I mention there is a free happy hour and free breakfast? It’s my No. 1 choice for a hotel in downtown San Francisco.
Seward Resort, Seward, Alaska. Alaska is one of those places that I don’t want to be stationed at, but I would love to visit. The Seward Resort offers a way for my family to visit Alaska without the 3-year orders. The website brags “Are you looking for an exciting and affordable way to see the Last Frontier? You’ve found it! We’ve got the best of Alaska in our backyard: world-class fishing, spectacular glaciers, an abundance of wildlife, and recreational opportunities galore!” Recreational opportunities galore. You know it’s got to be good. Perks? Free cross country ski rental and wine exclusively made for the resort’s guests.
Del Mar Beach Resort at Camp Pendleton, Calif. One Yelp reviewer wrote “Want a little getaway??? This is your spot. Located right on the Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base with great prices! The winter rates are 25% off! I stayed here this past weekend and was very pleased. I stayed in the Luxury Villa where you have access to a patio with grill and a bonfire. A full complete kitchen.” I’ve stayed here before and it’s a great facility. It’s perfect for families who want to be near Legoland.
Rocky Mountain Blue at Keystone Resort, Keystone, Colo. Located 1 hour from Denver, this is a must-stay military lodge for service members who loved to hit the slopes. From ice skating to Nordic skiing, snowmobiling to snowshoeing or sleigh rides, Keystone has it all. Going in the summer? No problem. The website outlines a variety of activities. Wagon rides, anyone?
Fourth Cliff Family Recreation Area, Humarock, Mass. According to its website, Fourth Cliff Family Recreation Area is a 56-acre seaside resort located in Humarock (Scituate) on Massachusetts’ South Shore. Fourth Cliff is in a superb location, sitting high on a cliff at the end of a peninsula, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the scenic North River on the other. It offers an excellent opportunity for solitude and relaxation.
Soldiers’, Sailors, Marines’, Coast Guard, and Airmen’s Club, New York City, N.Y. If you want history, you must make a reservation at this “Home Away From Home” from service members and their families. This club has existed for more than 90 years and provides hospitality and accommodations for 15,000 Armed Forces personnel annually. One Yelp reviewer wrote “It’s not the Ritz, but you cannot beat the location for this price. We paid $70/person per night (based on your rate/rank) Just blocks away from the Empire State Building, we felt like we were right in the middle of the action.”
Yellowstone Country Trailers, Mountain Home AFB. Want to stay 2 miles from the south entrance to Yellowstone National Park? The Air Force maintain 11 trailers at Flagg Ranch Campground. “These trailers are self-contained, include cooking and eating utensils, and are ready for your enjoyment,” according to its website.
Pacific Beach Resort, Pacific, Wash. In the shadow of the snow-capped Olympic Mountains, Pacific Beach Resort offers a Navy-run hotel and cabins lining the bluff along with a full-service restaurant and conference center. Bikes and mopeds are available for rent at the shore.
Fort Tuthill Recreation Area, Flagstaff, Ariz. If you love the outdoors, then you need to stay at the Fort Tuthill Recreation Area. The accommodations range from yurts with wrap-around decks to 2-story, 3-bedroom cabins. The backyard has a fire pit, deck and a picnic table.
Lake of The Ozarks Recreation Area, Linn Creek, Missouri. Nicknamed LORA, this 360-acre facility is designed to provide a relaxing environment for military families. LORA offers cabin rentals, full and partial RV hook-ups, rustic campsites, a lakefront pavilion, a swimming beach, boat docks, a full-service marina, boat and Jet Ski rentals, boat/RV storage rental, parking, picnic areas, a launching ramp, fishing and a small convenience store. It’s open yearround.

Have you stayed at any of these military facilities? What’s your favorite military lodge?

Commissaries Support ‘Feds Feed Families’

06/22/2014 By Military Life Administrator

NEWS RELEASE
Defense Commissary Agency
Public Affairs
1300 E Avenue, Fort Lee, VA 23801-1800
Tel: (804) 734-8000, Ext. 8-6105 DSN: 687-8000, Ext. 8-6105
FAX: (804) 734-8248 DSN: 687-8248
www.commissaries.com

Release Number: 32-14
Date: June 19, 2014
Contact: Kevin L. Robinson, public affairs specialist
Tel.: (804) 734-8000, Ext. 4-8773
E-mail: kevin.robinson@deca.mil

Commissaries support ‘Feds Feed Families’
By Jessica Rouse,
DeCA public affairs specialist

FORT LEE, Va. – Commissary employees and customers are working together again this year to collect donations for the Feds Feed Families campaign.
The campaign, which began June 1 and runs through the end of August, collects much-needed items for local food banks. Customers and employees can donate nonperishable food and personal hygiene items to the campaign using marked bins located at the entries or exits of participating commissaries.
“Contributing to the communities that surround our stores is important to the commissaries,” said Vicki Archileti, DeCA’s executive director of infrastructure support. “Times are still tough for a lot of families, and with commissaries and our patrons working together we hope to lessen that burden.”
Last year, commissaries collected almost 740,000 pounds, or 39 percent of the Department of Defense’s total, of items for local food banks. In 2013, DOD collected over 1.9 million pounds, and donations from the entire federal government totaled 9 million pounds.
Commissaries will again serve as collection points for the campaign. Once the items have been collected the installation will pick up the items and deliver them to a local food bank.
Some commissaries also sold prepackaged donations packages, which allowed customers to purchase the bags and then drop them in the collection bins before leaving the store.
The most-needed items for donations include:
• Canned vegetables – low sodium, no salt
• Canned fruits – in light syrup or its own juices
• Canned proteins – tuna, salmon, chicken, peanut butter and beans
• Soups – beef stew, chili, chicken noodle, turkey or rice
• Condiments – tomato-based sauces, light soy sauce, ketchup, mustard, salad dressing or oils
• Snacks – individually packed snacks, crackers, trail mix, dried fruit, granola and cereal bars, pretzels and sandwich crackers
• Multigrain cereal
• 100 percent juice – all sizes, including juice boxes
• Grains – brown and white rice, oatmeal, bulgar, quinoa, couscous, pasta, and macaroni and cheese
• Paper products and household items – paper towels, napkins, cleaning supplies
• Hygiene items – diapers, deodorants (men and women), feminine products, toilet paper, tissues, soap, toothpaste and shampoo
Although no goals have been established for the 2014 campaign, the commissaries are confident that with the help of its patrons and employees the 2013 totals will be exceeded.
“For the last three years our patrons and employees have never failed to make this campaign a success,” said Archileti. “We are looking forward to another great campaign year.”
-DeCA-

About DeCA: The Defense Commissary Agency operates a worldwide chain of commissaries providing groceries to military personnel, retirees and their families in a safe and secure shopping environment. Authorized patrons purchase items at cost plus a 5-percent surcharge, which covers the costs of building new commissaries and modernizing existing ones. By shopping regularly in the commissary, patrons save an average of 30 percent or more on their purchases compared to commercial prices – savings amounting to thousands of dollars annually. A core military family support element, and a valued part of military pay and benefits, commissaries contribute to family readiness, enhance the quality of life for America’s military and their families, and help recruit and retain the best and brightest men and women to serve their country.

FACEBOOK: Visit www.facebook.com/YourCommissary, DeCA’s Facebook page, where you can post comments and share news, photos and videos.

YOUTUBE: To see DeCA’s latest videos, visit www.youtube.com/DefenseCommissary.

TWITTER: To see DeCA’s latest “tweets,” visit www.twitter.com/YourCommissary.

FLICKR: To see DeCA’s latest photographs, visit http://www.flickr.com/photos/commissary/.

MILPAGES: To see news about DeCA on this forum for members of the U.S. military, their families and supporters, visit www.milpages.com/pages/defense-commissary-agency/.

« Previous Page

DeCA hits 24 years of commissary benefits

September is Preparedness Month

DeCA Announces its Best Commissary Winners

Commissary Offers Cool Savings This Fall

Corporate Communications

Commissary Case Lot Sale News Release

100 items added to Value Brand Program

The following news release originally appeared on Commissaries.com:

Nearly 100 items to be added to Value Brand Program

The Top 10 Best Military Vacation Secret Spots

It’s those cabins, townhouses and rooms with a view that are the best-kept secrets of the military.

Let’s visit the top 10 military vacation secret spots that you will never read about in Travel & Leisure magazine.

Have you stayed at any of these military facilities? What’s your favorite military lodge?

Commissaries Support ‘Feds Feed Families’

FAQ’s

Community

About Military Life News