Military Life News

Military Life News, Commissary Rewards and Military Discounts

What’s For Dessert: Strawberry Shortcake

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Strawberry shortcake is a classic summer dessert. There’s no better time to take advantage of fresh and beautiful ripe strawberries than late Spring and early Summer. Here’s an easy shortcake recipe, topped with homemade whipped cream and fresh strawberries to escort you into the delight of Summer time sweetness. Bring along to a BBQ or enjoy on your patio or deck at home. Either way you’ll be relishing in the delight of a sweet strawberry shortcake.

Ingredients:

  • 2 1/3 cups Bisquick Mix
  • 1/4 cup + 3 Tbs sugar (separated)
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 3 Tbs butter melted
  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3 tsp powdered sugar
  • 1 quart strawberries sliced

Step 1: Heat oven to 425 degrees F. In large bowl, mix strawberries and 1/4 cup sugar; set aside.

Step 2: In medium bowl, stir Bisquick mix, milk, 3 tablespoons sugar and the butter until soft dough forms. On ungreased cookie sheet, drop dough by 6 spoonfuls.

Step 3: Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown. Meanwhile, in small bowl, beat whipping cream, vanilla extract and powdered sugar with electric mixer on high speed until soft peaks form.

Step 4: Split warm shortcakes; fill and top with strawberries and whipped cream.

Step 5: Enjoy!

DOD offers financial advice for families & children

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4/30/2021 By: Janet A. Aker, MHS Communications

Military families may face financial challenges for a variety of reasons, and without assistance these issues could affect the health and well-being of children of those families.

But help is readily available. Military families have access to financial counselors and other Department of Defense personnel – for free.

“Service members and families have access to free financial counseling and education services through Military and Family Support Centers and Military OneSource,” said Beth Darius, a program analyst and an accredited financial counselor in the Department of Defense Office of Financial Readiness. “With the assistance of a financial counselor, service members and families proactively create realistic spending plans to meet financial challenges and goals such as planning for retirement, paying down debt, and making major purchases.”

For families experiencing shortfalls, “the best place to start is to examine your spending plan. Determine your food expenses, your monthly bill expenses and any additional expenses. Help is available to walk families through this process and provide referrals to additional resources as needed,” she said. “Additionally, you can include your children in meal planning, shopping and determining total food costs, which is a great way to build their financial literacy skills and nutrition habits.”

“There are many places to go online to get free, unbiased financial information,” she noted. These no-cost resources include the Office of Financial Readiness website, and the Milspouse Money Mission website, which has a section on raising financially fit children. Additionally, there is the Military OneSource website, the “Developing Your Spending Plan” course on the MilLife Learning portal, and the ‘Sen$e’ mobile application.

Military members also receive financial information and how to use these services when making a permanent change of station.

Establishing and following a spending plan is good to “ensure debts are paid, food is on the table, and financial goals are met,” Darius said. “If there is a financial issue that’s causing stress in the military family, reviewing the spending plan can help them gain some control and decrease stress.”

Steve Harris, a personal financial manager and accredited financial counselor at the Navy’s Fleet and Family Support Center in Washington, D.C., said: “A good financial plan represents both the needs and the wants of a military family.” This could include items such as saving for a college fund for their children.

Military families that have appointments with the center for free financial planning should bring their pay stubs, leave and earnings statements, a list of bills and their bank statements for review.

“Basically, we have a confidential conversation about income coming in and expenses going out. ‘What did you think you spent and what did you actually spend?'” Harris said. “We are looking at needs first and goals second. We like to nudge them back on the right track.”

Echoing Darius, Harris said: “If there are stressors about finances, coming to see a personal financial manager can make a military family leave with less stress. A service member shouldn’t have to be distracted about finances while supporting the mission.”

For children, the Navy has a curriculum that addresses ages 3 to 19 called “Raising Financially Fit Kids.” The other services have similar programs.

“Lessons include how parents can approach children about finances, introducing kids to money, costs, and allowances, how to set goals through saving – such as for the purchase of a new toy or electronic device – and an introduction to debit and credit cards and how to use them wisely,” Harris said.

“Prioritizing is up the individual client, he said. “If there is a surplus of money or a shortfall, what are the two or three most important, often competing, goals? We want to address all of them.”

*This article originally appeared on Health.mil, the official website of the Military Health System. To read the original article click here. Appearance of this article does not constitute endorsement by the Military Health System or the federal government.

‘WE CARE AND YOU SAVE!’: Sidewalk sales to offer discounts on variety of everyday items at stateside commissaries

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DeCA Marketing and Mass Media

April 12, 2021
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FORT LEE, Va. – Commissary patrons stateside can stock up on their favorite items at significant savings during the Defense Commissary Agency’s Military Appreciation Month Sidewalk Sale event in May.

“This is our way of saying ‘thank you’ to our patrons for their service and sacrifice,” said Bonita Moffett, DeCA’s director of sales. “These U.S. sidewalk sales give our military members and their families a chance to realize extra savings during this military recognition month. We care and you save!”

Commissaries stateside only will hold their sidewalk sale, with a few exceptions, sometime between April 29 and May 31. The sales coincide with May’s Military Appreciation Month.

Weather permitting, most commissaries will have one event – a two- or three-day outdoor weekend sidewalk sale – featuring extra savings on variety of everyday items. Event dates are subject to change, so patrons are encouraged to check their store’s web page for sale dates and hours or talk to their store manager for more details or updates.

Customers have a variety of options to choose from. Sale items may include products in the following categories: Snacks, Beverages, Pet Food, International Foods, Baking Goods, Canned Goods, Non-Food Items, and Health and Beauty Products.

“This is another way the commissary brings quality and savings together for our military families,” Moffett added.

In accordance with DOD policy regarding COVID-19 safety protocols, commissary customers and employees are required to wear masks at sidewalk sale events.

-DeCA-

‘Fuel with us’ Commissaries begin launch of dietitian-approved, ready-to-eat stations for on-the-go troops

By

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:        15-21                                                                                                                        

Date:                              March 4, 2021

Media Contact:           Kevin L. Robinson, public affairs specialist

Tel.:                               (804) 734-8000, Ext. 4-8773

E-mail:                         kevin.robinson@deca.mil

‘Fuel with us’

Commissaries begin launch of dietitian-approved, ready-to-eat stations for on-the-go troops

By Kevin L. Robinson,

DeCA public affairs specialist

FORT LEE, Va. – The lifestyle of a young service member can be beyond hectic with ongoing deployments and constant training rotations.

Soldiers grab a quick meal from a fueling station at the Fort Myer Commissary in Virginia. (DeCA photo: Simone Blythe)

To help these busy service members access quick, nutritious meals and snacks, the Defense Commissary Agency launched the first phase of its dietitian-approved fueling station program at 22 commissaries in February. More stores will be added later this month in phase two of the roll out.

The stations offer service members nutritious fueling foods they can use to build a meal or enjoy a before- or after-work out snack – items they can take on missions or stock in their barracks, said Bill Moore, DeCA director and CEO.

“Our fueling stations help show young service members that their commissary is a great destination for dietitian-approved, quick meals and snacks that are tasty and won’t require them to spend their time frequenting fast food establishments,” Moore said. “We hope to further our footprint of being their meal-time location to help maximize their performance and their health.”

The following commissaries have fueling stations: in Virginia – Fort Belvoir, Marine Corps Base Quantico, Fort Myer, Langley Air Force Base, Naval Station Norfolk, Fort Lee and Naval Air Station Oceana; in Maryland – Naval Air Station Patuxent River and Andrews Air Force Base; in Florida – Naval Air Station Jacksonville and MacDill Air Force Base; in Oklahoma – Fort Sill and Tinker Air Force Base; Fort Bragg South, North Carolina; Fort Benning, Georgia; Schofield Barracks, Hawaii; McChord Air Force Base, Washington; Fort Carson, Colorado; Fort Sam Houston, Texas; Fort Rucker, Alabama; Fort Riley, Kansas and Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi.

The fueling stations vary in size, space and makeup by store based on available space. All items for the stations are approved by Deborah Harris, registered dietitian and DeCA health and wellness program manager, MPH, RD, CDE.*

“The fueling station has been well received by our patrons,” said John Blythe, store director at Fort Belvoir, one of the pilot locations for fueling stations. “It offers a vast selection of healthier food, snack and refreshments that allows our patrons to make healthier nutritional choices. Our dedicated merchandising unit allows for a convenient central point of sale with products that have been dietitian-approved! We have noticed a significant sales lift on these products and we are proud to support the installation in their health and wellness needs.” 

Before launching the program, the commissary agency piloted it in 14 stores to promote the concept to those installations that their commissary can support weekly grocery shoppers as well as young soldiers who need a quick meal and snack destination, said Bonita Moffett, DeCA sales director. 

“Commissaries are a key player in the ‘fueling for performance’ messaging being delivered throughout the force that connects the importance of nutrition and diet to overall readiness,” Moffett said.

*Harris has a Masters of Public Health degree, and is a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator.

“Our fueling stations target young service members who may not be cooking their own meals nor be in the habit of a weekly shopping pattern,” she added. “Our ready-to-eat program can save customers’ time and money while raising the nutritional focus of our younger shoppers by giving them a quick meal and snack option besides fast food.” 

The refueling station launch follows the commissaries’ release of the new Dietitian-Approved Thumb program (DAT) which uses DeCA-designed software to analyze and identify products in most of the commissary food categories based on up to 86 of the FDA-defined health attributes. The attributes analyzed identify dietitian-approved foods that limit added sugar, sodium and unhealthy fat while offering whole grains, healthy fats, fiber or lean protein.

Whether it’s fueling stations or the DAT nutrition guide, DeCA is engaged in identifying the commissary as one of several DOD focal points for health and wellness in the following ways:

  • Targeted messaging such as “Cook More Meals at Home,” “Dietitian-Approved,” “We did the Work for You,” and “Fuel with Us,” to connect young troops with the nutritious items in their stores
  •  Increasing stock lists of dietitian-approved and ready-to-eat, single serving and ethnic frozen entrees 
  • Working with industry partners to promote “Better for You” products and incorporating past military leaders as brand ambassadors to reinforce to service members  that the commissary is their top option as a fueling source
  • Raising the ante with installation health advisors, branch dietitians, wellness center staffs, morale-welfare-recreation (MWR) outlets and liaisons with enlisted troops to help educate younger customers about nutrition and healthy eating patterns

“The commissary scores the highest on the installation per the Military Nutrition Environment Assessment Tool and this further reinforces that we are the place to access nutritious foods to include ready-to-eat meals,” Moore said. “We should be considered by our military community as a key asset in achieving health and wellness goals, as well as supporting their individual readiness.

“We want our service members, especially those on the go performing their missions, to know their commissary is a safe, quick and easy option to meet their fueling needs,” he added. “Although this effort was launched with our busy service members in mind, we hope that busy families use it, too.”

-DeCA-

Commissaries’ Freedom’s Choice Enhanced Water earns more industry honors for taste, label design

By

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:        12-21                                                                                                                        

Date:                              February 18, 2021

Media Contact:           Kevin L. Robinson, public affairs specialist

Tel.:                               (804) 734-8000, Ext. 4-8773

E-mail:                         kevin.robinson@deca.mil

‘Salute to Excellence’

Commissaries’ Freedom’s Choice Enhanced Water earns more industry honors for taste, label design

By Kevin L. Robinson,

DeCA public affairs specialist

Note: To read this release online, go to the DeCA website.

FORT LEE, Va. – The Defense Commissary Agency’s Freedom’s Choice Enhanced Water received the Private Label Manufacturers Association’s 2020 Salute to Excellence Award virtually through the PLMA’s Private Label Week event Feb. 1-5.

DeCA’s commissary store brand product emerged as a winner in the water category out of over 700 product submissions from 55 North American retailers in 68 categories. The submissions were tested and judged by evaluators from consumer and industry groups.

Taste was among the attributes lauded by PLMA judges. This is a key component to the product’s quality, said Bill Moore, DeCA director and CEO.

“The taste of our water is enhanced through an electrolysis process which is recognized as the premier technology for creating pure drinking waters,” Moore said. “The added electrolytes create a healthful drinking water that is perfect for after workout refueling – without adding calories.”

Because of social distancing restrictions linked to COVID-19 safety precautions, the PLMA replaced its traditional award display at its Chicago Trade Show with a “Salute to Excellence” winners video aired during the association’s virtual Private Label Week.

The water’s package label also drew praise. The look was a collaborative effort from the JPG Global and the SpartanNash design teams, said Jennifer Ferrell,DeCA’s private label program manager. SpartanNash is DeCA’s private label distributor.

“With the label design we wanted to capture the fluidity of the ocean along with the colors of our Freedom’s Choice logo,” Ferrell said. “We also wanted a design that would stand out from other waters so our customers would understand the elevated benefits of our product.

“Many of our customers have a dedicated exercise regimen, and we knew it was important to get the design and taste right while still ensuring optimal mineral replenishment,” she added. “We believe that this design accomplishes this, and we’re so honored that our industry colleagues noticed.”

DeCA’s Freedom’s Choice Enhanced Water was initially recognized in August 2020 when it received the 2020 Gold Vertex Award for packaging.

Besides the Freedom’s Choice brand, which includes food products, DeCA’s commissary store brands lineup also includes the HomeBase brand for non-food items including paper towel and tissue products, garbage bags and other household items.

Commissary Store Brands are also sold under TopCare (health and beauty), Full Circle Market (natural and organic food options), Tippy Toes (baby products), Flock’s Finest (wild bird food); Pure Harmony (pet food) and Wide Awake (coffee beverages). Crav’n Flavor (comfort food favorites) will be coming soon to commissary shelves.

Crav’n Flavor, TopCare, Full Circle Market, Tippy Toes, Flock’s Finest, Pure Harmony and Wide Awake are not exclusive to DeCA.

Since DeCA introduced its private label program in 2017, the agency has added over 1,000 private label products. Store brand sales in fiscal 2020 were over $136 million and the program moved almost 62 million units.

-DeCA-

DeCA reports FY ‘20 customer savings of 25%

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FORT LEE, Va. – Commissary overall worldwide customer savings were 25 percent for fiscal 2020, reported the Defense Commissary Agency.

The latest savings report reflects the market basket average that compares the pricing of commissary products with retailers outside the gate.

When it comes to delivering the commissary benefit, the savings are the thing for Bill Moore, DeCA’s director and CEO.

“To me it’s all about the benefit; how do we deliver the 23.7 percent savings our Congress mandated,” Moore said. “The analogy I like to use is for every dollar spent in the commissary, you have roughly saved yourself a quarter compared to what you would have spent outside the commissary. Across the agency, if we have $4 billion in revenue, we’ve saved our customers around the globe a $1 billion in their grocery expenses with the 25 percent savings we achieved in 2020.”

Congress requires that DeCA maintain the global savings at levels reasonably consistent with the fiscal 2016 baseline of 23.7 percent. “I am confident in the way we measure, the savings are real,” Moore said. “I do believe we need to better educate our eligible patrons on the savings and then we have to earn their trust. I want to show them how we calculate and develop those savings, and then let them reach their own conclusions.”

The customer savings reflects DeCA’s partnership with its industry partners to consistently offer patrons the lowest prices possible through programs such as the agency’s Your Everyday Savings (YES)! Program. YES! lowers prices year-round on trending items that commercial retailers often reduce temporarily as “loss leaders” to attract customers into their stores hoping they’ll buy their higher-priced products.

DeCA also sells private label products, known as commissary store brands, which offer high-quality products at even lower prices. “Every grocery chain offers private label items, and it’s an option our patrons expect in their commissaries,” Moore said. “I’m very excited about the private label opportunities we have, and how we will refine our strategy going forward.” 

The customer savings report also shows figures specific to each geographic area, indicating how much, on average, a patron could expect to save on grocery purchases in comparison with local grocers in that area. DeCA measures savings for a region so it can better monitor how much commissary patrons actually save in the geographic area in which they shop.

The agency also checks local prices at major retailers near commissaries, quarterly, to see how DeCA pricing compares in order to ensure that commissary customers are saving money when they shop their commissary.

Because the cost of living varies by geographic region, Congress requires DeCA to report on savings regionally. DeCA compares prices with commercial grocers, including at least one supercenter, in the local area of each commissary in the United States. The savings comparison measures 38,000 items at a regional level and local prices of about 1,000 products, which are representative of a shopper’s typical market basket.

“It is all about the benefit,” Moore said. “I do believe the savings make a significant difference to our customers’ quality of life. Even after my father retired from the Army as a combat veteran, I remember him and my mom passing several grocery stores for their weekly visit to the commissary because of the savings.”

            The fiscal 2020 patron savings versus the fiscal 2016 baseline are provided as follows (percentages rounded to the nearest tenth):

For information on savings by region, see the tables below.

FY 2020 SAVINGS VS. BASELINE OVERALL
AREAFY 2016 BASELINE % SAVINGSFY 2020 % SAVINGS
Total U.S. (including AK & HI)20.2%21.1%
Overseas44.2%42.6%
Global23.7%25.0%

Table 1

FY 2020 SAVINGS VS. BASELINE U.S. BY REGION
REGIONFY 2016 BASELINE % SAVINGSFY 2020 % SAVINGS
New England (25 stores)21.4%21.8%
South Atlantic (22 stores)19.9%18.7%
North Central (13 stores)20.2%21.4%
South Central (26 stores)18.1%18.9%
Mountain (15 stores)17.6%20.0%
Pacific (22 stores)20.9%22.6%
Alaska & Hawaii (7 stores)32.6%33.2%
Total U.S. (130 stores)20.2%21.1%

Table 2

Note: Baseline percent savings for all U.S. commissaries shopped in Fall 2016 (177 commissaries)

-DeCA-

Commissaries continue delivering benefit while prioritizing safety of customers, employees

By

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:        96-20                                                                                                                        

Date:                              December 7, 2020

Media Contact:           Kevin L. Robinson, public affairs specialist

Tel.:                               (804) 734-8000, Ext. 4-8773

E-mail:                         kevin.robinson@deca.mil

Commissaries continue delivering benefit while prioritizing safety of customers, employees

during COVID-19 pandemic

By Kevin L. Robinson,

DeCA public affairs specialist

Note: To read this release online, go to the DeCA website.

FORT LEE, Va. – Amid the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, the Defense Commissary Agency is reassuring its customers and employees that their health and welfare is the commissaries’ top priority.

“We exist to enrich our customers’ quality of life by providing significant savings on their groceries, and they can rest assured that we will do so safely and efficiently,” said William F. Moore, DeCA director.

“As we deliver the commissary benefit, the safety of our valued customers and dedicated employees remains our No. 1 priority especially during this unprecedented time,” he added. “We continue to follow strict DOD health protection in our stores, specifically regarding sanitary measures, face coverings and social distancing.”

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, DeCA has implemented the following measures to help mitigate the spread of the virus in commissaries:

  • Commissaries conduct daily health screenings of anyone who works in commissaries – including employees, baggers and affiliated contractors – before they start their shifts
  • Anyone (including customers) entering a store must wear a face covering
  • Stores have clear plastic sneeze shields in all regular checkout lanes
  • Commissary personnel wipe down checkout areas, product display cases, restrooms and shopping carts with disinfectant, and practice routine hand washing and other basic sanitation measures
  • Touchless credit card processing eliminates the need for the customer to sign
  • Customers scan their own ID cards so cashiers can provide them touchless transactions
  • Reusable bag usage has been banned
  • DeCA canceled special events such as the spring sidewalk sales, in-store product demonstrations (including DeCA’s free coffee program), group tours, vendor-sponsored events and other events to discourage group gatherings
  • Commissaries are working with installation leadership and public health personnel to implement risk reduction practices specific to that base.

From a product availability standpoint, DeCA continues to work with its industry suppliers to increase deliveries to commissaries where the need is greatest – especially overseas – to ensure product availability, particularly on items that are in high demand like liquid sanitizer, disinfectant wipes and toilet paper.

Store directors have the flexibility to determine item limitations based on supplier availability and customer demand. These actions help stores control stock outs and panic buying, Moore said.

“At this time, when the industry-wide grocery logistics system is being stressed, we want our customers to know we are aggressively partnering with the supplier community to fix any shortages and ensure our military patrons have shelves full of what they need over the holidays,” he said. “There is no need for panic buying. If they happen to see empty shelves in the store, we ask them to please be patient – the store will be restocked often the very next day.” 

Customers should continue to refer to DeCA’s Coronavirus page  for updates related to commissaries. For overall updates and guidance regarding this virus, they are encouraged to access the following websites: the federal government’s response to COVID-19 and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Coronavirus site.

-DeCA-

6 Ingredient Dishes You Need for a Complete Thanksgiving Spread

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Thanksgiving has snuck right up on us this year and with so many added stressors in our lives these days, who doesn’t need a little something that’s quick, easy and delicious. Thanksgiving often entails lots of planning, shopping, prepping and hours of cooking, but with these Military Shoppers’ recipe submissions, you’ll have none of that!

In the interest of basically everyone across America, we’ve compiled a complete Thanksgiving spread of just six dishes that call for only six ingredients or less! So check them out, get to your local commissary to pick up the ingredients and come Thanksgiving day enjoy more time with immediate family and less time running around the kitchen!

Stuffed Mushrooms This hearty classic will make your mouth water and have your family asking for more, more, more. Want to forego the stuffing this year? Pop these on your table and it’s a two for one. Mushrooms and stuffing all in one easy dish.

Bacon Tossed Brussel Sprouts Who doesn’t love bacon? Brussel sprouts are a classic component of so many Thanksgiving meals. Buttery, rich and tender. We’ve all heard the old saying, “everything’s better with bacon!” These sure are.

Photo Credit: ©Edalin
/Shutterstock

Honey Baked Ham Change things up this year and forego the Turkey thawing, stuffing, basting and temp checking. Heat up a pre-cooked bone in ham with this super easy glaze and you’ll be glad you did! The smell of brown sugar, nutmeg and cinnamon will bring back all the nostalgia of the holidays to keep your spirits bright!

Orange Cranberry Sauce We love this rustic orange cranberry sauce and the fact that you throw everything into a pot, bring to a boil and it’s ready to set in 15 minutes is an added bonus. Not only is it delicious, but it’s certainly gorgeous set on your Thanksgiving table.

Photo Credit: ©nadianb /Shutterstock

Southern Style Mashed Potatoes Evaporated milk, sour cream and butter set these southern style mashed potatoes apart. No peeling, no chopping, just rinse, boil and blend. Easy and delicious!

Chocolate Pumpkin Muffins Round out your Thanksgiving table with these decadent chocolate pumpkin muffins. Boxed devil’s food cake mix and pureed pumpkin are the picture of perfection when combined to make these memorable muffins.

Commissaries announce holiday schedule

By

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:        90-20                                                                                                                        

Date:                              November 16, 2020

Media Contact:           Kevin L. Robinson, public affairs specialist

Tel.:                               (804) 734-8000, Ext. 4-8773

E-mail:                         kevin.robinson@deca.mil

Commissaries announce holiday schedule

By DeCA Corporate Communications

Note: To read this release online, go to the DeCA website.

FORT LEE, Va. – Military commissaries will operate under a holiday schedule beginning Nov. 23, the Defense Commissary Agency announced.

The announcement means that many of the commissaries normally closed on Mondays will be open Nov. 23, expanding available shopping hours for patrons preparing for their holiday meals. Similarly, most stores will also be open Monday, Dec. 21, except for Hario Village Housing Area, Japan; U.S. Army Garrison Garmisch, Germany; Yuma Proving Grounds, Arizona; and Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak, Alaska.

All commissaries will be open on Christmas Eve (Dec. 24) and New Year’s Eve (Dec. 31) except for Robinson Barracks, Germany, which is closed Dec. 31.

All commissaries will be closed on Thanksgiving (Nov. 26), Christmas (Dec. 25) and New Year’s Day (Jan. 1).

Patrons are reminded to check the “Store Information & Holiday Hours” box on their store’s webpage for specific operating schedules.

“We hope that our schedule helps patrons to maximize their benefit and save money over the holidays,” said Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Michael R. Saucedo, senior enlisted advisor to the DeCA director.

-DeCA-

6 Tips to Create a Magical Disney Holiday at Home

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It is fair to say that from this Spring onward we have all been living through this strange world that feels like a cross between a Netflix mini-series and a misunderstood British comedy where none of the jokes make sense. All of us, adults included, just need a break. A Disney holiday is often an escape from reality – a much needed break from reality and resurgence of the fun and carefree feelings of being a kid again. Disneyland is currently still closed, and Disney World is at limited capacity.

Why not create an all-inclusive Disney holiday at home? Eat some Disney goodies, dress up to the nines, enjoy a few rides, and listen to the music of Disney with these links and tips below. This will be the most affordable trip to Disney – ever!

TASTE OF THE PARK

A favorite on Main Street USA at the Magic Kingdom, Casey’s Corner showcases delicious Corn Dog Bites. These bite size hot cogs encased in cornbread is perfect for on the go eating. Which is also great for making it at home because you can prep them in a muffin tray. Prep and make these to snack on in between rides courtesy of YouTube.

The Turkey Leg is a giant meat snack that can be found in both U.S. Disney parks. If you don’t have a smoker, but have a traditional grill at home, use wood chips in an aluminum packet in your grill to create the smoker effect.  Pecan, oak and hickory wood chips provide a moderate to aggressive smoke flavor to the meat.

A Mickey pretzel is an iconic snack that can be found in all the parks. Biting off Mickey’s ear is an image often shared on social media. In the parks, the pretzels are shaped into snowman for the winter holidays, and different characters or themes throughout the seasons. Try your hand at folding the pretzel into fun shapes, or three circles for the classic Mickey outline we all use for pancakes.

The Adventureland classic of a Dole Whip is delicious and creamy and a must-have on a visit to the Magic Kingdom. The amazing bonus is that the treat is 100% vegan! We have tried this recipe with Coconut Cream instead of whipping cream as a dairy-free option. Take a spoonful and close your eyes and don’t be surprised when you start humming the Tiki room intro.

Thankfully the Commissary is stocked with these ingredients, so you can easily prepare for a tasty visit to the Disney Parks. Well, maybe talk to the butcher about the Turkey Leg.

COSTUMES

Matching vibrant shirts to easily spot family members in the park isn’t needed for a visit from home, but that doesn’t mean you can’t dress up! Chances are if you have solid color pieces at home, you can piece them together into an Alice costume or a Disney bound of the cats from Aristocats. Pinterest boasts many boards full of costume ideas using items or clothing you have at home. Use your closet without having to leave home to costume shop or spend extra money!

RIDES

Now that you are dressed up for the day and have food prepped and ready to go, it’s time for some rides.

Head to Tomorrowland and enjoy space travel through Space Mountain. The People Mover ride is a classic that is now only at Walt Disney World and while it isn’t considered a thrill ride, it’s a ride that will allow for taking in the atmosphere for the park. Another ride only at Walt Disney World, The Carousel of Progress, is one ride that Walt Disney personally worked on, preparing it for the World’s Fair in New York – bonus it can count as a history lesson for the kiddos.  Move to Fantasyland and take a ride on the musical) boat ride of It’s A Small World. While in Fantasyland, trade your boat in for a flying ship and go on Peter Pan’s Flight. Before heading over to Adventureland, make sure to ride Disneyland’s famed Storybook Land Canal boats. In Adventureland, riding Pirates of the Caribbean and Jungle Cruise are a must do. Stop in New Orleans Square to ride the Haunted Mansion if you dare, before you ride the wildest ride in the wilderness at Big Thunder Mountain.  Disneyland’s Critter Country favorites of Splash Mountain and The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh are great ways to end the timeless rides.

Epcot’s classic rides of Spaceship Earth and Living with the Land are must dos. Don’t forget about Soarin’ Around the World and dive into the big blue world on The Seas with Nemo and Friends – all without the need for tickets, layovers or a long boat ride.

Make a stop over to the Animal Kingdom to ride Kilimanjaro Safari, Dinosaur and Expedition Everest without worrying about height restrictions or long lines.

Toy Story fans will want to jump on the Slinky Dog Dash while those who favor the force will want to support the Rebels with the Star Wars – Rise of the Resistance and the Smuggler’s Run ride.

Head to Disneyland Paris to ride Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril! all while learning about the ride’s creation and history.

End the entertainment portion of your Disney day with a Fireworks show without the crowds or waiting. From the comfort of your own home, rain or shine, watch the feat of projected images, timed fireworks and music in the Happily Ever After Fireworks Show from the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. When the music starts, close your eyes and let that goosebumps and exhaustion mixture wave over you…without having walked the 30,000 steps taken in one day pushing the stroller and humping with a backpack.

SOUNDS

If you are looking to stream Disney music throughout the day, check out fan favorite Sorcerer Radio. The radio channel can be found online, on their app and on Roku. Sorcerer Radio shares the sounds of the park, sometimes complete with park noise. The Atmospheres station shares loops of park background music while the Spa Day station provides instrumental versions of Disney classics. Seasons showcases seasonal parade music and sound effects and seasonal ride music immersing you in the sounds of, well, the season. Planet D is a new station as of October 2019 offering Disney Pop remakes and Disney park remixes along with the traditional Disney pop music.

The Dapper Dans are a barbershop quartet that walk and sing along Main Street U.S.A. Getting creative, the groups virtually linked together to serenade to When You Wish Upon A Star bringing the sounds of Magic Kingdom into your home.

Get motivated with Disney Broadway stars singing “Go The Distance” – a favorite from the notable animated Disney film Hercules.

EXTRA

Since the parks shut down due to the pandemic, Disney Parks YouTube channel has released how-to-draw videos with Disney Imagineers. This is by far our favorite pastime from the days of visiting Disney California Adventure and hiding out in Animation Academy to take in a lesson on how to draw a character. There are several Learn to Draw lessons, and you should definitely check out Draw Your Pirate Scene.

TECH TIPS

Use the HDMI connection from your computer to your tv to easily click through links on here for in your face views of the rides and entertainment. Alternatively, use a device like a FireStick or Roku to use YouTube on your TV to look up rides.

Now, all that is left is to have a magical time!