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EARTH DAY EVERY DAY: Commissaries highlight processes to help reduce environmental footprint

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FORT LEE, Va. – As the world celebrates 52 years of Earth Day on April 22 and the awareness it brings, the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) is highlighting the steps it takes every day to reduce its environmental footprint through recycling and diversion, food donations and the sale of environmentally friendly products.

Since the inception of its environmental program in 2005, DeCA has recycled or diverted over 1.9 billion pounds of solid waste from landfills worldwide. That’s the equivalent of 1,939 fully loaded Boeing 747 jumbo jets being eliminated from landfills.

“It’s not just about Earth Day,” said Steven Edlavitch, DeCA environmental program manager. “The agency has made the commitment to our communities and that means we must also ensure we are doing everything we can to protect and bring sustainability to those communities.”

To fulfill its mission of reducing the agency’s footprint, commissaries recycle and divert different types of commodities. DeCA then sells the commodities and the proceeds are added to the surcharge funds, which pays for the construction of replacement stores, renovations, maintenance and repairs of existing stores, and the purchasing of new equipment and store-level information technology systems. The sale of cardboard, plastic and office paper has generated over $57 million in surcharge funds since 2005. In 2021, DeCA recycled or diverted the following commodities:

  • Aluminum cans – 1,587 pounds
  • Cardboard – 70,182,331 pounds
  • Compost – 8,487,554 pounds
  • Fat and bones – 1,076,858 pounds
  • Food donations – 4,466,361 pounds
  • Food recovery (organics) – 77,320 pounds
  • Local farm – 610,711 pounds
  • Metal – 54,410 pounds
  • Office paper – 44,348 pounds
  • Other recyclables – 29,081 pounds
  • Plastic – 4,074,070 pounds
  • Rotisserie chicken oil – 82,227 pounds
  • Toner cartridges – 72 pounds
  • Wood – 2,614,418 pounds
  • Wood pallets – 3,291,821 pounds

The agency also sells outdated or surplus equipment. “By using a liquidation service to help sell out-of-use items, we have supported the environment by diverting 1.5 million pounds of used equipment from landfills,” said Edlavitch. “We also boosted the commissary benefit at the same time with the sale of these items, generating over $4.1 million in surcharge revenue.”

Another part of DeCA’s environmental program is the agency’s food bank program that donates edible but unsellable food to local food banks around the country. In 2021, the agency donated over 4.4 million pounds of edible but unsellable food. Since 2012, when the program started, the agency has donated over 32 million pounds of food, eliminating approximately 2.6 million pounds of methane gas, a detrimental greenhouse gas. DeCA currently has 196 approved (DoD) food banks and 174 commissaries supporting local foodbanks.

“The pandemic created a large demand for food donations,” said Edlavitch. “Helping food-insecure families is our social responsibility. And as an added bonus, donating food also reduces our environmental impact. We will continue to look for opportunities to donate food to help support our communities.”

DeCA also participates in the Feds Feed Families Food Drive, a voluntary federal-wide and nationwide effort for employees to collect and donate food for those in need. The USDA oversees the program and DeCA manages the DoD Feds Feed Families program. The 2021 campaign, which was conducted from June 1 to Aug. 31, collected just over 7.5 million pounds for donation to food banks. Commissary customers and DeCA employees were responsible for donating 2.4 million pounds or 66 percent of the DOD wide total of 3.7 million pounds. 

Even the commissary buildings contribute to the overall mission. Many of them have been built to or have been renovated to minimize their carbon footprint. Many of the stores have glass doors on their refrigeration units, they take advantage of natural light and use solar power units and LED lighting when possible. Some stores also have low- to no-maintenance flooring which helps to reduce the chemicals and equipment needed to strip and polish floors reducing the overall cost to run stores. The agency is also working to convert or upgrade existing HVAC units and other store technologies to help reduce the footprint further. 

The last part of the agency’s mission is offering environmentally friendly products for commissary customers. Products that can reduce the customers’ impact on the environment can be found in almost every section of the store. Customers can choose from organic produce, energy-saving compact fluorescent and LED light bulbs, high-efficiency laundry products and environmentally friendly cleaning products.

Customers can also find products with reduced packaging like paper towels and bathroom tissue without the cardboard tubes.

The commissary also features a commissary store brand, Full Circle Market, that provides sustainable, simple and better choices through all-natural ingredients, while not costing a fortune or sacrificing taste. According to the brand’s website, their “organic foods are farmed and produced without chemical treatments and processing. Full Circle Market organic foods have been produced using cultural, biological, and mechanical practices that support the cycling of on-farm resources, promote ecological balance, and conserve biodiversity.”

Customers can also buy reusable shopping bags while shopping in their commissaries to help reduce the number of plastic bags being sent to landfills.

“While Earth Day may bring awareness to the systems and processes we have in place to help protect the environment, sustainability is something that is ingrained in how the commissaries do business,” said Edlavitch. “Our customers can count on us to be good stewards of the military and global communities.”

-DeCA-

What To Include In Your Overseas PCS Checklist

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Getting overseas orders, or OCONUS can bring about emotions of a wide array – from elated and excited to dreading and sad. It is true, moving overseas comes with its own variety of stressors, on top of moving which is stressful in itself. Be prepared with this list to make sure you are ready to go.

  1. Medical Clearance: This is key. Medical clearance is required for every family member who would be moving to an overseas location. Some military bases OCONUS have small clinics or hospitals that do not have every medical specialty. The screening ensures that those individuals who need specialized care or medication that requires that they stay CONUS. The screening also identifies if there are any outstanding vaccinations that family members need prior to travel. Once the medical screening is complete state-side, it is sent to the medical clearance department at the gaining command OCONUS. Once area clearance is received, the orders can be completed with every family member who is moving overseas.
  2. Pet Clearance: If you have pets, this can also take several months. Depending on which country you are going to, your pet may need vaccinations, namely Rabies, and rabies titers. If there is even a whisper of potentially overseas orders, highly recommend calling the base vet to find out what paperwork, blood work, vaccinations, and clearance your pet will need. Check out what is required for taking your pet overseas on the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
  3. Passports: When moving overseas, federal passports are provided for all family members on orders. These passports are “no fee,” meaning you do not pay for it. It also means that the passport can only be used when traveling on military orders. You cannot use the federal passport to travel across Europe or Asia when your family is living overseas-it is not a tourist passport. If the location you are moving to requires a visa, the Travel or Transportation Office will provide you with the required paperwork.
  4. Flights: Do not expect to get the Patriot Express – the military airline that transports families overseas. The peak moving periods of the summer and December fill up quickly. There are limited pet spots for sending pets back and forth overseas as well.
  5. Scheduling the Move: Here are a few terms you need to know – express shipment (aka unaccompanied baggage), household goods shipment (aka HHG), and storage. Depending on where you are moving to, you likely get at least two shipments – express and household goods. The express shipment or unaccompanied baggage is just that – baggage that goes ahead of when you leave with the intent of arriving soon after you arrive. The express shipment is limited on weight and is usually restricted to items like your kitchen items, cribs, cleaning items, etc. This is not the shipment for sending your tv, workout equipment, or a large bed. Each service branch has different regulations, so ask the office that schedules your move. The HHG shipment is for the rest of your home goods. The HHG shipment usually comes on the “slow boat,” meaning a freight boat. This shipment typically arrives several months after you arrive OCONUS, so plan accordingly. Don’t pack the uniform items you will need the month you arrive. Each service branch may have a weight limit that differs from moving within the continental United States, so make sure to ask.
  6. Connect with your sponsor: Typically moving overseas means that there is a service member assigned as a sponsor. The sponsor can make hotel reservations and set up a mailbox for the incoming family. They do not pay for the hotel room, they may help with setting things up because of the time difference. They are often the people who pick up the military family from the airport since the incoming family does not likely have an international driver’s license. Ask this person any logistical questions you can.
  7. Shipping a POV: Some duty stations allow you to ship privately owned vehicles (POV), and the transportation office should be able to provide this guidance. If they do not allow POVs to be shipped, you will need to buy local cars upon arrival.
  8. Sell or Store a POV: If you are not bringing your vehicle overseas, the choice is to sell your current vehicle or store it. If you store it through the government, the car should be started periodically. You could also store it with family or allow a friend to borrow it – but make sure you are clear with expectations for car use and maintenance. If you choose to sell your vehicle, make sure to get offers from a dealership and places that buy used cars to resell.  

Tackling the logistical side of moving overseas will help you and your family embrace and enjoy the change. It does take a bit of planning to help an overseas move go smoothly, and knowing what you need as soon as you can will help you get there!

Army PFT now ACFT- Updated April 1, 2022

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The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) has replaced the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) as of April 1, 2022. The testing of the new test was completed this year and is now the accepted fitness test for the Army. The idea behind this change is to improve individual and unit readiness, enhance stamina and change the fitness culture within the U.S. Army. In addition, the combat fitness test has been modified in a way to reduce preventable injuries which in turn will help with soldier attrition.

The ACFT was made of six events: 3 repetition maximum deadlift (MDL), standing power throw (SPT), hand release push-up – arm extension (HRP), spring-drag-carry (SDC), leg tuck (LTK), and 2-mile run (2MR).

The MDL was designed to work on and develop muscular strength, balance, and flexibility.  The equipment used is a 60-pound hex bar and plates.  A minimum of 140 pounds is required for a score of 60 and a maximum of 340 pounds is listed for a score of 100. This exercise was chosen to work on the skills of lifting and moving heavy loads from the ground and extracting a casualty if needed.

The SPT event is completed by throwing a 10-pound medicine ball backward and overhead for a distance.  The minimum requirement is 4.5 meters is required for a score of 60 and the max is 12.5 meters for a score of 100. The exercise is working on explosive power, balance, and flexibility

The HRP is to complete as many push-ups as possible in a two-minute period to work on muscular endurance. The muscles utilized with HRP are used to move obstacles, push away opponents when in hand-to-hand combat, execute evasion maneuvers, and push disabled vehicles. The minimum is 10 for a score of 60 and the maximum is 60 for a score of 100 points.

The SDC is a test of strength, endurance, and anaerobic capacity by completing 5 x 50-meter shuttles for a time period. A 90-pound sled or 2 40-pound kettlebells are used. The SDC uses and builds muscles needed to extract a casualty from a vehicle, getting to fighting positions and reacting as needed. A minimum score of 60 is achieved if the exercises are completed in 3:00 minutes. The maximum score of 100 points is achieved if the exercises are completed in 1:33 minutes.

The LTK core exercise is to complete as many left tucks as possible to build strength and endurance allowing for climbing walls and obstacles and rope climbing. The minimum is 1 rep or a 2:09 plank hold for a score of 60. A maximum of 20 reps or 4:20 plank hold for a score of 100 points.

The 2MR is completed on a generally flat outdoor course to test and build aerobic endurance. Running is necessary for marching, running or any movement required as part of the training or tasks at hand. The minimum is 21:00 minutes will gain a score of 60 points and the maximum is 13:30 minutes for a score of 100 points.

Details on specific lifting techniques and which muscle groups are used with each exercise are located on the Army ACFT website.

Loose Lips Sink Ships: Know OPSEC and PERSEC

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World History and the Captain America movie series share the World War II posters in common – specifically, the one with the picture of a ship and the phrase “Loose Lips Sink Ships” emblazoned underneath it. The idea behind this poster was if you talk about troop or ship movement, the enemy could get that information and use it. World War II occurred during the days of letters, phone calls, and telegrams – not the world with social media on everyone’s personal phones and computers. While the technology has changed, the main idea has remained the same – loose lips, sink ships – do not share personal or military movement publicly. This idea is called PERSEC and OPSEC.

PERSEC

PERSEC is Personal Security. This means a service member and family members keep themselves safe. This isn’t just about sharing when the service member is deployed or training, but also about sharing that the family may be home alone. Avoid posting a countdown clock on a social media profile. There are excel sheets entitled the “donut of misery” that you can edit on your computer, but this is not sharing the info publicly.

Avoid geo-tracking or “checking in” at certain locations on social media. Especially if you are leaving your home for an extended period of time. Yes, it is on-trend to share the comings and goings of your daily life, but digital information is still information.

Don’t share your or your children’s schools or activities – this creates a routine that others can follow you and make take advantage of that time and information.

OPSEC

OPSEC means Operation Security. This is self-explanatory – keeping the operation, the mission, safe and secure. This means not sharing when units deploy from a base or an area. This varies from branch to branch, and the local news may share when a ship leaves a port. It may feel like you can share if the news shares, but what they share is a little different when you share it on your personal profile. The news is sharing general information, and not specifying individuals or missions. When you personally share that the military member moved, you are sharing that your spouse or family member is on it and now you are home alone, or home without your spouse. It is smart to avoid sharing the 5 W’s of movement of military troops publicly– The Who, Where, When, What, and Why of movements. Avoid sharing what unit the military member is part of, where they are going. It may seem contrary to the sharing culture that social media has created, but sharing this information leaves the military member and you open and vulnerable.

It may feel counter-culture to not share daily while you are on vacation, or openly ask for prayers or help when your military spouse is deployed, but by not sharing those items you are using OPSEC and PERSEC. This doesn’t mean you can’t share. You can share homecoming photos after the military member has come home, you can share vacation photos after you are back. You can even share the burrito you ate if you want to without the geo-tag. It may take time to change previous habits, but operational and personal security is worth it.

Make the Most of Your PCS with These Packing Tips

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It’s the most chaotic time of the year….(sang to the tune of “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year”).

PCS season is here. When the orders start rolling in, it is time to start planning out the move. Packing up your home can be daunting. You may want to let the professionals do it, but sometimes the government procured movers aren’t actually moving professionals but college students on summer break and learning how to pack themselves. Whether you are planning to move with a PPM (personally procured moved, formerly DITY) or a government procured move, get organized with these packing tips.

  1. Prepare, prepare, prepare. We have heard the old adage of location, location, location for real estate, but preparation for a move is key. Getting everything organized, thinned out and ready to go is key for establishing a smooth process and getting the most out of your PCS.
  2. Cull. Part of preparation is going through and culling. Not just Marie Kondo style, wholesale – clothes your kids have grown out of, outdoor toys that you don’t know if they will fit in the new yard, snow gear if you are moving to Hawaii, and books that no one has read in the last three years can all go. Every little bit helps, if you cull “extra” items, you won’t have to pack them. Many places accept donations both on and off-post – consider dropping them off at the on-base thrift stores for other families to enjoy or
  3. Shred. This goes along with cull, but shredding paperwork or old bills that you do not need to move means you are saving space and thinning out unnecessary items.  If you don’t have the time to do it, check for local shred events. Local shred events may charge a fee for a certain number of bags, but there may be a bag or two that are free. And if it saves you time, it may be worth the money.
  4. Organize. Getting bins or bags for kids’ clothes and labeling them by size means they can be easily tossed into boxes and unpacked just as easily. Pack up seasonal items and label them as such. Bin up shoes for the different seasons. This makes unpacking that much simpler.
  5. Make your own parts box. Whether you are moving or having the government procured movers pack you, make and designate your own parts box. Make sure it is a durable box that won’t accidentally go missing or have items fall out of it.
  6. Pack a go-bag. Don’t forget to pack a bag for each person to have items after the house is packed. To avoid running out to the store to get a toothbrush or toothpaste for a member of your family, pull out items that you will need during the transition period between homes or while on travel.
  7. Pack an “open this” box. Pack a box that is filled to the brim with essentials that you need the first week – toilet paper, shower curtain, kitchen items, towels, sheets – all items that allow you to move into the empty home and make it work while waiting for your household items. If you are moving to OCONUS, this can be a suitcase. If you are moving cross country this can be a bin you bring with you.
  8. Reserve a “do not pack” area. Make this room a bathroom or small room so you can easily shut a door. This is a great visualization for everyone who is packing or preparing.
  9. Set aside pro gear. Whether you are packing these items yourself or having the packers do it, make sure that pro gear is labeled and set aside. Pro gear are items that do not count toward your household goods and are items that you typically have for your job – equipment, field gear, or books for the service member and the spouse. There is a 2,000-pound limit for the service member and 500 pounds for the spouse.
  10. Separate important papers. Birth certificates, marriage certificates, passports – all items that are not easily replaced are items you need to carry with you on a move and store in a secure place during the move process. This also includes medical records or sentimental items. Have one suitcase or bag for these items so you are always aware of where they are.
  11. Make an inventory video. This may sound silly but walk around your house recording the items you own, including video of your appliances working with the current date. Including any model numbers in the video. This helps with replacement if necessary and is just good to have on hand.
  12. Save, save, save. Moving is not cheap. While the military may pay for your move, it is still an expensive season replacing necessary items and general preparation. Saving as soon as you are able can help you be more prepared.

PCSing doesn’t seem to get easier with each move. You can get more prepared with more practice, or use this list to be expertly prepared for this PCS season. May the PCS gnome be kind to you and your family this season.

Try These 4 Surprising Sides for Your Easter Meal

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Bunny Day is almost here! Spring with its brightly colored flowers, warmer weather, and pastel-colored candies have arrived. It also means that the Easter dinner planning has begun. Are you ready to shed the traditional scalloped potatoes or glazed carrots for your Easter meal, then look no further! Check out these 4 sides to add some deliciousness to your meal this year.

German Potato Salad

Mashed potatoes are great, but this potato dish is a great spring side dish to elevate your spring meal. Bring 2 pounds of red potatoes to a boil and once tender, drain and set aside. Heat olive oil with one-half of chopped red onion with salt and pepper. Once onions are soft, remove the pan from heat and mix in ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar with 1-2 tablespoons of dill. Pour the vinaigrette over potatoes. You can cut potatoes or slightly crush them, so the warm potatoes take on the dressing flavor.

Shaved Carrot Salad

You don’t need iceberg lettuce or spinach to have a salad! Consider shaved carrots in lieu of lettuce for a salad. This is perfect for bunnies while adding color to your salad. Consider shaving rainbow carrots to add all spring hues to your salad. You can also shave radishes and beets to add more reds and purples to your salad. Mix in sliced grapefruit or oranges with a light vinaigrette for a light and refreshing salad.

Rosemary Rolls

Refrigerated rolls move aside and try your hand at these homemade rosemary rolls. If you have a favorite basic bread recipe, mix in 2-3 tablespoons of chopped fresh rosemary at the final rest to add a fresh element to your bread. Don’t forget to add whisked egg to the top of the rolls for baking to add a crunchy, glazed look to your rolls. These do take planning as you need to let your bread mix rise and rest in between, but with great planning comes great rolls!

Fresh Fruit with Honey-Lime Vinaigrette

A fruity gelatin mold this is not. Chop seasonal fresh fruit into a bowl. Stick to what you know everyone will eat. Talk about eating your colors, this is an easy and fun way to eat the rainbow. Once you have all the desired fruit chopped, mix together ¼ cup of honey, 1-2 teaspoons of lime juice, and a ½ teaspoon of lime zest. Once mixed, pour over your chopped fruit. It can be made ahead of time, but any fruit like bananas may become brown or soft, even with the lime juice on it to prevent it from browning.

Add these sides to your meal repertoire is visually appealing and delicious! Save them for barbeques and gatherings throughout the spring and summer for seasonal, budget-friendly, and refreshing sides.

Inside Out: Emotions of Deployments

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“Hey, babe…”

That phrase is known by military families everywhere. The “hey” phrase means that either orders have come – either to move or deploy. Deployments come with a variety of emotions. Like the stages of grief, there are stages of deployment. These emotions are normal and natural states of deployments for every family member.

Anger

Deployments don’t come at “good times.” There are birthdays, anniversaries, births, planned vacations, illnesses in family members. Units include thousands of individuals; it is not possible for every person to be accounted for in planning a deployment. Deployments happen to assist other countries in need, protect U.S. assets, and complete humanitarian missions – there are no planned or predictable timelines for them. It is normal to feel angry that deployment is occurring. Angry that the military member will miss events, angry that you may have to single parent.  As a military member, you can also feel angry about leaving.

Kids can get angry too. And they may not even know why they are feeling angry or be able to express it by saying “I am angry.” They may just act out, scream, or be angry at you for what feels like little things (the wrong color cup was used). Tell them how you feel and tell them you understand why they are angry and it is okay to talk about it.

Address the anger, determine if there is anything you can do to change the things you are angry about. If you are angry about missing a vacation, try to move that vacation to before deployment or plan a big vacation when you get back.

Sadness

Like anger, you may feel sad about the things that are missed during deployment and missing the service member during deployment. Sadness is a powerful emotion – it can leech into everyday activities. It can feel like even the simplest thing, washing dishes, pulling laundry is upsetting.

Children can cry over small things or cry when seeing pictures of military members. Like an adult, they feel the same emotions but aren’t always able to express them through words. When you are feeling the emotions of sadness, you can tell your child you are feeling that way too and want to talk about it. This may give them the opportunity to share how they feel as well. Teens may express sadness through both sadness and anger. Just like younger children, sharing how you feel may allow them to open up to talk about their emotions.

Overwhelmed

You just want the military member back to commiserate with, talk to or even help with the never-ending daily tasks. That feeling of being overwhelmed with everyday life is part of the cycle of emotions. You may want a break. For the adult family member left behind, consider hiring a babysitter to get alone time, or a cleaner once or twice a month for a mental health break from daily chores. These may seem like small things, but just having a little help or even adult time can reset the brain when feeling overwhelmed.

Children may not be able to express feeling overwhelmed. Younger and older children alike may act out when overwhelmed. Because they are acting out doesn’t necessarily mean they feel overwhelmed, but asking open-ended questions may help you get to the root cause.

Joy

When you are nearing the home stretch, the end of the deployment – the feeling of joy and excitement appear. It is a time to get excited about the military member’s impending return. The excitement of surviving and maybe thriving during deployment, the sense if relief, often accompanies the joy. It is a time to embrace the excitement – maybe make plans for post-deployment leave or plan for a few days to just be together. Don’t make too many plans without the military member’s involvement, coming home is exciting for them but it usually takes hours or days for them to travel home, and they will likely be exhausted. The military member may also not want to be around crowds for a while after a return, so going on vacation may be overwhelming post-deployment.

Apprehension

It is normal to be nervous or apprehensive about the returning military member’s return. It will take time for the family member to get back in the swing of things. New routines have likely been established since daily life like bills, laundry and activities had to be completed solo for the last several months. Family members may have changed as well. Children likely have grown and changed, and the adults may have changed interests as well. Make sure to discuss the feelings of joy and apprehension with the family members.

The key to these emotions is addressing what you can change and acknowledging what you cannot. There may be things you can’t change but addressing them can help the family member move forward. Children of all ages may not be able to express with words how they are feeling, but if you share with them how you are feeling they may also open up about how they are feeling.

What To Know For Moving Day With Pets

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When you are moving – whether moving door to door, across the country or around the world, there is planning that is required for all family members. This includes your furry family members. On moving day make sure to have a plan to keep them safe, happy, and calm.

Before Moving Day

Set aside pet food, leashes, kitty litter boxes so you have enough for the moving days. It isn’t always easy or simple to run to the store to get needed items when packers or there or you are trying to get the truck packed. Planning ahead and having these items helps keep the packing and moving process smooth.

Make a plan for your pet for moving day by having a safe space for them.

Moving Day

Kennel, Pet Daycare, or Neighbors

If your pet has a routine of being in their kennel for the day, they may do well being in their kennel while items are being packed. It is their safe space and routine, so putting your pet in the kennel may be the perfect way for your pet to hang out for the day.

Check with local pet daycares in the area for moving day. There is a variety of pet daycares, so ask neighbors who they recommend or have used personally so they can give advice. While they may be pricey, it doesn’t hurt to ask if they offer a military or multi-day discount. The daycares provide both a space for your pet and engage them in play throughout the day. This is perfect for high-energy pets who may be unable to get out their energy when they come home for the day because they have to clean, or just want to crash after a busy day.

If there is a neighbor who normally watches your pet when you are on vacation, asking them to watch your pet for moving day is a natural idea. Your pet knows them and will be comfortable with them while they are away from your home for moving day.

A Word About OCONUS moves

If your move includes a flight overseas, make sure to get the pet space ASAP. Get the medical clearance for your pet done as quickly as possible to make sure you can reserve a pet space on Patriot Express (military flights) or pay for a pet spot on the commercial airlines. When flying commercial, make sure there is a pet space for every flight to avoid hiccups at each stop. Also, always call the airlines weeks prior to arrival to ensure there are no restrictions on your pet’s breed for flying so you can make plans ahead of time instead of hurried plans a

These Are A Few of My Favorite Things At the Commissary

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Grocery shopping is a necessary activity to support daily life. It doesn’t mean it has to be boring. In fact, there are some gems at the Commissary on the post if you know where to look. Here are a few of my favorite things at the Military Commissary.

  1. Canned Coffees. It isn’t a surprise that caffeine is necessary for survival on some days. Deployments, work-ups, PCSing are times of high stress often coupled with less sleep, making caffeine essential. Canned coffees come in a variety of options. Check out the international aisle of Japanese coffees and even milk tea. Check out the dairy section for refrigerated canned coffees with oat milk, no milk, or milk in a variety of concentrations. If you can’t find what you are looking for, check the beverage stands by the cash registers.
  2. Pre-Cut Fruit and Veg. When we are heading to the beach, PCSing or just looking for a shortcut for the week, the pre-cut veg and fruit are a go-to. There are packs of veg cut for stir fry and fruit in all varieties. This saves on time during a busy week, and helps when PCSing and staying in hotels without kitchens or just grabbing a healthier option for lunch on the go. Check out the produce section or the fridge in the entryway.
  3. Platters. Another big shortcut for a busy week or when hosting a get-together is the deli platters. There are sandwich, vegetable, fruit, and meat and cheese platters of a variety of sizes at reasonable prices. Again, providing a shortcut at a reasonable price. When PCSing, the sandwich platters can feed movers and packers for a decent price, and even provide chow for the family for the day. The fruit and veg platters can be divvied up for meal planning for lunches, adding the valuable resource of time to the day.
  4. Frozen Meals. Whether PCSing or entering a busy season of life, let’s face it – sometimes frozen meals enter the weekly meal rotation. TV dinners in all varieties exist – but there are even some healthier options with vegan, low-salt in addition to cuisine varieties like Indian, Mexican, Asian flares. Check these out if you are in the temporary lodging facility, or even after a big grocery trip to lessen the stress for the evening meal.
  5. Frozen Meat. Have you ever seen the freezer by the meat section that is full of pork, chicken, veal, and beef? The combo freezer is for meat that has been frozen prior to their sell-by date and is discounted. This is a great way to grab meats that you would throw in the freezer for crockpot or instapot meals later anyway and at savings.
  6. Local Finds. Each commissary has different stock because they negotiate with local vendors for items. We have found pies and even seafood from local vendors at Commissaries across the United States. This is a great way to grab local finds, like Julian Pies from the Camp Pendleton commissary, without the hour drive to Julian. There has even been local honey found before – a great way to get a jump start on treating those local allergies (just remember that honey cannot be fed to children under 1 year).

What are your favorite things from the military commissary?

‘Thank You!’ Commissaries, exchanges to honor service, sacrifice of Vietnam War-era veterans

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NEWS RELEASE

DeCA photo

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:        15-22                                                                             

Date:                              March 24, 2022

Media Contact:           Kevin L. Robinson, public affairs specialist

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

E-mail:                         kevin.robinson@deca.mil

By Kevin L. Robinson,

DeCA public affairs specialist

Facebook-friendly version: Select commissaries and exchanges worldwide are planning recognition events to honor veterans, surviving spouses and their families for Vietnam War Veterans Day on March 29. Vietnam War-era veterans who served from Nov. 1, 1955 to May 15, 1975 will receive commemorative lapel pins. Participants are advised to check with their local commissaries and exchanges for scheduled ceremonies.

Click here  to read more on the DeCA website.

FORT LEE, Va. – Select commissaries and exchanges worldwide are planning recognition events to honor veterans, surviving spouses and their families for Vietnam War Veterans Day on March 29.

Vietnam War-era veterans who served from Nov. 1, 1955 to May 15, 1975 will receive commemorative lapel pins. Participants are advised to check with their local commissaries and exchanges for scheduled ceremonies.

Defense Commissary Agency Director and CEO Bill Moore said it is only right that commissaries join the nation in recognizing the service and sacrifice of Vietnam War-era veterans and their families.

“When our nation called, they answered,” Moore said. “We at DeCA are privileged to acknowledge their proud legacy of service. We also want to continue welcoming the millions of eligible veterans and their caregivers who are now authorized to shop on-base.”

Approximately 9 million U.S. military members served on active duty during the Vietnam War era. Out of the 2.7 million U.S. service members who served in Vietnam, more than 58,000 were killed and more than 304,000 were wounded.

Vietnam Veterans Day was first established by presidential proclamation in 2012 leading to the start of annual observance events in 2014. The Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017 further established the events as a national observance to recognize Vietnam War-era veterans for their service.

At DeCA, supporting the military is part of the DNA of its workforce, with more than 65 percent of commissary employees having a direct connection to the military as a veteran, a retiree, a military family member or a reservist.

“We appreciate the opportunity to serve our military veterans because we’re in essence honoring family,” Moore said. “My dad was a Vietnam combat vet, so this is personal for me. He became disabled as a result of his service, like so many of his fellow Vietnam veterans. They deserve the honor and respect of our nation for their selfless service and sacrifice in that war.

“On this special day, March 29, we are taking time out to honor our Vietnam War-era veterans,” he added. “And for any of those vets who are disabled and can shop in our stores, we want to reach out to them and let them know the commissary is here to deliver savings on their grocery bill.”

To learn more about the National Vietnam War Commemoration effort, go to their website.

-DeCA-