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Search Results for: fort belvoir

Commissary Surcharge Dollars Fund New Facilities

05/16/2016 By Kimber Green

There are new and improved commissaries on the way, thanks to shoppers like you.

Your commissary surcharge dollars are hard at work providing the funds needed to build new infrastructure and modernize facilities to provide a better shopping experience for military beneficiaries around the world.

Did you know what the surcharge at the bottom of your receipt is for and the power that it carried for improvements?

The commissary surcharge is not a tax. Many people mistakenly think so, but unlike taxes where money could be distributed in many areas, the commissary surcharge can only be used to build new commissaries or to modernize and maintain the commissary facilities and equipment. Each time you make a purchase at your local commissary, feel good knowing that surcharge will lead to real improvements beneficiaries such as yourself can see in the future.

All commissaries charge a 5 percent surcharge. Perhaps you never noticed the surcharge at the bottom of your receipt. It isn’t something new. In fact, the first surcharge was put into place all the way back in 1879. It varied a bit over time but in 1983 it was set at 5 percent, and remains that way today.

Why do we have to pay a surcharge though?

The government decided that the commissary should be more self-sufficient, and rely less on it for funds. The commissary therefore charges consumers only the cost of the product it sells plus the 5 percent surcharge in order to cover the cost of maintaining and updating their equipment and facilities. Their research has shown that military beneficiaries that shop at the commissary save on average 30 percent over using a commercial grocery store. This takes into account the cost of items and the 5 percent surcharge.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Defense Commissary Agency as well as the 150th anniversary of the commissary benefit. It all began on July 1, 1867, when service members stationed across the country were able to buy food at cost for the first time.

The long tradition continues and a great way to celebrate these landmarks is with a new commissary or better yet – 3.

There are 3 commissaries slated to open this year beginning with Spangdahlem Air Base commissary in Germany this month at a cost of $26 million. Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Fla., will open its doors to shoppers this summer thanks to $36 million in surcharge dollars. The Fort Belvoir commissary in Virginia is expected to open early next year after spending $38 million. All of these commissaries were built using surcharge dollars.

Construction began in March of 2014 on the commissary at Spangdahlem Air Base. The 7,500 service members, civilians and family members at this mobility hub in the country’s Eifel region will be in for a treat after a long awaited grand opening of their 54,000-square-foot commissary.

There are significant improvements over the current store, which opened in 1985. More space has been added, the aisles are wider, it has been outfitted with modern décor and a larger selection of items will be offered. The number of checkout counters will increase from the current 8 to 13.

Naval Air Station Jacksonville is putting commissary surcharge dollars to good use with a 115,000-square-foot commissary, up from its current 88,000 square feet. This includes a covered drive through for patrons to use when picking up groceries ordered online.

It will also have a raised ceiling, wider aisles, an expanded chill and frozen section and the décor will be modernized. The seafood shop will be larger and the bakery and deli area will be expanded allowing for new items to be sold. This again is all thanks to commissary surcharge dollars.

I am most excited about the $28 million commissary coming to Fort Belvoir. In recent years, Ft. Belvoir has grown by 115,000 people. This new commissary will be able to accommodate the growing population.

The commissary will be constructed to LEED Silver standards, meaning it would utilize sustainable strategies such as using innovative energy conserving techniques. This upgraded facility will offer a wider range of products in a modern setting that is more family friendly with wider aisles and easier access.

There are many great upgrades coming to commissaries across the globe thanks to commissary surcharge dollars.

Have you noticed any changes at a commissary near you? What upgrades would you like to see?

2016 Case Lot Sale Store Dates

04/11/2016 By Military Shoppers

Don’t forget to check with your commissary for date changes or cancellations before you go. Case lot sales may be cancelled due to weather or other events beyond DeCA control.

Commissaries are not responsible for early sell out of items during case lot sales due to high customer volume or limited product availability.

A

  • Aberdeen PG: June 2-5
  • Air Force Academy: June 17-18
  • Albany MCLB: May 6-7
  • Altus AFB: May 13-15
  • Anchorage Area: June 3-5
  • Andrews AFB: June 3-5
  • Annapolis NSA: May 20-22
  • Arnold AFB: May 5-7

B

  • Bangor ANGB: May 19-20
  • Bangor NBK: June 16-18
  • Barksdale AFB: May 13-15
  • Barstow MCLB: June 1-4
  • Beale AFB: June 1-4
  • Bolling AFB: May 19-21
  • Bremerton NBK: May 13-15
  • Bridgeport MCMWTC: May 20-21
  • Buckley AFB: June 3-5

C

  • Camp Lejeune MCB: June 15-17
  • Camp Merrill: May 5-7
  • Camp Pendleton MCB: May 12-15
  • Cannon AFB: June 17-19
  • Carlisle Barracks: June 2-5
  • Charleston AFB: May 18-20
  • Charleston NWS: June 16-18
  • Cherry Point MCAS: June 14-16
  • China Lake NAWS: May 4-7
  • Columbus AFB: May 13-14
  • Corpus Christi NAS: June 3-5
  • Crane NSWC: May 19-21

D

  • Dahlgren NSF: June 2-4
  • Davis-Monthan AFB: May 19-21
  • Dover AFB: June 16-18
  • Dugway PG: June 6-8
  • Dyess AFB: May 31 – June 5

E

  • Edwards AFB: May 5-7
  • Eglin AFB: May 17-18
  • Eielson AFB: June 3-5
  • El Centro NAF: May 12-14
  • Ellsworth AFB: June 1-4

F

  • F. E. Warren AFB: June 3-4
  • Fairchild AFB: June 2-4
  • Fallon NAS: May 3-4
  • Forest Glen (formerly Walter Reed): May 27-29
  • Fort Belvoir: May 12-14
  • Fort Benning: May 5-7
  • Fort Bliss: May 27-29
  • Fort Bragg North: May 12-14
  • Fort Bragg South: May 26-29
  • Fort Buchanan: May 20-22
  • Fort Campbell: May 20-22
  • Fort Carson: May 13-15
  • Fort Detrick: May 19-21
  • Fort Drum: May 26-31
  • Fort Eustis: June 3-5
  • Fort Gordon: June 3-5
  • Fort Greely: June 3-4
  • Fort Hamilton: June 3-5
  • Fort Hood – Clear Creek: May 12-14
  • Fort Hood – Warrior Way: May 5-7
  • Fort Huachuca: June 3-5
  • Fort Hunter Liggett: June 3-4
  • Fort Irwin: June 3-5
  • Fort Jackson: May 19-21
  • Fort Knox: June 17-19
  • Fort Leavenworth: May 13-15
  • Fort Lee: May 13-15
  • Fort Leonard Wood: May 13-15
  • Fort Lewis: June 15-18
  • Fort McCoy: May 20-21
  • Fort Meade: May 26-30
  • Fort Myer: May 5-7
  • Fort Polk: June 16-18
  • Fort Riley: May 13-15
  • Fort Rucker: June 3-5
  • Fort Sam Houston: June 3-5
  • Fort Sill: June 2-4
  • Fort Stewart: May 4-7
  • Fort Wainwright: May 13-15
  • Fort Worth: June 2-4

G

  • Goodfellow AFB: June 2-5
  • Grand Forks AFB: May 12-15
  • Great Lakes NS: June 3-5
  • Gulfport NCBC: May 27-28
  • Gunter AFB: May 2-3

H

  • Hanscom AFB: June 3-5
  • Harrison Village: May 27-29
  • Hickam AFB: June 17-19
  • Hill AFB: June 3-4
  • Holloman AFB: May 12-15
  • Hunter AAF: May 13-15
  • Hurlburt Field: May 5-7

I

  • Imperial Beach: June 16-18

J

  • Jacksonville NAS: June 16-18

K

  • Kaneohe Bay MCBH: June 3-5
  • Keesler AFB: May 12-14
  • Key West NAS: May 19-21
  • Kings Bay NSB: June 3-5
  • Kingsville NAS: May 27-28
  • Kirtland AFB: June 3-5
  • Kodiak: June 17-18

L

  • Lackland AFB: May 20-22
  • Lakehurst NAES: May 26-28
  • Langley AFB: May 26-28
  • Laughlin AFB: June 3-5
  • Lemoore NAS: June 16-17
  • Little Creek Navphibase: May 5-7
  • Little Rock AFB: May 20-22
  • Los Angeles AFB: June 2-4
  • Luke AFB: June 2-5

M

  • MacDill AFB: June 16-19
  • Malmstrom AFB: May 19-21
  • March ARB: May 5-8
  • Maxwell AFB: May 12-14
  • Mayport NS: May 26-28
  • McChord AFB: June 2-5
  • McClellan: June 28-30
  • McConnell AFB: May 20-22
  • McGuire AFB: May 19-21
  • Memphis NSA: May 26-28
  • Meridian NAS: May 4-6
  • Minot AFB: May 12-14
  • Miramar MCAS: May 12-15
  • Mitchel Field: May 26-28
  • Moffett Field: May 20-22
  • Moody AFB: June 2-4
  • Mountain Home AFB: May 17-19

N

  • Nellis AFB: May 19-22
  • New London (Groton): June 3-4
  • New Orleans NSA: May 13-15
  • New River MCAS: May 31 – June 1
  • Newport NS: Store renovation
  • Norfolk NAVSTA: June 16-18
  • North Island NAS: June 2-4

O

  • Oceana NAS: June 2-5
  • Offutt AFB: May 20-21
  • Ord Community: June 3-5

P

  • Parris Island MCRD: May 31 – June 4
  • Patch Barracks: TBA
  • Patrick AFB: June 2-5
  • Patuxent River NAS: May 26-28
  • Pearl Harbor: May 20-22
  • Pensacola NAS: June 2-3
  • Peterson AFB: June 3-5
  • Picatinny Arsenal: June 10-11
  • Pittsburgh Area: May 19-21
  • Port Hueneme: May 28-31
  • Portsmouth NNSY: May 24-26
  • Portsmouth NSY: May 13-14

Q

  • Quantico MCB: June 2-4

R

  • Randolph AFB: June 17-19
  • Redstone Arsenal: May 19-21
  • Richards-Gebaur: June 24-26
  • Robins AFB: May 2-5
  • Rock Island Arsenal: May 20-21

S

  • San Diego NB: May 12-14
  • San Onofre: May 13-15
  • Saratoga Springs: May 19-21
  • Schofield Barracks: June 17-19
  • Scott AFB: May 6-7
  • Selfridge ANG BASE: May 6-8
  • Seymour Johnson AFB: June 15-18
  • Shaw AFB: May 19-21
  • Sheppard AFB: May 20-22
  • Smokey Point: May 19-22

T

  • Tinker AFB: May 20-22
  • Tobyhanna: May 20-21
  • Travis AFB: June 3-5
  • Twentynine Palms MCAGCC: June 2-5
  • Tyndall AFB: June 17-19

V

  • Vance AFB: June 3-5
  • Vandenberg AFB: May 13-16

W

  • West Point: May 20-22
  • Whidbey Island NAS: June 2-5
  • White Sands: June 16-18
  • Whiteman AFB: May 21-22
  • Whiting Field NAS: May 4-6
  • Wright-Patterson AFB: May 5-7

Y

  • Yuma MCAS: June 2-4
  • Yuma PG: May 5-7

A Few Words from Serve Our Willing Warriors

11/10/2015 By Military Shoppers

cfc jen

Dear Friends,

As a nation we are in general, grateful to our military members who serve to protect our freedom and democracy. Most of us however, are gravely unaware of the numerous issues many of them face upon returning home from duty. Some of them have sacrificed far more than we can imagine; visible wounds as in loss of limb, serious bodily injury, and also wounds we cannot see.

Consider these sobering facts:

  • There are more than 50,000 wounded to date from the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq.
  • There have been over 130,000 reported cases of Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome since 2002.
  • Since 2000, there are more than 300,000 reported Traumatic Brain Injury incidents.
  • The average hospital stay is 300 days, with treatment regimens lasting as long as four years.
  • Most recovering soldiers are separated from family for long periods while in treatment.

Serve Our Willing Warriors (SOWW), is a Virginia, 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation created to support our country’s wounded warriors and their families. Our core mission has been to establish and maintain a respite for these families as a getaway during their recovery process. Sitting on a lush 37 acres in the foothills of the Bull Run Mountains, the Bull Run Warrior Retreat is located in Haymarket, Virginia, about 30 miles from the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and the Fort Belvoir Community Hospital. The Retreat’s serene setting offers a warm, home-like environment where service members and their families can relax and enjoy quality time together away from a clinical setting. We also organize an array of local activities in the surrounding area for guests’ enjoyment and entertainment during their stay.

It is through our volunteers and partners that SOWW became a reality. Over 92% of support donated to SOWW goes directly to the program to provide support and encouragement to our nation’s warriors and their families during their recovery process, and to maintain a peaceful retreat for them to escape to and rebuild their lives.

We hope you will prayerfully consider SOWWING SEEDS OF HAPPINESS for our Warriors and their Families.

For more information on how you can help support our efforts please visit www.willingwarriors.org.

Sincerely,

Shirley Dominick

President

Serve Our Willing Warriors

 

SOWW is a non-profit charitable organization as described undersection 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Tax ID #: 46-0683036 ~ CFC# 90228

My Commissary-Listing by Name

09/27/2015 By Military Shoppers

Commissary-Alphabetical Listing

Click on your local commissary to be linked to the store’s web page where you can find store information including store hours of operation (including holiday hours), directions, phone numbers, contact information, floor plan, savings, and available services.

Can’t find your commissary listed here? Review the list of alternate commissary names.

  • A

    • Aberdeen PG
    • Air Force Academy
    • Albany MCLB
    • Alconbury
    • Altus AFB
    • Anchorage Area
    • Andersen AFB
    • Andrews AFB
    • Ankara
    • Annapolis NSA
    • Ansbach
    • Arnold AFB
    • Atsugi NAF
    • Aviano AB
  • B

    • Bangor ANGB
    • Bangor NBK
    • Barksdale AFB
    • Barstow MCLB
    • Baumholder
    • Beale AFB
    • Bolling AFB
    • Bremerton NBK
    • Bridgeport MCMWTC
    • Buckley AFB
  • C

    • Cairo
    • Camp Carroll
    • Camp Casey
    • Camp Courtney MCB
    • Camp Foster MCB
    • Camp Humphreys
    • Camp Kinser MCB
    • Camp Kure
    • Camp Lejeune MCB
    • Camp Merrill
    • Camp Pendleton MCB
    • Camp Red Cloud
    • Camp Stanley
    • Camp Zama
    • Cannon AFB
    • Carlisle Barracks
    • Charleston AFB
    • Charleston NWS
    • Cherry Point MCAS
    • Chievres AB
    • China Lake NAWS
    • Chinhae
    • Columbus AFB
    • Corpus Christi NAS
    • Crane NSWC
    • Croughton
  • D

    • Daegu
    • Dahlgren NSF
    • Davis-Monthan AFB
    • Dover AFB
    • Dugway PG
    • Dyess AFB
  • E

    • Edwards AFB
    • Eglin AFB
    • Eielson AFB
    • EL Centro NAF
    • Ellsworth AFB
  • F

    • F. E. Warren AFB
    • Fairchild AFB
    • Fallon NAS
    • Forest Glen (formerly Walter Reed)
    • Fort Belvoir
    • Fort Benning
    • Fort Bliss
    • Fort Bragg North
    • Fort Bragg South
    • Fort Buchanan
    • Fort Campbell
    • Fort Carson
    • Fort Detrick
    • Fort Drum
    • Fort Eustis
    • Fort Gordon
    • Fort Greely
    • Fort Hamilton
    • Fort Hood – Clear Creek
    • Fort Hood – Warrior Way
    • Fort Huachuca
    • Fort Hunter Liggett
    • Fort Irwin
    • Fort Jackson
    • Fort Knox
    • Fort Leavenworth
    • Fort Lee
    • Fort Leonard Wood
    • Fort Lewis
    • Fort McCoy
    • Fort Meade
    • Fort Myer
    • Fort Polk
    • Fort Riley
    • Fort Rucker
    • Fort Sam Houston
    • Fort Sill
    • Fort Stewart
    • Fort Wainwright
    • Fort Worth
  • G

    • Garmisch
    • Goodfellow AFB
    • Grafenwoehr
    • Grand Forks AFB
    • Great Lakes NS
    • Gulfport NCBC
    • Gunter AFB
  • H

    • Hanscom AFB
    • Hario Village
    • Harrison Village
    • Hickam AFB
    • Hill AFB
    • Hohenfels
    • Holloman AFB
    • Hunter AAF
    • Hurlburt Field
  • I

    • Illesheim
    • Imperial Beach
    • Incirlik AB
    • Iwakuni MCAS
    • Izmir
  • J

    • Jacksonville NAS
  • K

    • K-16 Air Field Commissary
    • Kadena AB
    • Kaneohe Bay MCBH
    • Keesler AFB
    • Kelley Barracks
    • Key West NAS
    • Kings Bay NSB
    • Kingsville NAS
    • Kirtland AFB
    • Kodiak
    • Kunsan AB
  • L

    • Lackland AFB
    • Lajes
    • Lakehurst NAES
    • Lakenheath
    • Langley AFB
    • Laughlin AFB
    • Lemoore NAS
    • Little Creek Navphibase
    • Little Rock AFB
    • Livorno
    • Los Angeles AFB
    • Luke AFB
  • M

    • MacDill AFB
    • Malmstrom AFB
    • March ARB
    • Maxwell AFB
    • Mayport NS
    • McChord AFB
    • McClellan
    • McConnell AFB
    • McGuire AFB
    • Memphis NSA
    • Menwith Hill
    • Meridian NAS
    • Mildenhall
    • Minot AFB
    • Miramar MCAS
    • Misawa AB
    • Mitchel Field
    • Moffett Field
    • Moody AFB
    • Mountain Home AFB
  • N

    • Naples NSA
    • Nellis AFB
    • New London (Groton)
    • New Orleans NAS JRB
    • New River MCAS
    • Newport NS
    • Norfolk NAVSTA
    • North Island NAS
  • O

    • Oceana NAS
    • Offutt AFB
    • Ord Community
    • Orote
    • Osan AB
  • P

    • Panzer Kaserne
    • Parris Island MCRD
    • Patch Barracks
    • Patrick AFB
    • Patuxent River NAS
    • Pearl Harbor
    • Pensacola NAS
    • Peterson AFB
    • Picatinny Arsenal
    • Pittsburgh Area
    • Port Hueneme
    • Portsmouth NNSY
    • Portsmouth NSY
  • Q

    • Quantico MCB
  • R

    • Ramstein AB
    • Randolph AFB
    • Redstone Arsenal
    • Richards-Gebaur
    • Riyadh
    • Robins AFB
    • Robinson Barracks
    • Rock Island Arsenal
    • Rota
  • S

    • Sagamihara
    • San Diego NB
    • San Onofre
    • Saratoga Springs
    • Sasebo
    • Schinnen
    • Schofield Barracks
    • Scott AFB
    • Selfridge ANG Base
    • Sembach
    • Seymour Johnson AFB
    • Shaw AFB
    • Sheppard AFB
    • Sigonella
    • Smokey Point
    • Spangdahlem Air Base
  • T

    • Tinker AFB
    • Tobyhanna
    • Travis AFB
    • Twentynine Palms MCAGCC
    • Tyndall AFB
  • V

    • Vance AFB
    • Vandenberg AFB
    • Vicenza
    • Vilseck
    • Vogelweh
  • W

    • West Point
    • Whidbey Island NAS
    • White Sands
    • Whiteman AFB
    • Whiting Field NAS
    • Wiesbaden
    • Wright-Patterson AFB
  • Y

    • Yokosuka NFA
    • Yokota AB
    • Yongsan
    • Yuma MCAS
    • Yuma PG

Case Lot Sales at the Commissary!

08/13/2015 By Military Shoppers

Stock up on products and SAVINGS at DeCA’s customer appreciation case lot sale!

What is a case lot sale?

Case lot sales at the commissary are sales that offer deep discounts on large quantities of various products.  Basically, you buy in bulk and save BIG.  When shopping the case lot sales, don’t forget to stock up on products with a longer shelf life, non-perishables and household products! For those items that you think might not last long enough for your family to use entirely, consider shopping with a fellow milspouse or military friend and splitting the cost.  It’s a great way to save and ensure that nothing goes to waste.

What will you find at your commissaries case lot sale?

There’s no definitive answer pertaining to exactly what your commissary will offer.  So go and find out!

You can find a list of the categories offered here.

“We choose the items from the list that we think will sell well at our stores,” said Mark Crump, the store manager at the Little Creek commissary. “These are not items that have been sitting in our warehouse.”

Will it be crowded?

Umm, absolutely.  DeCA’s customer appreciation case lot sales are an optimal time for saving, and in the military we know that every penny counts, so definitely expect a crowd.

Oh, and to really maximize your savings don’t forget your coupons and your Commissary Rewards Card!

A

  • Aberdeen PG: September 4-6
  • Air Force Academy: September 18-19
  • Albany MCLB: September 3-5
  • Altus AFB: August 28-30
  • Anchorage Area: September 17-20
  • Andrews AFB: August 20-22
  • Annapolis NSA: September 11-13
  • Arnold AFB: September 3-5

B

  • Bangor ANGB: September 17-18
  • Bangor NBK: September 17-19
  • Barksdale AFB: September 18-20
  • Barstow MCLB: September 2-5
  • Beale AFB: September 1-3
  • Bolling AFB: August 28-29
  • Bremerton NBK: August 21-23
  • Bridgeport MCMWTC: September 18-19
  • Buckley AFB: August 27-29

C

  • Camp Lejeune MCB: September 3-5
  • Camp Merrill: September 18-19
  • Camp Pendleton MCB: September 10-13
  • Cannon AFB: August 25-27
  • Carlisle Barracks: August 20-23
  • Charleston AFB: September 2-4
  • Charleston NWS: September 15-17
  • Cherry Point MCAS: September 15-17
  • China Lake NAWS: September 2-4
  • Columbus AFB: September 25-27
  • Corpus Christi NAS: September 4-6
  • Crane NSWC: August 28-29

D

  • Dahlgren NSF: September 17-19
  • Davis-Monthan AFB: September 3-5
  • Dover AFB: September 4-5
  • Dugway PG: September 10-12
  • Dyess AFB: September 15-20

E

  • Edwards AFB: August 27-29
  • Eglin AFB: September 11-13
  • Eielson AFB: September 18-20
  • El Centro NAF: September 28-30
  • Ellsworth AFB: August 28-30

F

  • F. E. Warren AFB: September 18-19
  • Fairchild AFB: September 17-19
  • Fallon NAS: September 15-16
  • Forest Glen (formerly Walter Reed): September 4-6
  • Fort Belvoir: August 27-29
  • Fort Benning: September 17-19
  • Fort Bliss: August 20-22
  • Fort Bragg North: September 18-19
  • Fort Bragg South: September 3-5
  • Fort Buchanan: September 18-20
  • Fort Campbell: September 25-26
  • Fort Carson: September 18-19
  • Fort Detrick: September 10-12
  • Fort Drum: September 15-16
  • Fort Eustis: Waiver – not participating
  • Fort Gordon: September 3-5
  • Fort Greely: August 28-29
  • Fort Hamilton: September 4-6
  • Fort Hood – Clear Creek: August 27-29
  • Fort Hood – Warrior Way: September 4-6
  • Fort Huachuca: September 18-20
  • Fort Hunter Liggett: September 17-19
  • Fort Irwin: August 28-30
  • Fort Jackson: September 3-5
  • Fort Knox: August 28-29
  • Fort Leavenworth: September 18-19
  • Fort Lee: September 11-13
  • Fort Leonard Wood: September 18-19
  • Fort Lewis: September 1-5
  • Fort McCoy: September 11-12
  • Fort Meade: September 3-6
  • Fort Myer: September 10-12
  • Fort Polk: September 4-6
  • Fort Riley: September 18-19
  • Fort Rucker: September 17-19
  • Fort Sam Houston: September 11-13
  • Fort Sill: September 3-5
  • Fort Stewart: September 2-4
  • Fort Wainwright: August 28-30
  • Fort Worth: August 27-29

G

  • Goodfellow AFB: August 28-30
  • Grand Forks AFB: September 17-19
  • Great Lakes NS: September 4-6
  • Gulfport NCBC: September 4-6
  • Gunter AFB: September 24-26

H

  • Hanscom AFB: September 4-6
  • Harrison Village: September 4-6
  • Hickam AFB: August 20-23
  • Hill AFB: September 17-19
  • Holloman AFB: September 4-6
  • Hunter AAF: September 11-13
  • Hurlburt Field: September 24-26

I

  • Imperial Beach: September 18-20

J

  • Jacksonville NAS: September 17-19

K

  • Kaneohe Bay MCBH: August 28-30
  • Keesler AFB: September 25-27
  • Key West NAS: September 4-5
  • Kings Bay NSB: September 4-6
  • Kingsville NAS: September 11-12
  • Kirtland AFB: August 28-30
  • Kodiak: September 11-12

L

  • Lackland AFB: Waiver Renovation
  • Lakehurst NAES: September 10-12
  • Langley AFB: September 3-5
  • Laughlin AFB: September 4-6
  • Lemoore NAS: September 11-12
  • Little Creek Navphibase: September 3-5
  • Little Rock AFB: August 27-29
  • Los Angeles AFB: September 3-6
  • Luke AFB: September 10-13

M

  • MacDill AFB: September 17-20
  • Malmstrom AFB: September 17-19
  • March ARB: September 17-20
  • Maxwell AFB: August 13-15
  • Mayport NS: September 18-20
  • McChord AFB: September 17-20
  • McClellan: September 3-5
  • McConnell AFB: September 25-27
  • McGuire AFB: September 17-20
  • Memphis NSA: September 18-19
  • Meridian NAS: September 15-16
  • Minot AFB: September 15-17
  • Miramar MCAS: September 4-6
  • Mitchel Field: September 3-5
  • Moffett Field: September 25-27
  • Moody AFB: September 1-3
  • Mountain Home AFB: September 16-18

N

  • Nellis AFB: September 17-20
  • New London (Groton): August 28-29
  • New Orleans NSA: September 18-20
  • New River MCAS: August 17-19
  • Newport NS: September 4-6
  • Norfolk NAVSTA: August 14-16
  • North Island NAS: September 3-6

O

  • Oceana NAS: September 25-28
  • Offutt AFB: September 11-12
  • Ord Community: September 17-20

P

  • Parris Island MCRD: September 3-5
  • Patch Barracks: August 31 – September 3
  • Patrick AFB: September 3-6
  • Patuxent River NAS: August 28-31
  • Pearl Harbor: September 18-20
  • Pensacola NAS: September 17-19
  • Peterson AFB: September 4-6
  • Picatinny Arsenal: September 18-19
  • Pittsburgh Area: August 20-21
  • Port Hueneme: August 29 – September 1
  • Portsmouth NNSY: September 1-3
  • Portsmouth NSY: September 17-19

Q

  • Quantico MCB: August 26-27

R

  • Randolph AFB: September 25-27
  • Redstone Arsenal: September 24-26
  • Richards-Gebaur: September 18-19
  • Robins AFB: September 3-5
  • Rock Island Arsenal: September 18-19

S

  • San Diego NB: September 17-19
  • San Onofre: September 17-19
  • Saratoga Springs: September 3-5
  • Schofield Barracks: August 31 – September 3
  • Scott AFB: September 10-12
  • Selfridge ANG BASE: September 18-20
  • Seymour Johnson AFB: September 16-19
  • Shaw AFB: September 17-19
  • Sheppard AFB: August 28-30
  • Smokey Point: September 24-27

T

  • Tinker AFB: August 28-30
  • Tobyhanna: August 7-8
  • Travis AFB: August 28-30
  • Twentynine Palms MCAGCC: September 1-3
  • Tyndall AFB: August 20-22

V

  • Vance AFB: August 21-23
  • Vandenberg AFB: August 28-31

W

  • West Point: September 18-20
  • Whidbey Island NAS: September 18-20
  • White Sands: September 17-20
  • Whiteman AFB: August 29-30
  • Whiting Field NAS: September 3-5
  • Wright-Patterson AFB: August 27-29

Y

  • Yuma MCAS: September 17-19
  • Yuma PG: September 3-5

*Per DeCA:

Always check with your commissary for date changes or cancellations before you go. Case lot sales may be cancelled due to weather or other events beyond our control.

Commissaries are not responsible for early sell out of items during case lot sales due to high customer volume or limited product availability.

Springtime Means Case Lot Sale Time

04/13/2015 By Julie Provost

It’s DECA’s Customer Appreciation Case Lot Sale time at your local commissary. Time to make a list and stock up on some great deals. You can find a case lot sale this April or May at your local military commissary.

The sales were halted for a bit because of budget cuts but are back at commissaries in the United States as well as Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. Although they used to have them at commissaries located at overseas bases, they no longer do but each commissary might hold their own type of special sale during the year. Make sure to ask when that sale may be held if you are at an OCONUS location.

A case lot sale is a chance to buy items in bulk for a very discounted rate. That is why these sales are such a good time to stock up on your favorite items. You can’t really beat the prices. They are better than normal commissary sale items. They usually take place in the parking lot or even in front of the store. It just depends on where you are located.

What will you find at a case lot sale?

Here is a list of some of the more popular items that military spouses like to buy at the sale:

  • Paper towels
  • Diapers
  • Ketchup
  • Canned soup
  • Toilet paper
  • Salad dressing
  • Crackers
  • Juice boxes
  • Macaroni and cheese
  • Baking mixes

Each location might have slightly different items so if your friend in California was able to find a great deal on dog food, keep in mind that your commissary in Virginia might not have the exact same deals going on.

If nothing else, you should check out the case lot sale for diapers and paper products. You can stock up on them and get a really great deal. Military families with small children are always looking for ways to save on diapers. When I had 2 children in diapers, I was able to buy 2 different sizes at our local case lot sale. They lasted for a long time and I knew I had found a great deal.

I have also found that case lot sales are a great time to stock up on condiments or other types of products that you put in your pantry. You should also think about buying extra food to have on hand for food drives during the year.

Some case lot sales are very busy and you will have to wait in line for a while to get what you want. I have heard stories of people having to wait hours in order to check out. It was well worth the wait because of the products they were buying and the deals that they found. Other sales are more low-key and you can really just add the products during your regular shopping trip.

Bring your favorite milspouse friend, your patience and a list of what you might be looking for. You might even be able to split something with someone else if you don’t think your family will use all of it before PCSing. Doing this will allow you to still get a great deal without overbuying the product.

A

  • Aberdeen PG: May 14-17
  • Air Force Academy: May 29-30
  • Albany MCLB: May 14-16
  • Altus AFB: May 1-3
  • Anchorage Area: May 15-17
  • Andrews AFB: May 29-31
  • Annapolis NSA: June 13-15
  • Arnold AFB: April 30 – May 2

B

  • Bangor ANGB: April 30 – May 2
  • Bangor NBK: April 30 – May 2
  • Barksdale AFB: May 15-17
  • Barstow MCLB: April 29 – May 2
  • Beale AFB: May 5-7
  • Bolling AFB: April 30 – May 2
  • Bremerton NBK: May 15-17
  • Bridgeport MCMWTC: May 1
  • Buckley AFB: June 19-20

C

  • Camp Lejeune MCB: May 28-30
  • Camp Merrill: May 28-30
  • Camp Pendleton MCB: May 14-17
  • Cannon AFB: May 16-17
  • Carlisle Barracks: April 16-18
  • Charleston AFB: April 29 – May 1
  • Charleston NWS: May 15-17
  • Cherry Point MCAS: April 30 – May 2
  • China Lake NAWS: June 4-6
  • Columbus AFB: May 1-2
  • Corpus Christi NAS: May 1-3
  • Crane NSWC: April 30 – May 2

D

  • Dahlgren NSF: June 18-20
  • Davis-Monthan AFB: April 17-19
  • Dover AFB: May 29-30
  • Dugway PG: May 7-9
  • Dyess AFB: May 15-17

E

  • Edwards AFB: May 14-16
  • Eglin AFB: April 16-18
  • Eielson AFB: May 1-3
  • El Centro NAF: April 16-18
  • Ellsworth AFB: June 5-7

F

  • F. E. Warren AFB: May 15-16
  • Fairchild AFB: June 11-13
  • Fallon NAS: April 30 – May 2
  • Forest Glen (formerly Walter Reed): May 15-17
  • Fort Belvoir: April 30 – May 2
  • Fort Benning: May 28-30
  • Fort Bliss: May 14-16
  • Fort Bragg North: May 28-31
  • Fort Bragg South: April 30 – May 2
  • Fort Buchanan: May 15-17
  • Fort Campbell: May 1-3
  • Fort Carson: April 30 – May 2
  • Fort Detrick: May 14-16
  • Fort Drum: April 16-19
  • Fort Eustis: May 15-17
  • Fort Gordon: May 15-17
  • Fort Greely: May 29-30
  • Fort Hamilton: May 1-3
  • Fort Hood – Clear Creek: May 14-16
  • Fort Hood – Warrior Way: May 1-3
  • Fort Huachuca: May 1-3
  • Fort Hunter Liggett: May 14-16
  • Fort Irwin: May 15-17
  • Fort Jackson: May 14-16
  • Fort Knox: May 15-16
  • Fort Leavenworth: April 17-18
  • Fort Lee: May 15-17
  • Fort Leonard Wood: May 15-16
  • Fort Lewis: June 19-21
  • Fort McCoy: May 15-16
  • Fort Meade: April 30 – May 3
  • Fort Myer: April 16-18
  • Fort Polk: April 30 – May 3
  • Fort Riley: May 15-16
  • Fort Rucker: No sale scheduled
  • Fort Sam Houston: June 26-28
  • Fort Sill: May 28-30
  • Fort Stewart: May 15-17
  • Fort Wainwright: May 15-17
  • Fort Worth: May 14-16

G

  • Goodfellow AFB: May 15-17
  • Grand Forks AFB: May 14-16
  • Great Lakes NS: May 22-24
  • Gulfport NCBC: April 16-18
  • Gunter AFB: May 29-30

H

  • Hanscom AFB: May 29-31
  • Harrison Village: May 1-3
  • Hickam AFB: April 30 – May 3
  • Hill AFB: April 30 – May 2
  • Holloman AFB: May 1-3
  • Hunter AAF: May 28-30
  • Hurlburt Field: May 7-9

I

  • Imperial Beach: April 17-19

J

  • Jacksonville NAS: April 23-25

K

  • Kaneohe Bay MCBH: May 29-31
  • Keesler AFB: May 29-31
  • Key West NAS: May 28-30
  • Kings Bay NSB: May 29-31
  • Kingsville NAS: May 15-17
  • Kirtland AFB: May 1-3
  • Kodiak: May 1-2

L

  • Lackland AFB: No sale scheduled
  • Lakehurst NAES: June 4-6
  • Langley AFB: May 28-30
  • Laughlin AFB: May 1-3
  • Lemoore NAS: May 15-17
  • Little Creek Navphibase: May 1-3
  • Little Rock AFB: May 29-31
  • Los Angeles AFB: May 29-31
  • Luke AFB: April 30 – May 3

M

  • MacDill AFB: June 4-7
  • Malmstrom AFB: May 14-16
  • March ARB: May 1-4
  • Maxwell AFB: April 30 – May 2
  • Mayport NS: May 29-31
  • McChord AFB: April 30 – May 3
  • McClellan: May 14-17
  • McConnell AFB: May 15-17
  • McGuire AFB: May 14-16
  • Meridian NAS: May 14-16
  • Minot AFB: April 30 – May 2
  • Miramar MCAS: May 1-3
  • Mitchel Field: May 14-16
  • Moffett Field: May 15-17
  • Moody AFB: May 15-17
  • Mountain Home AFB: May 28-30

N

  • Nellis AFB: May 14-17
  • New London (Groton): May 14-17
  • New Orleans NSA: May 15-17
  • New River MCAS: April 30 – May 2
  • Norfolk NAVSTA: May 1-4
  • North Island NAS: May 29-30

O

  • Oceana NAS: May 15-17
  • Offutt AFB: May 8-9
  • Ord Community: May 14-17

P

  • Parris Island MCRD: May 1-3
  • Patrick AFB: April 30 – May 3
  • Patuxent River NAS: May 29 – June 1
  • Pearl Harbor: June 5-7
  • Pensacola NAS: May 15-17
  • Peterson AFB: May 15-17
  • Picatinny Arsenal: May 8-9
  • Pittsburgh Area: May 14-16
  • Port Hueneme: May 29-31
  • Portsmouth NNSY: May 28-30
  • Portsmouth NSY: June 4-6

Q

  • Quantico MCB: May 1-3

R

  • Randolph AFB: May 29-31
  • Redstone Arsenal: May 14-16
  • Richards-Gebaur: May 1-2
  • Robins AFB: May 1-3
  • Rock Island Arsenal: May 15-16

S

  • San Diego NB: May 13-16
  • San Onofre: May 14-16
  • Saratoga Springs: April 23-25
  • Schofield Barracks: May 14-17
  • Scott AFB: May 7-9
  • Selfridge ANG BASE: May 15-17
  • Seymour Johnson AFB: May 29-31
  • Shaw AFB: May 28-30
  • Sheppard AFB: May 15-17
  • Smokey Point: June 5-7

T

  • Tinker AFB: May 1-3
  • Tobyhanna: May 8-9
  • Travis AFB: May 29-31
  • Twentynine Palms MCAGCC: May 1-2
  • Tyndall AFB: April 16-18

V

  • Vance AFB: May 1-3
  • Vandenberg AFB: May 15-17

W

  • West Point: May 15-17
  • Whidbey Island NAS: April 30 – May 3
  • White Sands: May 15-17
  • Whiteman AFB: May 2-3
  • Whiting Field NAS: April 30 – May 2
  • Wright-Patterson AFB: May 15-17

Y

  • Yuma MCAS: April 30 – May 2
  • Yuma PG: May 14-16

10 Employment Programs to Help Military Spouses Find Jobs

02/25/2015 By Rachel Tringali Marston

There is a constant struggle with finding employment for military spouses. Honestly, that struggle was my biggest fear as I entered the lifestyle. I had a secure job that I absolutely loved, but when my husband received orders to move to another location, I was practically forced out of it because my employer wanted to keep someone in-house. Sounds familiar, right?

At the same time as planning a PCS, I was job hunting and re-evaluating my career path altogether.

I found that lack of consistency seemed to be the classic issue for military spouses. Jobs are difficult to maintain because of the transient lifestyle. National Military Family Association reports that 85% of military spouses either want or need work. To me, that’s a pretty high percentage.

Lucky for us, there is an arsenal full of programs to help ease the job hunt. Researching and utilizing the different programs have helped me understand the job marketplace that’s available to us. So, why not give them a try for your next job hunt?

10 Employment Programs to Help Military Spouses Find a Job

Which military spouse employment programs have you used?

Here are 10 different programs aimed to help military spouses find the perfect job:

  1. Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP): This career portal matches military spouses to appropriate jobs for them. Employers partner with this program, so they already know that you’re a military spouse. Therefore, the job will most likely be one that you can take with you or is friendly to moving with more than one job site. The partnership also provides career advice and education for those that seek it.
  2. Spouse Education & Career Opportunities (SECO): SECO helps military spouses set the career stage meaning it provides guidance and resources to help with mapping out the right career plan for us. If you feel like you need a change of pace or are in a job rut, this program might be something to consider. A counselor can give you the right tools needed to evaluate a career transition.
  3. Veterans Career Transition Program (VCTP): Don’t let the name fool you. VCTP also serves military spouses. The program, run by the Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University, offers free online courses educating and training students by giving them what they need once they enter the workforce.
  4. Military Spouse eMentor Program: I’ve found that networking is a particularly powerful practice for military spouses because it gives us the opportunity to express our passion directly to potential employers. The Military Spouse eMentor Program is apart of the Hiring Our Heroes, a nationwide incentive to help veterans and military spouses find fulfilling employment. It allows us to connect with a registered mentor that’s eager to assist with anything and everything career-related. As you continue your search, your mentor could point you in the right direction to a serious job opportunity.
  5. Career Spark: Also apart of the Hiring Our Heroes incentive, Career Spark is an organization created by military spouses for military spouses. The program helps build and tailor the ideal resume for you and gets you ready for the workforce by offering tips and advice.
  6. Military Spouse Corporate Career Network (MSCCN): This nonprofit organization offers employment readiness programs and job placement solutions for military spouses. They also provide great live training sessions online that are all designed to make you competitive in the workplace.
  7. National Military Spouse Network (NMSN): This organization was my gateway to networking with other military spouses. I attended their career summit a couple years ago and I was immediately hooked with the idea of military spouses helping each other with career advice, professional aspirations and mentorship. They also have lots of resources and content available online.
  8. The Milspo Project: The Milspo Project launched their Embark career conference last year and will be doing the same this year in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Their goal is to raise awareness about the obstacles military spouses face and providing an event environment to empower. Are you near Fayetteville? It’s worth giving their career conference a shot.
  9. In Gear Career: If it’s not obvious, I’m a huge advocate of military spouse networking. Networking is actually how I landed my job(s). In Gear Career takes networking to the local level by connecting career-minded military spouses together to create meaningful relationships. Don’t see a chapter in your area? They also have a virtual chapter.
  10. Local Installation Employment Readiness Programs: When I first moved to the Fort Belvoir area, I was excited that they hosted local job fairs via the Employment Readiness Program (ERP) for both recently separated military members and military spouses. It’s a great resource that’s local to your installation that can assist with locating a job in your area. Keep a very close eye on base or post for events and/or opportunities.

Which military spouse employment programs have you used? Share your experiences.

5 Things Not to Do if You Want to Lose Weight

01/30/2015 By Rachel Tringali Marston

I was overweight.

During a doctor’s visit years ago, I stepped onto a scale to discover shocking numbers. It was my first time seeing my then doctor, so after we recorded my vital signs we talked about my health and goals. She was trying to be kind, but when you tell someone that they’re overweight, it’s not something to take lightly.

I was a very active child and enjoyed sports and different outdoor activities. I would say my struggle really started after high school and left home. My weight would fluctuate a lot, but I noticed my clothing size get bigger and bigger. Honestly, I must have been in denial and dismissed everything entirely.

6 Tips to Lose Weight  and Feel Healthy

That doctor’s visit gave me the push I needed because someone was brave enough to tell me the truth. My health habits haven’t been the best.

I left the office determined to be healthy and took it on myself to change my lifestyle. Finally, I had the means and drive to map out a plan.

Here are my 5 major “don’t’s” that helped me lose 60 pounds in 2 years:

  1. Don’t weigh yourself. I know I probably sound nuts, but I didn’t weigh myself once in the two years I lost weight. Well, besides the two times I visited my doctor for an annual visit and that’s when I actually learned how much weight I lost. My goal wasn’t to lose weight…it was to be and FEEL healthy. At least for myself, if I start fixating on a number, I might drive myself crazy. So, losing weight is the result of being healthy, I quickly found that out.
  2. Don’t stay inside. I would say this is the most important step I took in my journey. Instead of going straight home after work, I would go to the gym four days out of the week for 30 minutes. I utilized a New Year’s discounted gym membership plan, but there are lots of different ways to make the gym affordable for you. I also used groupon, livingsocial and lifebooker deals on cardio dance classes to add variety to my workouts. Check out your installation’s gym facility, they might even have that available like mine does here at Fort Belvoir. If you live near or on an installation, there are also gym facilities that you can use for free. The elliptical was my go-to machine and I would listen to my favorite music to pump me up. It really was hard for me not to go straight home after ten hours of working and commuting every day. No excuses became my motto.
  3. Don’t diet. I would never stop eating the foods I loved. Are you kidding me? My favorite dessert is cake and I don’t think punishment is the way to go. Instead, reward yourself after a good workout. Motivate and encourage yourself that at the end of an hour of Zumba, there is a delicious cupcake waiting for you. It doesn’t go without saying though that I changed my eating habits overall. I made sure I stopped eating when I was full and actually stopped drinking soda regularly. Water became me source of hydration and it made me feel better, so I naturally stopped craving soda. Eat what makes you happy, but be mindful of moderation and nutrition. I never counted calories either, only practice recipes that were “more healthy.”
  4. Don’t expect a change overnight. It really took a lot of self motivating to get through each year, but a lifestyle change doesn’t come quickly. That’s why I never did so well with dieting because if I did, I would see immediate results, but then, it would be twice as easy to gain it all back and then some. I had to constantly keep telling myself that as long as I maintain my goals, it will pay off eventually.
  5. Don’t do this alone. It’s a rough journey and having a good support system is key. Before my husband came along, my roommates and friends helped keep me on track and went to workouts with me. There were still there even after my husband and when he’s away! I wouldn’t be where I’m at now without them all. Now, my husband and I keep active by hiking, biking and going to the gym together. We keep each other in check and I’m happy to say enjoy exploring new places, while working out.6 Tips to Lose Weight  and Feel Healthy

After lots of practice, it starts to become second nature. I’ve maintained my weight and activity level for two years after I lost it. Remember the goal is to be and feel healthy!

Tips for Delicious Granola Bars, Easy Trail Mix

08/27/2014 By Rachel Tringali Marston

My husband and I LOVE to hike. We met while he was stationed at Fort Drum and spent a lot of time exploring nearby parks and camping. Now, at Fort Belvoir, we’re still spending a lot of time outside exploring and enjoying everything Virginia has to offer!

Our snack of choice while hiking is a tasty granola bar.

GranolaBar3

It’s so easy to handle in just one hand and all the different ingredients are held together by chewy goodness that keeps it mess-free. In celebration of National Trail Mix Day (Sunday), I thought I would share our favorite homemade granola bar recipe and tips on making an easy trail mix.

Quick No-Bake Granola Bars

What you’re going to need:

  • Cookie sheet
  • Parchment paper or Wax paper
  • large sauce pot
  • Spatula

Ingredients
-⅔ cup honey
-¾ cup creamy peanut butter (if allergic, you can use almond butter)
-¼ cup light brown sugar
-1½ teaspoon vanilla extract
-2 cups quick or instant cook oats
-2 cups rice cereal

Optional
-½ cup chocolate morsels
-½ cup shredded coconut

I add in chocolate and coconut! If you don’t like chocolate or coconut (or both), just leave it out of the recipe for a chewy on-the-go treat that’s still very tasty. Feel free to add any of your families’ favorite treats to nibble (i.e. M&Ms, Pretzel bits, or anything else you can think of) instead of chocolate or coconut.

Instructions
1. Line parchment paper or wax paper on the bottom of your cookie sheet.
2. Heat large sauce pot and add honey, peanut butter and brown sugar till all combined.
3. Mix in vanilla extract then add oats.
4. Add the chocolate morsels and just half of the shredded coconut (¼ cup).
-If desired, add ingredients of your choice instead of chocolate and coconut.
5. Slowly fold in rice cereal with spatula to avoid smashing.
6. When everything is combined together, pour mixture on the parchment paper or wax paper and mold it into a rectangle that is about half an inch thick. Press down the rest of the shredded coconut on top.
7. Cool in fridge for an hour or until it’s solid. Then slice it up in your desired size and wrap in plastic wrap.

*Important note: if you want to add more of your choice ingredients (in addition to chocolate and coconut or instead of) than what the recipe yields, use a little more honey and peanut butter to make sure it holds together nicely. I really like it when everything is stuck together, so it doesn’t break apart while you’re hiking.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Easy Trail Mix

There is so much freedom in putting together your own trail mix. Depending on your family-size or preference, just add equal amounts of each ingredient. Here are some of the most commonly used items that can help you mix together the best trail mix for your family!

  1. Nuts
  2. Favorite cereal
  3. Pretzels
  4. Dried fruit
  5. Seeds (pumpkin or sunflower)
  6. Popcorn
  7. Something for your sweet tooth (i.e. mini marshmallows, chocolate chip, M&Ms and/or peanut butter chips)

*Only add a fraction of the ingredients for your sweet tooth. If you add a cup of everything, just add ½ cup of the sweets.

What would you add to your granola bar recipe or include in your trail mix?

40 Stores to Offer Carts for Special-Needs Children

06/21/2014 By Military Shoppers

commissary
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: 33-14
Date: June 19, 2014
Contact: Kevin L. Robinson, public affairs specialist
Tel.: (804) 734-8000, Ext. 4-8773
E-mail: kevin.robinson@deca.mil

40 stores to offer carts for special-needs children
By Cherie Huntington,
DeCA public affairs specialist

FORT LEE, Va. – Forty commissaries across the United States will soon offer a grocery cart designed specifically for special-needs children.
Called “Caroline’s Cart™,” it enables special-needs children – or even adults under 250 pounds – to safely and easily accompany parents or caretakers on commissary shopping trips. The cart provides the option of using one basket instead of pushing both a wheelchair or stroller and a grocery cart when shopping.
“Many retailers and malls are now offering these special-needs carts,” said Randy Eller, DeCA’s deputy director of logistics. “Placing these carts into our commissaries will provide a valuable service to many military families at these installations.”
Eller said some commissaries have already received the carts. “Once we roll out the first 40 and gauge response, we’ll see if we should deploy more to the field,” he said.
Slightly larger than a traditional shopping cart, the special-needs carts have handles that swing away to allow easy access to the seat, and a platform below the seat serves as a footrest. With the occupant facing the cart operator, the seat contains a five-point adjustable harness for support. The cart’s two 8-inch wheels and four casters provide maneuverability and stability, and brakes help ensure safety while loading or unloading the passenger.
The carts will be located at the front of the store, or customers can ask a manager for assistance. Carts will be available only on a first-come, first-served basis. It will be the patron’s responsibility to place the individual in the cart.
Caroline’s Cart availability at commissaries, by state:
Alabama: Redstone Arsenal
California: Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Naval Air Station Lemoore, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Naval Base San Diego, Vandenberg Air Force Base
Colorado: Peterson Air Force Base
D.C.: Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling
Florida: Naval Station Mayport, Patrick Air Force Base
Georgia: Fort Benning, Fort Gordon
Hawaii: Pearl Harbor Commissary at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam
Illinois: Naval Station Great Lakes
Kansas: Fort Leavenworth, McConnell Air Force Base
Kentucky: Fort Knox
Maryland: Fort Meade
Missouri: Richards-Gebaur
Montana: Malmstrom Air Force Base
Nevada: Nellis Air Force Base
New Hampshire: Naval Shipyard Portsmouth
New Mexico: Cannon Air Force Base
New York: Fort Hamilton
North Carolina: Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, Fort Bragg South
Ohio: Wright-Patterson Air Force Base
Oklahoma: Tinker Air Force Base
South Carolina: Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island
Tennessee: Naval Support Activity Memphis
Texas: Fort Bliss, Fort Hood – Clear Creek
Virginia: Fort Belvoir, Joint Base Langley-Eustis (both commissaries), Naval Air Station Oceana, Marine Corps Base Quantico
Washington: Fairchild Air Force Base, McChord Commissary at Joint Base Lewis-McChord
Read more about Caroline’s Cart at http://www.carolinescart.com.
-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.

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.

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/.

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