Little known Veterans' benefit
Military bases provide our active-duty men and women with what are known as 'exchanges' and 'commissaries.' Tax-free department stores and supermarkets, just like the one on base at Naval Support Facility Saratoga Springs.
Commissary Officer David Williams says, "The commissary tries to sell everything...we try to make sure our patrons have a 25% savings when they shop here.”
The savings can really add up, especially in this current climate of exaggerated grocery prices.
New York Air National Guard Tech Sergeant Nicholas Thomas has been shopping at base commissaries for years. "Everyone knows groceries right now are a little high, and it's much better here than the normal grocery store. Essentially, you're going to save 25%-30%," he says.
But it's not just active-duty service members, working on base, who can shop there.
Veterans’ advocate and Employer Outreach Dir. for the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, Emil Baker says, "There's absolutely no state or federal taxes here on anything. So, you have to say, if people knew this, they'd be saving a heck of a lot of money. And with the inflationary pricing they've got with their food, personal items for their home, this could be a significant savings. Especially for senior citizens."
Unfortunately, most veterans don't know they can shop there. In fact, just a few years ago, it was reported that 99% of disabled veterans at a VFW conference were unaware of the benefit.
"All they have to do is be registered with the VA healthcare system, and if they have any disability whatsoever, even a 0% rated disability, they get a little title that says 'service connected' under their picture. That picture allows them to go onto any military base and use the facilities to purchase products there," Baker says.