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The
Commissary (www.commissaries.com)
is another benefit available to National Guard members. Shopping
at the commissary can save a family 30 percent or more compared
to shopping at civilian grocery stores. The signing of the 2004
Defense Authorization Act last fall, gave members of the Guard
and Reserve, authorized family members, and “gray area”
retirees (those under the age of 60) unlimited commissary
shopping privileges. To
shop in the commissary, Guard members or their immediate family
members need a valid military ID card.
To
find the commissary nearest you, visit the Defense Commissary
Agency web site at www.commissaries.com.
The Defense Commissary Agency operates a worldwide chain of nearly 275
commissaries providing groceries to military personnel, retirees
and their families in a safe and secure shopping environment.
Authorized patrons purchase items at cost plus a 5-percent
surcharge, which covers the costs of building new commissaries
and modernizing existing ones. Shoppers save an average of 30
percent or more on their purchases compared to commercial prices
– savings worth more than $2,700 annually for a family of
four. 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.
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