What People Think
 |
 |
63% For, 37% Against
Take Action
| Vote on this Bill | |
  |
For |
  |
Against |
| Speak Out | |
  |
Comment on this Bill |
  |
Alert Your Friends and Colleagues |
  |
Write Your Representative in Congress |
| Save & Share | |
 |
del.icio.us |
 |
Digg |
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
Yahoo! |
H.R. 1477, The Disabled Veterans Commissary and Exchange Store Benefits Act
Revision History 
Below is the revision history of this article.
(Learn how to edit the WashingtonWatch.com wiki.)
No revisions found.
Learn More
Trackback URL: http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/trackback/110_HR_1477.html
RSS Feeds for This Bill
Keep yourself updated on user contributions and debates about this bill! (Learn more about RSS.)
Visitor Comments
E. R.
It about time, many veterans have been waiting for this to happened. Lets how this one goes!
John Doe
Veterans who serve there country honorable with a diability deserve the privilage to shop in the commissary and exchange.
Charles Edwards
If anyone serves this country and is considered disabled as result of miliatry service should be allowed to use the commissary and exchange store for life.
Robert
Its is sad that a lot of retired veterans, have the privilige to buy and use comissaries px etc, when a lot of them had never served in a war and people who are comming back dissable cannot. Is it fare?
Tammy Corkwell
I am a Disabled American Veteran and I have tried to find a job that I can do, but no one has hired me due to lack of experience, they don't want to train me. I wish I could use the commissary; I can't afford to go grocery shopping much until I get a job. I am in school full time. I can't even continue my pool physical therapy due to the lack of allowable on base privileges. I hope my country that I am so proud of and that I sacrificed for will rethink how the Veterans (Disabled) are affected!
Cris
I served this country and I am a diabled veteran. I deserved and should have a privelege to buy and use the commissary.
God Bless America !!!
Thom McNeely
I served in both the Veitnam era as well as the Golf War era. I did this because I love my country and wanted to give something back. When I was injured in the line of duty I was severanced out of the military. I later found out that this severance pay was to be paid back out of my monthly check. And I lost all commissary and exchange privlages. I get 30% disability and since leaving the service I can no longer work and receive disability from social security. I think since it was the military that wanted me out they should not be paid back for severance pay and I deserve the right to shop in the commissary and exchange. Living on a fixed income this would be a God send. How about the goverment doing something right for a change and taking care of us veterans. We gave now it your turn to give a little. I'm sure it won't hurt to give as much as we hurt when we gave.
Mike
I served 11 years in the military (Navy active and reserve and the Army National Guard),I served in the Persian Gulf during the "Tanker War" and I served during "Desert Storm", I also served on state emergency duty during the midwest flood of 1993.I am rated at 10% disability. I would use the exchange and commissary for the savings and to stay connected to the military. This bill makes sense, just a few short years ago there was much debate on how to attract more business for the exchange and commissaries, if this bill is enacted it would only increase their revenue and help a lot of vet's, the way I see it, it's a win - win situation.
Ken
I served in the Navy all of WWII & the day the war ended I turned into sick bay with diagnosis Bilateral far advanced TB & had to spend 3 1/2 years in Navy/TB hospitals. I received a medical discharge & unable to be in military service again. I have never had the priviledge of shopping at the commissary/exchange. I am not allowed to shop there. Does this seem fair to you?
Ken
Addenum to my previous comment: I was rated 100 % disabled with my TB for many years, now presently at 60 % disability. Never had the priviledge of using the commissary.
Gene
This is past due! This not only helps the disabled veteran but puts money back in the MWR fund for the active duty guys. Money alone is not an adaquate compensation for the pain I feel every day for my service connected disability. This would be an increase of quality of life issue that would be good for everyone involved. Please make it happen!
Ken,
At 60% you can apply for IU and be rated at 100% unemployable which would give you commissary and exchange priviledges...see your nearest VARO for assistance! TXMASN
TXMASN
Ken...at 60% you can possibly qualify for IU, a 100% rating with the VA...see your nearest VARO. I am 100% IU and have Commissary and Exchange priveleges...not much difference than shopping on the economy when comparing prices (minus tax)
dwall1205
I am 70% denied twice for IU, even after having my 4th and 5th back surgery.
Tom
What is IU? I am 60 and have been for 28 years. No one ever told me I could get anything.
Bill
This is absolutely rediculous. Mr.Fortenberry is a lunatic. Comissary and exchange privleges are earned by virtue of having served a full career. If you wanted them, you should have stuck around. As a retired serviceman I have no desire to share space with civilians.
Dave
I am 100% SC and have the ID. I have used the Commissary a couple of times, and the Exchange once. The Exchange is no great deal. I live 1 hr from the base. Was by there today, and choose not to visit. They say this is cost free to government, but it is not. There is a cost to issue the IDs and base passes. The VA must issue a letter for each one, and it takes about 30 minutes to process each application the first time.
If you want to talk about the guys coming back disabled now, I am all in favor. They can use all the help they can get.
Chris
Bill, i would have gladly served a full 20 years. instead i fight for my country abd become disabled. i was denied reenlistment on a medical basis. now how is it fair that i gave my health and don't get these "privliges"? if you ask me they are implied in situations like this. i am 70% service connected and am about to be bound to a wheelchair. you sir should be ashamed of yourself, we are commrades in arms and countrymen i would hate to be your neighbor. you are being completely unreasonable.
Corporal
Served active duty for 4 years, Desert Storm, Honorably discharged. No benefits of PX or commisary. I'm not disabled. Exposed to chemical weapons tho. Is it fair that spouses of military noncombat soldiers who died of illness gets to shop at PX and Commisary and VA healthcare when I don't? These women refuse to marry boyfriends so they can keep PX/commisarry/VA health benefits!
Yvette
I am 30% Disabled with 17 years active duty and now I work as a Civilian aboard a military base....my entire adult life dedicated to the mission of DOD and I can't have exchange privelages. Gents, we need to revamp this policy. It's oudated and not applicable today.
Mike
Bill, I'm glad I did not serve with people like you. You tarnish the the status of being a Veteran and retired service member.I too was denied reenlistment based on my medical disability. And there are a lot of "Civilians" who shop the exchange and commissary.I would love to be on active duty and fighting the war on terror, in fact I tried to cheat on a physical and I was caught.
Mike
I was a paratrooper and was injured while serving in the US Army and we suppose to be in America where you thought they would take care of disable veteran. A great start will be to let DAV personnel have exchange privilege.
Martin
I'm a 100% SC Veteran...served a little over 15 years on active duty. I wish I could have stayed in and retired like you Bill, but I was one of the many who received an injury and got booted out and I think that I and all the rest of the disabled veterans have earned the right to use the exchange services.
true american
anyone who thinks that a disabled vet rated 100% use the commisary or px is not a true unemployable should not have the right to american because if you go to war for our country you should have any privelages out there.
Doug
I'm also 50% WIA Vietnam Vet I also feel that I should have Base privelages.I feel that we earned it.
joe
i feel we should be allowed all privalages as retirees as most of us would have completed 20. i am a disabled vet who continued to serve in national guard and navy reserves.i returned to the sandbox during oif 3 and returned with several ailments including sleep insomnia, sleep apnea. i had 16 good yrs of service as i had a break in service. i am now being forced out of the guard due to being nondeployable. i and many others would love to serve our 20 to get retiree benefits but i cant and shouldnt be denied those same benefits
Veronica Thompson
We need that extra help using the BX,PX,comminsary it will help our people out too because there is things I can buy there.
Woman Of the Military
I Served my country with honors and went many places. Now I have the rights to use what is mine to us.I should not have to be limited to my rights as a vet to step back on the grounds of a military installtion. I gave my heart and soul for my country now I want some chicken out of the comminsary and some shoes out of the BX. will you help us get there.
Viviento de las tetas del Gobierno
No s***. If veterans can shop on base, then I should be allow to shop at the BX and Commisary too. The IRS took way too much out of check from Burger King to support the DOD.
Ty
I believe that DAV should have the right to commissary and exchange benefits especially when u think about people who get married after they retire and their new spouse and step children are allowed medical, dental and all exchange and commissary benefits talk about a jacked up system my husband recently was discharged after 15 years and an injury and he was rated 60%. It sucks to see my girlfriend who never did one deployment or day of active duty life be able to get all of what we had for 15 years and to have a injury caused by the military and this recent iraq war snatch it away is devastating.
Melissa Gore
I am 50% SC and have only received 10% of that from the PTSD I sustained from Iraq...I was discharged from the air force because I used alcohol to cover up the nightmares...because I was kicked out, I didn't get any of the prividegles of the BX/PX or commissary. I think that the least they could do is let us who have been wounded, either physically or mentally, have the same prividegles as retired veterans.
Army Vet
It's about time. I think it's the least the government can do to help veterans. I think the way the VA handles disability compensation claims for veterans is despicable and a slap in the face to the brave men and women who served this country. I am currently rated 60% disabled, both ankles fused and lower back compression fracture residuals, 7 surgeries to my legs so far. My condition has now deteriorated to the point where I need a wheelchair, and when I went to the VA to ask for one, I've been given the run around. When my first leg was fused it took 3 years to get my appeal processed when they initially denied my claim for rate increase. Now my other leg has been fused and they denied my claim for increase though it is fused the same as the other and I provided them medical evidence of it! THE VA NEEDS A TOTAL REVAMP and the government should be ashamed of how it treats it's veterans!!!
MANNY
I AM A VIET NAM VET AND 100% DISABLED.IT IS MY OPINION THAT ALL DISABLED WAR VETS REGARDLESS OF THEIR DISABILITY RATING SHOULD BE AWARDED COMMISSARY AND PX PRIVILEGES. THE FACT THAT THIS VETS SERVED THEIR COUNTRY IN TIME OF NEED IS ALL THE REASON NEEDED.
Pete
I hope this bill will get passed. Being a disabled vet it would be a big help for my family. However unless the President or someone else high up in the goverment pushes for it I think it will be like attemps earlier to help veterans. I urge all veterans to spread the word about this bill and ask the state politicians to help get it passed. Like they say UNITED WE STAND DIVIDED WE FALL!
Harry
Great now were on the right track. Next lets get a bill in the works that says we don't have to pay back severance pay! How many of you feel like a towel that was used to wipe up a mess than tossed away? The goverment needed us when we were healthy now they just crap on us.
MB MARLOW
I Served with a Marine Rifle Company in Desert Storm. I have a 70% hearing loss as a direct result of my service. I served 4 years active and participated in Three combat conflicts during this short amount of time. Most FLAK JACKET HANDER OUTERS who serve for 20 years do not even see one of these conflicts. I too would gladly be serving my contry now if i did not have this disability.I now serve my comunity as a Sheriff's deputy.You are Damn right we should have this privilge!Semper FI!
Dennis Claiborne
I am a Vietnam Veteran With 60%
have a purple heart,
bronze Star ,PTSD. I should have
right to use the commissary
W.W.Welty
I work inside a V.A. Hospital and I see how much these people that most Americans have forgotten live with pain each and everyday of there lives. One poor sole lives in a camper trailer and survives on his VA retirement and his Social Security and what ever he can hunt or grow in his small yard. I have taken him home many times and cried as I left him setting there in his old worn out recliner in that camper. He never complains and always talks about how much he enjoys life. Once I helped him inside his camper and the tempreture inside must have been over a 100 degrees. Setting on the counter was a dozen eggs. He had forgotten to put them away for later. He told me that he could eat for two days on a dozen eggs. And was thinking of buying a couple of chickens for his yard. I look at bills like this and think of the help it would be to them.I pray that those in power will think this holiday season about what needs a little push to get it thru.
henry simonin
Like to say it's time disable vets get the same privleges that regular vets do. long time coming but think the time is near. hope it goes through soon would like to enjoy some of the benefits while i'm still alive. Thank You H. simonin USMC
Bob
As a 60% disabled vet, son of a deceased 100% disabled vet, it is about time for this legislation to pass. It has been tried in the past, I am keeping my fingers crossed.
Billy
I am for this bill. When I left the Navy and had to return my severance pay and wait over 2 years to get my disability, I took a major pay cut and could barely provide for my wife and two kids. They took my pride away but I got it back. I think that anyone who served and either retires or becomes disabled as a result of service, should be entitled to the same benefits. Bill, I think you need to go back in the closet and stay there. You should be ashamed of yourself. You obviously have no self-esteem or respect for anyone who gave their health or life for this country.
Stone
Keep in mind "bill" served for 20 years and never saw combat, I served for just 7 years, saw combat on three different rotation and now disabled, bill's suggestion sound like something he pulled out his A#$.
May God forgive you for your statement.
82nd
Boats
I am totally for this bill. I fell while working as a boatswain mate (BM1) directing cargo. I had brain surgery and was rated 60% disabled after 15 yrs of perfect service. I know a guy who retired an e-5 with 4 captains masts and he shops at the comisary. How is that fair. OH and that bill guy who doesnt like civilians in his navy exchange, Id like to slap him with my marline spike. JG
VETSETTER
WRITE YOUR REPRESENTATIVE AND CONGRESSPERSONS!
This bill shows merit and appears to have wide bipartisan support. Unfortunately, DOD and some Veteran's organizations are lobbying against this bill's passage. It has come up for the past 10 years and continues to languish in subcommittee. Until we can get this passed through, it will not become a law.
Marco
I agree that all disabled veterans who put in their time blood and sweat deserve this right. All of us who served had this access before why not now? It will not hurt anyone or anything to grant us this privelege. I am a 50% disabled veteran. I believe any veteran who is 10%-100% should be entitled. Semper FI Brothers and Sisters!!
What is needed????????
My Fellow DAV's WHAT SHOULD WE AS VETERANS DO TO MAKE THIS BILL PASS?? I BELIEVE PEOPLE WHO ARE IN OFFICE SHOULD GO THROUGH A BOOT CAMP OF 90 DAYS SO THEY COULD HAVE A LITTLE PIECE OF REALITY AND SENSE OF WHAT VETERANS AND ACTIVE DUTY PERSONNEL GO THROUGH.
Marco
Shame on you Mr. Bill. Mission statement. No one should be left behind. Think about it!!
Alex
Though the PX and Commissary benefits are long overdue and should be a right to all disabled veterans, we must also be an educated consumer. The PX and commissary have fallen out of the traditional savings and the prices at times are equal to the supermarkets. I am also a disabled combat veteran.
Johnny
Every single person who served this country with pride, weather they had the oppertunity to go to war or not, and got out with an honorable discharge, disabled or none disabled, should be entitled to Commissary and Exchange store benefits. This a way the U.S Gov should say thank you for serving, and you earned the right to contiue to shop at the above mentioned facility's and use recreational facility's. Please pass this bill. Veterens proudly deserve it.
Al
I am 50% SC and like many of you , that gave your health in defense of America. Its bad enough when we have to fight the VA for benefits, now we have to fight to have the right to buy( spend money)at the bx. Will we ever get a break
David
I ham 60% service connected I feel like I should have never lost my PX or Commesary Rights. I got out because I got hurt. I have been fighting to get these rights since I got out. If I got out from a medical discharge then I was found not fit of duty because of something that happened while I was in and I don't feel I should get punished for something that I had no control over.
Jay
I served for almost 15 years. I got out on the early out. I received disability so I had to pay the money back. Now I have nothing to show I dedicated my life and received injuries while serving. Any one who has served disabled or not should be able to use the commissary and PX. We served proudly
ray
For months at walter reed in the fortys and 100% P&T WW2. I realy do not care who I shop with we all did the same thing and bled on dirt. Whats the big deal/
buying the booze and smokes should be for old guys you young guys don't need that.
sam
What is the timeline for this bill to be granted or denied? Does anyone know?
VETSETTER
It has not yet been scheduled. We are at the mercy of the committee. If not scheduled by the end of September, it will die and need to be proposed again next year. Talk to your state representatives and urge them to contact the commitee, and call the House Armed Services Committee, Subcommittee on Military Personnel Staff line at (202) 225-7560. Tell them you'd like to see this passed.
Berlingeri
I am a Vietnam war veteran,decorated with the distinguished flying cross, purple heart and I believe I have earned the right to use the commissary.
RFEvans
This bill is way too long in coming. I am a permanent employee of the Defense Commissary Service ana I cannot shop there, even with an 80% rating! It makes me sick to my stomach to assist customers, some of whom can't even speak English, and are eligible based on distant relatives. I am all for distant relatives having access, but it is a slap in the face of a disabled veteran who works there and can't buy there! Makes no sense to me. Anyone able to explain it?
VETSETTER
FY09 Natoinal Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 5658) report states that the SecDef must supply a report of consideration for Disabled Veterans Access to Commissaries and Exchanges by the end of March, 2009. Looks like this won't even be considered until next congress.
AFMo
I am a 70% disabled vet who also had to pay back his severance pay to get a VA compensation. This would be nice to actually use the commisary which is actually cheaper for me in Washington D.C.
The whole disability system is screwed up because veterans who serve less then 8 years with a rating over 30% will not get a ID card under the current medical retiree system unless it is during a time of war they were discharged. Other wise u must serve more then 8 years. The discrimination of veteran against veteran must stop.
Pat
Brothers, I am a 60% S/C vet with a wife and 2 small kids. I have served my country and would be serving now if I did not get wounded amd medically discharged. These privalages would help us out since it is so tough and I am limited to what I can do now. I miss the service so much and I would do it all over knowing what I know now. I would give my life just like my brothers have that I served with no questions...this in itself entitles me to these privaliges.
JFK
The PX Commissary priviledge should be awarded to anyone with a disability rating,even a granted 0 percent rating.I would be glad to drive the 90 miles to reach a commissary PX Etc. Bless our service men and women of todays fighting forces. Old Nam veteran.
Cecile
This is great and I am sure that this will be approved, we deserve this.
Bill, your overuse of misspelled words is a key to your ignorance. Not everyone is able to complete a 20 year career. I, like many others, were injured in the line of duty. It is those who made the ultimate sacrifice and deserve these privileges more so than you. You should be ashamed. I would have loved to serve with you, simply so I could have put you in your place.
Charlie
"Deserve" is a much overused word. You did not earn it. Seems like another one of those "gimme gimme" kinds of appeals.