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H.R. 108, The Disabled Veterans Commissary and Exchange Store Benefits Act (147 comments ↓ | 4 wiki edits)
H.R. 108 would amend title 10, United States Code, to extend military commissary and exchange store privileges to veterans with a compensable service-connected disability and to their dependents.
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Visitor Comments
J. Cripps
April 3, 2009, 11:23am (report abuse)Obviously, basic arithmatic is not one of Thompson's strong points.
DOUG
April 9, 2009, 12:41pm (report abuse)NOW THAT OBAMA IS THE NEW LEADER,
PERHAPS ONLY ACORN AND ILLEGAL ALIENS WILL BE ADMITTED TO BASE
PRIVILEGES.
Stephanie A
April 11, 2009, 7:33am (report abuse)Well if you were ever in the service you would understand why retire young.It is so hard on your body you cant be a solid soldier at 45 compared to 25. So as a spouse I am telling you that I think the disabled deserve it..Not the dependents. Retirees that is diffrent because both of them spent their life in the military
ROJO
(logged in user) April 11, 2009, 1:30pm (report abuse)ANYONE HEAR ANY UPDATES ON THE DOD STUDY THAT WAS DUE OUT BY MARCH 31 09? OR WHERE TO FIND IT?
JZip
(logged in user) April 13, 2009, 7:59am (report abuse)I spoke with one of the Staffers in the HASC - They said it could take up to 30 days past the deadline for them to recieve the report due to increased scrutiny of mailings post anthrax-scare. I believe this to be a stall tactic because the SecDef missed the suspense. Nonetheless, we should continue to press them and our reps to follow-through on this.
J Cripps
April 13, 2009, 3:53pm (report abuse)And I and my fellow voters are still pressing them to vote against it.
JZip
(logged in user) April 23, 2009, 9:33am (report abuse)I recieved a copy of the "report". It was a one page memo basically stating that they were not interested in allowing this..... PLEASE contact your local representatives and ask them to hold SecDef to task on reporting sufficiently.
J Cripps
April 28, 2009, 1:24pm (report abuse)I'm with the DoD on this one. There is no compelling reason to provide this.
NEXUS
April 29, 2009, 4:33pm (report abuse)This bill should be passed with limitations. Anyone can walk out of the military with 10%. I was in 17 years and left for family reasons and I am 30%. I feel people that left the military because they chose to, got a disibility rating should not have the priviledge. If you were forced out because of Med boards or disibility hindered you from continuing service than yes, you should be permitted to use the px/commissary. If you got out and got disability although you were able to continue service, than no, you should not be permitted. The PX/Commissary should be for those serving, retired or the disabled vets who couldnt continue to serve because it their benefit for serving.
wyo vet
May 7, 2009, 8:06pm (report abuse)I think this bill should pass. I was a weekend warrior, a guardsmen, for 6 years. I have been deployed 3 times. Even though only 20% I have seen buddies sent home in coffins on a c-130, but I guess thats not enough of a sacrifice? Get real, Whats this gonna hurt? There isn't a great discount, and sure, some chain stores can match or beat the price, this bill just gives them one more way to shop around and get the best price.
Wayne Mullis
May 18, 2009, 2:29pm (report abuse)Why stop at 30%.. What about use @ 20%. Did we not also serve our country? Why should we be punished because we were lucky enough to not be that seriously disabled. I take nothing away from those that are at 30% or more. Just feel we should be included also.
J Cripps
May 19, 2009, 4:54pm (report abuse)Why not just open them to everyone? The citizens of this country are the ones who pay for them anyway. How can you justify keeping them out? Or maybe just close them altogether since some whiners think they are being discriminated against.
re wayne Mullis
May 21, 2009, 2:39pm (report abuse)Im not saying get it at 30%. What I am saying is anyone can get disability rating. If you got out, not med boarded, not denied reenlistement because of your disability then you should be able to get the priviledges. These priviledges are what separate people serving or retired from the the civilian community. If everyone wants to shop at the PX than they should stay in to retire.
heyu922
May 27, 2009, 1:12pm (report abuse)I don't see any reason this should not pass, my husband is 40% disabled and served his time overseas, why should he not get to shop down the road on post and have to drive 30 miles instead...I can see where some people could care less about level of sacrifice to this country, what will it hurt if a few more can shop? My husband was forced out by the board, not his fault....
Mel Oakes
May 29, 2009, 10:53am (report abuse)This is a Great Bill. It allows Veterans to visit their past Bases and be able to purchase items. It will increase tourism and all related expenses that go with traveling. This is long over due.
Vet2Fed
June 17, 2009, 10:33am (report abuse)Please contact your house rep(s), encourage your friends and family to do the same. This is a no cost benefit to those who were injured fighting for our freedom - many who were not given the option to retire. This will help to encourage veterans to go into DOD careers and other Federal service at a time when many feds are nearing retirement...
Novus Livy
June 25, 2009, 10:53am (report abuse)Sometimes I wonder just what it will take to shut up all the whining by veterans. I know, let's just sign over the entire treasury to them. Maybe that would put an end to the pi$$ing and moaning.
Ralph
June 25, 2009, 11:21pm (report abuse)Novus Livy...if it wasn't for these "whiny veterans" you wouldn't be on this site making these kind of comments. They pay their taxes the same as you do.
Novus Livy
June 26, 2009, 9:59am (report abuse)BS, Ralph. Last time I looked they lost the Vietnam war and only fought to a draw in Korea. None of the fights since then were any threat to the US. And Russia? Yeah right. All the hype about their great armed forces turned out to be a bunch of lies. Even the Afghans kicked their butts. Go down to the vets club and whine to the rest of the drunks.
Vet2Fed
June 29, 2009, 12:06pm (report abuse)This bill shows great merit and support of it does not make one a whiner or lazy. Truth is, Disabled Veterans are statistically more productive when in the workforce than are non veterans and non-disabled veterans. I know this because I work closely with a wounded warriors station and have hard data to support this. Federal Employers would benefit greatly from a program which gives incentive to DVs to live nearby to military installations. Furthermore, the MWR would benefit with increased revenues which would thus benefit our active duty personnel and families. The cost to the nation: $0. I question the motivation of the few bitter people out there who openly oppose this legislation.
Let's continue to contact Congress and get this bill pushed out of committee!
Nexus
June 29, 2009, 12:12pm (report abuse)I still dont understand a good reasoning for this bill. The bill should be rewritten that Disabled Veterns who could not continue serving due to medical discharge should have these privlidges. If you got out and got a rating too bad. If everyone want to shop on post then stay in and retire.
Novus Livy
June 30, 2009, 12:31am (report abuse)Vet2Fed,
You obviously don't work around the same bunch of "wounded warriors" I do. There is not a day that goes by that at least one of these malignering whiners isn't complaining about how he was mistreated by the military and how he should be given more rights because he "served" in the military. As far as I am concerned they are already being provided with sufficient benefits for their service.
Vet2Fed
June 30, 2009, 9:30am (report abuse)No I don't. I've worked with hundreds and I have yet to see one. You must be viewing reality through adifferent lense than the rest of society. Why is it any concern of yours anyway?
Novus Livy
July 2, 2009, 1:21am (report abuse)Yeah, my lenses are not rose colored. I work for a company that does a lot of contract work for the local base. We have tried over the past several years to hire veterans whenever we can. So far our luck has been far from good. You would think that a $20.00 per hour to start job, plus benefits, for working inside would be a good incentive. It has not been. As I said before, there isn't a day that goes by that I don't have to deal with problems from this group. And before you get your back up I am also a veteran and I do understand.
Warren
July 2, 2009, 6:41pm (report abuse)I think there is one person that trolls this site just to antagonize veterans. If you go to the other bill tracking websites, you find this kind of thing.
D51
July 6, 2009, 1:06pm (report abuse)I don't know the difference between this bill and the other. Can someone explain? I am the wife of a 70% disabled vet. Believe me, his disabilities have affected his job and is now not working. This would help us alot.
Also you should contact the committee members, I contacted our rep and she did not bother to cosponser the bill. She won't get our vote again.
Nexus
July 7, 2009, 4:46pm (report abuse)NOVUS LIVY, how does passing this bill affect you? I am not for it unless the person was disabled in combat or their disability prevented them from retiring and getting their benefits. Other Veterans who got out and have disabilities should not get this benefit. If they wanted benefits than they should of stayed apart of the military until retirement. But I still dont understand why you are so against this. What do you have to lose if this passes?
Novus Livy
July 8, 2009, 8:26am (report abuse)Nexus, Its because I have a very low self esteem. Truth is, I'm impotent and get very upset when other people get things when I can't have everything. Bottom line is, I'm self-absorbed and jealous because of my low self-worth.
NovusLivy
(logged in user) July 9, 2009, 12:27am (report abuse)For those who wish to play the game - just remember that everything is out in the open. You too can be had. Fair warning.
Ralph Kolb
July 9, 2009, 12:33am (report abuse)Yep, the little d**ks who can't stand up and be who they are will find out how it really works.
Fort Knox
August 22, 2009, 1:33pm (report abuse)Greater access to PX/Commisary = loss sales for Off-Post Businesses = net job loss
Vet2Fed
August 24, 2009, 3:13pm (report abuse)Ft Knox... This is a common misperception. Studies show that increased traffic in and arround the installation will actually result in a net business gain. True the disabled vet may not buy things that they can get on base for cheaper, but they will buy other things not available on base thus driving more commerce within the community.
...
August 25, 2009, 8:51am (report abuse)Another misconception - these disabled vets won't spend anything in the local economy. All they want is something cheaper. Sad to say theu will be disappointed if they ever get there because the prices are not what they think they will be. And the Class-6 prices are higher so they can't get the cheap booze to feed their habits.
Vet2Fed
August 25, 2009, 9:37am (report abuse)... You are clouding the facts with inaccurate assumptions. The increased access to commissaries/PX will stmiulate the surrounding economy as it will grow jobs and stimulate through traffic. This has been demonstrated and documented thoroughly.
Paul G
August 25, 2009, 11:19am (report abuse)I have just read the entire thread. What everyone seems to be overlooking is that J. Cripps is exercising his freedom of voicing his thoughts and opinions. Men and women have served to protect the freedom of speech that for over 200 years. Let him vent, he has the right. Although I totally disagree with him, that is me exercising my rights. The very rights I served 18 years (60% disability) to provide to my fellow Americans. I do not believe that granting passing this would result in a total collapse in the local economy. So why not?
...
August 25, 2009, 1:47pm (report abuse)vet2fed,
What documentation? All you can show is what some chamber of commerce hack dreamed up. If these are local vets they are already in the local economy. If they are traveling to the commissary they won't be spending enough money outside the gate to matter. And after the first trip or two they won't be back since they will discover the savings are not there anymore.
Veteran's Spouse
September 1, 2009, 1:38pm (report abuse)My husband is a combat vet discharged due to service connected disability. He didn't go and get all the tests done when he got back from Iraq b/c he thought he might be taking food out of someones mouth or their childrens mouths who was more disabled than he is. I finally convinced him he needed to get the tests done for his own peace of mind. He found out he had TBI on top of the PTSD. He's considered 30% Disabled. He has been working at a gas station b/c there are just no jobs out there to be had. We've been struggling to take care of our bills because of this. We never asked for handouts and we both work 40+ hours a week. We struggle. The extra money hes getting from his disability is going to help us out quite a bit. I don't understand why Vets can't use their disability money to buy things they need at the base. It's money going right back into the gov's pocket that way. I think it's horse sh*t that they can get money for disabilities but not discounted groceries. WTF?
...
September 5, 2009, 3:18pm (report abuse)I don't know anyone in civilian life drawing workers comp who gets discounted groceries. And since VA comp is just another kind of workers comp why should anyone drawing it get discounted groceries either?
Jen
September 9, 2009, 1:08pm (report abuse)That's a simple answer: because they are a Vet. I think this debate is more about perspective. Some call it a hand out; others a hand up. It is a privilege, and like all privilieges, it can be abused or misused. Personally, I would rather stand on the side of optimism and give a disabled vet the choice, which most, although not all, have earned.
...
September 10, 2009, 10:17am (report abuse)Because they are a vet does not make them special. They are citizens who did a job, nothing more. What about disabled police officers or firefighters? Are they not also worthy? Would you also give them access?
Joe Tiscia
September 14, 2009, 5:22pm (report abuse)I am a 70% disabled Vet from Nam.
Fought at Hue City during TET. This is a win, win for all concerned. How could anyone be against this benefit.
DedicatedVet
September 17, 2009, 5:38pm (report abuse)What People Think About The Disabled Veterans Commissary and Exchange Store Benefits Act
31% For, 69% Against
Vote on this Bill
We should vote.....
Vets Girl
September 20, 2009, 11:40am (report abuse)Hey I just wanted to let everyone know I wrote a letter to my Rep and voted yes on the poll. I hope this passes!
Vet2Fed
September 21, 2009, 9:32am (report abuse)Vets Girl... Thank you. If each of us does the same, we can help to get this out of committee!
RobD53
September 21, 2009, 11:40am (report abuse)Those of us that are disabled from military service deserve this right. We have earned it.
RobD53
September 21, 2009, 11:55am (report abuse)I am in a position where I am unable to work due to my terminal disability. The money I receive is less than most people collect on welfare.Yet enough not to qualify for food stamps. At least I can get a lower price on a few Items. Alcohol is not one of these items
...
September 22, 2009, 12:52am (report abuse)Sory RodD53, you did not earn this "right" as you call it. All you want is another piece of welfare from the working folks of this country. If you are truly unable to work because of your disability, get to the socail security office and file for SSDI and go to the VA and file for IU. Quit slobbering on everybody's sleeve and do something for yourself.
StefaniesDad
(logged in user) September 23, 2009, 1:34pm (report abuse)Wow.. The "..." poster above must feel alot better now that s/he has given a vet (RodD53) a bloody nose.. as a service connected disabled vet I could use this benefit if passed .. these are tuff times - I hope Congress will see their way clear to pass it.
How about we don;t "Vet-Bash" folks .. haven't our veterans taken enough abuse (seems I remember getting spit on and called 'baby killer' when getting off of the plane back in the early '70's.. enuff is enuff - I'm so tired of fighting morons..
...
September 23, 2009, 4:14pm (report abuse)StefaniesDad,
Your service as a veteran gives you no special priveleges. You are just another citizen. If you are tired of fighting why not go to France - apparently they don't fight and you should fit in there.
DedicatedVet
September 25, 2009, 9:33am (report abuse)So Mote It Be !!!
Honorably Discharged
October 6, 2009, 9:02pm (report abuse)I was put out of the military after ten years of service due to a non-combat neurological condition which was rated as 20% at the time I was released from service. I fought like hell to stay in, but was not allowed. Due to the low rating at the time of discharge, I did not qualify for retirement. The condition is now rated at 50%. I am not a deadbeat. I have two Master's degrees. I make a good living. That being said, for several years after my discharge, I could not stand to go by the PX in my hometown. It hurt to much for me to think about what I lost; to see the soldiers and sailors in a uniform that I would never be allowed to wear again; to know I could never enter the px again unless it was a a guest. I am ok with it now, but if this benefit had been in place at the time of my discharge, it would have helped me during the adjustment/transition phase. I believe from a psychological stand point it could help many others as they adjust/transition to civilian life as well.
Just a Vet
October 7, 2009, 8:24am (report abuse)Wow I really can't believe some of the things that people put on here. There are roughly 304 million Americans and only 1.3 measly Americans serve. This is ridiculous the other 302 million or so have the nerve to talk about what WE deserve. Let’s put it this way if it wasn’t for Veterans future, past, and present. WE (as in AMERICANS) would not be living the way we live. Probably wouldn’t be called Americans. So I don’t see how it is NOT fair to not give ANY VETERAN what they so rightfully deserve. They have given there life to this country in one way or another! HAVE SOME RESPECT!
...
October 7, 2009, 9:36pm (report abuse)Just a Vet,
Just how do you come to the conclusion that a person who served in the military should be given this benefit? Service is just part of citizenship. Some do it in the military, some do it as teachers, some as firemen and police. You don't deserve anything more than you have. You have to earn things, not have them given to you. Far too much whine about "me, me, me" coming from the veterans and the everyday citizen is getting tired of it.
RPK
October 24, 2009, 9:18pm (report abuse)I have a serious question for everyone to consider.
At what point will vets have received enough as compensation for their service? Look at all the bills on this site that are about giving veterans more and more. It appears that there is no end. I just wonder when it will be enough. After everyone else is in the poorhouse? After everyone else has given up everything they have so the veterans can have everything they want? At some point there has to be an end and I think we may already be there.
If you think this is harsh you may be out of touch with what is really happening out here. People are starting to get tired of the push for more and more when they are seeing less and less for themselves and their families.
Perhaps it is time to step back and take a long hard look at the realities of life as a citizen of this country.
Vet2Fed
October 30, 2009, 3:02pm (report abuse)RPK, I'd be happy to answqer that one. When the cost outweighs the benefit. In this instance the benefit far outweighs the cost. This should be adopted...had the cost outweighed the benefit, I would be highly critical as well.
RPK
October 30, 2009, 3:56pm (report abuse)I don't see the benefits you ascribe to this bill so for me the cost is higher.
So how many new or bigger benefits will it take to make the veterans happy? Regardless of what the current government may want us to think there is a limit to what can be done, unless they are willing to reduce the cut of some other group. What do you say to those groups when they raise this issue? That question is becoming more and more loudly asked in the country today.
Vet2Fed
November 2, 2009, 11:25am (report abuse)RPK, the answer is simple.
First, passage of this bill would actually add to other groups benefits. For example, it will encourage veterans into federal employment, thereby reducing those on public assistance programs - there are currently far too many) It will ease thier transition into civilian life, reducing the costs associated with that. It will add to the MWR fund - which will increase benefits to active duty soldiers and their families. Jobs, it will drive more workload at the PX/Commisarries and generate more revenue to allow additional hires. Cost: about $9 per veteran who takes advantage of the benefit (not talking a lot) savings: several hundred (at least) per veteran.
Maurice Army/DV
November 2, 2009, 7:28pm (report abuse)I think is a great bill. I read most against comments, of course you're entitle to it, but having served as an infantrymen for 15 yrs,I am 92% but receive disability for 90%, for me, thank God I have a job, but for many of my friends are NOT here today because of IED's, or those who came back too disable for the service and many who can't find a job, I think is at least a way to eat. For you who are against please read the news across the America and you will realize many of our brothers and sisters veterans are below poverty, so a misable PX priviledge would help some of them.
Another thing for you liberals, why don't you join the service and when you come back without a leg or arm, then you come back and write why you think we veterans don't deserve this bill.
Please support our soldiers.
For Maurice
November 4, 2009, 7:42pm (report abuse)So what you are asking for here is veteran welfare? That is how it sounds. The fact that a person is a veteran has nothing to do with earning power. That is a combination of many things.
I see no compelling reason here to create another giveaway for veterans.
RPK
November 5, 2009, 12:21am (report abuse)This is the kind of thing that will threaten many veterans in the future. While it does not directly affect this bill it is an indication of how more and more around the country feel. You can believe this - this senator is not the only one who is thinking this way in the U.S. Congress.
http://tinyurl.com/ycj4vhw
LAMONT
November 16, 2009, 1:37am (report abuse)IAM A ARMY VET,INFANTRY"GRUNT",I WAS BADLY INJURED ON ACTIVE DUTY,IAM BLIND IN MY LEFT EYE,LOST SOME OF MY HERING IN MY LEFT EAR,HAVE HEAD ACES ON THE LEFT SIDE OF MY HEAD,LOST SOME OF MY MEMOREY,A BACK INJURY,AND THE MEDS THAT THE GOVERMENT WAS GIVEN ME JACKED UP MY KIDNEYS,IAM NOT RECIVEING DISABLETY PAYMENTS YET,AND IT'S BEEN 20YR ARE MOORE,SO IF I CAN SHOP AT THE BX,PX,AND ANY OTHER STORE ON BASE,WILL BE A BLESSING.P.S PASS THIS BILL FOR THE BRAVE DISABLED VETS,THATS OUR RIGHT,WE NEED THAT RIGHT.
Corky
(logged in user) November 18, 2009, 3:20pm (report abuse)"PASS THIS BILL FOR THE BRAVE DISABLED VETS,THATS OUR RIGHT,WE NEED THAT RIGHT."
Bull$hit! All you so-called veterans are a bunch of lying, cheating, thieving, scumbags. None of you deserve one thin dime but all of you want that free ride. Worthless, all of you.
DedicatedVet
November 19, 2009, 1:36pm (report abuse)Corky, God Bless You....
For DedicatedVet
November 19, 2009, 3:06pm (report abuse)Sorry, there is no such thing as "God". For all of you who have to have something to grab onto as a way to deny your mortality, truth is the dirtnap really is the end, No heaven, no paradise, no nothing but rotting in a box.
Robert Oliver
November 25, 2009, 7:11pm (report abuse)Retired AF 22 1/2 Years Honorable Service. During TET Offensive in Vietnam almost killed out for 9 Minutes. When I go to Germany can't shop in BX or Commissary, can not purchase a bottle of Anacin for a Headache. Yet I see Military from Different Nations buying in these facilities. NATO personnel primarily. Has to do with the SOFA agreement. Retirees see this and say and I cant shop in these facilities? Personnel in my category Retiree which includes many which were in combat and nearly killed, are not allowed to shop in these facilities. Does not make any sense. Any comments?
For Robert Oliver
November 26, 2009, 1:05am (report abuse)As much as we may not like it this is a part of the way the governments negotiate the basing rights (SOFA) in different countries. I think some countries are more liberal than others. Germany is one of the worst, in my opinion. It doesn't seem right but I guess that's just the way it has to be. I spend time in Europe every 3 or 4 years and would also like the opportunity to shop at the exchanges.
Jason B
November 27, 2009, 1:23am (report abuse)Over my lifetime I have worked with a lot of folks who have reason to complain – the unemployed, the homeless, folks on welfare, terminally ill patients in a hospice. And not one of these groups has the intensity of whining that a bunch of veterans can generate. I really suspect that the veterans whine can be heard in outer space. It is that loud. Why don’t all of you moaning assholes take a break and go crawl in a hole someplace. Give the rest of us some time to recuperate from your constant pissing and moaning.