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Shoppers Call New Fort Belvoir Commissary ‘Amazing’

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I was one of many commissary shoppers excited to be part of the opening day festivities at the new $38 million commissary at Fort Belvoir.

New Fort Belvoir Commissary

The Fort Belvoir commissary certainly has something for everyone.

Located just south of Washington, D.C., Fort Belvoir has one of the busiest commissaries. The former commissary was built in 1981.  It was time for an update and this update was an amazing one.

The new commissary at Fort Belvoir has a sales area of 82,600 square feet. This is a huge increase from the 57,000-square-foot commissary it replaced. I’m sure I was not the only patron to walk through the doors and be awestruck at the sheer size of the complex.

If you have the opportunity to go, the new commissary at Fort Belvoir is worth the drive.

The selection of products is vast, with more than 21,000 items on the shelves. The fresh produce area is extremely spacious and has a huge selection including organic and locally grown items.

New Commissary at Fort Belvoir

Are you a health conscious person? The Living Well Corner is for you.

There is a sushi bar where trained professionals make sushi right there while you watch. You can get sushi custom made. It is located right by the international delicatessen, which has a huge selection of meats and cheeses. Make sure you check out the freshly made meals and side items while you are there. When your spouse is on deployment, picking up some of these delicious items will make dinners quick and easy.

The Fort Belvoir commissary certainly has something for everyone.

Are you a health conscious person? The Living Well Corner is for you. There are over 1,500 organic, gluten-free, natural and non-GMO items. You’ll find them dry, fresh, refrigerated and frozen.

While shopping at the Fort Belvoir commissary, you’ll be sure to notice how wide the aisles are. They were actually designed to be 3 carts wide to enable shoppers to move through the aisles with ease. Have you ever been stuck while someone stood and looked for the item they wanted? That will be a problem of the past here. With more space, customers will be able to navigate easily through the aisles without a problem.

New Fort Belvoir Commissary

The new commissary, with all of its impressive features is sure to draw an even larger crowd now.

When it comes to checkout time, Fort Belvoir makes it is a breeze with 30 checkouts. This includes 8 self-checkouts. You won’t be waiting in line for long here. Even on opening day, with thousands of shoppers, the line moved quickly.

The Fort Belvoir commissary has an impressive bakery that you shouldn’t miss. Pick up some tasty treats to bring home for the family. Stop by the meat department after that for a nice steak. The meat selection is very good and the prices won’t be beat. The seafood department is just as impressive. If you don’t feel like cooking, pick up a rotisserie chicken.

New Fort Belvoir Commissary

You won’t be waiting in line for long at the new commissary at Fort Belvoir.

The Fort Belvoir commissary was already one of DeCA’s busiest commissaries. It is a leader in annual sales, doing about $97 million annually. The new commissary, with all of its impressive features is sure to draw an even larger crowd now. Many military families feel that commissary shopping is one of the most important benefits. You’ll find plenty of reasons to visit this beautiful new commissary at Fort Belvoir, with its vast selection of items at great prices.

The Fort Belvoir commissary cost $38 million. Not only is it much larger than the one it replaced, but it is also more energy efficient and environmentally friendly. The funding for it came from the 5 percent surcharge that is added when customers check out at commissaries. Your patronage at local commissaries helped make this new commissary possible.

Did you know that the 5 percent surcharge on your commissary bill pays for new facilities like this commissary at Fort Belvoir? Learn more about the surcharge by clicking here.

Commissaries continue roll out of new curbside pickup program at Fort Lee; five more scheduled later in 2020

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Defense Commissary Agency

Corporate Communications

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:        65-20                                                                                                                        

Date:                              August 6, 2020

Media Contact:           Kevin L. Robinson, public affairs specialist

Tel.:                               (804) 734-8000, Ext. 4-8773

E-mail:                         kevin.robinson@deca.mil

CLICK2GO

Commissaries continue roll out of new curbside pickup program at Fort Lee; five more scheduled later in 2020

By Rick Brink,

DeCA public affairs specialist

Note: To read this release online, go to the DeCA website.To see photos related to this release, go to the agency’s Flickr site.

FORT LEE, Va. – CLICK2GO, the Defense Commissary Agency’s online ordering/curbside pickup grocery service, returned Aug. 4 to the Fort Lee Commissary in Virginia following a yearlong absence.

“We’re pleased to be back to provide this service that’s become especially popular as we all cope with the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Willie Watkins, DeCA’s eBusiness chief. “More and more people like being able to shop online and pick up their groceries without having to go inside a store.”

In September 2013, the Fort Lee Commissary became the first store to offer curbside pickup under a pilot program that included two other commissaries. DeCA discontinued that program in June 2019 to make way for a new CLICK2GO, as the agency rolled out its new Enterprise Business System to stores. Fort Lee is now the sixth store to offer the new service, and five more commissaries are slated to get it later this year.

Using curbside pickup is a straight-forward process. Authorized commissary shoppers access the system via the agency’s customer portal, MyCommissary. An initial sign-up is required the first time patrons access MyCommissary. Patrons can also learn more about CLICK2GO on Commissaries.com.

Once in CLICK2GO, patrons select from commissary products offered online based on the store’s stock assortment. After products are selected, the patron selects a pickup time and completes the checkout process. The only thing left to do is arrive at curbside at the appointed time, and pay. Commissary workers will load the groceries in the shopper’s car and they will be on their way.

Fort Lee’s CLICK2GO customers won’t be charged a service fee through August and into the first week of September as part of an introductory offer. Beginning Sept. 8, a $4.95 service fee will be applied for each order, as it is at all curbside pickup locations.  

“Our customers are keenly interested in CLICK2GO since it all started here,” said store director Margaret Camacho. “Now we’re ready to once again let them enjoy shopping online and picking up their orders without having to go inside the store, which is something that really appeals to families with young children.”

The curbside program is also offered in Virginia at Fort Eustis, Naval Air Station Oceana, Marine Corps Base Quantico and Fort Belvoir. It’s also available at the McGuire Air Force Base Commissary New Jersey, part of the Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst community.

In the other five stores where it’s offered, CLICK2GO has seen a huge increase in customers during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the startup at the Fort Lee Commissary is just the latest part of an ongoing expansion of the service, Watkins said.

Barring any unforeseen issues, the agency plans to roll out the service to five more commissaries this year, and there are plans to expand it to considerably to more stores over the next two years, said Watkins.

The five stores scheduled to receive the service later this year are: Fort Polk, Louisiana; Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida; Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska; Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota; and Charleston Air Force Base, South Carolina. The number of stores and locations to get the service in 2021 haven’t been announced.

DeCA operates 236 commissaries worldwide. Not all stores will receive the service. A variety of factors, including sales and transactions, existing infrastructure and demographics are considered to determine if a commissary is suitable for CLICK2GO.

“Our agency is responding to customer shopping trends, and we’re pleased to be able to expand this service,” Watkins said.

-DeCA-

Support Programs for Military Families for the 2022 Holidays

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The holiday season can be filled with mixed emotions for military families. Military members are deployed or participating in training, no matter the time of year. Military families may be new to an area. Traveling can be a large expense that cannot be done, especially if a military move with added expenses was recently executed. In 2022, there are many holiday programs that plan throughout the year to support military families. If you or you know a family who could use a program, read this and pass this on.

Operation Holiday Joy

The Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) organization provides support and programs to active-duty military families throughout the year. The holiday program is no different. Operation Holiday Joy is a program that provides food and gifts to active duty and family members. Check the local branch for sign-up dates.

If you want to donate to the program or know someone who wants to, read more about donations here.

Operation Christmas Spirit

The organization adopts active duty and Gold Star families and provides them with gifts for the holiday season. The gifts range from gas cards to toys to grocery gift cards.

Unit nominations are accepted from the following bases:

– Camp Pendleton

– 29 Palms

– MCAS Miramar

– Naval Base San Diego

– MCRD San Diego

– Quantico

– Fort Sam Houston

– Lackland AFB

– Fort Carson

– Buckley AFB

– Joint Base MacDill

– Camp Lejeune

– New River Air Station

– Fort Belvoir

– Fort Bragg

To be an eligible active-duty family, families must be E5 or below, any rank with 4+ children, any rank with a justification of a need, or families with a legitimate need for assistance. Gold Star families with children aged 17 and under, Gold Star spouses, or guardians of Gold Star children are eligible to apply.

Applications are accepted here and are open November 1st -2nd and 15th and 16th.

Operation Homefront

Operation Homefront has two programs for military families. Holiday Meals for Military Families provide a holiday meal. Each location of Operation Homefront has different eligibility criteria and registration details. Check the link above to find an event near you and what eligibility criteria are required for your area. Some programs are open to all ranks and include veterans, and some areas are open to E1-E6 only.

Operation Homefront also has Holiday Toy Drive. Collection Bins are located at different businesses and at Dollar Tree collecting toys, and the toys are distributed based on volume.

Toys for Tots

Veterans qualify for support through Toys for Tots. Toys for Tots provides new, unwrapped toys to those in need. Apply to get a toy here.

USO

The USO has programs all year round for military families. To find a program near you, find the USO location near you here or check out the social media for the local USO. Each USO location is different, so the programming differs. It could be a meal as a family, a meal for service members, or toy giveaways. In the past, they have had programs where children can “shop” for their parents. Each of these programs is typically open to all, but check the eligibility criteria for each program and sign up early.

Operation Ride Home

The Armed Forces YMCA has a program called Operation Ride Home. The program offers up to $500 in airfare costs and $125 for vehicle travel. Flights must be booked through the ASYMCA coordinator, and use the Command Form to apply. Applicants must be E5 and below. There is no requirement to be married or have a family; it is open to single or married service members. Apply here.

Marine Corps League

Marine Corps League locations are operated by League members, so programming differs based on the Marine Corps League office. Look for programs through the National website for which programming may be available in the local area.

Soldiers Angels Adopt a Family

The Adopt-A-Family program connects businesses and organizations to support military and veteran family members by providing holiday gifts and a grocery gift card.

Applications opened for military families on September 7th, 2022.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Service member is deployed, are rank E1-E6, and meet income requirements
  • Honorobly discharge Post-911 Wounded Ill, and Injured service members and veterans
  • HUD/VASH veteran families
  • All families must have a biological or step-child age 18 and under

Businesses or volunteers interested in adopting families will open October 5, 2022. 

If there is a program that isn’t listed, let us know so we can update and provide that information for others!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

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October is designated as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It is a month dedicated to sharing and discussing the importance of breast cancer screenings and risks. While most people know there is an increased risk if a family member has breast cancer, there is also an increased risk to female service members. Military members have been exposed to burn pits and chemicals in both forward deployed arenas and on military installations within the United States. These chemical exposures have led to an increase of cancers – and not just breast cancer. Getting screened with physicals is key. There may or may not be symptoms of breast cancer.

Self-Breast Exams

While the American Cancer Society doesn’t recommend self-breast exams anymore, you are the only one who knows when something is different in your breast. Take a few moments weekly to check and be familiar with your body. Pay attention to how your skin looks or how it feels. When you put on your bra, check the skin for redness, pulling, or swelling of the skin or nipple. Admittedly, breasts that have gone through the physiologic changes of pregnancy and breastfeeding will have a “lumpy bumpy”. If there is any hard or tender bump, talk to your doctor about it.

Mammograms

According to the CDC, 65.3% of women over the age of 40 had a mammogram within the prior two years. It isn’t surprising that mammography is not something that women want to subject themselves to. There are cartoons depicting the true feelings of women who have mammograms on Pinterest and in newspapers.  The leaders in the field of breast health and prevention are not all aligned in their recommendations.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that mammography begin at age 40 and continue every one to two years until age 50, when the recommendation changes to annually. That is the recommendation for women of average risk.

The American College of Radiology also recommends mammography beginning at age 40.

The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) for breast cancer screening recommends screening to begin at age 50 and occur every other year until age 74.

Talk to your doctor about your family history, your concerns, and your worries, especially if that concern includes actually getting the procedure. Chemical exposures for service members may mean earlier screenings.

Breast Care Centers

Not all women are the same. If you have a case family history of breast cancer, if you had a previous lump, or if you had previous breast surgery, your screening recommendation may change. Military members and their families have access to breast care centers at most of the large military bases like the one at Fort Belvoir Community Hospital. The breast clinic’s dedicated purpose is to provide care from nurses, medical providers, case managers, radiologists, social workers, therapy, and any other services that would be needed in the treatment of any breast concern. Tricare Prime beneficiaries do not need a referral to Breast Care Centers at a military treatment facility (MTF). Tricare Select beneficiaries are able to follow up with civilian counterparts of breast care centers, but costs would be determined based on the co-pay amount or the amount paid within the year (WC). If your local MTF does not have a breast care center, ask where the nearest one is.

Further Testing

One of the functions of the breast care clinic is to help individuals determine individual risk of breast cancer and when to begin preventative services like mammography. If the risk is at a certain level, genetic counseling is typically offered through a Breast Care Center. If it isn’t, ask. Both male and female family members within the family would qualify for testing based on the risk assessment. In addition, you may be able to have a breast MRI in lieu of a mammogram.

Men Get Breast Cancer Too

While in a smaller number of cases, breast cancer occurs in men too. In fact, less than one percent of all breast cancers are in men, but men are more at risk to dying from breast cancer. Why? Likely because breast cancer in men is not a common talked about or thought about topic. If there are any nipple changes or hardness behind the nipple of the breast in men, they should seek medical evaluation.

There you have it. The intel and current (as of April 2019) guidelines in breast health. Your primary care provider (PCP) should be open to any other questions you have, so don’t hesitate to ask!

Sources: ACOG, ACR, USPSTF, Fort Belvoir Community Hospital, National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.

Grocery Delivery from The Commissary Is Here

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The Defense Commissary Agency, DECA, has been planning for grocery delivery and it starts June 1 at 8 military bases.

In April, DECA awarded grocery delivery contracts to two veteran-owned companies. The pilot program will run through the summer, ending August 30th.  After the contract award, the delivery companies integrated and tested their technology with the commissary grocery ordering system. The plan for the same-day delivery is that grocery delivery within 3 hours for orders placed Monday through Friday.

The contract for the eastern commissaries is ChowCall based out of Chesapeake, Virginia.  The contract for the commissaries on the west coast is YouUp Delivery Inc, out of Roswell, Georgia.

East coast Commissaries participating in grocery delivery through ChowCall are:

– Fort Belvoir, Virginia

– Scott Air Force Base, Illinois

– Fort Bragg South Commissary, North Carolina

– MacDill Air Force Base, Florida

– Norfolk Naval Station, Virginia

West Coast Commissaries participating in grocery delivery through YouUp are:

-Fort Lewis, Washington

-Miramar Naval Air Station and San Diego Naval Station, California

The doorstep delivery cost is planned range between $3.80 and $4.15. This is much less than grocery delivery fees from big box stores. The plan is for delivery to be provided within a 20 miles driving distance from the commissaries. The hours of operation for delivery were not readily listed or available.

The co-founder of YouUp Delivery, Inc, Harold Earls is a retired captain from the Army. He remarked on his personal desire for convenience when it comes to grocery cost. He said he has specifically created his company with the goal to serve the military community, specifically through the commissary.

The CEO of ChowCall, Todd Waldemar, is a retired Marine. He currently works with restaurants on military bases and is excited about adding grocery delivery to their support.

The goal of both companies is to hire military spouses to work with the company to provide grocery delivery. Working for the delivery company will come with hourly wage plus tips. Per http://www.youup.us/hire, the hourly wage will be around $20 an hour. ChowCall is also hiring per their LinkedIn. That is quite a wage for grocery delivery, and much higher in comparison to other large companies that provide grocery and meal delivery around the U.S.

Like Click2Go, the commissary employees will still shop for the items that the military family desires from the store. Then the filled orders will be ready for pick up for the grocery delivery contractor. The application for grocery delivery will group the deliveries in the best and most efficient order.

The commissary provides about 20% cost savings in comparison to other grocery stores. Even with the few dollars grocery delivery fee, there will still be a grocery savings for military members.

The website for coordination of grocery delivery was not readily available at this writing. Will you use commissary grocery delivery?

Will the Commissary Add Grocery Delivery?

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Grocery delivery has been an amazing plus. When you have sick kids at home, are sick yourself, and your partner is deployed, gone or at training, grocery delivery means you don’t have to drag yourself out the door or pack up sick kids into the car. Grocery delivery has grown as an option to many stores over the last couple of years. It looks like the Defense Commissary Agency, or DECA, is looking to add this benefit to its stores.

A contract solicitation for grocery delivery was published by the Defense Department on January 31st. The pilot program states that grocery delivery could be provided within a 20-mile driving radius of select stores.

The eight stores where the pilot program is proposed includes:

  • Naval Base San Diego, California
  • Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California
  • Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington
  • Scott Air Force Base, Illinois
  • Fort Belvoir, Virginia
  • Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia
  • Fort Bragg South Post Commissary, North Carolina
  • MacDill Air Force Base, Florida

While the pilot program does not list a specific timeline for when the program would be executed, grocery has been a goal of the new Defense Commissary Agency Director Bill Moore. The ultimate goal is for all the commissaries in the continental United States to provide this service. There will be a service charge, keeping in line with other large stores’ grocery delivery services. A proposed service charge was not listed in the solicitation, but would likely be determined by the contractor who provides the delivery.

Grocery Pick Up is a currently provided service at the Commissaries. Click 2 Go provides free grocery pick up at Continental U.S. Commissaries. There is no minimum for grocery pick up and can be ordered all online, including digital coupons. The ability to grocery shop online without leaving your home, and then selecting a pickup time is great for meal planners, those who just don’t want to shop in the store or have napping children. The addition of grocery delivery would mean you wouldn’t even have to leave the house to get your favorite grocery items.

Will you use grocery delivery from the Commissary?

Camp at Military Campgrounds To Save Even More

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According to the Recreational Vehicle Industry, there has been an increase in shipments of Recreational Vehicles (RVs) by 15% since 2020. Sales of camping equipment have increased by 31% in the United States since 2020. These numbers speak volumes -there is a greater desire to explore more of the great outdoors. Military families are not novices at “roughing it,” often going months without their household goods after moving overseas, or even across the country.  Did you know that there is an entire network of camping and RV parks for military families? Each campground has different eligibility requirements. Each campground has a different reservation system as well, some without advance reservations and some with advanced reservations with varying lead times. Make sure to look them up before you plan a trip.

Explore the North

The Great Pond Outdoor Recreation Area in Maine has 13 RV sites, 3 spaces for tents, 1 lodge that sleeps 8, 15 cabins that sleep 6, and 6 yurts. Prices range from $25 to $150 depending on the sleep site. The recreation center is closed November through April and pets are allowed on the campground. There is also a cottage with its associated lighthouses at Gull Harbor in Maine that make for a picturesque New England stay.

There are no military campgrounds in Connecticut or Delaware. There is an Air Force Inn at Dover Air Force Base, but make sure to check if there are restrictions on Space Available (recreational) travel.

Maryland is home to multiple military bases of Aberdeen Proving Ground, Andrews Air Force Base, and Patuxent River Naval Air Station, and each base has a recreation or camping ground. Annapolis is home to the United States Naval Academy, and Annapolis NS Campground with concrete sites for camping is nearby. There is also Camp Meade RV Park and Solomons Island Navy Recreation Center.

Hanscom Air Force Base in Massachusetts has two campgrounds associated with it – Fourth Cliff Family Recreation Area and FAM camp with both RV sites and tent sites. The New Boast Air Force Station  Area Campground in New Hampshire has seasonal RV and tent sites.

New Jersey’s year-round campground at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst has Willow Pond RV campground with RV sites.

West Point located in New York has two campground areas – Lake Frederick Recreation Area and Round Pond Campground – both offering season RV sites, Adirondacks, and tent sites. Fort Drum’s Remington Park also offers cabins in addition to the RV sites, Adirondacks, and tent sites

In Pennsylvania, the Tobyhanna Army Depot has Vacation and Business Villas year-round in the Coolbaugh Township.

Newport, Rhode Island is host to the Carr Point Campground with RV sites.

Stay in the South

Alabama has six campgrounds between Fort Rucker, Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base, Coast Guard Group Mobile, and two other recreation areas. Because these campgrounds are in the south, they are open year-round and offer RV sites, tent sites, and cabins.

Little Rock Air Force Base in Arkansas has RV sites with hooks ups and tenting sites for rent – including monthly rentals for those on TDY orders. If you are driving through, Fort Chaffee Maneuver Training Center has an RV park.

Florida is another state with a bevy of military bases and campgrounds. The Keys have Sigsbee RV park with vocational rentals along with the RV and tent sites. Staying in the panhandle? The Naval Air Station Pensacola’s Blue Angel Naval Recreation Area has hook-ups at grass/dirt and concrete spaces in addition to tent platform, tent, and cabin spaces. Heading to Miami? Check out Marathon Recreation Cottages and RV Park with 4 cottages and 4 RV sites.

Georgia has 9 campgrounds with two in Lake Allatoona, as far south as Moody Air Force Bases’ Grassy Pond Recreation Area, as far east as Lotts Island Travel Camp at Hunter Army Airfield, and as far west at Fort Benning’s Uchee Creek Army Campground. No matter which roadway you are traveling through in Georgia, you can find a campground. Even better to have a variety of options if stationed locally and wanted to do a little local exploration.

Louisiana has five military campgrounds – two at Fort Polk, one at Barksdale Air Force Base, one at Belle Chasse, New Orleans, and Twin Lakes Recreation area at Beauregard, Louisiana. Fort Polk Toledo Bend Recreation Center and Twin Lakes Recreation area have mobile homes on-site in addition to tent sites.

Mississippi’s home to Naval Construction Battalion Center Gulport and Keesler Air Force Base which both have campgrounds. Lake Walker Campground has RV sites but no tent camping.

North Carolina has five military bases, and each has a campground. Fort Bragg has Smith Lake Army Travel Camp. MCAS Cherry Point has MWR Family Camping. Seymour Johnson Air Force Base has Fit. Fisher Air Force Recreation Area and FAM camp. Camp Lejeune has Onslow Beach Recreation Area. USCG Support Center, Elizabeth City has Weeksville campsites.

Charleston AFB and NWS have two campgrounds – Shady Oaks FAM Camp and Short Stay. Shaw AFB has two campgrounds with Wateree Recreation Area and Falcons Nest FAM Camp. Fort Jackson has Weston Lake Campground in their recreation area with RV, tent sites, and cabins.

Tennessee is home to Arnold AFB and its FAM Camp and NSA Mid-South’s Navy Lake Recreation Area. Between them, there are RV sites, tent sites, and cabins.

Virginia is no strange to camping options – from Fort A.P. Hill Recreation Facility and Fort Belvoir Travel Camp in the north to FCTCLANT Dam Neck in the southern portion of the state. In total, there are 11 campgrounds and RV parks.

MidWest

The U.S. Air Force Academy has two campgrounds – the Farish Recreation Campground and Peregrine Pines Family Camping. Also in Colorado, the Buckley Air Force Base has 40 RV sites with hookups and a laundry facility.

The Yellowstone Country Trailers at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho offers 10 RV site hookups and there are hardstand and tent sites at the Mountain Home Air Force Base Campground.

Illinois has campgrounds at Scott Air Force Base and at Naval Station Great Lakes. Indiana also has two military campgrounds- Camp Atterbury Campgrounds and Crane MWR campgrounds and cabins.  McConnell Air Force Base FAM camp in Kansas has RV sites with hook-ups. All year-camping is available at Fort Campbell Campground and Fort Knox-Camp Carlson Army Travel Campgrounds in Kentucky with family cabins, youth cabins, tent sites, RV sites, and picnic areas.

Camp Grayling Trailer Park at Camp Grayling, Michigan has over 50 RV sites and 10 tent sites for camping with boat launches, rentals, and access points.

Camp Ripley DeParcq Woods Campground in Minnesota is open for service members and their families with RV and tent sites.

Fort Leonard Wood’s Lake of the Ozarks Campground has fully furnished duplexes, cabins, and mobile homes for glamping to the max as well as RV and tent sites.

Malmstrom Air Force Base Campground and Timber Wolf Resort at Malmstrom AFB are open seasonally with RV and tent sites in Montana.

Offutt Air Force Base FAM Camp in Nebraska has RV sites with hookups.

North Dakota’s Grand Forks Air Force Base has RV and tent sites at their FAM Camp and Minot Air Force Base has RV sites at their FAM Camp.

Wright-Patterson Air Force Base has a FAM Camp on-site with RV and tent sites all year, but there is no available water hook-ups in the winter.

Oklahoma has FAM Camps at Tinker Air Force Base and Altus Air Force Base. McAlester Army Ammo Plant has Murphy’s Meadow Campground and Ft Sill has RV, tent, and cabins at Lake Elmer Thomas Campground. Blackhawk RV Park in the state has 12 RV sites with hook-ups.

South Dakota is home to Ellsworth AFB and their FAM Camp with lodge rooms and RV sites.

Texas is not without a lack of options. There are RV parks and campgrounds at Fort Bliss, Fort Hood, Fort Sam Houston, and Red River Army Depot. There are campgrounds on Brooks AFB, Goodfellow AFB, Lackland AFB, Laughlin AF, Sheppard AFB, and Randolph AFB. Then there are the recreation areas and campgrounds at NAS Corpus Christ and two at NAS Kingsville.

Utah’s Hill Air Force Base has two campgrounds and Dugway Proving Ground has an RV Park and Campground.

Wisconsin is home to Pine View Campground at Fort McCoy with year-round RV site and yurts/cabins/duplexes on offer.

Wyoming’s F.E. Warren AFB is home to FAM Camp with RV sites, tent sites, and one cabin.

Venture Out West

Arizona is home to Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Fort Huachuca, and Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in addition to the Gia Bend Campground. Each location offers varied lodging from hotels to RV sites to tents. On-base lodging has the perks of exchange and commissary for filling up on goodies at affordable prices. The Gila campground is a campground with basketball and tennis courts across from the campground and many amenities within the hotel but it is noteworthy to share that there are no showers on the campground itself.

California is a large state with a varied climate and has lodging available to military families as far south as El Centro Naval Air Facility Camp Ground and as far north as Beale Air Force Base campground. There are cabins on the ocean at Camp Pendleton and multiple hotel options in Monterey. If you are looking for a sunny spot in California to stay at for an affordable price, there are multiple options ranging from campground to RV sites to cabins to hotels.

Nevada’s Nellis Air Force Base is home to Desert Eagle RV Park with year-round RV sites and tent sites, and RV sites are available at NAS Fallon Campground, but their restrooms are closed in the winter months.

New Mexico is home to Holloman Air Force Base and Kirtland Air Force base which both have FAM campgrounds. White Sands Missile Range -Volunteer Park Travel Campsite has year-round RV sites.

Oregon’s National Guard and Air National Guard have Camp Rilea Campground and Kingsley Field Campground respectively offering RV sites and tent sites year-round.

Washington has campgrounds at Fairchild AFB, McChord ABD, and Fairchild AFB. NAS Whidbey Island has Cliffside RV park with RV sites. NS Everett has Pacific Beach Resort, Grays Harbor CGS has Westport Recreation Park and Jim Cheek Naval Ration Station has Jim Creek Wilderness Recreation Area.

Beyond the Great 48

Seward Resort in Alaska is just that – a resort. Lodging facilities are open year-round while camping is weather permitting based on the season. The resort offers townhouses, a log cabin, and motel rooms for lodging in addition to RV pads, tent sites, and yurts. For those stationed or visiting Anchorage, For Richardson offers RV and camper sites in addition to cabins at the Black Spruce Travel Camp and the Upper Otter Lake Campgrounds has a log cabin in addition! Fort Wainwright, Eielson Air Force Base, and Elmendorf Air Force base have seasonal and self-contained camping throughout the year. At the base of the Chugach Mountains, Valdez Glacier campground has 94 standard campsites and 14 pull-through sites for the ultimate Alaska camping experience.

Going to Hawaii? There is military lodging in Honolulu at the Hale Koa. If camping is more your jam, then check out Kilauea Military Camp, the cottages and campsites at Kaneohe Bay, the recreation area at Hickam Air Force Base or Bellows Air Force base, or the beach cottages at Barking Sands. There are two more Recreation Areas – the Waianae Army Recreation Center and Barbers Point Recreation Area. The cottages at Kaneohe Bay offer coastal views along the beach, with the convenience of base comforts nearby but they do offer an isolated feeling of being on the other side of the airstrip.

Supplies

Don’t forget to check out what your military installation has to offer in way of renting or buying camping equipment. Renting equipment helps you try out bigger items like tents and coolers to see what will work well for your family and if it is worth the investment. Check with your Family Services per your military branch to see what they have to offer. When you are ready to buy, don’t forget about the military exchange system – both online and in-person – offering a variety of gear and when you buy on base there is the added savings of no tax!

Camping is a budget-friendly way to travel and explore your local area or save money while executing a military move.

10 Things I LOVE About the Commissary

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The commissary is a constant fixture among military families. It is the grocery store military families depend on with each move to have their staples and favorites. Beyond being the store that military families turn to for convenience and affordable products, there is a lot to love about the commissary.

Meat Power Boxes

Have you seen the meat power boxes in the meat section of your local commissary? Sometimes also available at the commissary entrances, these boxes provide a collection of meat options with additional savings. Four meat power boxes rotate availability per local commissary: Health Alternatives, Economy, Tailgate, and Fix it and Forget It. Each one offers up to 25% in savings on top of the Commissary’s lower prices. Each box includes 15-19 pounds with a variety of meat, depending on the box. This is perfect for families doing monthly or bi-monthly shopping trips to grab what they need and keep moving. It is also perfect for units or groups that are grilling or cooking together to save money.

Savings

Congress has mandated that the Defense Commissaries (DeCA) provided a consistent savings level for military families. This means that there are guaranteed savings at your local military commissary. These savings are calculated regionally so that prices better match that region’s cost-of-living. Per DeCA, the regional savings are as follows:

  • New England: 21.8%
  • South Atlantic: 18.7%
  • South Central: 18.9%
  • Pacific: 22.6%
  • Mountain: 20%
  • North Central: 21.4%
  • Alaska/Hawaii: 33.2%

Rewards Card

In addition to the Congress-mandated savings, the Commissary has a Rewards program. The Rewards Program is an application with coupons for additional savings, no clipping necessary. Download the app, enter the number of your Commissary Rewards card, and “clip” from the store’s coupons. The card is associated with your phone number and can be used at checkout if you forget your card.

Use Your Military Star Card

Shopping for groceries and have a Military Star Card? Earn rewards on your grocery purchases! Earn 2 points for every $1 spent at the Military Commissary. Every 2,000 points earn a $20 rewards card. Historically, there have also been double points offerings on certain days, earning 4 points per $1, meaning you earn the reward even faster. Check your local Military Commissary social media for any offerings of this type.

Grab-N-Go

While living the hotel-style life or just moving into a new home, the grab-n-go section is a, pardon the pun, go-to. The packaged sushi, salads, and sandwiches are perfect for families without dishes, often including silverware or chopsticks that are readily available at the pick-up area. Perfect for those deployment days when you don’t want to cook, but you still have to eat and feed the kids – grab a rotisserie chicken from the Grab-N-Go and grab some deli sides for a complete meal.

Amazing International Aisle

The International aisle spans a variety of ethnic foods, especially areas that military service members and their families were stationed overseas. Looking for mustard from Germany, or a biscuit from the U.K.? Or perhaps that canned coffee you got from Dydo while living in Asia? It’s in the International aisle at the commissary! It’s a trip down memory lane and a chance to share those memories with other family members. Haven’t been to any of these countries? Enjoy the food from the country from the comfort of your home without the requirement of your passport, all at affordable prices.

Click2Go Curbside service

Online shopping and curbside pickup service have become a staple in the last year. It is perfect for busy individuals, parents with sick children or families with a deployed spouse, or just plain don’t want to go into the store. Click2Go is the curbside service of the Commissary. Orders can be placed here. Upon pickup, you will be required to show military ID, the confirmation email and bring a preferred form of electronic payment. There is no minimum order size or minimum dollar amount.

The Click2Go service is available at Charleston AFB, Fort Belvoir, Fort Eustis, Fort Lee, Fort Polk, Jacksonville NAS, Oceana NAS, Offutt AFB, Quantico, and McGuire. There are hours of operation for Click2Go which can be checked here.  This service is still in the testing phase, and if it is popular, there are plans to expand to more commissaries.

Overseas Perks

Moving to a foreign country is an amazing opportunity that some military families enjoy. Living overseas means a new culture, housing, and food. There are also differing food prices in the local economy that are not always affordable. While military families living overseas do receive a COLA, the on-base commissary provides a place with familiar food with labels that are easily read, which is an amazing resource for families with food allergies. Also, some food pricing at the local commissaries is aligned with U.S. pricing and is much more affordable on base than off.  Bonus -when living overseas, coupons to be accepted up to 6 months after their expiration date!

Packaged Meals Ready to Cook

Beyond the Grab-N-Go are prepackaged meals near the meat section. Want to make a stew but don’t have all the ingredients? Grab the prepackaged stew packages, and everything is there – oftentimes including the seasoning packets. All you have to do is cut the container open, pour and cook per the instructions. A homecooked meal is not far away with the prepared ready to cook meals. These are useful when living in temporary living facilities with a limited kitchen as some of these can be prepared easily on the stovetop that on-base hotel facilities have.

Sense of Camaraderie

The commissary isn’t just a grocery store. It’s part of the community. It is where new families run into friends they knew at the previous duty station. It’s where you run into the family down the street and catch up on neighborhood gatherings. The commissary is a community resource for the families that serve.

‘Fuel with us’ Commissaries begin launch of dietitian-approved, ready-to-eat stations for on-the-go troops

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NEWS RELEASE

Defense Commissary Agency

Corporate Communications

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:        15-21                                                                                                                        

Date:                              March 4, 2021

Media Contact:           Kevin L. Robinson, public affairs specialist

Tel.:                               (804) 734-8000, Ext. 4-8773

E-mail:                         kevin.robinson@deca.mil

‘Fuel with us’

Commissaries begin launch of dietitian-approved, ready-to-eat stations for on-the-go troops

By Kevin L. Robinson,

DeCA public affairs specialist

FORT LEE, Va. – The lifestyle of a young service member can be beyond hectic with ongoing deployments and constant training rotations.

Soldiers grab a quick meal from a fueling station at the Fort Myer Commissary in Virginia. (DeCA photo: Simone Blythe)

To help these busy service members access quick, nutritious meals and snacks, the Defense Commissary Agency launched the first phase of its dietitian-approved fueling station program at 22 commissaries in February. More stores will be added later this month in phase two of the roll out.

The stations offer service members nutritious fueling foods they can use to build a meal or enjoy a before- or after-work out snack – items they can take on missions or stock in their barracks, said Bill Moore, DeCA director and CEO.

“Our fueling stations help show young service members that their commissary is a great destination for dietitian-approved, quick meals and snacks that are tasty and won’t require them to spend their time frequenting fast food establishments,” Moore said. “We hope to further our footprint of being their meal-time location to help maximize their performance and their health.”

The following commissaries have fueling stations: in Virginia – Fort Belvoir, Marine Corps Base Quantico, Fort Myer, Langley Air Force Base, Naval Station Norfolk, Fort Lee and Naval Air Station Oceana; in Maryland – Naval Air Station Patuxent River and Andrews Air Force Base; in Florida – Naval Air Station Jacksonville and MacDill Air Force Base; in Oklahoma – Fort Sill and Tinker Air Force Base; Fort Bragg South, North Carolina; Fort Benning, Georgia; Schofield Barracks, Hawaii; McChord Air Force Base, Washington; Fort Carson, Colorado; Fort Sam Houston, Texas; Fort Rucker, Alabama; Fort Riley, Kansas and Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi.

The fueling stations vary in size, space and makeup by store based on available space. All items for the stations are approved by Deborah Harris, registered dietitian and DeCA health and wellness program manager, MPH, RD, CDE.*

“The fueling station has been well received by our patrons,” said John Blythe, store director at Fort Belvoir, one of the pilot locations for fueling stations. “It offers a vast selection of healthier food, snack and refreshments that allows our patrons to make healthier nutritional choices. Our dedicated merchandising unit allows for a convenient central point of sale with products that have been dietitian-approved! We have noticed a significant sales lift on these products and we are proud to support the installation in their health and wellness needs.” 

Before launching the program, the commissary agency piloted it in 14 stores to promote the concept to those installations that their commissary can support weekly grocery shoppers as well as young soldiers who need a quick meal and snack destination, said Bonita Moffett, DeCA sales director. 

“Commissaries are a key player in the ‘fueling for performance’ messaging being delivered throughout the force that connects the importance of nutrition and diet to overall readiness,” Moffett said.

*Harris has a Masters of Public Health degree, and is a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator.

“Our fueling stations target young service members who may not be cooking their own meals nor be in the habit of a weekly shopping pattern,” she added. “Our ready-to-eat program can save customers’ time and money while raising the nutritional focus of our younger shoppers by giving them a quick meal and snack option besides fast food.” 

The refueling station launch follows the commissaries’ release of the new Dietitian-Approved Thumb program (DAT) which uses DeCA-designed software to analyze and identify products in most of the commissary food categories based on up to 86 of the FDA-defined health attributes. The attributes analyzed identify dietitian-approved foods that limit added sugar, sodium and unhealthy fat while offering whole grains, healthy fats, fiber or lean protein.

Whether it’s fueling stations or the DAT nutrition guide, DeCA is engaged in identifying the commissary as one of several DOD focal points for health and wellness in the following ways:

  • Targeted messaging such as “Cook More Meals at Home,” “Dietitian-Approved,” “We did the Work for You,” and “Fuel with Us,” to connect young troops with the nutritious items in their stores
  •  Increasing stock lists of dietitian-approved and ready-to-eat, single serving and ethnic frozen entrees 
  • Working with industry partners to promote “Better for You” products and incorporating past military leaders as brand ambassadors to reinforce to service members  that the commissary is their top option as a fueling source
  • Raising the ante with installation health advisors, branch dietitians, wellness center staffs, morale-welfare-recreation (MWR) outlets and liaisons with enlisted troops to help educate younger customers about nutrition and healthy eating patterns

“The commissary scores the highest on the installation per the Military Nutrition Environment Assessment Tool and this further reinforces that we are the place to access nutritious foods to include ready-to-eat meals,” Moore said. “We should be considered by our military community as a key asset in achieving health and wellness goals, as well as supporting their individual readiness.

“We want our service members, especially those on the go performing their missions, to know their commissary is a safe, quick and easy option to meet their fueling needs,” he added. “Although this effort was launched with our busy service members in mind, we hope that busy families use it, too.”

-DeCA-

The National Museum of the United States Army Now Open

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Located on a publicly accessible area of Fort Belvoir, Virginia

The National Museum of the United States Army opened on Veterans Day, November 11, 2020. It is the first museum to tell the entire history of the U.S. Army from 1775 to the present day. The museum is located on a publicly accessible area of Fort Belvoir, Virginia allowed the general public to easily access it without having to get a pass and go through a gate of the installation.

“The U.S. Army and the American Soldier forged the birth of our nation,” said Secretary of the Army, Ryan D. McCarthy. “The National Army Museum will be a place for members of the total Army family to gather and share their stories, while also creating an opportunity for visitors to connect with our nation’s history through the eyes and voices of individual Soldiers.”

The U.S. Army and the Army Historical Foundation (AHF), the official fundraising 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization for the museum established in 1983, partnered to establish the National Museum of the United States Army.  The Army provided the land, roads, utilities, infrastructure, and exhibit work while the AHF raised money and constructed the building. The foundation manages retail, catering and events and the Army operates the museum.

“The museum is stunning, and it is an honor to present this history in a way that shows the connection between the American Soldier, the U.S. Army and the nation,” said the museum’s director, Ms. Tammy E. Call. The COVID-19 pandemic presented challenges to the health and safety of visitors. To mitigate this free, timed-entry tickets are required and not walk-up tickets are available. “We have worked hard to ensure the safety of our staff and visitors, and we are excited to open the doors of this long-awaited national museum,” added Call.

The museum covers over 245 years of Army history and highlights soldiers from the past, present and future from the Regulars Army, the Army Reserve and the Army National Guard. “The Army is people. They are our greatest strength and our most important weapon system,” said the Chief of Staff of the Army, Gen. James C. McConville. “The National Museum of the United States Army is designed to tell the compelling and heroic stories of our people and take visitors on an exciting journey through the history of the U.S. Army as told through the American Soldiers’ point of view.”

Photo Credit: Marguerite Cleveland

Exhibits

The museum has a wide variety of state-of-the-art exhibits. One of the first you encounter is the Soldiers’ Stories. It is a grouping of freestanding pylons with a soldier’s etched image and their biography. They are lined up in a formation and begin in the museum’s exterior to the entryway, into the lobby and end at the Army Concourse. The exhibit really highlights the diversity in the U.S. Army and shows both male and female soldiers and of different races. Other exhibits are based around various conflicts. Colonial Warfare covers the historical period from 1607-1835. It explores the forming of the Continental Army, the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812 and the Army becoming a professional force.

In addition to the permanent exhibits the museum has space for temporary exhibitions. The Two Front War is a temporary exhibit and shares the rarely told story of Japanese American Nisei Soldiers during World War II. This history highlights the struggle of the Nisei and their courage. Highlights include receiving the Congressional Gold Medal as recognition of their service.

The museum’s Welcome Desk has a limited supply of audio tours. Bring your own personal headphones to use (standard headphone jack wireless not compatible) or use the museum’s which are sanitized after each use. The audio tours are free.

Museum Cafe

There is so much to see and do at the museum you may want to take a break. The Museum Café has a variety of options. During COVID-19 all tables are set six feet apart and a self-service contactless transactions option is available. The café is open 8 am to 3pm and you can preorder your food with a  quick access app.

Army Action Center

For more interactive fun check out the Army Action Center: Virtual Reality and Motion Theater Experiences. It is currently open during the visitor day and offers a variety of experiences. Allow plenty of time for COVID-19 measures and special cleaning. The three experiences are:

Holdout! Bunker Defense VR

Up to four people at a time can participate in the HoldOut! Bunker Defense VR Arena. Don high-tech head-mounted VR goggles with simulated rifles which give a realistic recoil as you fire at your targets. The thrill increases with 4D effects such as floor vibrations and wind which simulates battlefield conditions. Compete with others as you take out artificial intelligent (AI) enemies.

Tank Commander Virtual Reality Transporter

Jump on the elevated motion platform and don electronic 3D goggles to feel like you a commanding a World War II Sherman Tank. Order your massive 75-millimeter gun to fire on enemy vehicles and gun nests. Collaborate with other tank commanders to advance your positions.

Wingwalker VR Adventures of an Air Show Stuntwoman

Simulate riding on the wing of a vintage ex-Army 1943 Boeing Super Stearman biplane. Watch a daring stuntwoman wing walk and show off for the air show crowd while you hang on as the plane dips and turns.

Army Action Pod Simulator

You can experience over 110 years of aviation history in this simulator which takes you from the birthplace of flight at Kitty Hawk to modern day jets. Learn about daring first flights, aviation’s golden age of air racing, the Tuskegee Airmen and much more.

Capture Your Visit

Remember your visit with a purchase from the Museum Store with a variety of Army themed merchandise and books. Make sure to visit the photo kiosk provided by Foto ATM. Print smartphone photos or personalize your images for social media.

The National Museum of the United States Army is open everyday except December 25 from 9 am to 5 pm.