Want to know more? Check out the FAQs on the following pages.
The Department of Defense is proud to expand
commissary, exchange and morale, welfare and
recreation program retail eligibility to:
• PurpleHeartrecipients
• Formerprisonersofwar
• Allveteranswithservice-connecteddisabilities
• Individualsapprovedanddesignatedasthe primaryfamilycaregiversofeligibleveteransenrolled undertheDepartmentofVeteransAffairsProgramof
ComprehensiveAssistanceforFamilyCaregivers
TheDoD,VAandtheDepartmentofHomelandSecurity
arecollaboratingtoimplementthePurpleHeartand
DisabledVeteransEqualAccessActof2018forthose
whowillbeeligibleforthisbenefitonJan.1,2020.
Facilities like these will be open to the newly eligible
patrons starting Jan. 1, 2020:
• Commissaries*
• Militaryserviceexchanges
• Golfcourses
• Bowlingcenters
• Recreationallodging
• RVcampgrounds
• Movietheaters
• Andmore!
*DoDisrequiredtochargeasmallfeetonewuserswhoareeligiblesolelyunderthePurpleHeartandDisabledVeteransEqualAccessActof2018,tocoveranyincreaseincoststotheU.S.Treasuryforprocessingcommercialcreditanddebitcards.
More veterans and caregivers to have eligibility.
Department of Defense Expanding Access to Military Commissaries,
Exchanges and Recreation Facilities
2
Implementation of the Purple Heart and Disabled Veteran Equal Access Act of 2018 – FAQs
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
Q: Are disabled veterans eligible for privileges at commissaries, military exchanges and morale, welfare
and recreation activities?
A: Yes.VeteranswithaDepartmentofVeteransAffairs-documentedservice-connecteddisabilityratingwillbeeligible
forDepartmentofDefenseandCoastGuardcommissary,exchangeandMWRretailprivilegesbeginningJan.1,2020,
underthePurpleHeartandDisabledVeteransEqualAccessActof2018.Duringthefirstphaseofrolloutofthese
privileges,veteranseligiblesolelyunderthisact(PurpleHeartrecipients,formerprisonersofwar,orveteranswithVA-
documentedservice-connecteddisabilityratingsof0-90percent)whohavebeenissuedaVeteranHealthIdentification
CardfromVAcanpresenttheirVHICtogainentrytoDoDandCoastGuardinstallationsandsomecommissarystores;
andatpointofsaleatcommissaries,exchangesandMWRretailactivitiestocompletetheirtransactions.TheVHICmust
displaytheVeteran’seligibilitystatus(i.e.,PURPLEHEART,FORMERPOWorSERVICECONNECTED).
VeteranseligiblesolelyunderthisactwhoarenotenrolledinorarenoteligibletoenrollinVAhealthcare,orwhoare
enrolledinVAhealthcare,butdonotpossessaVHICwillnothaveaccesstoDoDandCoastGuardinstallationsfor
in-personcommissary,exchange,andMWRretailprivileges,butwillhavefullaccesstoonlineexchangesandAmerican
ForcesTravel.Visithttps://www.va.gov/healthbenefits/vhicforinformationregardingeligibilityfortheVHICandthe
applicationprocess.
Q: If I don’t have a service-connected disability, but I meet one of the other new user categories, will I be eligible
for privileges?
A: Yes.Ifyoudon’thaveaservice-connecteddisability,butyouareaveteranwhowasawardedthePurpleHeart,a
veteranwhowasaformerprisonerofwar,oranindividualapprovedanddesignatedastheprimaryfamilycaregiver
ofaneligibleveteranundertheDepartmentofVeteransAffairsProgramofComprehensiveAssistanceforFamily
Caregivers,youwillbeeligibleforprivilegesprovidedforunderthePurpleHeartandDisabledVeteransEqualAccess
Actof2018.Duringthefirstphaseofrolloutoftheseprivileges,veteranswhoarePurpleHeartrecipientsorformer
prisonersofwarwhohavebeenissuedaVeteranHealthIdentificationCardfromtheVAcanpresenttheirVHICto
gainentrytoDoDandCoastGuardinstallationsandsomecommissarystores;andatpointofsaleatcommissaries,
exchangesandmorale,welfareandrecreationretailactivitiestocompletetheirtransactions,TheVHICmustdisplay
theVeteran’seligibilitystatus(i.e.,PURPLEHEART,FORMERPOWorSERVICECONNECTED).
VeteranseligiblesolelyunderthisactwhoarenotenrolledinorarenoteligibletoenrollinVAhealthcare,orare
enrolledinVAhealthcare,butdonotpossessaVHICwillnothaveaccesstoDoDandCoastGuardinstallationsforin-
personcommissary,exchange,andMWRretailprivileges,butwillhavefullaccesstoonlineexchangesandAmerican
ForcesTravel.Visithttps://www.va.gov/healthbenefits/vhicforinformationregardingeligibilityfortheVHICandthe
applicationprocess.
PrimaryfamilycaregiversmustpresentaneligibilitylettertofacilitateDepartmentofDefenseandCoastGuard
installationandprivilegeaccess.EligibilityletterswillbemailedtoenrolledprimaryfamilycaregiversfromtheVA’s
OfficeofCommunityCare.
Q: What’s the definition of a service-connected disability?
A: Aservice-connecteddisabilityisaninjuryorillnessthatwasincurredoraggravatedduringactivemilitaryservice,
asdeterminedbytheDepartmentofVeteransAffairs.
Q: I was in the Reserves, am I included?
A: Yes.ReservememberswhoareveteranswhowereawardedthePurpleHeart,veteranswhoareformerprisoners
ofwar,orveteranswithaDepartmentofVeteransAffairs-documentedservice-connecteddisabilitywillbeeligible
forprivilegesprovidedforunderthePurpleHeartandDisabledVeteransEqualAccessActof2018.Duringthefirst
phaseofrolloutoftheseprivileges,veteranseligiblesolelyunderthisact(PurpleHeartrecipients,formerprisoners
ofwar,orveteranswithVA-documentedservice-connecteddisabilityratingsof0-90percent)whohavebeenissued
aVeteranHealthIdentificationCardfromVAcanpresenttheirVHICtogainentrytoDepartmentofDefenseand
3
Implementation of the Purple Heart and Disabled Veteran Equal Access Act of 2018 – FAQs
CoastGuardinstallationsandsomecommissarystores;andatpointofsaleatcommissaries,exchangesandmorale,
welfareandrecreationretailactivitiestocompletetheirtransactions,TheVHICmustdisplaytheVeteran’seligibility
status(i.e.,PURPLEHEART,FORMERPOWorSERVICECONNECTED).
VeteranseligiblesolelyunderthisactwhoarenotenrolledinorarenoteligibletoenrollinVAhealthcare,orwho
areenrolledinVAhealthcare,butdonotpossessaVHICwillnothaveaccesstoDoDandCoastGuardinstallations
forin-personcommissary,exchange,andMWRretailprivileges,butwillhavefullaccesstoonlineexchangesand
AmericanForcesTravel.Visithttps://www.va.gov/healthbenefits/vhicforinformationregardingeligibilityforthe
VHICandtheapplicationprocess.
Q: Are veterans of the U.S. Public Health Service or the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
eligible for these privileges?
A: Yes.IfacommissionedofficeroftheregularorReserveCorpsofthePublicHealthServiceoracommissionedofficer
oftheNationalOceanicandAtmosphericAdministrationmeetstherequirementsforbeingconsideredaveteran
underSection101ofTitle38,UnitedStatesCode,andwasawardedthePurpleHeart,isaformerprisonersofwar,
orhasaDepartmentofVeteransAffairs-documentedservice-connecteddisability,theyareeligibleforprivileges
providedforunderthePurpleHeartandDisabledVeteransEqualAccessActof2018.Duringthefirstphaseof
rolloutoftheseprivileges,veteranseligiblesolelyunderthisact(PurpleHeartrecipients,formerprisonersofwar,or
veteranswithVA-documentedservice-connecteddisabilityratingsof0-90percent)whohavebeenissuedaVeteran
HealthIdentificationCardfromtheVAcanpresenttheirVHICtogainentrytoDepartmentofDefenseandCoast
Guardinstallationsandsomecommissarystores;andatpointofsaleatcommissaries,exchangesandmorale,welfare
andrecreationretailactivitiestocompletetheirtransactions,TheVHICmustdisplaytheVeteran’seligibilitystatus
(i.e.,PURPLEHEART,FORMERPOWorSERVICECONNECTED).
VeteranseligiblesolelyunderthisactwhoarenotenrolledinorarenoteligibletoenrollinVAhealthcare,orwho
areenrolledinVAhealthcare,butdonotpossessaVHICwillnothaveaccesstoDoDandCoastGuardinstallations
forin-personcommissary,exchange,andMWRretailprivileges,butwillhavefullaccesstoonlineexchangesand
AmericanForcesTravel.Visithttps://www.va.gov/healthbenefits/vhicforinformationregardingeligibilityforthe
VHICandtheapplicationprocess.
Q: Does an authorized caregiver have to be the disabled veteran’s spouse?
A: No.AnauthorizedcaregivereligiblesolelyunderthePurpleHeartandDisabledVeteransEqualAccessActof2018
doesnothavetobethedisabledveteran’sspouse.Duringthefirstphaseofrolloutoftheseprivileges,anauthorized
caregivermustbetheindividualapprovedanddesignatedastheprimaryfamilycaregiverofaneligibleveteran
undertheDepartmentofVeteransAffairsProgramofComprehensiveAssistanceforFamilyCaregivers.Visit
https://www.va.gov/health-care/family-caregiver-benefits/comprehensive-assistance/forinformationregarding
theProgramofComprehensiveAssistanceforFamilyCaregivers.WhentheVAformalizesapprovalanddesignation
ofgeneralcaregiversundertheProgramofGeneralCaregiverSupportServices,theDepartmentofDefensewill
considerexpansionofcaregiverprivilegestothisgroup.
Q: Do caregivers who get these privileges have to be enrolled in a specific program?
A: Yes.Duringthefirstphaseofrolloutoftheseprivileges,acaregivereligiblesolelyunderthePurpleHeartand
DisabledVeteransEqualAccessActof2018,mustbetheindividualapprovedanddesignatedastheprimary
familycaregiverofaneligibleveteranundertheDepartmentofVeteransAffairsProgramofComprehensive
AssistanceforFamilyCaregiverstoreceivetheseprivileges.Visithttps://www.va.gov/health-care/family-
caregiver-benefits/comprehensive-assistance/forinformationregardingtheProgramofComprehensive
AssistanceforFamilyCaregivers.WhentheVAformalizesapprovalanddesignationofgeneralcaregiversunder
theProgramofGeneralCaregiverSupportServices,theDepartmentofDefensewillconsiderexpansionof
caregiverprivilegestothisgroup.
4
Implementation of the Purple Heart and Disabled Veteran Equal Access Act of 2018 – FAQs
Q: Are all veterans eligible for in-person commissary, exchange and morale, welfare and recreation privileges on
Department of Defense installations?
A: No.Unlessotherwiseauthorizedcommissary,exchangeandMWRaccess,onlyveteranswhoarePurpleHeart
recipients,veteranswhoareformerprisonersofwarorveteranswhohaveaDepartmentofVeteransAffairs-
documentedservice-connecteddisabilityratingof0-90percentareauthorizedin-personprivilegesbeginningon
Jan.1,2020,asprovidedforinthePurpleHeartandDisabledVeteransEqualAccessActof2018.Duringthefirst
phaseofrolloutoftheseprivileges,veteranseligiblesolelyunderthisactwhohavebeenissuedaVeteranHealth
IdentificationCardfromVAcanpresenttheirVHICtogainentrytoDoDandCoastGuardinstallationsandsome
commissaries,exchangesandMWRretailactivitiestocompletetheirtransactions.TheVHICmustdisplaythe
veteran’seligibilitystatus(i.e.,PURPLEHEART,FORMERPOWorSERVICECONNECTED).
VeteranseligiblesolelyunderthisactwhoarenotenrolledinorarenoteligibletoenrollinVAhealthcare,orwho
areenrolledinVAhealthcare,butdonotpossessaVHICwillnothaveaccesstoDoDandCoastGuardinstallations
forin-personcommissary,exchangeandMWRretailprivileges,butwillhavefullaccesstoonlineexchangesand
AmericanForcesTravel.Visithttps://www.va.gov/healthbenefits/vhicforinformationregardingeligibilityforthe
VHICandtheapplicationprocess.
Whilenotallveteransareeligibleforin-personprivilegesonDoDandCoastGuardinstallations,allhonorably
dischargedveteransareeligibleforonlinemilitaryexchangeshoppingthroughtheVeteransOnlineShopping
Benefit.Toaccessyouronlineshoppingbenefit,veteransnoteligibleforin-personprivilegesshouldfollowthe
instructionstoestablishanaccountatanyofthefollowingmilitaryexchangewebsites,ortheVA’sVeterans
CanteenService:
• ArmyandAirForceExchangeSystem:https://www.shopmyexchange.com
• CoastGuardExchange:https://shopCGX.com
• MarineCorpsExchange:http://www.mymcx.com
• NavyExchangeCommand:https://www.mynavyexchange.com
• VeteransCanteenService:https://shopvcs.va.gov
Q: Why can’t all veterans get these privileges?
A: ThePurpleHeartandDisabledVeteransEqualAccessActof2018recognizestheserviceofthosewhoendured
captivityduringconflict,werewoundedincombatorsustainedaservice-connecteddisabilityandtheindividuals
approvedanddesignatedastheircaregiversunderaformalizedDepartmentofVeteransAffairscaregiverprogram.
Whilenotallveteransareeligibleforin-personprivilegesonDoDinstallations,allhonorablydischargedveteransare
eligibleforonlinemilitaryexchangeshoppingthroughtheVeteransOnlineShoppingBenefit.Toaccessyouronline
shoppingbenefit,veteransnoteligibleforin-personprivilegesshouldfollowtheinstructionstoestablishanaccount
atanyofthefollowingmilitaryexchangewebsites,ortheVA’sVeteransCanteenService:
• ArmyandAirForceExchangeSystem:https://www.shopmyexchange.com
• CoastGuardExchange:https://shopCGX.com
• MarineCorpsExchange:http://www.mymcx.com
• NavyExchangeCommand:https://www.mynavyexchange.com
• VeteransCanteenService:https://shopvcs.va.gov
Q: Will family members of the eligible veterans and caregivers also have the same privileges?
A: No.OnlytheveteransandcaregiverseligiblesolelyunderthePurpleHeartandDisabledVeteransEqualAccessAct
of2018willhavetheseprivileges.TheveteransandcaregiverseligibleareveteranswhowereawardedthePurple
Heart,veteranswhoareformerprisonersofwar,veteranswithaDepartmentofVeteransAffairs-documentedservice-
connecteddisabilityratingof0-90percentandindividualsapprovedanddesignatedastheprimaryfamilycaregiver
ofaneligibleveteranundertheVAProgramofComprehensiveAssistanceforFamilyCaregivers.Eligibilityforthese
privilegesistiedtoeligibilityforandenrollmentinspecificVAprograms.Familymembersoftheseeligibleveterans
andcaregiverswhoarenoteligiblefortheseprivilegesintheirownrightarenotauthorizedprivileges.
5
Implementation of the Purple Heart and Disabled Veteran Equal Access Act of 2018 – FAQs
VeteranswhoareMedalofHonorrecipientsandveteranswithaVA-documentedservice-connecteddisabilityratingof
100percent,aswellastheirauthorizedfamilymembersareeligibleforprivilegesinpreviouslyestablishedDepartment
ofDefensepolicy.
WHY?
Q: Why do these veterans get these privileges regardless of time served?
A: ThePurpleHeartandDisabledVeteransEqualAccessActof2018recognizestheserviceofthosewhoendured
captivityduringconflict,werewoundedincombatorsustainedaservice-connecteddisabilityandtheindividuals
approvedanddesignatedastheircaregiversunderaformalizedDepartmentofVeteransAffairscaregiverprogram.
Q: Are these new users being authorized to help the Department of Defense boost retail store profits?
A: No.ThePurpleHeartandDisabledVeteransEqualAccessActof2018recognizestheserviceofthosewhoendured
captivityduringconflict,werewoundedincombatorsustainedaservice-connecteddisabilityandtheindividuals
approvedanddesignatedastheircaregiversunderaformalizedDepartmentofVeteransAffairscaregiverprogram.
Q: If the commissary is required to deliver groceries at a discount over commercial grocery stores and it relies on
appropriated funds to do that, wouldn’t it take more appropriated funds to serve more people?
A: WhiletheDepartmentofDefenserecognizesthatimplementationofthePurpleHeartandDisabledVeteransEqual
AccessActof2018willlikelyincreaseoperatingexpensesatcommissaries,theDepartmentwillcomplywiththisact.
TheDepartmentwillanalyzetheimpactonthecommissarysystemandmakeadjustmentsasneededtominimizeany
negativeconsequences.
SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
Q: How is this going to affect the service experience of previously authorized patrons?
A: Commissary,exchangeandmorale,welfareandrecreationretailfacilitiesarepreparingtowelcomehomethese
patronswithoutdisruptingthecurrentserviceexperienceforauthorizedpatrons.Mostlocationswillexperiencelittle
tonoimpactoncurrentoperations.Installationsinhighcost-of-livingareasmayexperiencelowtomoderateimpact.
Wearecommittedtodeliveringahigh-qualityexperienceforallpatrons.
Q: What level of priority will newly-eligible veterans and caregivers be afforded when accessing commissary,
exchange and morale, welfare and recreation retail privileges?
A: NewuserseligiblesolelyunderthePurpleHeartandDisabledVeteransEqualAccessActof2018,willreceivethe
samepriorityandservicelevelsasmilitaryretireesforactivitiesauthorizedunderthislaw.Thesenewpatronsmaybe
prioritizedlowerthanmilitaryretireesifauthorizedaccesstoadditionalMWRactivitiesbytheDepartmentofDefense.
GAINING ACCESS
Q: Can I use a Veterans Identification Card to get on an installation to access my privileges?
A: No.TheVICisnotanacceptableformofidentificationtofacilitateinstallationorprivilegeaccessatDepartmentof
DefenseandCoastGuardinstallations.Duringthefirstphaseofrolloutoftheseprivileges,veteranseligiblesolely
underthePurpleHeartandDisabledVeteransEqualAccessActof2018(veteranswhoarePurpleHeartrecipients,
veteranswhoareformerprisonersofwarandveteranswithaDepartmentofVeteransAffairs-documentedservice-
connecteddisabilityratingof0-90percent)whohavebeenissuedaVeteranHealthIdentificationCardfromVAcan
presenttheirVHICtogainentrytoDoDandCoastGuardinstallationsandsomecommissarystores;andatpointof
6
Implementation of the Purple Heart and Disabled Veteran Equal Access Act of 2018 – FAQs
saleatcommissaries,exchangesandmorale,welfareandrecreationretailactivitiestocompletetheirtransactions.
TheVHICmustdisplaytheVeteran’seligibilitystatus(i.e.,PURPLEHEART,FORMERPOWorSERVICECONNECTED).
VeteranseligiblesolelyunderthisactwhoarenotenrolledinorarenoteligibletoenrollinVAhealthcare,orwho
areenrolledinVAhealthcare,butdonotpossessaVHICwillnothaveaccesstoDoDandCoastGuardinstallations
forin-personcommissary,exchangeandMWRretailprivileges,butwillhavefullaccesstoonlineexchangesand
AmericanForcesTravel.Visithttps://www.va.gov/healthbenefits/vhicforinformationregardingeligibilityforthe
VHICandtheapplicationprocess.
Uponthefirstvisittoaninstallation,theseeligibleveteransmuststopatthevisitorcontrolcenter.Dependingonthe
typeofinstallation,veteransmaybeenrolledforrecurringaccess,whichwouldallowthemtoproceedtothegatefor
entryuponsubsequentvisitswithouthavingtostopagainatthevisitorcontrolcenter.
AswithallotherindividualsseekingaccesstoDoDinstallations,alleligibleveteransmustpassabasicon-the-spot
backgroundcheckpriortoenrollingandanautomatedcheckeachtimetheyentertheinstallation.Veteranswith
felonyconvictions,felonyarrestwarrantsorothertypesofderogatoryinformationrelatedtocriminalhistoryor
terrorismwillnotbepermittedentry.
VeteranswhoareMedalofHonorrecipientsandveteranswithVA-documentedservice-connecteddisabilityratingsof
100percentareeligibleforaDoD-issuedidentificationcardthatwillfacilitateinstallationandprivilegeaccess.
Q: How do I get an identification card that will get me on installations to access my privileges?
A: VeteranseligiblesolelyunderthePurpleHeartandDisabledVeteransEqualAccessActof2018(veteranswho
arePurpleHeartrecipients,veteranswhoareformerprisonersofwar,veteranswithaDepartmentofVeterans
Affairs-documentedservice-connecteddisabilityratingof0-90percent)whoareeligibletoobtainaVeteranHealth
IdentificationCardmustobtainaVHICfromtheVAtofacilitateDepartmentofDefenseandCoastGuardinstallation
andprivilegeaccess.TheVHICmustdisplaytheeligibilitystatus(i.e.,PURPLEHEART,FORMERPOW,SERVICE
CONNECTED).TheseeligibleveteransmustpresenttheirVHICtogainentrytoDoDandCoastGuardinstallations
andsomecommissarystores;andatpointofsaleatcommissaries,exchangesandmorale,welfareandrecreation
retailfacilitiestocompletetheirtransactions.Visithttps://www.va.gov/healthbenefits/vhicforinformation
regardingeligibilityfortheVHICandtheapplicationprocess.
Duringthefirstphaseofrolloutoftheseprivileges,caregiverseligiblesolelyunderthisactwillreceivealetterfrom
theVAOfficeofCommunityCarethatindicatestheyareapprovedanddesignatedastheprimaryfamilycaregiverof
aneligibleveteranundertheProgramofComprehensiveAssistanceforFamilyCaregiversandareeligibleforthese
privileges.Forinstallationaccess,entrytosomecommissarystoresandatpointofsaleatcommissaries,exchanges
andMWRretailfacilities,eligiblecaregiverswillneedtoshowanacceptablecredential,alongwiththeireligibility
letter.Acceptablecredentialsmayinclude:
• DoDcommonaccesscard(whenotherwiseeligible)
• DoDuniformedservicesidentificationcard(whenotherwiseeligible)
• REALID-compliantdriver’slicenseissuedbyastate,territory,possessionortheDistrictofColumbia
• REALID-compliantnon-driver’slicenseissuedbyastate,territory,possessionortheDistrictofColumbia
• Enhanceddriver’slicenseissuedbyastate,territory,possessionortheDistrictofColumbia
• U.S.passportorpassportcard
• Foreignpassportbearinganunexpiredimmigrantornon-immigrantvisaorentrystamp
• Federalpersonalidentityverificationcard(whenotherwiseeligible)
• VHIC
• TransportationWorkerIdentificationCard
Uponthefirstvisittoaninstallation,eligibleveteransandcaregiversmuststopatthevisitorcontrolcenter.Depending
onthetypeofinstallationandtheacceptablecredentialpresented,veteransandcaregiversmaybeenrolledfor
7
Implementation of the Purple Heart and Disabled Veteran Equal Access Act of 2018 – FAQs
recurringaccess,whichwouldallowthemtoproceedtothegateforentryuponsubsequentvisitswithouthavingto
stopagainatthevisitorcontrolcenter.
AswithallotherindividualsseekingaccesstoDoDinstallations,alleligibleveteransandcaregiversmustpassabasic
on-the-spotbackgroundcheckpriortoenrollingandanautomatedcheckeachtimetheyentertheinstallation.Veterans
andcaregiverswithfelonyconvictions,felonyarrestwarrantsorothertypesofderogatoryinformationrelatedto
criminalhistoryorterrorismwillnotbepermittedentry.
VeteranswhoareMedalofHonorrecipientsandveteranswithVA-documentedservice-connecteddisabilityratingsof
100percentareeligibleforaDoD-issuedidentificationcardthatwillfacilitateinstallationandprivilegeaccess.
Q: How do I get a Veteran Health Identification Card, or VHIC?
A: TheDepartmentofVeteransAffairscurrentlyissuestheVHICtoveteransenrolledinVAhealthcare.Visithttps://
www.va.gov/healthbenefits/vhicforinformationregardingeligibilityfortheVHICandtheapplicationprocess.
Q: If my only eligibility for these privileges is my zero percent Department of Veterans Affairs-documented
service-connected condition, but I am not eligible to obtain a Veteran Health Identification Card, can I bring
another form of VA-documentation to access these privileges?
A: No.OnJan.1,2020,onlyveteranswithasecure,scannableVA-issuedVHICwillbeauthorizedaccesstoin-person
commissary,militaryexchangeandmorale,welfareandrecreationprivilegesonDoDandCoastGuardinstallations.
WhenDoDandVAidentifyacredentialingsolutionforallVeteranseligibleunderthePurpleHeartandDisabled
VeteransEqualAccessActof2018,DoDwillrolloutanewphaseofaccesstoaccommodatecurrentveteranswho
arenoteligibletoobtainaVHICbutareeligiblefortheseprivileges.
Untilacredentialingsolutionisidentified,youareeligibleforonlinemilitaryexchangeandAmericanForces
Travelprivileges.
Q: What’s the difference between a Veteran Identification Card and a Veteran Health Identification Card?
A: TheVICisissuedtoanyhonorablyorgenerallydischargedveteran.TheVHICisonlyissuedtothoseveteranswhoare
enrolledinDepartmentofVeteransAffairshealthcareanddisplaystheveterans’eligibilitystatusonthecard(e.g.,
PURPLEHEART,FORMERPOW,SERVICECONNECTED).
Q: If I meet one of the new eligibility requirements, but I don’t have a Veteran Health Identification Card, how can
I get on an installation to access these privileges?
A: Duringthefirstphaseofrolloutoftheseprivileges,onlyeligibleveteranswhohavebeenissuedaVHICfromVAcan
presenttheirVHICtogainentrytoDoDandCoastGuardinstallationsandtoaccesscommissaries,exchangesand
morale,welfareandrecreationretailactivities.TheVHICmustdisplaytheveteran’seligibilitystatus(i.e.,PURPLE
HEART,FORMERPOWorSERVICECONNECTED).Visithttps://www.va.gov/healthbenefits/vhicforinformation
regardingeligibilityfortheVHICandtheapplicationprocess.
Duringthefirstphaseofrolloutoftheseprivileges,caregiversmustobtainaletterfromtheVAOfficeofCommunity
Carethatindicatestheyaretheapprovedanddesignatedprimaryfamilycaregiverofaneligibleveteranunderthe
ProgramofComprehensiveAssistanceforFamilyCaregiversandareeligiblefortheseprivileges.Forinstallationaccess
andatpointofsale,caregiverswillneedtoshowanacceptablecredential(e.g.,REALID-compliantdriver’slicenseor
U.S.passport)andtheireligibilityletter.
VeteranseligibleforDoDandCoastGuardinstallationandprivilegeaccessthroughpreviouslyestablishedDoDand
CoastGuardpolicy(i.e.,MedalofHonorrecipientsandveteranswithVA-documentedservice-connecteddisability
ratingsof100percent)mayobtainaDoDidentificationcardtofacilitateinstallationandprivilegeaccess.
8
Implementation of the Purple Heart and Disabled Veteran Equal Access Act of 2018 – FAQs
Q: How will newly eligible veterans and caregivers get access to installations?
A: Toaccesstheinstallation,veteranseligiblesolelyunderthePurpleHeartandDisabledVeteransEqualAccessAct
of2018,whohavebeenissuedaVeteranHealthIdentificationCardfromVAcanpresenttheirVHICtogainentryto
DoDandCoastGuardinstallationsandsomecommissarystores;andatpointofsaleatcommissaries,exchangesand
morale,welfareandrecreationretailactivitiestocompletetheirtransactions.TheVHICmustdisplaytheVeteran’s
eligibilitystatus(i.e.,PURPLEHEART,FORMERPOWorSERVICECONNECTED).Uponthefirstvisittotheinstallation,
eligibleveteransmustpresenttheirVHICatthevisitorcontrolcenter.
Duringthefirstphaseofrolloutoftheseprivileges,eligiblecaregiversofveteranswillreceivealetterfromthe
VAOfficeofCommunityCarethatindicatestheyaretheprimaryfamilycaregiverofaneligibleveteranunderthe
ProgramofComprehensiveAssistanceforFamilyCaregiversandareeligiblefortheseprivileges.Uponthefirstvisit
totheinstallation,caregiverswillpresentthisletterpairedwithanacceptablecredentialatthevisitorcontrolcenter.
Acceptablecredentialsmayinclude:
• DoDcommonaccesscard(whenotherwiseeligible)
• DoDuniformedservicesidentificationcard(whenotherwiseeligible)
• REALID-compliantdriver’slicenseissuedbyastate,territory,possessionortheDistrictofColumbia
• REALID-compliantnon-driver’slicenseissuedbyastate,territory,possessionortheDistrictofColumbia
• Enhanceddriver’slicenseissuedbyastate,territory,possessionortheDistrictofColumbia
• U.S.passportorpassportcard
• Foreignpassportbearinganunexpiredimmigrantornon-immigrantvisaorentrystamp
• Federalpersonalidentityverificationcard(whenotherwiseeligible)
• VHIC
• TransportationWorkerIdentificationCard
Dependingonthetypeofinstallationandtheacceptablecredentialpresented,veteransandcaregiversmaybe
enrolledforrecurringaccess,whichwouldallowthemtoproceedtothegateforentryuponsubsequentvisits
withouthavingtostopagainatthevisitorcontrolcenter.
AswithallotherindividualsseekingaccesstoDoDinstallations,alleligibleveteransandcaregiversmustpassa
basicon-the-spotbackgroundcheckpriortoenrollingandanautomatedcheckeachtimetheyentertheinstallation.
Veteransandcaregiverswithfelonyconvictions,felonyarrestwarrantsorothertypesofderogatoryinformation
relatedtocriminalhistoryorterrorismwillnotbepermittedentry.
Q: How do I access my online exchange and morale, welfare and recreation retail privileges?
A: VeteransalreadyhaveonlineexchangeprivilegesthroughtheVeteransOnlineShoppingBenefit.OnlineMWR
retailaccess(AmericanForcesTravel)willbeavailableJan.1,2020,forveteranseligiblesolelyunderthePurple
HeartandDisabledVeteransEqualAccessActof2018.
IndividualsapprovedanddesignatedastheprimaryfamilycaregiversofeligibleveteransundertheVAProgramof
ComprehensiveAssistanceforFamilyCaregiverswillalsobeeligibleforonlineexchangeandMWRretailprivileges
beginningJan.1,2020.Primaryfamilycaregiverswillbeabletoaccesstheseonlineprivilegeswithin30daysof
receivingtheireligibilityletterfromtheVAOfficeofCommunityCare.
Toaccesstheseonlineprivileges,visit:
• ArmyandAirForceExchangeSystem:https://www.shopmyexchange.com
• CoastGuardExchange:https://shopCGX.com
• MarineCorpsExchange:http://www.mymcx.com
• NavyExchange:https://www.mynavyexchange.com
• AmericanForcesTravel:https://www.AmericanForcesTravel.com
9
Implementation of the Purple Heart and Disabled Veteran Equal Access Act of 2018 – FAQs
WHAT FACILITIES AND SERVICES CAN BE USED?
Q: What morale, welfare and recreation activities will these newly eligible veterans and caregivers be authorized
to use?
A: NewlyeligibleveteransandcaregiversunderthePurpleHeartandDisabledVeteransEqualAccessActof2018,
willhaveaccesstoDepartmentofDefenseandCoastGuardMWRretailactivities,including:entertainment,clubs,
recreationallodging/resorts,specialinterestactivities,bowling,golf,restaurants,marinas,equipmentrental,movie
theaters,vehiclestorage,kennels,AmericanForcesTravel.comandmore.UseofMWRactivitiesprimarilyfunded
byappropriationsandchilddevelopmentprogramsarenotauthorized.
Q: Why won’t these newly eligible veterans and caregivers be allowed to use all of the morale, welfare and
recreation activities?
A: DifferentcategoriesofMWRactivitiesreceiveappropriatedfundstooperate,inrelationtotheirnecessityfor
meetingthemilitarymissionandtheneedsofmilitaryfamilies.ThePurpleHeartandDisabledVeteransEqual
AccessActof2018authorizesaccesstoMWRretailactivities,becausetheseactivitiesaregenerallyself-sustaining
anddonotrelyonappropriationstooperate.
Q: Will commissary, exchange and morale, welfare and recreation retail privileges be available at overseas
installations?
A: AlthoughnewpatronseligiblesolelyunderthePurpleHeartandDisabledVeteransEqualAccessActof2018,will
havein-storecommissary,militaryexchangeandMWRretailprivilegesintheUnitedStatesandintheU.S.territories
andpossessions,suchaccessisnotguaranteedatinstallationsinforeigncountries.Statusofforcesagreementsand
otherhostnationandinternationallawsandagreementsmaylimitorpreventaccessinforeigncountries.
Q: Will eligibility extend to newly eligible veterans and caregivers no longer living in the United States?
A: AccesscannotbeguaranteedforpatronseligiblesolelyunderthePurpleHeartandDisabledVeteransEqualAccess
Actof2018,outsideoftheUnitedStatesandoutsideoftheU.S.territoriesandpossessionsduetostatusofforces
agreements,locallawsandotheragreementswithhostcountries.
Q: Will newly eligible veterans and caregivers also be allowed to shop the military exchange online stores?
A: Yes.VeteransandcaregiverswhoareeligibleforexchangebenefitsunderthePurpleHeartandDisabledVeterans
EqualAccessActof2018,willbeeligibleforallexchangeshoppingvenues,in-storeandonline.
Q: Will newly eligible veterans and caregivers be eligible for a MILITARY STAR card?
A: VeteransandcaregiverswhoareeligibleforcommissaryandexchangeprivilegesthroughthePurpleHeartand
DisabledVeteransEqualAccessActof2018,areeligibletoapplyforaMILITARYSTARcard,basedonthetermsof
eligibilityforthiscreditprogram.
Q: Can caregivers apply for a MILITARY STAR card?
A: Yes.Duringthefirstphaseofrolloutoftheseprivileges,individualsapprovedanddesignatedastheprimaryfamily
caregiversofeligibleveteransundertheDepartmentofVeteransAffairsProgramofComprehensiveAssistance
forFamilyCaregiversareeligibleforcommissaryandexchangeprivilegesthroughthePurpleHeartandDisabled
VeteransEqualAccessActof2018,andareeligibletoapplyforaMILITARYSTARcard.
Q Will newly eligible veterans and caregivers be able to use AmericanForcesTravel.com?
A: Yes.AmericanForcesTravel.comisamorale,welfareandrecreationretailprogram,soveteransandcaregiverswho
areeligibleforMWRretailprivilegesunderthePurpleHeartandDisabledVeteransEqualAccessActof2018,are
eligibletousethisexclusivetravel-bookingwebsite.
10
Implementation of the Purple Heart and Disabled Veteran Equal Access Act of 2018 – FAQs
PATRON AWARENESS
Q: Will there be a user fee charged to these newly eligible veterans and caregivers at commissaries, exchanges
and morale, welfare and recreation activities?
A: NoadditionaluserfeesorsurchargeswillbeaddedtomilitaryexchangeorMWRpurchasesfornewpatronseligible
solelyunderthePurpleHeartandDisabledVeteransEqualAccessActof2018.
TheDefensecommissarysystemiscongressionallymandatedtochargeallcurrentandnewpatronsafivepercent
surchargeonallpurchasestopayforcommissaryconstruction,equipmentandmaintenance.Evenwiththesurcharge,
patronsreceiveanaverageworldwidesavingsof23.7percentovercommercialgrocerystores.
Inadditiontothefivepercentsurcharge,andinaccordancewiththePurpleHeartandDisabledVeteransEqualAccess
Actof2018,veteransandcaregiverswhoareeligibleforcommissaryprivilegessolelyunderthisAct(PurpleHeart
recipients,formerprisonersofwar,veteranswithDepartmentofVeteransAffairs-documentedservice-connected
disabilityratingsof0-90percentandindividualsapprovedanddesignatedastheprimaryfamilycaregiversofeligible
veteransundertheVAProgramofComprehensiveAssistanceforFamilyCaregivers)andwhousecommercialcredit
anddebitcardstomakecommissarypurchases,willbechargedasmalluserfeetooffsetanyincreasedexpenses
incurredbytheDepartmentoftheTreasuryassociatedwiththeuseofcreditordebitcards.Patronsmaking
commissarypurchaseswithacommercialcreditcardorSignaturedebitcard,whichisacceptedandprocessedas
credit,willbechargedanadditional1.9percentuserfee,whilepurchaseswithapersonalidentificationnumber(PIN)
debitcardwillbechargeda0.5percentuserfee.Theratesforthesefeesmaybeadjustedannually.Theuserfeewill
notberefundedforproductreturns.Patronswhouseelectronicbenefittransfercards(e.g.,SupplementalNutrition
AssistanceProgram)ortheMILITARYSTARcardinthecommissarywillnotbechargedauserfee.
Q: When does the shopping benefit start?
A: Jan.1,2020.
Phaseoneincludesaccesstocommissaries,militaryexchangesandmorale,welfareandrecreationretailactivities
(in-personandonline)for:
• VeteranseligiblesolelyunderthePurpleHeartandDisabledVeteransEqualAccessActof2018(PurpleHeart
recipients,formerprisonersofwar,andveteranswithaDepartmentofVeteransAffairs-documentedservice-
connecteddisabilityratingof0-90percent)whopossessandpresentaVeteranHealthIdentificationCard
• IndividualsapprovedanddesignatedastheprimaryfamilycaregiverofaneligibleveteranundertheVA
ProgramofComprehensiveAssistanceforFamilyCaregiverswhopossessandpresentaletterfromtheVA
OfficeofCommunityCarethatindicateseligibilityfortheseprivileges,pairedwithanacceptablecredential
(e.g.,REALID-compliantdriver’slicenseorU.S.passport)
Futurephasesofrolloutwilladdressacceptablecredentialsforeligibleveteransandcaregiversandconsideration
andcriteriaforothereligiblecaregivers.
Q: Are any items off limits to new users?
A: Otherthanmilitaryuniformitemsatmilitaryserviceexchanges,childdevelopmentprograms,andmorale,welfareand
recreationactivitiesthatprimarilyrelyonappropriationstooperate,therearenorestrictionsoncommissary,exchange
orMWRprivilegesfornewpatronsauthorizedaccessunderthePurpleHeartandDisabledVeteransEqualAccessAct
of2018.Veteransandcaregiverswhoareeligibleforcommissary,exchangeandMWRretailprivilegesunderthisactwill
beallowedaccesstothesameproducts,servicesandactivitiesthatactivedutyservicemembersandmilitaryretirees
mayaccessintheUnitedStatesandintheU.S.territoriesandpossessions.Inforeigncountriesoverseas,restrictions
mayapplybasedonstatusofforcesagreements,locallaws,orotheragreementswiththehostcountry.
Q: Will the exchange charge a surcharge for shopping?
A: Nosurchargesoruserfeeswillbeaddedtomilitaryexchangepurchases.
11
Implementation of the Purple Heart and Disabled Veteran Equal Access Act of 2018 – FAQs
Q: Why does the commissary charge a surcharge for shopping?
A: TheDefensecommissarysystemisstatutorilyrequiredtochargeafivepercentsurchargeonallpurchasestopay
forcommissaryconstruction,equipmentandmaintenance.Evenwiththesurcharge,patronsreceiveanaverage
worldwidesavingsof23.7percentovercommercialgrocerystoreshopping.
Inadditiontothefivepercentsurcharge,theDefensecommissarysystemhasbeenstatutorilyrequiredtocharge
anadditionaluserfeetoveteransandcaregiverswhoareeligibleforcommissaryprivilegessolelyunderthe
PurpleHeartandDisabledVeteransEqualAccessActof2018(PurpleHeartrecipients,formerprisonersofwar,
veteranswithDepartmentofVeteransAffairs-documentedservice-connecteddisabilityratingsof0-90percent,and
individualsapprovedanddesignatedastheprimaryfamilycaregiversofeligibleveteransundertheVAProgramof
ComprehensiveAssistanceforFamilyCaregivers)tooffsettheincreasedexpensetotheDepartmentoftheTreasury
forprocessingcommercialcreditanddebitcardsusedatcommissarystoresasaresultofthisact.
Q: Is there a fee associated with using the MILITARY STAR card?
A: No.TherewillnotbeapointofsalefeeassessedwhencustomersusetheMILITARYSTARcardtopayfortheir
purchases.Aswithanycreditcard,however,interestchargeswillapplywheneverabalanceiscarriedoveronthe
cardmonth-to-month.
MISCELLANEOUS
Q: Will opening military installations up to these new users compromise the safety and security of our
installations?
A: TheDepartmentofDefensehasprocessesandproceduresinplacetovetallvisitorstoDepartmentofDefense
installationsincludingregularworkforcepersonnel,residentsandothervisitors.TheindividualsincludedinthePurple
HeartandDisabledVeteransEqualAccessActof2018willhavetocomplywiththesameinstallationaccessprocesses
andproceduresasanyvisitortoaDoDinstallation.
Q: How could obtaining a Veteran Health Identification Card impact me?
A: Ifyoureceivefinancialassistanceforahealthplanpurchasedinthehealthinsurancemarketplaceestablishedby
theAffordableCareAct(includingpremiumassistancetaxcredits),enrollmentintheDepartmentofVeteransAffairs
healthcaresystemcouldimpactthefinancialassistanceyoureceive.TheVHICisasecureidentificationcardissued
toandusedbyveteransenrolledinVAhealthcaretocheckintoappointmentsatVAmedicalcenters.Thissecure
identificationcardkeepsyourpersonalinformationsafewhilegivingVAtheinformationneededtoeasilyaccessyour
VAhealthrecord.ToobtainaVHIC,veteransfirstneedtoenrollinVAhealthcare.Ifyou’renotalreadyenrolled,findout
howtoapplyforVAhealthcareathttps://www.va.gov/health-care/how-to-apply/.
EFFECT ON OTHER RETAIL OUTLETS
Q: What impacts will this initiative have on the Veterans Canteen Service or the Department of Veterans Affairs?
A: VeteransCanteenServiceuserswhoalsoqualifyforthisDepartmentofDefenseprivilegesunderthePurpleHeartand
DisabledVeteransEqualAccessActof2018willhaveadditionalchoicesfortheirshoppingneeds.Thefinancialimpact
totheVeteransCanteenServiceshouldbeminimal,ifany.
TheVAmayseeanincreaseinthenumberofveteransrequestingconsiderationforservice-connecteddisabilityratings
andapplyingforVAhealthcarebenefitsinordertoobtainaVeteranHealthIdentificationCard.