How come a retiree can use the aafes website but a darn combat vet doesnt qualify? My Star Card is still good.

Question

I served in Iraq for a year as a gunner. I served my country with blood sweat and tears. Literally. My enlistment was up last Dec. and apparently even though my Star Card Account is still opened and current I have no privileges to use even the Aafes website to buy stuff. A retiree can use aafes but not a loust combat Vet?!?!? Am I asking too much? I pay Star via auto withdrawal from my checking acct. I'm not even asking to be let into the actual stores. I just think I earned at least the privelege of online Aafes shopping, especially since I have a current Star account.
Doesnt being a combat vet account for much?

Answer 1

Being a combat vet does count for some things, however permanent exchange benefits isn't one of those things.

Since you are no longer on active duty or officially affiliated with the military, you are not authorized exchange privileges.

I would expect that once the balance of your star card is payed in full the account will be canceled.

Thank you for your service, but as a retiree, the use of the exchange is one of the privileges for my service (which included the blood, sweat, tears, and years) .

Contact your congressman and see if he'd sponsor legislation to extend exchange privileges to wartime veterans.

Its worth a shot.

Answer 2

you better go read the policies on the star card again.....you still have an open account, because you owe money. That card is NOT good and is not to be used.....as a matter of fact you were supposed to notify them within 30 days of leaving the military to set up a new payment plan with them...AAFES shopping is an active duty privelege......which retirees keep after serving a minimum of 20 years honorably.......Combat or not combat has ntohing to do with it.

Answer 3

Veterans who are actively enrolled in Healthcare through the VA have access to the AAFES website through the Veterans Canteen Service. Additionally, 100% Service Connected (Sechdular, Individual Unemployability, Permanent and Total) are eligible to receive a DD Form 2765 ID and privliege card. This gives access to MWR, Exchange, and Commissary. Unfortunately, I believe that only retirees and currently enlisted military can use star cards.

Answering to dispel the hordes of incorrect answers to this question.

Answer 4

If you have been discharged from the service then you don't have privileges in the Exchange system. Active duty, reserves and retired have that privilege but it is not lifetime because you are a combat vet. A large numbers of us retirees are combat veterans also but the privilege is extended based on us staying in and retiring.
Being a Vietnam vet I believe your welcome back and support was a lot better then mine was, so be glad for that. Read Rudyard Kipling poem called "Tommy" which will explain things to you.

Answer 5

Have to agree with the above poster's. Have been in the Air Force almost 19 years and I rarely buy anything at the BX/PX since most items I need are cheaper on the economy. The only benefit the exchange has it tax free, and they do put money back into base functions such as MWR. If you have the time, which most of us do not, you can compare prices outside of AAFES and they are supposed to price match. Giving them benefits to shop at AAFES would not be much of a benefit.

Answer 6

First of all, thank you for serving your nation. I am assuming that your current status is not on Active Duty or any Reserve contingent.

All of the benefits that are used and enjoyed by the Active Duty members of the military are also available for use by the retirees, though sometimes on a space-available basis.

One of the briefings that ALL military members go through before leaving active duty under Honorable conditions is one that shows what benefits are lost upon leaving the military.

The Base Exchange - Post Exchange - Navy Exchange is one of the major benefits that are lost when the ties to the Active Duty or Guard/Reserves are severed. Retirees maintain these as thanks for their long service to their nation.

Being a combat veteran does not maintain Exchange/Commissary privileges unless the veteran is medically retired due to wounds.

Answer 7

Your exchange privileges ended at midnight of the date you were released from active duty. Your Star card is merely a credit card debt you incurred on active duty and that debt still has to be paid. But, you no longer have an ID card and that is what you use for exchange shopping.

Answer 8

I'm a retiree and (as you say) lousy combat vet. I stayed in and have great privileges.

Thanks for serving.

Answer 9

You may want to call them because we are still able to use ours online. We can go on post too.

Answer 10

I would send them an email or call their customer service while they are open. you should still be able to shop online. its probably just a glitch in their system.

its definitely NOT too much to ask!! Thank you for your service...