Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma - Jan 2020: Shoppers checkout at the base commissary. (Air Force photo/Kelly White) The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement. Image: US Air Force
By: FEDweek StaffThe Defense and Veterans Affairs departments have announced a new electronic-verification system, by which eligible veterans and their caregivers can more easily get into bases for medical appointments, shopping at exchanges and commissaries – as well as morale, recreation and welfare (MWR) activities they qualify for.
Veterans who don’t hold a Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) and their eligible caregivers can sign up for access to installations at base visitor centers. To do so, they would need to provide a REAL ID Act-compliant driver’s license or non-driver’s identification card. They no longer will have to present VA-issued documents such as a caregiver patronage letter, service-connected disability letter or Health Eligibility Center Form H623A.
Recurring installation access does require eligible veterans and caregivers to enroll. To do so, they must: Produce an acceptable VHIC or REAL ID card; be checked on the spot for records of criminal or terrorist activity; have their eligibility for receiving benefits on base verified electronically.
The VHIC and REAL ID cards typically are valid for one to three years. When the cards expire, veterans would need to re-enroll.
“Our Veterans and their caregivers deserve a smooth experience in accessing installations,” said Ashish S. Vazirani, who is performing the duties of Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness. “We are glad to work with the Department of Veterans Affairs on this initiative and look forward to continuing to welcome eligible Veterans and VA caregivers to military exchanges and commissaries, and at eligible facilities like golf courses, movie theaters and clubs.”
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