DeCA honors veterans and highlights commissary benefit

Official Statements

• Defense Commissary Agency, November 9: “By Tamara Eastman, DeCA Historian

  Facebook-Friendly version: For the Defense Commissary Agency, or DeCA, Veterans Day is an opportunity to recognize eligible veterans and other members of the military community who have earned access to the commissary benefit.

  Fort Lee, Va. - Veterans Day is observed annually on Nov. 11 to honor U.S. military veterans, living and deceased.

  Originally known as Armistice Day, the holiday commemorates the armistice that halted fighting in World War I at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. In 1954, following World War II and the Korean War, the U.S. Congress amended the law and renamed the holiday Veterans Day to honor U.S. veterans of all wars.

  Veterans Day is more than a day to recognize those who served the nation. It is also more than a day off from work or school. It is a time to recognize the individuals who made a commitment reflecting their patriotism, love of country and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good. Many made a solemn commitment to the U.S., accepting the possibility of making the ultimate sacrifice.

  Members of the U.S. armed forces make great sacrifices. They spend time away from their families, miss birthdays and holidays and bear the burden of duty in places far from home. Their service helps preserve the security that allows Americans to live in peace, raise families and pursue their dreams.

  Commissary shopping privileges are available to active-duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members, retirees and eligible family members. Veteran eligibility expanded in 2020 to include veterans with service-connected disabilities, Purple Heart recipients, former prisoners of war and eligible primary family caregivers. Medal of Honor recipients also are eligible to use the benefit.

  “Veterans Day gives us an opportunity to recognize the service and sacrifice of those who have worn the uniform,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Brian J. Morrison, senior enlisted adviser to the DeCA director. “For veterans and other eligible patrons, DeCA remains focused on making the commissary benefit meaningful through savings, nutritious options and convenient services, including online ordering and home deliveries at participating locations.”

  Eligible patrons should verify their eligibility and installation-access requirements before visiting a commissary. For those who qualify, the benefit provides access to quality groceries, meaningful savings and services designed to make shopping more convenient.

  To every veteran, DeCA offers its thanks for your courage and resilience. DeCA honors your service and remains forever grateful.”