Military ID

yep! totally lighthearted I'd never want to risk the Lucky Charm on Rickis table

No one is talking about backing a U-Haul up to the store and filling it up to sell on the streets.

Actually...I recall quite a few U-Hauls and camper/RVs parked in our commissary lot and the good ol' retirees would fill 'em to the brim.  Those poor folks that worked as baggers would push out those 6 carts full of groceries in 90 degree weather all for a dollar tip.   Doubt they created a black market for Lucky Charms ...however, watching them pile up on prescriptions and wine at the Class Six and I begin to wonder    Ha Ha. 

Cash is cash and AAFES is a business...simple as that.  I can tell you I won't be buying a Coach or Dooney & Bourke bag from anywhere else !!

I do remember the older folks with the year supply of groceries in one trip. I also remember one mother who had each of her three kids pushing a cart while she manned her own and they were overflowing by the time they reached the checkout.

I still remember buying chicken breasts for around 2.50 or 3 bucks a package, I'm lucky to find one under eight dollars these days.

Definitely some perks to the military life.

But as a side note...as much as the US gov't tries to stick their noses in on our childrens' citizenship issues I dont mind socking it to them ever chance I get. But that of course is a topic for another discussion.

Good on you, Pebs! 

I would buy stuff for my british friends all the time!!  I am now seperating from the Air Force so wont be able to do that when I get back to england! (I still have friends there so I will have to have them get me some stuff every now and then). 

Quick Question for debinator...

How do you get charged VAT on your purchases from the commissary... last time I checked it was tax free purchases and the registers dont have a magic VAT button.... just curious

Quick Question for debinator...

How do you get charged VAT on your purchases from the commissary... last time I checked it was tax free purchases and the registers dont have a magic VAT button.... just curious

Yeah I shopped at the commissary a few times here in the UK (RAF Alconbury) and wasn't charged VAT.    

Yeah I shopped at the commissary a few times here in the UK (RAF Alconbury) and wasn't charged VAT.    

Maybe they don't charge VAT because the bases are considered US territory (like the embassy)? just a guess, really but just wanted to throw out a possible explanation..

The comissaries and exchanges do not charge any taxes, american or otherwise. 

June

It doesn't sound like any of you know how the process works living overseas as a retiree with privileges.  As a retiree from the USAF living here in England, you are required to pay VAT.  Retirees are issued a special card that allows them to shop in the commissary/bx and then they must also purchase the VAT coupons to use for all purchases.  It is a SOFA agreement with the British government. For many years, retirees were not even given the privilege of shopping on base or using any of the facilities because of the SOFA, but they finally loosened it and only by paying the VAT are we allowed.  As a retiree just visiting in Europe, you cannot shop at all unless you can find an active duty person to make the purchases for you.  The only way a retiree does not have to pay VAT is if they themselves work at least 20 hours a week on base in a GS position.   
And as stated in some of the other posts - I am not referring to someone pulling a U-Haul truck up, filling it and selling out of the back as blackmarketing.  Any resale of any goods purchased at the base to non-id card holders is considered black marketing.  If it's worth it to you to do so, that's your business, but when you are found out and your privileges taken away - oh well!!  As a military brat, I have "earned" this privilege and I among most military members resent the non-military taking advantage AND it it illegal activity! 

Thanks for the interesting info Debinator.
I think sticking it out in the military lifestyle for a good portion of my adult life has earned me something also. Im just not sure it comes in the form of Lucky Charms.

It doesn't sound like any of you know how the process works living overseas as a retiree with privileges. 

I think you may be unique in being a retiree living in the UK.  Thanks for the explanation.  

And as stated in some of the other posts - I am not referring to someone pulling a U-Haul truck up, filling it and selling out of the back as blackmarketing.  Any resale of any goods purchased at the base to non-id card holders is considered black marketing.  If it's worth it to you to do so, that's your business, but when you are found out and your privileges taken away - oh well!!  As a military brat, I have "earned" this privilege and I among most military members resent the non-military taking advantage AND it it illegal activity! 

No one has suggested that they are doing anything of the kind, so I think maybe we should all take a step back here and calm down a bit.


Enjoy your Lucky Charms, Pebs.    Now let's move on, shall we?

Enjoy your Lucky Charms, Pebs.    Now let's move on, shall we?

Thanks Mindy. Good idea