March Updates

I wanted to pass along a couple items that didn't make it into the March - April newsletter.

Announcement from Carl Miner

Carl at the 2016 Holiday Luncheon

It is with great regret that, due to family considerations, I must resign my position as Sr. Vice Commander of the Seattle Base. I am returning to work at the company that was my previous employer in Scottsdale, Arizona and will be relocating to Scottsdale. I wish to thank each and every one of you for your kind welcome and words of appreciation as an honored member of the Seattle Base. I will visit the Seattle area from time to time and hopefully I can schedule trips around times of our meetings so that I can attend and catch up with you all.
With Warmest Regards,
Carl Miner
Past Sr. Vice Commander.

Dick Gonzalez passed along this announcement from the Department of Defense

DOD will open Online Exchange Shopping to Veterans

Sources outline a major policy change that will extend limited “Online Shopping” privileges to all honorably discharged veterans of the US Military, DOD officials outlined in a recent news release.

This new shopping benefit will become effective this Veterans Day November 11, 2017. While shopping privileges exclude the purchase of uniforms, alcohol and tobacco products, it includes Exchange Services’ dynamic online retail environment know so well to service members and their families.

The change follows careful analysis, coordination and strong public support, officials said in their release.

“We are excited to provide these benefits to honorably discharged veterans to recognize their service and welcome them home to their military family”, said Peter Levine, performing the duties of “Undersecretary of Defense” for personnel readiness.

In addition, this initiative represents a low risk, low-cost opportunity to help fund moral, welfare and recreation programs in support of service members” and their families quality of life. And it’s just the right thing to do, “Levine added.

The online benefit will also strengthen the exchanges’ online business to better serve current patrons. Inclusion of honorably discharged veterans would conservatively double the exchanges online presence, according to DOD officials, herby improving the experience for all patrons improved vendor terms, more competitive merchandise assortments and improved efficiencies.

“As a nation, we are grateful for the contributions of our service members, “ Levine said. “Offering this lifetime online benefit is one small tangible way the nation can say, “Thank you” to all those who served with honor.
Note:
The Online Exchange Shopping is scheduled to commence on November 11, 2017 but at this time no details are available with respect to:

• A web site, 
• what ID you may need to establish your self, 
• how to order merchandise, payment, and shipping

We can only surmise you will not have any military base access for this privilege. We will provide more information as it comes out.