New MWR Access Delayed for Many Veterans
Disabled veterans and Purple Heart recipients won't see on-base access for commissaries and exchange stores or some recreation options any time soon, according to new guidance issued Wednesday by the Defense Department.
By law, the new access is to start Jan. 1, 2020. However, a policy document issued Wednesday by the Pentagon shows that, while veterans who hold a Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) from the Department of Veterans Affairs and caregivers registered with the VA's Comprehensive Program for Caregivers will be able to access the system as planned, all other new users will have to wait for a previously unannounced "phase two."
USAF Frequent Camper Program STOPPED!
September 19, 2019: Unfortunately, the USAF Frequent Camper Program has been stopped. The USAF is no longer recruiting new members. The new member "packets" are no longer being produced and are not being provided to the various USAF FamCamps. Existing Frequent Camper members can still upgrade to the next tier.
Here's the official notification from the USAF Frequent Camper Program Manager:
"After a 20+ year run, the Frequent Camper Program is no longer recruiting new members. We are not providing installations with membership kits nor do we have any in our office. We will continue to process completed tiers submissions for our current Frequent Camper members. Unfortunately, changes in program costs and technology made the current program model impractical at this time. We wish all our members safe travels."
Tobyhanna Army Depot Villas, PA Added to the Site!
We were informed that there ARE recreation facilities in Pennsylvania! The Tobyhanna Arny Depot has vacation and business villas available. They simply say: "Your home-away-from-home while you explore the Poconos!". Information on these rental villas has been added to the site.
Information, maps, and photos of the Tobyhanna Army Depot Villas.
Many Veterans Gain Access to MWR Facilities
Active duty, retired military, and 100% DAV were the primary users that were authorized to utilize MWR facilities (includes campgrounds). However, this all changes soon. The Purple Heart and Disabled Veterans Equal Access Act of 2018 became law in August 2018 and will take effect on January 1st, 2020. This bill will now allow the following veterans use of commissary and exchange stores, and MWR facilities (includes campgrounds):
NEW! USCG Cape Cod Recreation House
The U.S. Coast Gouard Base Cape Cod, on Buzzards Bay, MA recently opened a new recreation house. Located on base, this 3-bedroom house sleeps 8 people.
Information, maps, and photos on the USCG Base Cape Code Recreation House can be found here.
NEW Military Campground!
A NEW Military RV Park recently opened. The Joint Base Los Alamitos in Los Alamitos, CA recently opened their second RV Park, Sunset RV Park. This new RV Park has 16 full hook-up sites. Los Alamitos is close to Disneyland and Knotts Berry Farms, as well as Universal Studios.
Information, maps, and photos of Los Alamitos Sunset RV Park have been added to the website. You can view this information here.
Fort Carson and Pinon Canyon Remote Camping Added!
Fort Carson iSportsman operates wildlife and recreation management on most of the remote maneuver sites. Some of these areas can accommodate RV's, as well as small trailers and tent camping. Camping is only allowed in specified areas, on specified dates. You would need to check with Fort Carson iSportsman (https://fortcarson.isportsman.net/camping.aspx) to learn what is open when. Of course, hunting is the primary sport for these areas.
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