JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
Commissary holiday hours
The Air Base commissary will be open Dec. 23 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Dec. 24 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The commissary will be closed Christmas Day and Dec. 26. The commissary will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., New Year's Eve, and closed on New Year's Day. Normal hours resume Jan. 2, 2014.
The Weapons Station commissary will be open Dec. 23 from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Dec. 24 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The commissary will be closed Christmas Day but will open Dec. 26 from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. The commissary will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. New Year's Eve, and closed on New Year's Day. Normal hours resume Jan. 2., 2014.
Commissaries to start scanning IDs
Commissaries will soon begin scanning customers' Department of Defense ID cards at checkouts as the Defense Commissary Agency continues a new program rollout to all stores that began Nov. 10, 2013, and will be completed by mid-January. By scanning IDs at checkout, DeCA will no longer need to maintain any personal information on customers in its computer systems, such as the system used for customers who write checks. Cross-referenced with other DOD data, the scan data will give DeCA useful information about patron usage, by military service, along with customer demographics that does not identify specific personal data of an individual. This will eventually help the agency identify shopping needs and preferences - information that is essential in today's retail business environment. It will also allow more accurate reporting to the military services on commissary usage. DeCA will not be using any personal information such as names, addresses or phone numbers. For more information, go to
http://www.commissaries.com.
Consider commissary for gift cards
The holidays are right around the corner, and special in-store promotions make the commissary the place to go to save on holiday groceries, said Randall Chandler, the Defense Commissary Agency's director of sales.
"Customers will find great savings and quality products for their holiday entertainment and meal needs, thanks to our industry partners," Chandler said. He also said the holiday season is a perfect opportunity to consider giving the gift of groceries through Commissary Gift Cards. "Anyone can purchase them online through www.commissaries.com or at a commissary for authorized shoppers to use."
Throughout December, the commissary's industry partners - vendors, suppliers and brokers - are collaborating with stores to offer discounts beyond everyday savings. Overseas stores may have substitute events for certain promotions. Customers should check with their commissary for programs in their stores.
For details, visit
http://www.commissaries.com
Scholarships for Military Children Program opens Dec. 3
Applications for the 2014 Scholarships for Military Children Program are now at commissaries worldwide or on the Internet at
www.militaryscholar.org. Applications must be turned in to a commissary by close of business Feb. 28, 2014. Packages must be hand-delivered or shipped via U.S. Postal Service or other delivery methods, not emailed or faxed. This year's award amount has risen to $2,000, and the program awards at least one scholarship at each commissary with qualified applicants. Applicants should ensure that they and their sponsor are enrolled in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System database and have a military ID card.
For more information, students or sponsors should call Scholarship Managers at 856-616-9311 or email them at
militaryscholar@scholarshipmanagers.com.