SERVICE and SACRIFICE: DeCA honors America’s veterans by promoting commissary benefit to those who’ve earned it

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FORT GREGG-ADAMS, Va. - As the nation prepares to observe Veterans Day on Nov. 11, the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) seeks to honor America's veterans by ensuring that those who are eligible commissary patrons are aware of the benefits they've earned, said Navy Command Master Chief Mario Rivers, DeCA's senior enlisted advisor to the director.

"The commissary benefit is a significant part of the overall military compensation package," Rivers said. "As we celebrate those who have served in our military this Veterans Day, we re-dedicate ourselves to providing the best commissary benefit possible.

"It's a fantastic perk, and I want to make sure everyone who's earned it knows about it and can easily take advantage of the savings," he added. "In my opinion, shopping at the commissary goes beyond savings - it's about community and a benefit that acknowledges service and sacrifice."

Since joining DeCA in 2023, Rivers has made it his mission to get the word out about the commissary benefit and what it means for millions of eligible customers.

As DeCA's senior enlisted advisor, Rivers is central to the agency's effort to increase benefit awareness. To that end, he has traveled to more than 40 commissaries and attended over 50 outreach events in his mission to spread the word to eligible patrons.

Since 2020, the newest commissary-eligible patron groups include disabled veterans, Purple Heart recipients, former prisoners of war and their certified caregivers. Rivers noted that DeCA is working to meet them where they are, which involves working with organizations, like the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to help amplify benefit awareness.

"Veteran service organizations, or VSOs, are a natural partner for us. By working with the VSOs, we can tap into their existing networks and credibility with former service members," Rivers said. "I'd like to see us collaborate more on co-branded promotions and awareness campaigns. Partnering with VSOs is a win-win, as they have established trust with veteran communities, and we can leverage their channels to reach eligible patrons who may not know about the expanded benefit."

Rivers said DeCA's mission centers around service to the military community, and Veterans Day is a reminder to the agency of its obligation to deliver to eligible patrons the premier value and shopping experience they've earned.

"For our veterans who are eligible patrons, we are always committed to honoring their commitment by delivering the best commissary benefit possible," Rivers said. "Whether it's huge savings, dietitian-approved products or online shopping, your commissary benefit exists because you've earned it."

To stay up-to-date with Rivers' outreach efforts, follow him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DeCASEA.

-DeCA-

About DeCA: The Defense Commissary Agency operates a worldwide chain of commissaries providing groceries to military personnel, retirees and their families in a safe and secure shopping environment. Commissaries provide a military benefit, saving authorized patrons thousands of dollars annually on their purchases compared to similar products at commercial retailers. The discounted prices include a 5-percent surcharge, which covers the costs of building new commissaries and modernizing existing ones. A core military family support element, and a valued part of military pay and benefits, commissaries contribute to family readiness, enhance the quality of life for America's military and their families, and help recruit and retain the best and brightest men and women to serve their country.