Millions more will be soon be allowed to shop on military bases. But some veterans wonder how...

New Veteran benefit is good, but no mention of funding for the increased foot traffic. The NEX at 32nd Street, Naval Station San Diego, was terribly crowded with limited parking already 19 years ago. They didn’t cater to the regular uniformed Sailor. The vast majority of patrons then weren't in uniform, had no place to go and nothing to do when they get there, so they stand about in the aisles blocking access to someone in uniform and obviously in a hurry on lunch or at the end of the day. They would be shopping for high end stuff that active duty pay wouldn’t cover, but was on display in the major aisles. I simply stopped going, it wasn’t worth the hassle of the crowds. I can pay five cents more at the c store for a soda or five bucks more at Sears and be on my way instead of waiting around after going through security, finding a parking spot a football field away, walking that football field to the store, and then being behind these people buying things that you can’t afford on active duty pay. I haven’t heard that they fixed it, so I can only assume that it’s worse now. Funny thing, the only sections I now shop in aren’t packed. That’s the Navy Pride section, with civilian Navy shirts and other memorabilia, PT gear, etc.
Anyway, they need to fund physical expansion or the days of a uniform in the Exchange system set up for uniformed service members or the presence of uniforms in the Exchange will vanish completely.

There are a lot of Veterans in this area. Ellsworth has a very small commissary and BX. I hope this works out but I don't know how they are going to handle the increase.

Added: We are also getting a new wing, bringing about 5000 more personal to the base. I hope Congress is going to fund some new facilities.

Sounds good!