The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) will be soon writing a plan for closing stateside commissaries at the request of the Defense Department, which is still looking for ways to slash costs in the face of mandated budget cuts. Such a plan could leave military members stationed stateside at bases in remote locations, such as Fort Irwin, Calif., driving long distances for food. Those with local grocery store options outside the gate would be in better shape — but can still expect to pay around 30 percent more across the board should the commissaries close, especially on products such as meat which are often much cheaper on base than off.

The request, shared with military columnist Tom Phipott by military resale community sources, was made by the DoD’s Under Secretary of Defense Robert Hale, the department’s top financial adviser, and Air Force Lt. Gen. Mark F. Ramsay, director of force structure, resources and assessment for the Joint Staff.

Please support our fellow Americans who do and have served their county with honor and deserve the benefits they were promised! The military commissary dates back to 1868 when every military location had a commissary.

Please sign this petition against the closing of all Stateside Military Commissaries!

Thank you!