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Hello,
It's me again. I searched the forums to see if this had been mentioned, but didn't find anything.
Please forgive me if I am repeating questions that have already been asked.
In doing the research for the big move (summer 2012) I wanted to find out if my mother (a surviving spouse who still has a military ID and benefits) would have access to ANY military facilities or if they even existed.
I did find out that STX and STT both have the National Guard facilities on them, and that while they are not fully functioning bases (no commissary, housing, etc.), I understand STX has a Shoppette/PX Annex.
Has anyone been there? If it's like the ones on the bases/posts I have lived on, it is like convenience store.
I have been told she can get access with her ID.
I am wondering what the costs for staples are (milk, bread, toilet paper, etc.) are compared to in the civilian grocery stores?
I am HOPING that if nothing else, she can go there to stock up on basics for all of the family and try and save a little money.
Again, it's just my mother with the military ID and benefits now.
So, I am just trying to find out if any of you are military and what you can tell me about anything she might have access to?
Thank you so much.
Posted : October 17, 2009 6:55 pm
There is a VA clinic but only military personnel (no dependants) are able to be treated there. The BX/PX on St. Croix is small, very small and her ID will get her and one additional person (with a photo ID) on to the base. It is much smaller than a Shoppette - it is maybe only about 1000-1200 square feet of shopping space. I don't believe they carry milk anymore. They have some box/canned food, liquor, health/beauty items, TP, paper towels and toys. The best values at the BX are on some of the bigger ticket items like washer/dryers, refrigerators, generators, fans and some electronics. I will pay more attention next time I go and see about milk & bread.
Posted : October 17, 2009 7:33 pm
We went to the BX/Px on St. Croix and found what "divinggirl" said..........it's tiny and the only thing that "might" be cheaper would be the appliances and they were limited. We compared them to the Kmart/Sears appliance store in Sunny Isle and prices were almost the same but more choices were to be had at Kmart. Our opinion. The milk and bread at the time was higher than Plaza West and the milk was out of date. Paper goods were similar in price to "Cost U Less" when they have sales. You'll find that it's imperative to go to at least three stores on shopping day, probably more. LOL
If your mother has Medicare and TriCare for Life..........both are accepted by the Hospital and by Doctors (if you can find one for your needs). ER was good for us when we had a emergency.
Posted : October 17, 2009 10:09 pm
Topic starter
wow, thanks.
Here we thought that the staple items would be considerably cheaper due to being priced through AAFES.
I guess not. I am so glad I asked!
Thank you all.
Posted : October 18, 2009 1:16 pm
I bought our deep freezer at the local shoppette here on STX and it's the smallest thing I've ever seen in 18 years of living on military bases around the world as a dependent.
A plus though is that AAFES is online so you can order most anything you like from them (however I've found with online comparison shopping almost nothing is cheaper through AAFES or NEX.)
Posted : October 19, 2009 7:13 pm
