Fairchild commissary cracks down on abusers Published June 21, 2007 By Staff Sgt. Connie L. Bias 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- Save $1,000 to $3,000! Interested? Well, you already do. That is, you do if you shop at the commissary. Those dollar figures are the estimated annual savings military families enjoy by frequenting the base grocery store - more than $1,000 for single people and up to $3,000 for a family of four. That's a substantial benefit, but unfortunately it's often abused. In fact, in conjunction with the 92nd Mission Support Group, the Fairchild commissary store manager recently established more assertive procedures to identify and report those who abuse commissary privileges, specifically those who sell or give commissary purchases to unauthorized recipients. In 1999, the Department of Defense issued a policy statement that allowed some visitors easier access to the commissary, though it did not permit unauthorized shopping. Granting access to visitors enables aged or disabled commissary patrons to bring a visitor for assistance; allows visiting non-military family members to come into the commissary while their military hosts make routine grocery runs; and introduces extended family members and friends to one of the benefits military families enjoy, thereby contributing to recruiting and retention. That access, established for positive purposes, also places a larger responsibility on authorized commissary patrons to stay responsible and vigilant. "Since commissaries sell products at cost, plus a five-percent surcharge, shoppers are not authorized to sell or give away commissary purchases to individuals or groups not entitled to the commissary privilege," said Eric Quantock, store director, adding that the purchases also can't be used to support a private business. Mr. Quantock went on to say that many unauthorized purchases may stem from shoppers not completely understanding their benefits or the regulations, versus from malicious intent, but that all shoppers should "do their part to preserve and protect this benefit for generations to come by following the rules." The commissary staff is trained to look for particular signs to identify abuse. Among other things, these include frequent purchases of large quantities and numerous purchases in a single day. Suspected abuse is immediately reported. "Of course, not all instances are abuse," said Col. Van Fuller, 92nd Mission Support Group commander. "However, when privilege abuse is suspected, the store manager reports the suspicion to me for coordination with the appropriate chain of command for investigation." The colonel went on to say that the updated commissary procedures should be no problem for people who follow the rules - the system is there to ensure abusers are noticed and stopped. He urged authorized shoppers to take advantage of those annual savings and commissary privileges. "Commissary shopping is a benefit that military members have earned through service to their country," agreed Mr. Quantock. "We encourage every eligible shopper to fully use their benefit."