Retirement

submitted by Powell Black

March, 2007

Powell Black

One of the benefits those of us who decided to remain in the Naval Reserve after the war and able to retire after twenty years of service (I had 32 total) is the privilege of shopping at the BX and commissaries. While we were in the Navy during the war, it is where we did our shopping. Surely you have not forgotten that.

In a recent Naval Reserve Association (of which I am a Life member) monthly magazine, it explained in detail how this came about. Bet it's something none of us knew at the time of our service and probably something we never thought about. We used it before our discharge and it may be something of general interest to know. The following is a quote from the magazine:

The commissary had its origin when Congress authorized the Army to sell food items at cost to officers and enlisted men beginning 1 July 1867. At that time, sales were limited to an official stock list of 82 items. (Emphasis supplied)

The military commissary sells groceries and household goods. Congress provides taxpayer monies to operate commissaries. The price of goods is at cost, plus a 5% surcharge (mandated by Congress) to the total. The surcharge pays for building renovations of existing facilities and new construction.

The salaries of their employees are tax-funded. The military commissary does not charge sales tax. Commissaries are nonprofit grocery stores and are prohibited by law from making a profit on goods sold.

An example of how I have been able to use "the system:" In 1957 I received my commission as a Lieutenant. I was 36 at the time and, due to my age, I was able to skip the ranks of Lieutenant Junior Grade and Ensign. And I worked hard to get my four stripes before retirement at age 60. Last year, I needed the uniform I purchased at that time for a ceremony. It was so outdated that I needed to purchase a new one. The Navy Uniform Shop at the Naval Weapons Station in Goose Creek, SC, a part of the BX system, told me to drive down and obtain it. The beauty of the deal was that I could purchase it without going to a shop on the beach at a much higher cost. I liked that.

Since I retired, there are other benefits that can be pursued later that might be of general interest.

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