I understand the 'free health care' issue. We have dear friends who recently had to fight tooth and nail for coverage in an accident that almost killed the wife. And he is a retired chief. Go figure.
We are members of Passport America...but they have campgrounds that impose limits on days there or usage at certain times of the year. We are members of several organizations. But like I said, they aren't always available. This is just another way to keep our costs down on fixed income without having to abandon our love of travel.
OH...and thanks for the website info...I've never run across that one before.
I have, on several occasions and at several different bases, called the MWR office and tried to make reservations. Each place, I was told the CO determined that DOD retirees are not eligible and would not grant me admission unless I was accompanied by an active DOD civil service person or active/retired military person and that person must be present at all times we are on the base. Each informed me that the base commander has the final word.
I served 35 years with the DON civil service and held the very highest security clearances while designing, building, and testing devices that helped protect our country and people, and can't believe that I am not worthy of parking my measly little 25 foot travel trailer on government property. Whine, whine....
Ron
Ron & Sandie
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Generally, retired CS cannot use MWR facilities. However...If you have an up to date base decal they will usually let you on base if that is where the FAMCAMP is located. It is really a convoluted mess as are most gov't regs. The camp at Lackland AFB is really nice, and the Randolph AFB rec area on Canyon Lake is great-unless it's been closed.
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Bob-USAF (Ret) Barbara-Soon to be retired
No pets, just two beautiful granddaughters
Quote: "I served 35 years with the DON civil service and held the very highest security clearances while designing, building, and testing devices that helped protect our country and people, and can't believe that I am not worthy of parking my measly little 25 foot travel trailer on government property. Whine, whine...."
This is not about your worth, it's about a regulation that pertains to the US Military -- period. It's like saying you served your country teaching it's children in an elementary school, therefore, you should be entitled to camp in military campgrounds -- it's apples and oranges. Military is military, support is support. And I mean no disrespect, but while I might value your contribution, and would camp next to you anytime, it's simply not something you earned in your employment contract.
And as an aside, if every civil servant had the right to camp in MWF sites, there would be no room ever for the military families. There are just too many civil servant occupations.
roster2 wrote: Generally, retired CS cannot use MWR facilities. However...If you have an up to date base decal they will usually let you on base if that is where the FAMCAMP is located. It is really a convoluted mess as are most gov't regs. The camp at Lackland AFB is really nice, and the Randolph AFB rec area on Canyon Lake is great-unless it's been closed.
Both Randolph and Fort Sam rec areas at Canyon Lake are very much open.
When we civil servants retire, there's no retiree ID card. It's just "thanks for your service, don't let the door hit you on the way out." Our retirement pay comes from OPM, not DoD. Basically, we're SOL.
Fair or not, that's simply the way it is.
"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." -- Mahatma Gandhi
Oh Boy,
Being both a retired Regular Army (23.5 yrs) and Civil Servant (17 yrs), I have experienced both sides of the fence.
I won't go into my personal feelings in regards to this thread, for my old Momma always said, "if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all".
Only One Old Fellow's Opinion
Bill
2002 Discovery 3126E CAT
2004 Saturn VUE
Mountain Master Tow Brake
I am retired military and DOD civilian with some background in MWR. A lot of the Fam Camps are open to retired DOD civilains however there may be some restrictions - i.e. you may not be able to make reservations as far in advance as active duty/retired. I was given a civil service ID when I retired it is AF Form 354 but I was told not all Services issue one. Best bet is to get a book and call ahead to find out the requirements.
Bob /Beavercreek OH
Avalanche 1500/Trail Lite 8230
Navy does not issue a retired civilian ID card. Once you retire, you can no longer access military bases unless you are sponsored on. I have seen a retired civil servant at one of our local campgrounds. Not sure how she managed it; possible that she had one of the Army or Air Force ID cards.
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Each informed me that the base commander has the final word. 
Whine, whine....
