I recently had a Marine veteran with a service-connected disability ask me if they would qualify to use one of the military resorts in Hawaii since they were not a retiree. The answer is YES. He was very happy to learn that in 2020 there were many benefits made available to any service-connected veteran which had previously required a 100% service connection.

Facilities that are designated MWR (Morale Welfare Recreation) are now available to all service-connected veterans that have a Veteran Health Insurance Card which display’s their eligibility status. This requires that “SERVICE CONNECTED,” “FORMER POW” or “PURPLE HEART” must appear on the card. If you are eligible but do not have that printed on your card, you will not be allowed on base. 

If you do not have (or are not eligible for) a Veteran Health Identification Card but have at least one service-connected disability, then you will have access to online exchanges and American Forces Travel benefits. You will not have base access or in-person benefits. 

If you are participating in the VA’s Caregiver Program, you will receive an eligibility letter from the VA’s Office of Community Care. 

Those eligible will have access to: 

• Commissaries 

• Military Exchanges (PX, BX, etc) 

• Golf Courses 

• Bowling centers 

• Recreational Lodging 

• RV Campgrounds 

• Movie Theaters 

• Restaurants 

• Marinas 

• Vehicle Storage 

• Kennels and more! 

Facilities that are not part of MWR will not be available. For example, gyms and fitness centers are not part of MWR. 

The first time you visit the base you will show your photo ID, vehicle registration, and insurance at the gate or visitor center. You may be required to register your vehicle before you can drive on base so it’s best to be prepared in advance. Call ahead to confirm what you need. 

Some bases limit visitor access. Even if the base allows visitors, each visitor will need to prove their own identity and fitness for access. Everyone should be prepared with a REAL-ID compliant driver’s license, ID or passport. 

Here is a link to the Fairchild Air Force Base website that tells more about the program: https://www.fairchild.af.mil/News/Features/Display/Article/2069286