THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, January 8, 1995 TAG: 9501050079
SECTION: HAMPTON ROADS WOMAN PAGE: 02 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: MARY MAHONEY
LENGTH: Medium: 57 lines
THERE IS one benefit that has always been available to military families, despite governmental budget cuts: the privilege of shopping at the Navy Exchange.
Navy Exchange stores are located on or near Navy installations, providing convenient shopping for military members and their families. But I once thought they were the privilege of the few.
Years ago Bill and I went to the Navy Exchange only to browse and pass the time. I always felt that only high-ranking enlisted members, officers and their families could afford to shop at the Navy Exchange. Being the wife of a low-ranking military member and on a strict budget, I was more apt to shop at civilian stores. Most of the military spouses I knew in the '70s and early '80s agreed.
One of my friends has been a frequent customer at the Navy Exchange for many years. It was at her urging and insistence that the Navy Exchange had changed that made me decide to check it out again. I agreed, just so I could tell her I had gone there and close the subject permanently.
I went to a nearby exchange at Oceana and was pleasantly surprised. I wondered around aimlessly, just browsing, and had no intention of purchasing anything. I found myself silently agreeing with my friend that the Navy Exchange had changed. It had stepped into the 20th century with civilian department stores. The visual displays were both contemporary and inviting.
Keeping in mind that looks are not everything, I decided to check the prices. Although my husband has advanced in rank during his career, we, like many military families, still live on a budget. Where I would shop would be based primarily on the prices.
I was certain that no matter what item I picked up would be overpriced. I found that the Navy Exchange's prices were quite comparable to those at other department stores. Many were better! Even lower ranking military members can find quality products at affordable prices. I was truly impressed.
While I was there, I picked up an advertisement flier for the store, skimmed through it and went from department to department to take advantage of great buys. I planned on filling out the form inside the advertisement so I would be put on the mailing list.
On my way home, I began to wonder when all these changes had come. I thought about all the great buys I had missed through the years.
I saved a lot of money that day and have shopped at the Navy Exchange more in the last few weeks than during the entire course of my sailor's career!
While the rich people in Washington decide what benefits will continue to be a part of my life, I will be sure to use the ones currently available to me and family. If you haven't been to your Navy Exchange store in a while, drop by. You'll be happy to see that some things do change for the better! MEMO: Mary Mahoney writes a monthly column about military life. by CNB