Retiree caregivers allowed access to base Published March 13, 2009 By Staff Sgt. Gordon Wager 88th Security Forces Squadron WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- For most aging adults, having a friend run to the store for them isn't more than a phone call away. However, if you're a retiree and cannot drive yourself around, getting to the commissary and pharmacy can be a little more complicated. Retirees who need this kind of assistance may require the help of a full or part-time caregiver. These caregivers can be given access to the base in order to assist the member. In the event that a retiree cannot access the base without assistance, or cannot access the base at all (i.e. is an invalid, receives full-time in-home care, cannot drive, etc...) a caregiver may be given permission to access the base on their behalf. In order for a caregiver to receive a Temporary Visitor Pass (AF Form 75), the caregiver should call the Pass and ID office, located in bldg. 286, Area A. Visitors should turn into Gate 12A and make a left before proceeding through the gate. Caregivers should bring one form of ID. It is recommended that visitors call Pass and ID at 257-6506 to set up an appointment to avoid delays. In cases where long-term care is needed, caregivers should consider getting a Special Circumstances Pass, good for one year, from the Pass and ID Office. To do so, caregivers should: -See the Special Circumstances Pass Information Sheet located on the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base public website at http://www.wpafb.af.mil/questions/topic.asp?id=832 -Use the Special Circumstances Pass template located on the base public website at http://www.wpafb.af.mil/questions/topic.asp?id=832 to request base access from the 88th Mission Support Group Commander -If the caregiver intends to use the Commissary and Base Exchange for the invalid retiree, they must also submit a "to shop for letter." This letter must be provided with a note from the individual's doctor stating that the individual needs to be shopped for, and must use the wording specified in the Special Circumstances Pass template. A "to shop for" letter template is located on the base public website at http://www.wpafb.af.mil/questions/topic.asp?id=832 -Include a copy of both sides of the member's ID, member's contact information, and a copy of the caregiver's driver's license -HAND-CARRY (do not mail) the request to the Pass and ID Office, attn: Mr. William Mahaney Caregivers often must pick-up medication for members who cannot get to the pharmacy themselves. To do this, the caregiver needs to bring a copy of the member's ID with a statement written by the member giving authorization to the caregiver to retrieve medication from the base pharmacy. The Outpatient Pharmacy number is 257-9696.