The Defense Department has announced expanded Commissary, Military Service Exchange and MWR access Jan. 1 and established a standard for physical access to military installations. Veterans who are eligible and want to take advantage of in-person benefits must have a Veterans Health Identification Card, or VHIC. Primary Family Caregivers must have an eligibility letter from VA’s Office of Community Care. Veterans use VHICs for identification and check-in at VA appointments, but will also use them for base access under the new program. (Courtesy illustration/Dept. of Veterans Affairs)