In accordance with 10 U.S.C. 1065, the following new patron groups are authorized access to DoD commissary, exchange, and morale, welfare, and recreation (MWR) revenue generating activities on the same basis as a member of the Military Services entitled to retired or retainer pay, effective January 1, 2020:
(a) Veterans who were awarded the Purple Heart.
(b) Veterans who are former prisoners of war (POWs).
(c) Veterans classified by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) as having a service-connected disability rating below 100 percent.
(d) Caregivers or family caregivers for veterans under the VA caregiver program. These caregivers are only eligible for these privileges during their period of active enrollment as the caregiver or family caregiver for a veteran.