RV'ing at the Naval Station in Key West

katfish wrote:

NanciL wrote:
Wow, I am sorry I asked the original question.
I am a honorable discharged navy veteran, but it sounds like I can't get in so I'll just keep camping at state parks.
Sorry to cause all the bickering and bantering !

jack L

No problem in asking questions... Sometimes it gets off track, but just sit back an enjoy the postings...
Thank you for your service...

Happy camping

Anyway Nanci, if it wasn't this it would be something else. ;) Winter is when most people are only talking about camping and debating something on the Internet whiles away the time. Thanks for bringing up a good topic.

BTW, don't know where you are, but check the site I linked to in the post about Key West info. Some of the military campgrounds are now open to the public.

I am retired DOD Civil Service. The Fam Camp is never filled at my base. I see no problem with supplementing attendance with DOD Civilians, Retirees, etc. Of course if the place is full, Active Duty should get first priority.

This is a local option in the hands of the Base Commander as it should be. Remember, the Commander has an incentive to maximize revenue. Typically it's the golf course, not the Fam Camps that get the most action. Alternatively, with all the pro-family, anti-drinking and anti-smoking PC mentality now, the Club system is just about to go under. Again, a big push for the DoD Civilians to use the Clubs and to force office functions at the Clubs.

Regarding DOD civilian retirement and benefits there are two retirement systems. The old one has good benefits and pension but no Social Security component and high penalties for any SS benefits. The newer retirement has a smaller pension but is fully integrated in SS. Retirees keep the same healthcare benefits as they were when working.

DoD Civilians in the CONUS do not get housing benefits.

I've never stayed in a Fam Camp but am not adverse to doing so. Again, where its allowed as designated by the Base Commander and mutually beneficial for the base and traveler.

NanciL wrote:
Wow, I am sorry I asked the original question.
I am a honorable discharged navy veteran, but it sounds like I can't get in so I'll just keep camping at state parks.
Sorry to cause all the bickering and bantering !

jack L

No problem in asking questions... Sometimes it gets off track, but just sit back an enjoy the postings...
Thank you for your service...

Happy camping

monkey44 wrote:

Maybe you can tell me who are all the guys that stay in FAMCAMPS that work for DOD and stay instead of housing ... they are certainly civilian, and go in and work at the base every day, come back every night ... and when I ask, they say "DOD, we stay here because it saves money ... and admit they get allowance, and it's way more than a FC site. And they stay a lot longer than the 30 or 60 limit too.

Don't get me wrong, I agree with you 100%. I imagine they are contractors, but DOD civilians (non-contractors) should NEVER be doing that. The FAMCAMPS are meant for recreation, not cheap housing. A DOD civilian, when on TDY, is only reimbursed the actual cost of the lodging. There is no financial benefit for them to be staying in a campground instead of a hotel. Contractors are often given a set amount of money for per-diem to cover both food and lodging. In that case; they could be pocketing the difference. What gets me is assuming they are contractors, how are they getting access to the campgrounds? That is just plain wrong, and your anger is justified.

Wow, I am sorry I asked the original question.
I am a honorable discharged navy veteran, but it sounds like I can't get in so I'll just keep camping at state parks.
Sorry to cause all the bickering and bantering !

jack L

AprilWhine wrote:

So veterans are not authorized users and the OP can not get a site. The answer is what started the debate

One hitch and done, and you are done. No retirement, no benefits, nothing. That's the deal.

Want something for life, go career (or get disabled)

And, btw, here is a link to the page for that campground:

NAS Key West

deejay41 wrote:

Topic: RV'ing at the Naval Station in Key Quest
Posted By: NanciL on 01/18/14 05:12am

Can someone explain to me the procedure for a veteran to get a site in Key West, or is it first come first serve?

Jeez !!!!!
Can't someone just have the common courtesy to answer the Ops original question???
They are simply asking for info about NASKW.
No wonder a lot of people have quit posting here.

The question was answered on the first page:

US Military Campgrounds web site wrote:
Authorized Users
Active, National Guard, Reservists, Retired, 100% DAV, DoD Civilians, DoT civilians working for Coast Guard, NATO allies on orders to the US.

So veterans are not authorized users and the OP can not get a site. The answer is what started the debate

Topic: RV'ing at the Naval Station in Key Quest
Posted By: NanciL on 01/18/14 05:12am

Can someone explain to me the procedure for a veteran to get a site in Key West, or is it first come first serve?

Jeez !!!!!
Can't someone just have the common courtesy to answer the Ops original question???
They are simply asking for info about NASKW.
No wonder a lot of people have quit posting here.