During the government shutdown some commissaries, the one at Travis AFB for sure, closed for a few days and then reopened telling patrons that they get their money to operate from DOD. So this is the information I’m going on. Now the BX did not close during the government shutdown because it is run by a private organization with its’ own funding. At least that’s my understanding.
A lot of active duty, NG, etc., on TDY stay at the Beale AFB Famcamp, and other famcamps, and they have told me it is cheaper than on-base housing. They informed me that they get to pocket much more of their housing allowance by staying at famcamps during their TDY.
P.S. The Military Star Exchange Card is only accepted at the BX and not the commissary unless it bears a Visa or MasterCard logo. The Military Star Card alone without the Visa or Mastercard logo is a product of the Exchange system which is separate from the Commissary system.
The on-base gas stations are also under the Exchange system. But the commissary has “case sales” about 2 or 3 times a year where you can buy cases of stuff relatively inexpensive; the BX has no such event.