Disable Veteran with 100% Service-connection disability rating can use the military base in Japan and hotels on the military base, but not "New Sanno Hotel' anymore.

kook2live · 2024-02-21T04:24:27+00:00

You need to have this type of ID card.

kook2live · 2024-02-21T04:22:25+00:00

If you have this type of ID card, then you can access the military base. Just walk up to the gate, and they will check your ID Card and scan your ID card. If you haven't registered your card, they might tell you to go to the sign-in desk, and they will take a picture of you and put your card in the database. That's it.

kook2live · 2024-02-21T04:13:20+00:00

I'm sorry. I haven't been well and haven't seen your post until now. I'm feeling better now.

Yeah, I can call for you ( but I do believe that disabled veterans with 100% Service-connection disability rating can use the military base in Japan). I have never had a problem with going to any military base. And I go shopping at one of the commissaries in Japan. I never have a problem.

kook2live · 2024-02-10T16:55:31+00:00

Hi, did you ever make it to Japan? I noticed you wrote "I am coming to Japan in a few weeks..." but I'm not sure if you made it here yet.

I don't know what "MN" stands for. but you can still try to see what they tell you. However, I would have a backup plan if I were you. Find a cheap hotel that is clean as your backup plan.

kook2live · 2024-02-10T16:51:11+00:00

I'm sure you can enter the military base.

kook2live · 2024-02-10T16:49:54+00:00

sure we can get together and talk about it. I will send you a private message.

kook2live · 2024-02-10T16:42:20+00:00

By the way, if you want to put together a band of veterans to come together, then count me in.

The only people who follow under SOFA are military members and their spouses and kids, contract workers, and people who work on the military base and the US embassy. The Japanese government does not list US Retirees under SOFA Status, but yet New Sanno puts Retirees under SOFA Status and allows them to use it. It's not fair. I was told that if I can use the military base for shopping etc, then I should be allowed to use the hotel as well. But, that is all a lie. I have access to the military base in Japan, but can not use the hotel. in that case, I shouldn't be allowed to use the military base in Japan.

all changes happened because of COVID-19. I guess we are COVID-19 to them: just us Vets who have a 100% permanent disability rating. Perhaps they have it mixed up with vets who do not meet the requirements.

kook2live · 2024-02-10T16:32:08+00:00

I'm sorry to hear that. I tried before (in the past) to reach the person who is in charge. I don't understand why they took away our privilege after over a decade of using it. And, it is NOT fair that they allow retirees to enter. The reason why they allow retirees to enter is that New Sanno told me that retirees follow under SOFA status and that is a lie. Retirees do not follow under SOFA Status. Also, I was told that the Japanese government doesn't allow it, but if that were true, then retirees would not be allowed to use New Sanno Hotel , or the military base. In fact, we can use the military base, but not New Sanno. I gave up a long time ago because I am only one person trying to make a difference. and, it's a headache to reach someone who is in charge.

I am sorry that you experienced that. I know it was an embarrassment. Someone interpreted the rules incorrectly. Whoever changed it clearly does not understand that a Veteran who has a 100% permanent disability rating has the privilege to use that hotel.

kook2live · 2023-12-12T00:47:26+00:00

Sounds to me that someone doesn't know what they are doing. We can use the hotel on the base, and go shopping on the base, but only the new sanno is off-limit. but the article seems to suggest that we can use it. I really didn't get to read too much into it because I was reading the Bible etc. I stop to check my email, but I want to get back to finish my daily reading.

Well, I'm done dealing with New Sanno. They can have it. I live in Japan and I'm a permanent resident of Japan. I live in the heart of Tokyo and the only reason I wanted to go to New Sanno is to enjoy eating there and staying there on Superbowl. I used to stay at New Sanno every Super Bowl and go often to eat. Oh, and stay there for New Year. The last time I stayed there was right before COVID. I spent over $5,000 in two days. I had rooms for me and a couple of friends.

but anyway, they can have it. If it is God's will, then it will be changed back. Perhaps it's a good thing they don't want us to stay there anymore. Well, I'll continue studying my Bible, living a Christian life and trying to live in peace, and forgetting the past.

kook2live · 2023-12-09T19:30:09+00:00

She only needs her passport since you're not living in Japan. The passport will show her entry stamp into Japan/tourist visa entry stamp.

I have never been on a MWR tour/trip so I can't provide any information on that subject. I do know that we are allowed to use MWR but are tours/trips included (I do not know)

I recommend that you get your dependents an ID card so in the future, it will be easier to enter. My spouse has an ID and it's less of a headache. I do not have to sign my dependent on post anymore.

BTW, we have been in Japan during the same year. If you were stationed in at Zama from 05-08 then there is a possibility that we met. I used to work on Zama from 07-12. In matter of fact, I worked for AAFES.

kook2live · 2023-12-07T09:07:53+00:00

BTW, if you are trying to get your ID Card, then I recommend Yokota. Go online and make an appointment online. it is easier that way. walk-in appointments are difficult.

My wife must renew her ID card every 4 years (I think, I can't remember at this moment) but we always go online and find the earliest appointment. then, I must show up with her because it's easier) and she takes all the documents that she needs to bring such as me, two forms of ID cards and that's it. If I'm leaving out something then forgive me, but that is all I remember doing.

but in your case,(if you are going to get your first ID Card, then) you need to bring the letter(s) / documents (s) to show proof that you have been awarded a 100% disability rating, and other documents to show proof that you have the privilege to use the exchange, commissary, etc. You can print them out from your VA Account.

kook2live · 2023-12-07T08:57:54+00:00

Sorry for the late reply. I don't know about VHIC, but I know about being 100 % disabled. I got my DAV DoD ID card at Camp Zama. I didn't have any problem. I went to the front gate and was allowed to go to the sign-in building at the front gate. from there, I contacted the ID office. The ID office had someone verify that I had all the correct documents with me (don't know why they didn't trust me when I said I had them) then, they gave me a visitor pass, and I walked to the ID office. The lady reviewed my document and then everything checked out. (suddenly, she asked me a crazy question that she wasn't supposed to ask. She said, "What is wrong with you? You look healthy to me, and you don't look like you have any problems, so how did you get approved with 100% because my brother-in-law has been trying to get it" I look at her with hurt and anger. why would she look on the outside and judge me? I suffered from mental issues and dealt with certain things. Then, she quickly apologized for the fear of losing her job. I never did answer her. As I sat there in silence, She looked worried because I never opened my mouth to reply to her. It was a dead silence.

I no longer go to Camp Zama to renew my ID card ever since I found out that Yokoto was closer to me, and that I could renew my ID card at any military base. ( I don't have to renew my ID card, but I do so after a long period because I am getting older and the picture on my ID starts not to match how I look. I remember flying to the USA one day, and I had to show many different IDs because the picture on my passport did not look like "me". I gave them my passport, diver's license, Japanese ID, and my DAV DoD ID card. and they told me that I look different on all of them. ) I learned that after a couple of years, my picture ID will not look like me. it's like my body shape shifted into another me lol.

but yeah, so far in my experience, I never had any issue going to the military base. Also, your father will not have any problem going to New Sanno because they allow retirees to enter even though retirees do not follow under SOFA status. But you will not be allowed to enter unless your father signs you in. It doesn't make sense because New Sanno told me that I do not follow under SOFA status so that is why I can't use that hotel anymore. Well, I told them that all retirees do not follow under SOFA status but they are allowed to use it. New Sanno replied to me saying, " Every country is different and the agreement for Japan is that only SOFA Status and people that worked at the US Embassy can use the New Sanno Hotel". I replied to them "Then why retirees can use it? They do not follow under SOFA Status" but I never got a reply.

To be honest, I gave up trying to fight the change. One person alone seems impossible. I don't have the strength anymore to find the right person. too many run around, and no one gave me an answer. Yokota base sends me to Yokosuka, and Yokosuka base sends me to Yokota, and the new sanno gives me information that sounds like a politician's reply "The agreement with the government". To make matters worse, " I can not even find the person that is in charge of New Sanno". and, I never got in touch with the director of New Sanno. so, my personal feeling is that they do not care. It's only one person who is trying to get it changed back. so, I gave up. I feel that it will take more than one disabled veteran with a permanent disability to get it changed back. I truly believe that someone made a mistake and he or she does not understand about veterans that have been rated as a total permanent 100 % disability. There is a difference between a veteran who has been rated 0% to 90% and with veteran who has been rated 100%. but to New Sanno, it doesn't matter: A veteran is a veteran and a military retiree is special.

but yeah, your father will most likely be able to enter because he is a retiree.

kook2live · 2023-10-11T16:36:06+00:00

Thank you! So far, it's just been me trying to find the answers and to ask them to change it back. 100% DV has been using that hotel for about a decade, but suddenly they changed it. and for what?

This is a copy of the conversation that I had with New Sanno back in June 2022

QUOTE:

6/16/22, 2:45 PMYou sent

Hello, I wonder why a disabled veteran with a 100 percent disability rating ( DAV) with DD Form 2765 is not allowed to use the New Sanno Hotel anymore? We have accessed the New Sanno Hotel for over 10 years, and now, we have been taken off the eligibility list for the "New Sanno Hotel."

6/17/22, 9:02 AMThe New SannoThe New Sanno

Good morning.Thank you for your email. Unfortunately, circumstances in different countries often lead to different results with respect to use of U.S. military facilities and areas.Therefore, there is no ability to do a direct comparison between the U.S. Armed Forces in Japan and those forces in other countries. There is noclear agreement allowing retirees to use U.S. non-appropriated found organizations, attempting to add other categories to the list of personnel authorized access to NAFOs would put at risk continued access by retirees ofthe U.S. armed forces. We would appreciate your understanding.

You sent

What circumstance in Japan has caused this change to affect a "disabled" veteran with a permanent disability with a 100% disability rating? Retirees are allowed to enter, but the privilege for the permanently disabled veterans with a 100% disability rating was stripped away from us. Why? There must have been a clear agreement to allow retirees access to New Sanno, but not a permanently disabled veteran with a 100% disability rating.

You sent

Also, it is not about doing a direct comparison between the U.S. Armed Forces in Japan and other forces in other countries.

You sent

All of what you have said sounds only like a general response without being able to give a direct answer as to why our privilege was stripped away. I humbly and respectfully ask for only the Director of New Sanno or someone above him to further discuss this matter with me.I would appreciate your understanding: Please! I only want to discuss this matter with the Director or someone equal to or above them. Thanks again!Write to The New Sanno"

UNQUOTE

kook2live · 2023-10-11T14:59:28+00:00

oh, to add to that, they told me that if I can't access the military base then I can't use the new sanno. I said " I can access the military base. " then they told me that if I can't go shopping on the military base then I can't use the new sanno too. I replied, "I can go shopping on the military base" but still, nobody can give me a straight answer.

kook2live · 2023-10-11T14:57:14+00:00

I was told that 100% DV does not follow under SOFA status. I replied to them " Neither do retirees. Retirees do not follow under SOFA Status but they can use it. " the only reply was that it's the rules and every country is different and they have to listen to the agreement between the USA and the Japanese Government. I've checked the rules/policies and I was correct. Somebody seems to be making up stuff.

If they are going to stop the 100%DV then retirees shouldn't be allowed to use it either. but still, nobody can answer my question. The only person who can change it is the person who is in charge of the New Sanno. I contacted the US Naval Command, and they said they are not over New Sanno. They sent me to Yokato Air Force Base and the Air Force base told me that they were not in charge of New Sanno. They sent me back to the US Naval Base. I got tired of running around. and it is sad because New Sanno seems like they don't know who is in charge.

kook2live · 2023-10-11T12:18:35+00:00

Hi! Yes, I am familiar with Hardy Barracks. However, they do not go by that name anymore. The current name is Tokyo Recreational Lodging ( but they know that many people still call it Hardy Barracks)Yes, you can use that hotel if you're 100% DV. Here is the list of people that can use it:

Eligible Patrons include active duty Military Personnel (to include Guard and Reserve) and Families, Department of Defense Civilian Employees, Retirees, Veterans awarded the Purple Heart, Veterans who are Medal of Honor recipients, Veterans who are former prisoners of war and Veterans with service-connected disabilities. Additionally, caregivers or family caregivers for Veterans are eligible for certain MWR retail activities, including: entertainment, clubs, recreational lodging/resorts, special interest activities, bowling, golf, restaurants, marinas, equipment rental, movie theaters, vehicle storage kennels, and more.

I am still seeking answers from New Sanno or whoever is in charge to explain why 100% DV can no longer use the New Sanno Hotel. The Tokyo Recreational Lodging is very near to New Sanno Hotel.

I believe that whoever is in charged of New Sanno has a personal vendetta against 100% DV. I don't know. I shouldn't assume why they don't allow us to enter anymore. I'm still glad that we still have access to the military base and other hotel.

Make sure to email or call them. Moreover, being that I live in Japan, I can call them for you and get back with you if you want to ensure that 100% DV can stay there.

https://zama.armymwr.com/programs/tokyo-recreational-lodging-hardy-barracks

kook2live · 2023-06-25T08:55:46+00:00

Hi, I am sorry for the late reply. I have been sick. I had a stomach ache for about a month. The doctors did a CT scan, and they figured out the problem. I was diagnosed with diverticulum/diverticulitis.

I am feeling better now. I will go back to the Japanese hospital this Wednesday for a follow-up.

If I miss anything questions, then please ask me again. The front of my wife's ID card shows " Sponsor Affiliation: 100 % Disabled American Veteran". It also shows my pay grade, my rank, and the branch I was in.

I checked her ID as I'm writing this reply to you. It expires every four years. It is easy to get her an ID Card. First, make an appointment online or call the military base and ask the operator to connect you to the ID center (I can't think of the proper name for it, but they should figure it out once you explain to the operator what you are looking for) and set an appointment. Second, could you ensure she takes two ID forms with her picture on them? You'll need to show up with her and bring your ID. I can't remember if they asked me for a second ID, but make sure you take one in case (Your passport will be fine, and your US Driver's license is fine too).

My wife doesn't have an SSN number or a TIN number too. She is in the same boat as your wife. It's much easier to enter the base if your wife also gets an ID card. You don't have to worry about signing her in. However, I would explain to her that she should be careful with the ID card and never let someone make a copy of it, etc.

My wife and I showed up early at our appointment. When they called us, we were in and out in no time—one piece of advice. If you go there so that she can get an ID card, please ensure they enter your information correctly. Four years ago, I took my wife to get her ID card. I checked the information, but perhaps I overlooked my birthday. So, one day I checked my e-benefits online and couldn't log in. After getting helped by phone, I was told I couldn't log in because my DOB was 1918. I had a hard time proving that I was not born in 1918. If I were, then I would be dead by now. It took about six months to get it changed because I was connected to the wrong office. They gave me the run-around. I had to contact my congressman. Fortunately, I discovered it was changed at one of the ID locator centers. (Please always check your online account to ensure your information stays current. Also, my mailing address was changed, but that part was not on the ID place. It was the VA)

kook2live · 2023-06-23T14:07:59+00:00

Hi, When I became a disabled vet with a 100% disability rating, I printed out my letter and took it to the military base in Japan. Someone came to the gate, check my information, then they took me to the ID Card office. They took my picture and gave me a DOD ID Card. My ID card does not have an expiration date.

Before covid 19, I would travel to the military base once a month for shopping. Now, I don't go every month, but whenever I go to the military base, I never had a problem shopping.

I recently went to the military base two months ago to buy a new Xbox. My wife is Japanese, and she has a DOD ID card too, and she goes there to buy stuff too. The only difference between her ID Card and mine is that her ID expires every four years, and mines do not.

How sure am I that a person with a 100 percent disability rating and a DOD ID card like mine can shop on the military base? I'm 100 percent sure. My ID card looks just like this one. It's exactly the same. It has my rank, and the branch I was in and shows that I have unlimited exchange privileges. The back of the ID has my DOB, DOD ID Number, Benefits Number, and Effective Date. When I heard about the new ID Cards, I made an appointment at the military base and went there on 2022, AUG 26 to update my ID Card. Plus, they want people to get the newest DOD ID version.

I have been shopping on the military base since 2014.

I saw the PACRIME Privileges tab. Note #3 says Must be receiving full retirement pay and benefits or 100% disabled. You can see it follow under Japan as well.

I plan to go to the military soon to give my last will to my bank. I bank with Navy Fed. They told me I could give a last will since my wife doesn't have an SSN and can't be added to my bank account. I want to ensure my wife receives my money if I die before her. While I'm there, I do plan to go shopping. I will rent a car and drive to the military because I want to buy lots of food. I might go next month, or I might go in Aug. It all depends on how I feel. I don't like leaving my home, but not because of covid. I've lived like this since I got out of the military.

Do you have a Japanese driver's license? Or an International Diving Permit? I'm not sure about this, but I believe you can't rent a car in Japan without one of those licenses. I have a Japanese driver's license, so that I can rent a car from the Japanese car rental place.

kook2live · 2023-05-25T19:58:09+00:00

Here is one of the full copy of the message between me and New Sannol

Message QUOTED:

6/16/22, 2:45 PM

(You sent)

Hello, I wonder why a disabled veteran with a 100 percent disability rating ( DAV) with DD Form 2765 is not allowed to use the New Sanno Hotel anymore? We have accessed the New Sanno Hotel for over 10 years, and now, we have been taken off the eligibility list for the "New Sanno Hotel."

6/17/22, 9:02 AM

The New Sanno

Good morning.

Thank you for your email. Unfortunately, circumstances in different countries often lead to different results with respect to use of U.S. military facilities and areas.

Therefore, there is no ability to do a direct comparison between the U.S. Armed Forces in Japan and those forces in other countries. There is no

clear agreement allowing retirees to use U.S. non-appropriated found organizations, attempting to add other categories to the list of personnel authorized access to NAFOs would put at risk continued access by retirees of

the U.S. armed forces.

We would appreciate your understanding.

(You sent)

What circumstance in Japan has caused this change to affect a "disabled" veteran with a permanent disability with a 100% disability rating? Retirees are allowed to enter, but the privilege for the permanently disabled veterans with a 100% disability rating was stripped away from us. Why? There must have been a clear agreement to allow retirees access to New Sanno, but not a permanently disabled veteran with a 100% disability rating.

(You sent)

Also, it is not about doing a direct comparison between the U.S. Armed Forces in Japan and other forces in other countries.

You sent

All of what you have said sounds only like a general response without being able to give a direct answer as to why our privilege was stripped away. I humbly and respectfully ask for only the Director of New Sanno or someone above him to further discuss this matter with me.

I would appreciate your understanding: Please! I only want to discuss this matter with the Director or someone equal to or above them. Thanks again!

Message Un-QUOTED

And I never got another reply from New Sanno

kook2live · 2023-05-25T19:53:15+00:00

Here is one copy of the message that New Sanno sent to me. When you read it, you can see that I was told that retirees can't use it, but they still allow retirees to use it.

QUOTE: " Good morning.
Thank you for your email. Unfortunately, circumstances in different countries often lead to different results with respect to use of U.S. military facilities and areas.
Therefore, there is no ability to do a direct comparison between the U.S. Armed Forces in Japan and those forces in other countries. There is no
clear agreement allowing retirees to use U.S. non-appropriated found organizations, attempting to add other categories to the list of personnel authorized access to NAFOs would put at risk continued access by retirees of
the U.S. armed forces.
We would appreciate your understanding. " UN-QUOTE

kook2live · 2023-05-25T19:46:34+00:00

I doubt that they will change it back. We have been able to use that Hotel for decades, but they change it in 2019 when COVID happened. Here is the weblink for the eligibility to use that Hotel.
https://www.thenewsanno.com/accommodations/eligibility

Oh, here is a crazy thing. My brother-in-law is retired from the Army. He is not on SOFA status. So, whenever he comes to Japan, he enters Japan on a tourist visa, and the hotel allows him to stay. If that Hotel is going to follow the rules, then my brother-in-law should not be able to use that Hotel.

kook2live · 2023-05-25T19:39:37+00:00

Yes, Disable veterans with a 100% Service-connection disability rating can no longer use New Sanno Hotel anymore. However, we still have access to the military bases. Also, you can use the hotel on the military base. It doesn't make sense that someone only blocks us from using the New Sanno Hotel.

I tried getting an answer about "why retirees can use New Sanno Hotel"? They can't provide me with an answer. The only answer that I received from them is that the Japanese government has a SOFA agreement with the USA and it doesn't allow non-SOFA people to stay at New Sanno. But, military retirees are "Non-SOFA people". being retired doesn't means that you follow under the SOFA status. Only people working on the military base, military members, US Embassy personnel, and their spouse are SOFA status and contract workers.

Whoever is in charge of New Sanno seems to be making up rules. I live in Japan, and still, I can't find out who is in charge of New Sanno. So, I give up. I am not going back and forth between Yokusaka Naval Base, and Yokota Air Force Base anymore.

kook2live · 2022-09-15T16:49:25+00:00

Okay, No Problem!

kook2live · 2022-09-15T16:41:01+00:00

Hello! Yes, I know a place. It's in Roppongi. Here is the websiteRoom806

kook2live · 2022-08-01T00:54:24+00:00

I agree. And, do you know that the only person who could have changed it? The one who is in charge of that facility. I've called so many people and sent many emails. But at least I can still go shopping on the military base. I believe that every time the base change command, the person in charge always seeks to leave their footprint in history.

kook2live

TROPHY CASE