director and CEO from October 2004 to October 2007, was the first person in U.S. history to become director of any commissary agency after beginning his career at store level and steadily rising through the commissaries' civilian career field. Following Nixon's retirement, Richard S. Page served as acting director until the arrival of director and CEO, Philip E. Sakowitz Jr., in June 2008. Thomas E. Milks was acting director and CEO, from Sakowitz's June 2010 retirement until Joseph H. Jeu succeeded Sakowitz 3 June 2011. Joseph H. Jeu subsequently served as the director and CEO from January 2011 until his retirement in June 2017. Michael Dowling served as acting director and CEO following Jeu’s retirement. On Oct. 24, DOD announced retired Rear Adm. Robert J. Bianchi as the interim director and CEO. Bianchi is also the CEO of the Navy Exchange Service Command. Authorized commissary patrons Authority to shop at Commissaries is normally determined by presentation of the U.S. Uniformed Services Privilege and Identification Card or a Common Access Card. At some military bases authorized patrons are allowed to bring guests into the commissaries. Guests are not authorized to make commissary purchases, and patrons are not permitted to make commissary purchases for guests. Base commanders can order the restriction of guests to the commissaries. Commissary privileges overseas are covered under Status of Forces Agreements (SOFA), Visiting Forces agreements, treaties, etc. Since products sold in overseas commissaries pass across international borders and are customs, duty, and tax free; there are shopping restrictions. Authorized patrons Active duty members of the United States Armed Forces. DeCA employees Members of the Reserve and National Guard. Retired members of Active Duty, Reserves, and the National Guard. Retired Reservist and National Guardsmen not yet age 60 (Gray Area). Honorably discharged veterans with 10-100 percent service-connected disability certified by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Recipients of the Medal of Honor. Since Jan 2020, Recipients of the Purple Heart. Since Jan 2020, Disabled Veterans*. Since Jan 2020, Caregivers for Disabled Veterans*. Since Jan 2020, former POW's. *Patron eligibility documentation required is primarily based on VA letter for caregivers and VA VID. Some newly categorized patrons receive an additional charge on top of regular Surcharge to satisfy U.S. Treasury fees to avoid a hit on taxpayers. Eligible dependents Spouses of Military Servicemembers, Military Retirees, Recipients of the Medal of Honor and Veterans with 40-100 percent service-connected disability are