Navy News, news from Iraq - Navy Times

Deployers get extra time to use CertifiChecks

Commissary customers who have been deployed or traveling on official duty since March 6 will get a one-year extension on the July 31 deadline to redeem commissary CertifiCheck gift certificates, according to a spokesman with the Defense Commissary Agency.

For all others holding CertifiChecks, the deadline to redeem them at the commissary is still July 31.

“Extending the redemption deadline for our troops downrange is only fair,” said DeCA director and chief executive officer Philip Sakowitz Jr., in a statement in response to questions. “We have an obligation to support our customers in extraordinary circumstances and this situation definitely qualifies.”

To qualify for the extension, a person must be deployed or on temporary duty for the entire time between March 6 and July 31, and must complete a form and have it signed by a supervisor who certifies that the duty took place during that time, said DeCA spokesman Kevin Robinson. Those who qualify for the extension will have until July 31, 2010, to redeem their CertifiChecks at commissaries, but must present the signed form along with the CertifiCheck at the time of purchase.

The form will be available online and also in stores’ customer service areas and cash offices.

CertifiChecks Inc. went out of business Feb. 26, leaving customers of hundreds of businesses and associations around the country holding worthless gift certificates that already had been purchased.

A week later, the Defense Department agreed to allow commissaries to continue to accept the gift certificates, with the Defense Commissary Agency absorbing the losses through its retail stocks account in the Defense Working Capital Fund.