How to use a Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) to access bases in Okinawa, Japan
*****March 2023 Update ***** USAG Torii Station is no longer allowing access to Disabled Veterans in direct contradiction of the law. They are using what i feel is an incorrect interpretation of the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) to justify their actions. Kadena Air Base in Okinawa is the only military facility in Okinawa that appropriately recognizes the VHIC for base access; however, you cannot use it for purchases at the commissary or Exchange. *************************** For those not familiar with the Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC), it is possible to apply here . The ability to apply online is new and unfamiliar to me. I had to fly back to the United States and visit an actual VA hospital to apply for my card in July of 2022. I am writing this article as a resource for service-connected, disabled veterans living in Okinawa, but it should reasonably apply to those living anywhere in Japan as well. I am writing it because I could not find any definitive evidence any