Commissary guest access changes May 14 Published May 1, 2012 By 18th Wing Public Affairs KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- Starting May 14, the Kadena Commissary will only allow guest access to those with prior written approval by the 18th Mission Support Group deputy commander or deputy director. The change in procedure became official in a recent policy letter signed by the 18th Mission Support Commander, Col. Roftiel Constantine. According to the letter, only requests with 'unique and compelling circumstances' will be approved. Authorized patrons requesting access for a guest must make a formal, written request to the 18th MSG deputy commander or director. The letter must include a copy of the guest's passport, the duration of the request and a statement that the sponsor understands that the guest cannot make any purchases. "Requests can be made directly to the 18th MSG office if commissary access is all that is requested or at the Gate 1 visitor's center if base access is also being requested," said Mr. Felipe Jimenez, 18th MSG deputy director. The process will take approximately five days once a request is received at the group. "If the request is also for base access it will take longer as the 18th Security Forces Squadron must process the base access request before sending the request to the 18th MSG," said Mr. Jimenez. All authorized commissary patrons, with the exception of military members in uniform, are required to present a valid identification card and if they are accompanied by a guest, the guest must present their approved guest letter upon entering the commissary. The Kadena commissary director is responsible for enforcing this new policy. For more information, contact 18th MSG at 18msg.dd@kadena.af.mil.