Fort Carson Commissary is one of 245, worldwide, which provide groceries to authorized armed service personnel, retirees and their families. The Defense Commissary Agency, with headquarters at Fort Lee, Virginia, operates a worldwide chain of commissaries that provide groceries to military personnel, retirees and their families in a safe and secure shopping environment. Authorized patrons purchase items at cost plus a 5 percent surcharge, which covers the costs of building new commissaries and modernizing existing ones. Shoppers save an average of more than 30 percent on their purchases compared to commercial prices. A core military family support element and a valued part of military pay and benefits, commissaries contribute to family readiness, enhance the quality of life for America's military and their families and help recruit and retain the best and brightest men and women to serve their country.