N※N

Moffett Field Commissary Closure Sparks Campaign Led by Former Mayor Liccardo

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/03/3 .. parks-campaign-led-by-former-mayor-liccardo.html
  Published in House and Home on Tuesday, March 31st 2026 at 19:24 GMT by East Bay Times
      Locale: UNITED STATES

SAN JOSE, CA - March 31, 2026 - Former San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo is spearheading a campaign to ensure continued commissary services at Moffett Federal Airfield, a crucial resource for military families and veterans throughout Santa Clara County. With the existing commissary facing imminent closure due to expiring lease agreements, Liccardo has formally appealed to the U.S. House of Representatives to intervene and secure a new facility by 2029.

The commissary at Moffett Field isn't just a grocery store; it's a vital component of support for the roughly 30,000 active duty personnel, reservists, and veterans residing within a 50-mile radius, including a significant population in Silicon Valley. Commissaries offer significant savings on groceries and household goods - often exceeding 30% compared to commercial retailers - a benefit particularly crucial as the cost of living in the Bay Area continues to soar. The impending closure threatens to disproportionately impact lower-ranking service members and veterans on fixed incomes.

Liccardo's letter, addressed to House Speaker Mike Johnson and other influential members of Congress, doesn't simply request action, but frames the commissary's continuation as a matter of supporting those who have served the nation. He emphasizes the potential "significant and detrimental impact" on the well-being of military families should the commissary be lost. The letter specifically requests that the House formally urge the Department of Defense (DoD) and the General Services Administration (GSA) to prioritize the identification and acquisition of a suitable new location, with a target operational date of 2029.

The current lease situation is complex. Moffett Federal Airfield, a historic landmark originally built as a naval air station and now home to NASA Ames Research Center and other federal entities, operates under unique constraints regarding land use and long-term planning. The existing commissary occupies a parcel that is critical for planned infrastructure upgrades. While the need for modernization is acknowledged, the timing of the lease expiration without a concrete plan for relocation has created a crisis. Sources familiar with the negotiations indicate that finding a comparable facility within the airfield's boundaries, or nearby, that meets the DoD's requirements for size, accessibility, and security is proving challenging.

Beyond the logistical hurdles, securing funding for a new commissary presents another obstacle. While commissary operations are generally funded through a combination of sales revenue and appropriated funds, the construction or substantial renovation of a facility requires a significant upfront investment. Liccardo is hoping Congressional pressure will help unlock those funds. He is suggesting that a public-private partnership could also be explored to accelerate the project and minimize the burden on taxpayers.

Local community response to Liccardo's efforts has been overwhelmingly positive. The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) chapter in Santa Clara County has publicly praised his proactive approach, stating that the commissary is a "lifeline" for many veterans who rely on it for affordable necessities. Community organizers are also planning a letter-writing campaign and a petition drive to further amplify the message to Congress and the relevant federal agencies. Several tech companies in the area, known for their support of veteran initiatives, are reportedly considering ways to contribute to the effort.

The situation at Moffett Field mirrors a broader national trend of commissary closures and reduced services. The DoD has been facing increasing pressure to streamline operations and reduce costs, leading to difficult decisions about resource allocation. However, critics argue that cutting commissary benefits ultimately shifts the burden onto service members and their families, eroding morale and potentially impacting retention rates. The Commissary Store Director for the West Coast region noted in a recent internal memo that maintaining access to these facilities is crucial to maintaining the all-volunteer force.

Liccardo's initiative highlights the importance of local advocacy in addressing federal issues with direct community impact. While the outcome remains uncertain, his letter serves as a powerful reminder that supporting military families and veterans requires ongoing commitment and proactive engagement from all levels of government.