European Stars And Stripes (Newspaper) - July 22, 1986, Darmstadt, Hesse                                Retirement overseas continued front Page 13 away irom social Security eligibility when they leave the service. Finding work in Europe however can be difficult says Saxton. Ii you have lived in the command Ana Yaar without nato status you arc no longer eligible Tor department of defense employment on the Dollar pay scale the same is True if you have obtained a work permit and been employed in an Economy Job. As regulations often Are updated and exceptions frequently allowed it is Best to Consul with a civilian personnel officer though for employment details. Saxton s last position with the German Branch of a French firm engaged in electronic communication lasted nine years. Then however the company closed its German operation leaving him out in the cold. Now. He is Back Job Hunting and finding the going rough. At my age european firms won t even talk to me and there in t much open in my Field of communications among american firms overseas. My retirement pay just in t enough he says and to make mailers worse it comes in dollars and most of my expenses Are in Marks. This fluctuating Exchange rate is driving me  Many Overway Retiree Ere disappointed to Loam thai they Are not permitted to use the service facilities of an overseas base a privilege they normally would be entitled to within the United states. Eligibility to use duty free sales and service activities at exchanges commissaries and open messes is up to the Host country. Retirees in Holland Greece Spain and Turkey have no privileges. In Belgium. The Retiree must reside in the country for Ona year before becoming eligible for a customs card to enter the pm. Germany and Italy Are comparatively generous in the privileges granted. In Germany retirees can shop at the pm and the commissary. They cannot buy rationed items however and must report All purchases to German customs where a 15 percent import tax is levied. Saxton says he rarely spends More than $50 a month at the american stores. I can get most items cheaper on the Economy despite the German sales lax and having to go through the customs routine is a  use of military postal facilities overseas also depends on agreements Between the United slates and the Host country. Even when they Are allowed to use the system Ood requires retirees residing overseas to Timil the weight of parcels to less than a Pound. There Are problems too when in comes to medical care. Overseas retirees who live near a . Military Hospital Are entitled to care on a space available basis. For those however who must rely on civilian medical care the costs can be High. Champs helps pay Lor civilian care until age 65 Only Points out Salon. Then you have no medical Amot station Toft