Monday, November 12, 2012

Say Thank You to Our Military

Yesterday was Veteran's Day.  I have friends in the military and I want to take a moment to thank them for their service.  Even if you're not in the military don't stop reading this blog as in some cases family members may qualify for travel benefits.  

I love the website Veteran's Advantage.  Below is a list of the various locations where discounts are offered. A one year membership is $59 but they offer a 30 day free trial.
If you fly United Airlines you will receive a travel code that gives you 5% off your flights.  As you can see from the list, in addition to United Airlines, there are discounts for car rentals, train travel and hotels. The thing that differentiates this website is that in addition to U.S. Veterans and active duty military, National Guard and Reservists can join but also next of kin: fathers, mothers, sons or daughters. 

Each year businesses honor veterans and service members, as well as their families, with Veterans Day discounts on goods, services, and dining.  Some discounts extend beyond Veteran's day.

Keep in mind that most businesses require proof of military service, which can include a VA Universal Access Card, Military I.D., DD-214 (Discharge Papers), Veterans Service Organization Card (VSO's include groups like the VFW, DAV, AmVets, MOAA, FRA, and the American Legion), or in some cases businesses will accept a picture of the veteran in uniform.
The following is a list of 2012 Veteran and military discounts and Buy One Get One (BOGO) offerings. This year's offerings even include some honest-to-goodness free meals.
Note: Not all franchise locations participate in their national chain's Veterans Day programs -- be sure contact your nearest establishment to make sure they are participating.
Veterans Day Restaurant Offerings:
Golden Corral – Golden Corral Restaurants' Military Appreciation Monday free dinner will be available on Monday November 12, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Military retirees, Veterans, active duty, National Guard and Reserves are all welcome.
Little Caesars® Pizza – Little Caesar's will honor members – past and present – of the armed forces on Monday Nov. 12, 2012, by providing veterans and active military members with a free Crazy Bread® with proof of military status or proof of service at participating stores nationwide.
Lone Star Steakhouse – On Monday, 11/12/2012, all veterans and active duty military will receive a FREE entrée from our Stars & Stripes Menu. See your local restaurant for details. Be sure to call ahead to verify local participation. Be sure to call ahead to verify local participation.
O'Charley's – O’Charley’s will thank veterans and active duty military personnel, celebrating their service, by providing them with a complimentary meal on Monday, November 12. With their military I.D. or other proof of service, servicemen and women will receive their choices of meal from the O’Charley’s “$9.99er” menu.
Outback Steakhouse – The week of November 11th- 12th, Outback will be offering Veterans and service members a Free Bloomin' Onion and Coca-Cola product (non-alcoholic) beverage. In addition, Outback is offering all military servicemembers and veterans who present a proper ID* or a photo in uniform, will receive a 10% discount off their entire guest check. 
Sizzler Steak House – Veterans and servicemembers can get a free lunch on Monday Nov. 12, 2012 until 4:00pm. The limited menu includes 3 entrees – 6 oz. Steak, Malibu Chicken, or a Half Dozen Fried Shrimp. Click here to check if your local restaurant is offering the Veterans Day freebie.
T.G.I. Friday's – Veterans and Servicemembers can get a free lunch on Monday Nov. 12, 2012. Contact your nearest location for more details on their Veterans Day offer.
Texas Roadhouse – Texas Roadhouse locations – nationwide – will offer veterans a free lunch on Monday Nov. 12, 2012. Choose from one of 10 free meals, plus sides and a drink. Offer good for ALL veterans – including all active, retired or former U.S. military.
UNO Chicago Grill – Veterans and active military members can get a free entrée or individual pizza with the purchase of an entrée or pizza of equal or greater value. This offer is good from Sunday, November 11 through Monday, November 12. Military ID or proof of service is required, but no coupon is needed.
Veterans Day Travel and Recreation:
Aqua Hotels & Resorts – 10% off for veterans.
Bolongo Bay Beach Resort, US Virgin Islands – Active and retired military get 30% off room-only rates and $150 in island credits. The offer is available on a minimum four-night stay between November 1 and November 30, 2012, subject to availability.
JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa – Special rates for members of the military and first responders for stays beginning Veterans Day (November 11) through January 3, 2013. Active duty and retired members of the military are asked to request the Salute to Service rate (rate code: GOV) when they make their room reservations at www.jwsanantonio.com or by calling the toll-free telephone number, 866-882-4420. A military or service I.D. is required at check-in.
Knotts Berry Farm – Military Tribute Days at Knott's Berry Farm includes free admission for active, veteran and retired personnel and a guest from 1 November - 6 January. In addition, you can stay at the Knott's Berry Farm Hotel for only $84. 
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort – Active and retired military receive special rates and discounts on golf and amenities from November 8 - 11, including resort hotel room discounts, discounts off golf packages, and discounts on beach and umbrella rentals.
Veterans Day Retailer Offerings:
Banana Republic – Veterans, military personnel and their families can get 50 percent off three full-priced items from November 12-15. Servicemembers, veterans and families who shop at Banana Republic on November 13 also can participate in special events geared towards helping veterans find jobs, including interview and resume tips from an HR expert, styling advice and refreshments.
Home Depot  – Offers a 10 percent discount to all Veterans during Veterans Day, Memorial Day and Independence Day. Home Depot offers the 10 percent discount year round to for active duty and retirees.
Lowe's – All Veterans receive the 10-percent discount on Veteran's Day, Memorial Day and the Fourth of July. The offer is available in stores only and is limited to in-stock and special-order purchases of up to $5,000.
Toys "R" Us - Military moms, dads and family members can use a special discount coupon, good for 20 percent off one regular-priced item, valid from Sunday, November 11 through Monday, November 12. A military ID will be required at checkout.
Other Freebies:
National Parks – Veterans Day weekend (November 10-12) Veterans will be invited to visit over 100 National Parks for free.
Year-Round Veterans Discounts:
Foot Locker – Veterans, Servicemembers (Active, Guard, and Reserve), and their immediate families with a Foot Locker Veterans Advantage Card receive a 20 percent discount every day of the year. That offer is good both online and at any store location, including Foot Locker, Lady Foot Locker, Kids Foot Locker, Footaction and Champs Sports — even on sale items.
Home Depot  – Offers a 10 percent discount (up to a $500 maximum) to all active military, reserve, retired or disabled Veterans and their family members with a valid military ID. All other Veterans qualify for a 10 percent discount during Veterans Day, Memorial Day and Independence Day.
Lowe's – Lowe's offers a year-round 10 percent discount offer for all active duty, National Guard and Reserve, retirees and disabled Servicemembers and their immediate families. All other Veterans receive the 10-percent discount on Veteran's Day, Memorial Day and the Fourth of July. The discount is available on in-stock and special-order purchases of up to $5,000. The offer can't be used on sales at Lowes.com, on previous sales or on sales of services or gift cards. You must present a valid military I.D. card to receive the discount.

Thanks again to those who serve our country!













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