Military Life News

Military Life News, Commissary Rewards and Military Discounts

8 Apps for Military Coupons

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Military coupons are in abundance if you know where to look. There are amazing apps for your phone full of military coupons and best of all, they’re free.

Here is a list of our favorite military coupon apps.

SCOUT Military Discounts

Looking for a large amount of military coupons in one place? Then SCOUT Military Discounts is the app you want. It has thousands of military coupons and discounts.

Not only does it have great military coupons, but it also has unique features that set it apart from other apps. These include USO locations, military-friendly charities and lists of freebies on Veterans Day.

Commissary Rewards App

Have you signed up for the Commissary Rewards Card?

Once you have, download the Commissary Rewards App and log in. With the Commissary Rewards App, you can clip military coupons on the go with just the tap of your finger.

There is a huge selection of military coupons in the app. When you check out, just scan your Commissary Rewards Card.

Military Cost Cutters

Military Cost Cutters brings together military-friendly businesses and veterans. The app was created by veterans for the military community. Through this app, you can search for military-friendly businesses and find military coupons and discounts.

Some of the perks of this app include: having a QR code scanning function, being able to search any location for specials, upload any military coupons or discounts you find and rate businesses.

They also have a rewards program where you can receive deals from businesses that you have shopped with.

Shop Savvy

The Shop Savvy app is the ultimate shopping partner. Not only does it have great military coupons, deals and specials, but you can also get cash back after shopping.

A great feature is the option to scan barcodes to compare prices from one store to another. If you’re a frugal shopper, you can set price drop alerts for a particular item so you’ll know when the best deal is available.

You can make your shopping list and do all of your shopping right in the app.

Discount Soldier

Discount Soldier is another great app for military coupons and discounts. It is a community where military families share military coupons and discounts they find.

Members of Discount Soldier can add discounts they find right to the app. This app has no in-app purchases to slow you down. They have a great website as well.

Ibotta: Cash Back App

Ibotta is an extremely popular cash back app. They have great deals ranging from clothing stores and craft stores to grocery stores, and don’t forget about military coupons.

The key feature of Ibotta is rebates. All you have to do is scan your receipts with your camera phone and when you’re ready to collect the rebates, they will pay you through PayPal or through a gift card.

To potentially earn more, you can shop with friends to unlock group discounts.

Pro-tip: Ibotta works with commissary receipts.

Checkout 51

If you can’t find a military coupon for something you’ve had your eye on, perhaps you can get cash back with Checkout 51. They give cash back from brand names. Every Thursday new offers are added to the list. You can purchase these products anywhere and then take a picture of your receipt to get cash back.

They will mail you a check when your rebate totals $20.  This app is also available in Spanish.

RetailMeNot

RetailMeNot is an award-winning app and one of our favorites.

If there is a promo code, military coupon or discount available, RetailMeNot will have it.

With this one app you won’t have to search for a promotion code when purchasing products online or cut coupons at home. Simply type in the name of the business you are shopping at and it will show you the coupons available for it, both in store and online.

There are more than 50,000 retailers and thousands of restaurants with discounts and offers in RetailMeNot. Use the map that shows specials near you or set alerts for your favorite shops to see more deals.

These are our favorite apps for military coupons and discounts.

What apps do you use for military coupons?

On-Site Sales Available to National Guard, Reserve

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The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) recently announced that commissaries around the world are offering special benefits for National Guard and Reserve troops. These service members and their families, can take advantage of on-site and online sales through the holiday season. Sites run coast to coast within the United States, with 1 overseas location in Camp Fuji, Japan.

Essentially, this sales program for National Guard and Reserve is like a case lot sale.

Locations that don’t have a commissary will have special short-term sales. These sales will run through both Thanksgiving and the December holidays. While the items at each location may vary, families will be sure to find pantry and holiday favorites. Some of the featured items include: ham, canned fruits and veggies, turkey and snack items.

All eligible commissary beneficiaries can take advantage of this opportunity to stock up on pantry staples and special holiday foods!

However, this program is only being offered at specific locations and on a set number of dates. For information about each site, check out that commissary’s website or contact them via email or phone.

Pre-plan, Pre-order and Pre-pay for Your Holiday Meals

Some of these special sales are offering online pre-orders! That means your family can pick out your grocery items in advance, guaranteeing you that special treat you crave. You will pay for your groceries with a credit card when you place your order.

This online service has the potential to help military families with their holiday budgets. By pre-ordering and pre-paying for your holiday feast, you can get your budget ready for the holiday expenses early. Plus, you won’t be shocked by the cost of your feast!

Take Advantage of Your Commissary Benefits

For most active duty troops, using the commissary benefit is as easy as pie. With the local commissary minutes away from where you work, active duty families can snag cheaper groceries on a regular basis.

For National Guard or Reserve families, it can be harder to access this benefit. There are Guard and Reserve troops in every city and town nationwide. A fully functional base may be hours away!

When going to the grocery store is a full-day event, families might not use the commissary often. By bringing the commissary closer to home, National Guard and Reserve families can exercise their benefits more easily.

This can help trim the bottom line during the holidays too. The cost differences between shopping “out in town” at the local markets and the commissary can be as high as 40 percent! Those precious dollars could mean a huge budget difference for many military families.

On-Site Sales Aren’t Only for Guard and Reserve

Any authorized beneficiary can take advantage of this great offer! From active duty to retired, if you can shop at a commissary you can go to these on-site sales. This will help active duty service members at recruiting stations or located away from a major installation.

Retirees will also be able to come out and purchase their holiday feasts closer to their location.

DeCA May Gain New Customers

By bringing the commissary closer to Guard and Reserve service members, DeCA is spreading some holiday cheer and goodwill.

This shows a real effort by the agency to help all beneficiaries, in all locations.

Reduced hours and required furloughs have been hard for the last few years. For some families, that might have been a turn-off to shopping there.

This program will help to show a friendlier side to the commissary. With special events closer to home, more Guard and Reserve families are likely to shop there. These on-site sales extend the commissary benefits to more families and creates a positive feeling about DeCA with them.

What do you think of this pre-order, pre-pay program for National Guard and Reserve?

Should Military Spouses Tag Along on TDYs?

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After 18 years as a military spouse, I’ve lived through my share of service-connected separations. Be it multi-month deployments or weeks-long TDYs, separations are a part of military life.

Some military spouses, especially those new to this lifestyle, often struggle with the idea of separation, even for a short period of time.

And while deployments don’t allow military spouses to visit troops in country, many spouses do make the decision to follow their service member while they are on temporary duty.

I certainly appreciate the desire to be near your spouse, especially when a separation comes after basic training or in conjunction with a PCS to a new duty station.

Should Military Spouses Tag Along on TDYs?

Few military spouses have the luxury of packing a bag and hitting the road. If you plan to follow your service member on temporary duty, you’ll need lots of lead time to prepare.

But before you pack a bag and make a long-term hotel reservation, here are a few things to consider.

Your Service Member’s Free Time May Be Limited

A TDY typically involves some kind of training or special mission requirements. As such, a service member’s free time may be limited or they might be restricted to the duty station or facility. They may also work odd hours or have homework that limits the amount of free time they have outside of work.

So what does that mean? You might find yourself sitting in a hotel room in a town you’ve never been to before with no spouse to keep you company and zero support network.

If you are prepared for the possibility of spending a lot of time alone, make sure you have something to focus your time and energy on in between the sporadic visits from your spouse. You may want to take an online class, write a book or volunteer for a local nonprofit organization.

Planning Ahead Is a Must

Few of us have the luxury of packing a bag and hitting the road. If you plan on following your service member on temporary duty, you’ll need lots of lead time to prepare.

If the TDY is in conjunction with a PCS, you may need to give notice to terminate a lease and schedule a household goods pack-out.

Reservations at many hotels around busy military installations may be limited or long-term stays and temporary or short-term rental properties may not always be available. If you have pets, availability may be limited even further.

It is tempting to throw caution to the wind and figure it out as you go. But consider the extra strain and stress on a service member if you are unable to secure living arrangements.

Training and focusing on the mission becomes infinitely harder if you are worried about your spouse sleeping in your car.

If you make the decision to accompany your spouse, don’t leave the planning to the last minute. Plan to have a conversation about expectations. Try to talk to other service members about services and facilities available for a short-term relocation. Have a plan B in the event that a 3-week course suddenly becomes 6 weeks.

TDY Life May Be Costly

Perhaps the biggest consideration for a short-term relocation for military spouses is budget. Can you afford to quit your job or take a leave of absence, for the duration of the TDY?

Don’t forget that you may find additional costs associated with living out of your suitcase. If your living arrangements don’t include a kitchen or a washer and dryer, make sure you include those costs into your monthly budget.

The seasoned spouse in me wants to tell my fellow military spouses contemplating one of these temporary relocations to reconsider.

That the potential strain to relationships and budgets aren’t worth the occasional opportunity to see your spouse. That being alone in a new place without the benefit of a unit to turn to in times of need is time better spent in a familiar place or with family.

But instead, I will simply say this — Military life affords us ample opportunities for adventure and promises countless nights will be spent counting down to a reunion.

Separations are never easy, but we can and do learn to persevere through them. We must each make decisions about what is best for us and our families. If you decide this kind of move is right for you, be smart about your reasons and be fair in your expectations.

Have you ever moved to a location temporarily while your service member was conducting training or a short assignment there?

Military Savings at the Movies

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Between tickets, drinks and snacks, a night at the movies can really add up!

In some locations, tickets to first-run or special movies, like 3D or IMAX, can be upwards of $15 per person. A small popcorn is usually closer to $10 than to $5 and drinks are both giant in size and cost.

Military Savings at the Movies

What are your tips for military savings at the movies?

Luckily there are military savings to help you cut costs and still enjoy a fun day at the movie theater with your family.

Military Savings on Movie Tickets

The 4 major cinemas all offer military discounts. Don’t forget to show your military ID card when asking for a military discount.

  • Cinemark offers military discounts at several theaters. For specifics on discount times and amounts, contact the cinema closest to you.
  • Regal also offers a military discount. The discount amount and times that the discount is offered vary by location. It is recommended that you contact your local theater.
  • There is also a military discount at AMC theaters. The discount varies based on location and is only available after 4 p.m.
  • Showcase Cinemas has military tickets available at many locations starting at $7.50 for general admission and $5.50 for matinee and children’s tickets.

Military Savings on Movie Tickets Purchased at ITT

Beyond amazing trip packages and tickets to the big game, your on-base ITT (Information, Tickets and Travel) office also stocks discounted movie tickets. Like the cinema-run discounts, these military savings will vary by location.

Most bases offer passes that can be exchanged at the theater for tickets. There may be a few deal breakers, though. These passes might only be valid during certain times, for certain types of movies (regular vs 3D) and you might not be able to be used these discounted tickets on opening night or weekend.

So before you set your plans in stone, check the fine print!

Watch Movies at Your On-Post Theater

Watch a movie on base and save beaucoup bucks. Military theaters are located on most major installations.

Some locations have special screenings of popular films that have been previously released. Often these showings are free or very, very cheap.

Other locations show first-run movies around the same time they are released nationally. Tickets are heavily discounted (compared with a civilian movie theater) and so are the snacks.

When you see a movie on base, be prepared for things to be a little bit, shall we say, different. Before the movie starts, get ready to stand while the National Anthem is played. You might also want to bring a cushion. The seating tends to be on the uncomfortable side.

Showings and runs of films are very limited. If you find a time for a movie you want to see, you should go. It might not be playing next week or even tomorrow!

Check your local base theater’s schedule for show times and special events.

Sign Up for a Theater Loyalty Program

Another great option is to sign up for theater loyalty programs. These work like other retail shopping cards: the more you go, the more points you earn and the more freebies you get. Different theater chains offer different perks, but items can include free snacks or drinks and even cheaper movie tickets.

While some theater chains only offer discounts for evening shows, other theaters might be willing to combine discounts. By going to a matinee showing in the late morning or afternoon, you might be able to save even more. For theaters that don’t double dip the discount, these early showings are usually several dollars cheaper. That makes it a smart budget choice.

No matter where you live or what movie you want to see tonight, there is probably a military discount available to you! Be sure to check around before you head out the door so that you get the best deal.

What are your tips for military savings at the movies?

Repay Your Enlistment Bonus? No Way!

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Enlistment bonuses are the pot of gold in military life. Not everyone gets them. If your solider is offered one, count yourself lucky and take it. Don’t ask any questions. Just take that money and use it to pay off your debts or buy a house.

That’s the opinion among many service members when it comes to an enlistment bonus. It’s free money. Take it or leave it. But it would be smarter to take the enlistment bonus.

Repay Your Enlistment Bonus? No Way!

Enlistment bonuses are the pot of gold. You are lucky if you find one.

That’s why when the Los Angeles Times reported that nearly 10,000 soldiers with the California Guard were ordered to repay their enlistment bonuses, many like myself were thinking “repay? no way.”

Here’s what happened.

During the no-end-in-sight wars in Afghanistan and Iraq in the mid-2000s, the Defense Department struggled to retain service members and meet recruiting numbers. To combat this shortfall, cash incentives, similar to a sign-on bonus in the civilian sector, were given to service members.

But not every service member. Only soldiers with certain assignments – for example, intelligence, civil affairs and some noncommissioned officer posts – were supposed to get bonuses, according to the Los Angeles Times’ article.

But an investigation, which was triggered by a whistleblower, found that California Guard officials mismanaged their enlistment bonus funds. They gave enlistment bonuses to soldiers who didn’t qualify for them.

This investigation lead to an audit of the enlistment bonuses given to California Guard soldiers. This audit lead to nearly 10,000 soldiers being notified that they needed to pay back their bonuses. They didn’t have a choice. They were ordered to pay back this money.

It wasn’t their fault that this money was mismanaged. They didn’t do anything wrong. Yet, they were ordered to pay back their enlistment bonuses.

Many did. They refinanced their homes or took a second job so that they could pay back the thousands that they now owed the federal government.

Many tried to fight the order to repay. They filed appeals and got nowhere until the Los Angeles Times’ article went viral.

Only then did something happened for these veterans.

Rep. Duncan Hunter called the repayment demand a “boneheaded” move. President Obama ordered the Defense Department to “speed up a review of its attempt to recoup enlistment bonuses from National Guard members and to ensure that the Pentagon doesn’t ‘nickel and dime‘ them,” according to the Washington Times.

Defense Secretary Ash Carter ordered the Pentagon to halt its attempts to reclaim these enlistment bonus. He also promised to resolve all the cases by July 1, 2017.

“While some soldiers knew or should have known they were ineligible for benefits they were claiming, many others did not,” Carter said in a statement.

What happens next?

More investigating.

More number-crunching.

More hand-wringing.

Do I believe that thousands of soldiers will be allowed to keep their enlistment bonuses that on paper they didn’t earn because of the fraudulent actions of a few?

Honestly I don’t.

Enlistment bonuses are the pot of gold. You are lucky if you find one.

What happens if you stumble upon one by mistake?

You don’t get to keep it.

Now it’s your turn: What do you think of this enlistment bonus scandal and repayment order to thousands of California Guard soldiers?

Why the CFC Matters

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For service members and federal employees, the Combined Federal Campaign is everywhere right now. But why does it really matter?

Why the CFC Matters

First, a little history about the CFC.

The Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) has been around, in different forms, since 1956. President Dwight Eisenhower created a system to allow federal employees and military personnel to give to charity, without endless requests at work. Presidents through the years have refined and changed the system into what it is today.

Today, the CFC is a once yearly period of time when troops and government workers can donate to charities. This helps to stop year-round charitable donation requests from colleagues or groups. And it allows federal workers to show their support for their favorite causes through their job. On the job giving or donations requests usually isn’t allowed. It can be seen as an “endorsement” by the government.

What is the CFC?

The CFC is a system that helps service members to donate to their favorite charities quickly and easily. It also helps them to track their giving for pay purposes.

First, charities apply to be included in the program. A group that has 501(c)(3) status may apply to be included in either a local or national campaign. For either category, the charity must show their impact and programs.

Then, between September 1 and December 15, 2016 federal employees and service members can give to the group(s) of their choice.

Charities are either local, national or part of a federation. You can give to groups in one or all categories. A local charity works in a designated zone close to your workplace or base. A national charity reaches communities around the country. Charities in a federation are all similar types of groups. For example, a group of charities working in education or health care.

Why the CFC Matters

From left: Master Sgt. Elizabeth Ramos, 412th Force Support Squadron, watches as Brig. Gen. Carl Schaefer, 412th Test Wing commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Todd Simmons, 412th TW command chief, fill out their Combined Federal Campaign donation forms at wing headquarters Oct. 24. Ramos and 1st Lt. Christophe Bangerezako, 412th Medical Support Squadron, are this year’s points of contact. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ethan Wagner)

Not sure where you want your donation to go? You can donate undesignated funds. These will be split evenly between all the charities.

Giving is simple too!

During the CFC period, employees can donate in 3 different ways.

The easiest way is through a payroll deduction. You can give as little as $1 per paycheck over the course of the CFC giving year. Or you can donate as much as you want! The money comes out automatically every pay period and can be divided between different groups.

Another option is to give a one-time cash, check or credit card donation. For specifics about how to donate this way, check with your unit or base representative.

The last way to give is through a recurring credit, debit or ACH donation. Again, check with your unit or base rep for more details.

It’s also easy to track your giving. For payroll deductions, match the deductions taken to the charities on your year-end LES. For credit or debit card donations, make sure that you keep your receipts! If you made a cash donation, you should contact the Finance Department.

Changes are coming to the CFC in 2017.

Retirees will be able to donate through the CFC starting in September 2017. They will be able to give through monthly deductions from their annuity.

Also starting next year, federal employees will be able to volunteer their time and donate. You will be able to give time to selected groups. That time will be monetized and added to the CFC totals.

By opening up these 2 ways to give back, more service members and military retirees will be able to have an impact.

Even those on a tight budget will be able to help others, through the gift of time.

Another change is the GiveBack.org has partnered with the CFC and OPM to modernize the donation system. GiveBack is a charity that helps large groups of people work together for charity. This group will also likely help to integrate the volunteer and retiree donation options into the current CFC system.

The 2016 Combined Federal Campaign is currently underway. Click here to find out more information about donating to the CFC today.

Your Guide to Your Tricare Vision Benefits

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Did you know that Tricare offers vision benefits? If you have been avoiding having your eyes examined because you thought it would cost too much or you didn’t know what Tricare covered, this article is for you. We laid out the Tricare vision benefits for you.

Your Guide to Your Tricare Vision Benefits

What are your questions regarding Tricare vision benefits?

Tricare vision benefits vary based on your status: active duty, reservist, retired, military spouse or child of active duty, reservist or retired service member. Depending on the type of Tricare plan you have also makes a difference: Tricare Standard, Tricare Prime, Tricare Remote or Tricare for Life. Once you know which Tricare program you fall under, you can easily see what your options are.

What’s covered by Tricare?

Eye Exams

For the most part, Tricare covers routine eye exams. Those on active duty can have as many eye exams as needed to make sure they are fit to continue working.

The families of active duty service members can have an eye exam conducted once a year.

All other Tricare Prime beneficiaries are covered for an eye exam every 2 years. This includes retirees and their families. If however, the patient has diabetes, they can have their eyes examined once a year.

Tricare has a benefit called Well-child Care. Eye exams for children ages 3 to 6 are covered for an eye exam every 2 years at no cost, no matter which Tricare plan they fall under. These exams can also incorporate screening for amblyopia and strabismus.

Tricare Standard and Extra along with Tricare Prime and Tricare Prime Remote beneficiaries can have their eyes examined from any Tricare authorized provider. If they are a network provider, no referral is needed.

If you choose a non-network provider and you don’t get a referral from you PCM, you can find an optometrist in their point of service system. You will face a cost share however.

Glasses and Contacts

All active duty service members, including Guard and Reserve that are activated, are permitted one pair of standard issue glasses and one pair of sunglasses as well as one pair of glasses of their choice from a military hospital or clinic. These can also be ordered through the Navy Ophthalmic Support Training Activity Command. All non-activated Guard and Reserve members will have their glasses ordered through this system. If they become activated, they will receive the same glasses as active duty service members. Retired service members can also order their glasses through this system.

Tricare does not cover glasses or contacts for dependents except for those with specific diagnoses. This includes treating infantile glaucoma, corneal or scleral lenses for treatment of keratoconus and scleral lenses are also available to those that do not have normal tearing. Intraocular lenses, as well as contacts and glasses are available for those that suffer with loss of human lens function after intraocular surgery, ocular injury or congenital absence. Pinhole glasses are covered after surgery is performed for a detached retina.

Eye Surgery and Treatment

Tricare beneficiaries are covered for most eye surgeries as well as eye treatments. It does not cover everything however.

Tricare does not cover the following eye treatments:

  • refractive corneal surgery
  • orthokeratology
  • orthoptics vision therapy
  • eye exercises
  • eye therapy
  • epikeratophakia or intraocular lenses for correcting astigmatism
  • presbyopia

It also does not cover canaloplasty for the treatment of glaucoma or autologous serum eye drops.

Now that you know what is covered by the Tricare vision benefits, make an appointment to have your eyes examined. Make sure to schedule an appointment for your children as well.

To learn more about the Tricare vision benefits, visit the Tricare vision webpage.

How to Host a Friendsgiving

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Celebrating Thanksgiving with friends (in lieu of or in addition to family) has become a modern tradition. And while it hardly seems like a new idea for those of us who have spent countless holidays away from home, Friendsgiving is fast becoming a tradition in its own right.

In the same way the Pilgrims gave thanks for the community and feast shared by their Native American neighbors, so should we continue that tradition with those who act as our support system when we find ourselves far from home on Thanksgiving Day.

And in the same way our relationships with friends differ from those with family, Friendsgiving isn’t bound to just one way of doing things.

How to Host a Friendsgiving

Friendsgiving is about enjoying the bounty of friendship.

Here are 6 tips for hosting your own Friendsgiving.

Pick a Date that Works for You and Your Friends

Traditionally, Thanksgiving is the fourth Thursday in November, but feel free to adjust that date if it makes sense for you and your guests. If it’s too hard to make it happen during the week, consider the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Or if some of your besties are headed home for the holiday, consider the weekend before.

This celebration is about giving thanks for those in your life who help to lift you up and support you. And if gathering all those folks together can only happen on a Sunday afternoon, then so be it.

Decide on a Dinner Theme

When most of us think of Thanksgiving, we envision roasted turkey, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie. And honestly, you can’t go wrong with this time-tested menu.

But if turkey is not your thing, then feel free to get creative.

Want to do a take-out only dinner?

Want everything to be bite-sized or finger foods?

Want to fire up the fondue pot?

Friendsgiving should include a good meal, but what that meal entails is up to you.

Invite Your Friends

Try to give your guests as much notice as possible so they can plan ahead.

One of the best parts of Friendsgiving is that everyone brings a dish to share, much like those who attended the first Thanksgiving.

Be sure your invitation includes the date, time and location. Be clear about what you want everyone to bring to this meal. Online invites like Evite can make it easier to keep track of who is bringing what. Lest you end up with a turkey, 10 bowls of mashed potatoes and no gravy.

If You’re the the Host, Work to Minimize Your Stress

As the host of a Friendsgiving, your goal is to make sure everyone feels welcomed and is well fed. Depending on the size of your invite list, you may need to buy or borrow extra place settings, serving plates and utensils, or even chairs. Try to think ahead to make sure you have everything you’ll need on the day of the event. You’ll minimize your stress and be able to relax and enjoy the day.

You should also plan to provide the main course for the meal. If you’re going the traditional route, that means the turkey. If roasting an entire bird scares you, consider just a turkey breast or two. You may want to order it from the deli at your local grocery store.

Friendsgiving is about enjoying the bounty of friendship, not about slaving in the kitchen.

If basting the bird until it’s golden brown is your thing, then have at it. If you’re better at eating turkey than cooking it, then do what works for you.

Oh, and make sure you have extra foil, plastic wrap, paper plates, and storage/bags containers so you can send folks home with leftovers when the meal is done.

If You’re the Guest, Offer to Help

As an invited guest at a Friendsgiving celebration, make sure you take the time to RSVP. Even if you can’t attend, let your host know so they don’t plan for 10 only to have 2 show up.

If you do plan on attending, make sure you check with the host to find out what you can bring or how you can help. A bottle of wine  is also a great host/hostess gift. Plus, a little bit of wine or a good craft beer never goes unappreciated among friends.

When the meal is done, don’t be a lump. Help your host clean up so they can enjoy the post-turkey celebration with you.

Count Your Blessings

Eat, drink, be merry, and take a moment to really appreciate the amazing friends you have in your life. Pictures are a given, so consider tasking someone with capturing photos of the day.

The tradition of sharing what you are thankful is a wonderful idea for dinner conversation starters. And no Friendsgiving meal would be complete without a toast to your friendship and the blessings those connections give you.

Have you ever hosted a Friendsgiving for Thanksgiving? Share your story on the MilitaryShoppers Facebook page.

Millennials: the Next Generation Called to Serve

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As Veterans Day approaches, we will begin to pay tribute to those who have nobly served our country. We will recall the bravery of the men and women who answered the call to arms in previous generations and those who have recently departed from service. Included in those numbers, are a surprising number of millennial veterans.

4 Surprising Things About Millennials in the Military

This newest generation of service members, millennials, has a lot to offer the Armed Forces.

Born between 1985 and 2000, the millennial generation is now the largest segment of the American population. They also encompass the greatest number of those currently serving in our Armed Forces.

The millennial generation, who came into adulthood amidst iPhones, Harry Potter and social media, is often stereotyped as lazy, narcissistic and entitled.

But as a mother of 2 millennials, I beg to differ with these stereotypes. Here’s what this newest generation of service members has to offer the Armed Forces.

4 Surprising Things About Millennials in the Military

They Know the Importance of Service

Millennials are driven to do meaningful work and are unlikely to pursue a career they don’t feel drawn to. They are unlikely to pursue careers just because of salary or position. They want to go home at the end of the day knowing the work they’ve done meant something.

When the United States suffered the terrorist attacks on 9/11/2001, millennials answered the call to service in massive numbers. According to the 2014 American Community Survey conducted by the U.S. Census, in 2014 there were 1.7 million veterans under age 35.

Six out of the 11 service members awarded the Medal of Honor for service in Afghanistan were millennials.

And with current millennial service member ranks totaling 2.5 million, the number of veterans from that generation will only continue to grow. If we let their service track record speak for them, dedicated should be added to the list of generational attributes.

They Thrive in Team Environments

Ask any service member to list key attributes of unit success and teamwork will be at the top of that list. Perhaps greater than any generation before them, millennials understand the importance of teamwork. Most tend to consider their co-workers as a second family. They look to each other, those in charge, and subordinate to them for ideas to solve complex problems.

Within this team environment, millennials are eager to lead if given the chance, but don’t assume they always know best. In fact, the majority of millennials understand the importance of drawing from the experience of leadership and place a high level of importance on mentorship.

That being said, the “it’s the way we’ve always done it” argument is often met with resistance. Millennials want to know that the way things are being done is the best and most efficient way to do it, even if that means changing a steadfast process.

They are “the Most” Generation

Modern military service has long touted the benefit of education and encouraged service members to pursue various degrees.

The millennial generation is the most educated generation in American history. In 2013, nearly half of those aged 25-35 possessed a bachelor’s degree and nearly 20% have a master’s degree or higher.

Hand in hand with their drive for education, this generation also faces the greatest amount of student debt. This is a factor that leads many to examine military service as an option for providing both a meaningful and a stable work environment.

Millennials are also the most ethnically and racially diverse generation of the modern era. They are also the most open to social change and are unlikely to see gender or sexual orientation as a barrier or hindrance to service.

They Love Technology

Modern warfare is dramatically different from the open trenches and massive land invasions of the two World Wars. From logistics to weaponry, administration to communication, technology is the driving force in our military’s superiority.

Millennials were practically born with a mouse in their hands – their ability to adapt and accept new technology is the foundation of how they interact with the world.

By 2020, one in 3 American adults will be a part of the millennial generation. Their influence is growing and will continue to have an influence on our society. Their impact on everything from the economy and industry to the structure of the American family and American dream will be prevalent for the next 60 years.

And from where I’m sitting, they’ve more than proven they are ready to take on that responsibility. We just have to be willing to let them do things their way, even if means trying something new.

What would you add to this list of surprising things about millennial veterans?

Our Giant List of Veterans Day Deals

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Veterans Day is a day set aside to honor the men and women who have served in our military at any time. It has also become a day full of discounts and freebies for veterans.

More so, Veterans Day has turned in to an entire month dedicated to military appreciation. Many businesses don’t simply offer specials on Veterans Day, but also offer them throughout the month of November.

Our Giant List of Veterans Day Deals

Do you take advantage of these free deals offered on Veterans Day?

Here is our giant list of Veterans Day deals for 2016.

IHOP is giving out free Red, White and Blue pancakes. Some franchises will make it a combo plate including eggs, bacon and hash browns.

Bob Evans gives veterans and active military personnel the choice of a free breakfast item from a select menu, including a stack of hotcakes, the sunrise breakfast and mini sampler breakfast to name a few.

Krispy Kreme is offering a free doughnut and coffee and does not require an ID.

Lamar’s Donuts is also offering a free donut and a 12oz coffee for all veterans.

Cracker Barrel is offering veterans a free Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola® Cake dessert.

Denny’s has a fantastic deal of all-you-can-eat pancakes for all active, inactive and retired military, or they can choose any build your own grand slam breakfast.

Applebee’s has a very popular freebie. Both veterans and active duty military get a free meal from a limited menu for Veterans Day. Military ID is required.

Hooters is providing a free meal to veterans and service members on November 11.

Arby’s offers 1 free roast beef sandwich on Veterans Day but only in certain areas including:
Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Colorado, Idaho and Wyoming.

Bonefish Grill offers free Bang Bang Shrimp to all active and retired service members with a valid military ID.

Black Angus Steakhouse celebrates Veterans Day by giving all veterans and active duty a free steakhouse cheeseburger & fries.

Country Cookin is getting veterans in a day early by offering a free meal on the day before Veterans Day.

Buffalo Wild Wings celebrates Veterans Day by giving veterans and active duty military personnel one free order of small traditional or boneless wings and a side of fries.

California Pizza Kitchen will give all veterans and active duty military one free item from a special Veterans Day menu. This includes pizza, salads and pasta.

Golden Corral is calling their free meal a “thank you” dinner for veterans, retirees, and active duty members.

Carrabba’s is giving one free appetizer to veterans and active duty on November 11.

Cheeseburger in Paradise requires veterans and active duty to purchase a beverage in order to receive a complimentary Veteran’s Burger with fries and they must dine in.

IKEA is a great place to stop at for a free entrée.

Chili’s is providing a free meal to veterans and active duty military from a special Veterans Day menu.

The Honey Baked Ham Company is giving uniformed service members or those with a valid military ID a free sandwich, chips, cookie and drink.

Coffee Beanery is giving veterans and active duty a free tall cup of coffee with proper ID.

Country Buffet is giving active duty, reservists and retired military one free lunch when they dine in.

The Green Turtle is also offering a free meal on Veterans Day.

Friendly’s is offering a free breakfast, lunch or dinner from select menus on Veterans Day.

Krystal is giving veterans a free chicken or sausage biscuit.

Little Caesars is giving veterans a free crazy $5 hot-n ready lunch combo from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Logan’s Roadhouse offers a 10% discount all year to anyone with a military ID. On Veterans Day, they will also offer a free dessert to veterans.

The list of restaurants giving freebies on Veterans Day is much longer than this so check online with your favorite place for their deal if it isn’t listed here.

Free meals are not the extent of Veterans Day freebies. They also extend to hotels, retail stores, and services such as car washes, haircuts and more. Some examples of these are below.

Car washes are offered for free though multiple car wash businesses through the non-profit organization, Grace for Vets.

Salons and barbers around the country will offer free haircuts to veterans on November 11.

Free oil changes are available though most oil change car care locations for veterans such as Jiffy Lube.

AARP is giving a 20% discount on membership for veterans and their families.

Amazon will give 20% off certain patriotic apparel on Veterans Day.

Do you take advantage of these free deals offered on Veterans Day? Why or why not?