Military Life News

Military Life News, Commissary Rewards and Military Discounts

Military Discounts for Water Parks, Swimsuits and Life Jackets

By

Whether you want to spend the day at a water park, on a lake or in your backyard, we’ve gathered 21 great military discounts you need to know about to have a great time with your family.

Looking for a new swimsuit, life jacket or raft? Make sure you shop with a retailer that has a military discount. Plan on going to a water park? Check out our list below for a military discount before you head out the door.

21 Military Discounts for Water Lovers

Water Parks

Great Wolf Lodge offers a military discount through a program they call Howling Heroes. It provides up to 30% off on rooms and park passes for military families.

Big Surf Waterpark has military tickets for $19.99 instead of $32.95 but you can only purchase them in person; this military discount is not available online.

Dollywood’s Splash Country offers a great military discount of 30% off one day water park pass to all reservists, active or retired military, disabled veterans, and spouses and dependents with valid military IDs. These tickets must be purchased at the gate.

Splashin’ Safari at Holiday World has a military discount for anyone with a valid ID for $12 off full-price general admission tickets. They can also get $5 off guests that are under 54” as well as senior tickets, up to 6 tickets per visit.

Soak City at King’s Dominion provides a military discount to anyone with a valid military ID for single day tickets. These can be purchased online or at the gate. The park also hosts special military appreciation days where all those with a valid military ID get in free, such as on Memorial Day Weekend.

Wild Waves Water Park offers a military discount at the gate to those with a valid military ID.

Deep River Water Park is offering free admission for active duty, veterans and their families on any Monday or Thursday this year as well as on two Sundays, June 18 and August 13. You must print their coupon or show it on your phone along with your military ID to get in for free.

SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment has a program known as Waves of Honor. Instead of a military discount, they offer one day free entry to all active duty, reservists, and National Guardsman as well as up to 3 dependents each year. You need to register online or at the park to get free admission.

Wet’n Wild Emerald Pointe Water Park offers a military discount of $7 off a one-day pass for any person with a valid military ID.

Wild River Country has a military discount of $5 off admission to those with a valid military ID. These tickets must be purchased in person.

Swimsuits, Life Jackets, Pools and Water Accessories

Aeropostale offers 10% military discount on purchases with a valid military ID.

Columbia Sportswear offers a 10% military discount online and in store.

Old Navy has a 10% military discount available to all those with a valid military ID.

Under Armor gives a 15% military discount in store with a valid military ID.

L.L. Bean provides a 10% military discount to anyone with a valid military ID at most stores.

Gander Mountain offers a 10% military discount to anyone with a current military ID.

Overstock.com has a military program known as Club O Gold where military families can receive 5% reward dollars on purchases as well as free shipping. You can purchase anything from life jackets  and swimsuits to swimming pools and boats on their site.

Bass Pro Shops has a military discount that starts on the 15th of every month and runs for one week. There are many items that are excluded from the discount. You must show a valid military ID to receive the discount.

Lowe’s offers a military discount of 10% off to anyone with a current military ID.

Home Depot has a 10 percent discount, up to a $500 maximum, to all active, reserve, retired or disabled veterans and their family members with a valid military ID.

Sam’s Club offers a $15 gift card to military families that purchase a membership. You’ll find anything from goggles and fins to rafts and beach towels to satisfy your water fun side.

There are many more water parks and retailers that offer military discounts. Make sure you remember to ask before paying full price for your water fun this summer.

Have you used any of these military discounts? Give a shout-out to your favorite store or attraction that offers a military discount in the comments section.

Military Discounts for Your Military Wedding

By

It was the perfect date followed by the perfect proposal. Or maybe it was a casual conversation that revealed you both couldn’t imagine a life without the other.

Whatever the circumstances, congratulations on your engagement! Now all that’s left to be done is pick a date, plan the wedding, go on your honeymoon and live happily ever after.

Did you know the average wedding in the United States costs about $30,000?

I don’t know about you, but I don’t have that kind of cash just sitting around waiting to be spent. What I do have, however, is a list of great military discounts for your wedding that can help you drop the cost while still having an amazing day.

Military Discounts for Your Military Wedding

Save money on your military wedding with these military discounts on everything from your engagement ring to your ceremony venue.

Military Discounts for Your Wedding

The Ring

Diamonds or gems, simple or ornate, an engagement ring and wedding bands can take a healthy chunk of your budget. Stretch your dollars while still finding the perfect ring by checking out these fine retailers:

The Dress

Wedding dresses don’t come cheap, but these retailers offer discounts to military brides.

In addition to military discounts, many national and local retailers regularly offer free or deeply discounted dresses to military brides.

Do a Google search for “free military bride wedding dress” and visit any interesting links. If you’re planning on a long engagement, set up a Google alert for the search so any new opportunities land right in your inbox. (Thanks to NextGen MilSpouse for this great tip!)

The Tux

The bride isn’t the only one who gets to dress to the nines at their wedding. Check out these discounts on both purchase and rentals of tuxedos for the big day.

The Venue

Many national hotel chains offer military discounts, so don’t be afraid to ask if they will extend that discount to their ballrooms and entertainment areas.

Destination wedding venues often offer military discounts. Check out this great list of wedding venues complied by MOAA. Each one offers a great military discount on wedding packages.

 The Honeymoon

  • Consider a cruise for your honeymoon and check out this list of cruise lines that offer military discounts
  • Sandals Resorts offer a 10% military discount
  • Environmentally conscious? Travel to Sri Lanka and take a private conservation tour, take a private cruise on a chartered yacht or learn to cook in Italy. Check out this great list of once-in-a-lifetime travel adventures perfect for a honeymoon — and all complete with military discount.

Other Ways to Save on Your Military Wedding

No matter the expense, it never hurts to ask for a military discount. Even 5% or 10% can really add up when your florist, cake baker, make-up artist, hairstylist, and photographer all offer you a special rate on your special day.

Search for Veteran or Military Spouse Vendors

Be it caterers, photographers, DJs or officiants, one great way to land a fabulous price is to look for service providers who are military spouses or veterans. Find veteran- and military spouse-owned business in your area by searching the Veteran Owned Business Directory. Many offer military discounts.

Get Married on Post

If you live close enough to an installation with a chapel big enough for your event, consider getting married on post. Typically, use of the on-post chapel is free and chaplains marry couples as part of their military duties. Some installations also have community centers or consolidated clubs capable of hosting wedding receptions.

Never miss a military discount. Sign up for the MilitaryShoppers’ newsletter today.

All-Inclusive Resorts and Vacation Deals for Military Families

By

Everyone loves a vacation! Military families and veterans can love their vacations even more when they take advantage of these sweet deals and discounts.

Sandals and Beaches

Sandals and Beaches offer an additional 10% off for U.S. and Canadian military members. This includes: active duty, Guard, Reserve, retired and veterans as well as Department of Defense employees. Military spouses can also take advantage of this great deal too.

Sandals is an adults only resort chain located throughout the Caribbean, including Jamaica and the Bahamas. Beaches is a family resort with similar locations. Guests at these 2 chains will have an all-inclusive experience with all food, drinks, non-motorized water and land sports and entertainment. At Beaches, you can expect all of that plus daily child care and activities for kiddos from infant to teen.

Guests can combine the 10% discount with all other specials offered by Sandals and Beaches. To get the 10% discount, call the numbers listed on the websites.

Disney Cruises

For Disney lovers who want to sail the seven seas, Disney Cruises are offering military discounts on select sailings this spring. To book, visit their website.

Once on board, almost everything is taken care of, from food to entertainment. Just about the only thing you will need to handle are drinks and child care!

Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean offers a military discount on select sailings for active duty, retired and honorably discharged troops, as well as their spouses. Royal Caribbean cruises to many destinations worldwide and offers a variety of packages for dining and drinks. There are also programs for children, teens and families, plus shore excursions. To find out more, contact the cruise line directly.

Coffee Creek Ranch

Pack up your family and head to a real dude ranch in California. This is an all-inclusive resort that specializes in creating a fun ranch experience. Daily horseback riding, meals, drinks and nightly activities are included.

Service members can get 50% off posted rates year-round, but cannot combine this discount with any other offer. Veterans can get 30% off during Memorial Day weekend and the week following. To get your discount, call the resort directly.

Ocean Club Resort

Located in beautiful Turks and Caicos, Ocean Club Resort offers a 10% discount in the winter and a 20% discount in the summer to military personnel.

This is not an all-inclusive resort but does offer a dining package at an additional cost. There are 2 sister properties and guests can use the amenities at both. Guests can also arrange a variety of tours and excursions through the resort. This resort also features multi-bedroom suites at each of their properties.

To book a stay with the military discount, please call the resort directly. The booking agent should be able to get you the best deal with either the discount or the best promotional rates.

Hawks Cay Resort

Hawks Cay Resort is located on Duck Key in the Florida Keys. With activities for the whole family and marina slips available, plus a world class spa, this resort is a great fit for everyone. Hawks Cay is not an all-inclusive resort, but it does have many land and water activities built into your resort fee.

This resort offers military discounts year-round, as well as a special military discount period from the late summer to early winter. To book using these options, visit their website and view their special offers. Or you can call the resort booking agent directly.

Shades of Green

Shades of Green is a Walt Disney World affiliated resort offering room and vacation packages to military and DOD personnel. This resort offers packages for active duty, Reserve, Guard, veteran and retired personnel, as well as their families. While this resort is not all-inclusive, it does offer several packages with meals.

Shades of Green is a very popular destination for vacationing military families and rooms do book very quickly. Tickets to Disney World and other area attractions are not included in the room rates or packages.

Do you love a military discount? Sign up for Military Shoppers newsletter and money saving tips and deals will be delivered to your inbox!

15 Military Discounts for Music Lovers

By

Music lovers rejoice; military discounts are available for items ranging from concert tickets and radio subscriptions to instruments and gear.

15 Military Discounts for Music Lovers

Who needs a military discount when you can get a concert ticket for free?

We’ve gathered 15 musical military discounts for you to explore. Try some of these today and let us know what your favorites are.

15 Military Discounts for Music Lovers

Music & Arts started in Bethesda, Md., as a small music store. Today it is a national music store chain. If you are in the market for music gear, Music & Arts is a wonderful place to look. They have more than 140 stores as well as over 50,000 products on MusicArts.com. They offer a 10% military discount for online purchases.

GovX has exclusive discounted tickets for veterans and their families. You can get great deals on concert tickets with GovX.

SiriusXM lets you take great music anywhere you go. Why settle for what’s on the radio, when SiriusXM offers a 25% military discount for the life of any subscription.

The Exchange has an exceptional selection of music. Don’t forget that you can shop in store or online. Online shopping will be open to all veterans starting Veterans Day 2017.

The exchange price matches, so if you find a better price out in town bring the ad in to the exchange and show them. They will match that price and you will save on sales tax since the exchange is tax free.

Overstock.com has a program just for military families called Club O Military and it is free to join. Military families get free shipping, earn 5% rewards dollars, and receive exclusive emails and early access to sales.

You can stock up on all your favorite music in different formats with Overstock.com.

Learning a new instrument? You’ll find everything from a ukulele to drums available for sale as well.

Veterans Advantage offers a military discount on many things including concert tickets. Simply register to get access to the great deals.

At Ticket Club, military members can sign up for free membership, which will save you $50. Ticket Club has fabulous rates for concert tickets.

Vet Tix is an easy way to find tickets to events. The Armed Services YMCA has partnered with Veteran Tickets Foundation (Vet Tix), which is a national nonprofit organization that gives free event tickets to service members and veterans.

Who needs a military discount when you can get a concert ticket for free?

Next time there’s a concert coming to town, check with Vet Tix.

Tidal offers a 40% off military discount for either of its programs that provide access to your favorite music. With Tidal, you can listen to music anywhere with great quality.

Carnegie Hall is a famous place to take the family. All service members can enjoy a military discount of 30% off ticket prices. Tickets must be purchased in person at the box office and there is a limit of 2 tickets per person.

Music for All is a national music education organization that provides educational experiences through performance events. You can share your love of music with the family at the Bands of America Championship. Music for All has a military discount of $5 off any type of ticket.

San Diego Symphony offers a military discount of $3 off tickets. If you don’t live near San Diego, check with your local symphony. Many offer military discounts.

Country Music Hall of Fame welcomes military families with a military discount on admission. Bring your family to this Nashville museum to learn more about country music’s history.

Tampa’s Straz Center is the largest performing arts center in the southeast. You’ll enjoy fantastic musical performances as well as a nice military discount.

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio, offers a military discount. Tickets must be purchased in person and a photo ID is required.

These are just a few great music military discounts. There are many more to be found if you take the time to look.

Are you a music lover who also loves a military discount? Tell us about your favorite military discount in the comments section.

8 Cruise Lines that Offer Military Discounts

By

Take a breath and close your eyes. Imagine warm Caribbean waters, the soft, rhythmic ping of steel drums, and warm sand between your toes.

No, don’t open your eyes…don’t do it.

No, no, you’re right. It’s winter and we’ve got work to do. But at some point we need a break, a chance to get away, right? And there is no better way to say goodbye to the winter work day doldrums than planning a warm, tropical getaway. Or maybe sightseeing across Europe is more your thing.

Either way, there is no better way to step away from the strain and drain of our everyday lives than on the gleaming white decks of a cruise ship. Better still, is planning that trip knowing a military discount is going to stretch your vacation dollars even further.

Wondering which cruise lines offer the best military discounts? Here are 8 cruise lines to check out.

Carnival

Military travelers on Carnival can snag a discount of $25 to $250 (up to 20% off) per person over regular rates.

However, not all discounts are available all the time on all cruises.

Peak season and holidays might make it difficult to land a discount, so if you can, try booking during off-season for additional savings. Carnival often offers even better discounts for Memorial Day and Veterans Day, so if you can, plan ahead for those dates.

Discounts are available to active duty, Reserve, and National Guard personnel along with retirees, cadets, honorably discharged veterans, and surviving spouses of eligible service members. Discounts are given on rooms in which the eligible service member will occupy. However, Carnival will offer periodic discounts that allow for additional cabins to be booked at the discounted rate.

To get the military discount, eligibility must be met by providing a copy of enlistment papers, military ID or current LES, DD-214.

Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean offers various discounts throughout the year, but not all discounts are available on all bookings. Typically military discounts are given off specific cabin types and specials such as onboard credit during special military affiliated holidays and Military Appreciation Month.

Discounts are offered to active duty personnel, members of the National Guard or Reserves, honorably discharged veterans, retirees, medically retired service members, and surviving spouses of eligible service members. Any discounted rate will be given to all travelers occupying the same cabin as the eligible service member, but the discount may not be extended to other rooms.

A valid military ID will be required to prove eligibility for the discount.

MSC

MSC offers one of the most consistent discounts, with military discounts available on almost all bookings. Discounts include: 10% off balcony, suite, and MSC Yacht Club staterooms and a 5% discount on interior and ocean view rooms. MSC also offers the ability to book multiple rooms so you can enjoy your trip with extended family and friends, all at the discounted rate. Plus, kids who are ages 11 and under cruise for free!

MSC offers their military discounts to active and retired service members, plus members of the National Guard and Reserves. A valid military ID must be presented to demonstrate eligibility.

Disney

A long-time friend to military travelers, Disney Cruise Lines offers military discounts on select bookings. Special military rates are available to all retired and active personnel, and members of the National Guard and Reserves (with some restrictions).

The discount is limited to one stateroom per military member per sailing. Active duty and retirees must provide valid military ID to qualify. Members of the National Guard and Reserves must provide copy of orders of activation dated no later than January 1 of the previous year to qualify for the discount.

Norwegian & Holland America

On occasion, Norwegian and Holland America will extend a military discount. So if they offer the trip you’ve been dreaming of, check with your travel agent or the cruise line directly for any available military discounts.

Princess

As their way of saying thank you to those who serve, Princess offers up to $250 in on-board spending. The military reward offered depends on the length of the cruise booked. Sailings of 6 days or less earn $50, 7 to 13 days earn $100 and if you are lucky enough to book a 2-week trip or long, you’ll receive $250 to spend on board.

Active duty service members, along with honorably discharged veterans and retirees are eligible to receive the spending cash and this reward may be claimed twice per calendar year and combined.

A valid military ID or other proof of service documentation, such as a DD-214, is required and travelers will need to apply for eligibility no less than 2 weeks prior to departure date.

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity offers select rates throughout the year for active duty, National Guard, Reserves, honorably discharged veterans and retirees. Military ID or other proof of service is required during departure check-in.

Looking for more military discounts? Check out the MilitaryShoppers’ military discounts page.

16 Military Discounts for Fitness Enthusiasts

By

Military discounts are abundant at restaurants and retail stores, but when it comes to fitness products and gyms, they are scarce.

Service members and their families are some of the most active individuals and make up a huge shopping network, yet the discounts aren’t there. We’ve done the research and put together this list to help you find gyms and fitness products that offer a military discount.

16 Military Discounts for Fitness Enthusiasts

Rogue Fitness: Rogue Fitness is a popular site to purchase fitness equipment. They have everything from CrossFit gear to dumb bells to apparel. Their staff includes many current and former service members and their spouses. They ship to APO/FPO addresses.

The Exchange: You don’t need to search for a military discount, just shop at your local Exchange for great savings. Remember that they price match so visit customer service if you find a better deal on the same product they sell.

Gold’s Gym: Gold’s Gym offers a great military discount on enrollment plus 20% off dues.

YMCA: The Y has a program where some locations provide free membership for military spouses while their service member is deployed. Some of those locations also offer respite care.

24 Hour Fitness: G.I. Jobs magazine ranked 24 Hour Fitness as a top military friendly employer. They employ many military spouses as well. They offer a military discount on membership and will freeze your account for you if you receive orders that would place you more than 25 miles away from one of their fitness centers.

ACE: Ready to take your fitness to the next level? ACE offers personal trainer and group fitness instructor certifications.

IHRSA: IHRSA created the Joining Forces Network. This brings gyms across America together to provide free memberships to families of deployed Reservists and National Guard members.

Christian Fitness Factory: A 10% military discount is always available to active and retired military on fitness equipment.

Go Ruck: Founded by former Special Ops soldiers, this company creates and sells tactical fitness gear. They offer a 25% military discount.

Foot Locker: Foot Locker offers a 20% military discount with military ID.

Champs Sports: Champs gives military members a 20% military discount with a military ID.

Nike: Nike offers a 10% military discount on Nike.com as well as at Nike, Converse and Hurley stores.

Finish Line: Finish Line has a 20% military discount.

Again Faster Equipment: They have a 7% military discount on fitness equipment.

Under Armour: Under Armour offers a 10% discount to active duty and veterans on their website and in all Under Armour stores. Online purchases are verified through  ID.ME.

Military Cyclist: Military Cyclist offers special pricing for military families. Why look for a new bike shop every time you PCS, when you can get a military discount online? Military Cyclist is owned by a military family and was designed specifically for service members and their families.

These are a few great military discounts available on fitness equipment, gear and gym memberships. Don’t forget about the fitness center at your military installation while searching for the right gym. Most bases have a gym where family members can work out for free. Sign up for a class and give it a try before paying for a gym membership.

Have you ever thought about making a career out of your love for fitness? Having a portable career as a military spouse is important. Many spouses earn fitness certifications and personal trainer certifications that allow them to find jobs anywhere a PCS move might take them. There are programs to earn these certifications where the cost is covered by MYCAA for spouses. If you are interested in taking your fitness enthusiasm to the next level, visit the gym at your local base. Many staff members are military spouses. You can talk to them about certification and job potential.

Are you a fitness enthusiast? Which of these military discounts have you used in the past? Which ones surprised you?

65 Clothing and Apparel Stores that Offer Military Discounts

By

Military orders send us across the country and around the world, but that’s no excuse for not looking our best.

Military exchanges offer great deals on name-brand clothing and apparel, but many clothing retailers are happy to offer military discounts to service members, veterans and their families. It never hurts to ask for a military discount, so don’t be shy, just be prepared to flash your valid military ID.

If you’re looking for a solid, no-fuss military discount, shop at these great retailers. Who knows, a fabulous pair of boots or your new favorite pair of jeans might be in your future.

In-Store Military Discount

Some in-store discounts may vary by location and you will be asked to present a valid military ID. When in doubt, just ask! Also, keep in mind that many chain stores are independently owned and discount amounts and dates may vary by location.

  • Abercrombie & Fitch: 10-15%, at manager’s discretion
  • Adidas Shoes: 10%
  • Aeropostale: 10-20%
  • Alfred Angelo: 30% off bridal gowns
  • American Eagle Outfitters: 10-15% off, at manager’s discretion
  • Anchor Blue: 10%
  • Ashley Stewart: 10%
  • Banana Republic: 15% off on full price items
  • Bass Pro Shops: 10% off from the 15th to 22nd of each month
  • Boscov’s: 15%
  • Cabela’s: 5%
  • Christopher & Banks: 10%
  • Claire’s: 20%
  • Dress Barn: Discount and participation varies by location
  • Eddie Bauer: 15% discount (some promotions excluded)
  • Express Clothing Store: 10% discount, can be combined with other coupons
  • Extreme Outfitters: Up to 20% off military gear
  • Forever 21: 10%
  • Gander Mountain: 5%
  • Gap: 10% discount on the first of every month (may vary by location; in-store only).
  • Hanes Outlet Store: 10%
  • Hot Topic: 10-20%
  • Jockey: 10%
  • Jones New York Outlet Store: 10%
  • Kohl’s: 15% military discount at select stores nationwide
  • L.L.Bean: 10% discount at select stores nationwide
  • Loehmann’s: 10%
  • Maurices: 10%
  • New York & Company: 15%
  • Old Navy: 10% military discount (may vary by location; in-store only)
  • Pac Sun: Discount varies by location
  • Payless: 10%
  • Rackroom Shoes: 10% (varies by location)
  • Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Stores: 15%
  • Rockport: 15%
  • Steve Madden: 10%
  • Stride Rite: 10%
  • Timberland: 20%
  • Tommy Hilfiger: 10%
  • Under Armour Outlet Store: 10%
  • Wet Seal: 10%

Clothing Stores that Offer Military Discounts Online

Some retailers offer the best of both worlds – in-store and online discounts! When shopping online, you will need to verify your military affiliation through ID.me or Troop ID. It only takes a few minutes and the discount is well worth the effort.

  • Allen Edmonds: 25%
  • Bonobos: 15% discount for up to 5 orders per year
  • Converse: 10%
  • Alter’d State: 15% discount on regularly priced merchandise
  • Carhartt: 10%
  • Frank & Oak: 20%
  • Lady Foot Locker: 20% discount with Veterans Advantage card
  • Nike: 10%
  • Orvis: 10% discount with the Veterans Advantage Card
  • Overstock: Free Club O membership for military personnel
  • Pirate’s Yacht Club: 15% off using code Military15
  • The Limited: 10%
  • Torrid: 10% discount in Torrid stores or by calling to place an order with a Torrid Personal Shopper
  • Wilson’s Leather: 10% off in-store with military ID or call 1-866-305-4704
  • CafePress MILPRIDE20* Save 20% off orders from CafePress.com; MILPRIDE25* Save 25% off orders from CafePress.com (September 1, 2017 to September 30, 2017)

Military Discount Available When Shopping Online Only

Forget the hassle of hunting for parking and dealing with the crowds. Put your feet up and let your fingers do the shopping with these online-only discounts.  Just make sure you take the time to verify your military affiliation before checkout. A few clicks and you’re done. The hardest part is waiting for the delivery guy.

Which of your favorite clothing stores offer military discounts? Tell us in the comments section.

How to Score a Military Discount on Your Hotel Room

By

Military discounts are wonderful when traveling during the holiday season. Whether you’re taking a road trip with friends, flying in to see family or heading to a resort for a weekend getaway, don’t forget to ask for a military discount when booking your hotel room.

Here are 10 hotels and resorts that offer military discounts.

Best Western offers 10% off their best price for active and retired military and their families. You can book your hotel over the phone, through their website or in person. You need to show your military ID at check-in.

Choice Hotels guarantees discounts on both one- and two-person rates at more than 2,700 of their hotels. Active duty and retired military personnel can use the discount as well as their dependents.

Hilton Hotels and Resorts offers a military discount at more than 540 hotels and resorts in 78 countries. These are available to active duty service members as well as retirees and their families. You can access military rates here.

Hampton by Hilton offers a military discount to active duty, reserve, retirees and family members. You can find a participating hotel here. You will need your military ID at check-in.

La Quinta gives 12% off to military families and also offers a free hot breakfast. Dogs stay for free as well.  La Quinta has a special military program called La Quinta Returns Military Rewards™  that give military families extra benefits including 2 free nights a year.

La Quinta is also part of Hotels for Heroes, where individuals can donate their rewards points and the company will match it. These points are given to Fisher House Foundation which in turn is able to provide free accommodations for families of injured service members who are receiving treatment at medical centers where there isn’t a Fisher House nearby.

Hotels for Heroes also partners with these hotels: AmericInn, Best Western, Choice Hotels, Hilton, Marriott and Wyndham.

InterContinental Hotels Group includes InterContinental Hotels and Resorts as well as Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza and Candlewood Suites to name a few.

There are 39 IHG Army Hotels on Army posts across America as well. They all offer military discounts to active and retired military as well as family members. You simply need to show your ID at check in.

Marriott has more than 4,000 locations around the world. Military families are eligible for a special discount; all you have to do is show your ID when you check in.

Wyndham offers up to 20% off the best available rate to all service members, veterans and their families. If making a reservation online, you need to click the verify with troop ID button to confirm that you are affiliated with the military. Then you will be redirected to the Wyndham site that has the military discount code. From there you can make your reservations.

Starwood Hotels offers a military discount to anyone with a valid military ID. You can make reservations over the phone or online.

Receiving a military discount on your hotel room may be as simple as asking for one. By choosing one of the hotels noted above, you know you are going to get a good military discount.

If you find a different hotel that doesn’t specifically list a military discount, call the hotel and ask for a military discount. They might not offer one, but it doesn’t hurt to ask and asking might just save you a few dollars.

Did we miss any hotels that offer a military discount? Please let us know about their discount and who can use it in the comments section.

Military Discounts for When Your Service Member Is Deployed

By

Have you looked into military discounts and freebies for deployment items? I love free and discounted things. As yet another deployment looms shortly ahead for my service member, I, at least, have some of these military discounts to look forward to.

Here is a list of 11 military discounts and freebies you should consider while your spouse is deployed.

Create a Free Welcome Home Sign with Build a Sign

Build a Sign offers the option of 1 free welcome home vinyl banner, jumbo card or yard sign to present to your loved one at the end of their deployment. You only have to pay for shipping.

They suggest ordering 8 weeks before you need it, but you can choose a quicker shipping option. Expedited shipping costs more.

Free Lawn Care and Snow Removal for Military Spouses

Project EverGreen offers free lawn and landscape services and snow and ice removal for military spouses while their service member is on deployment.

I signed up for this service when my husband deployed after moving to an area where it snows. Being from the South, I’ve never shoveled snow. I was relieved to find local people and lawn care companies registered with the EverGreen Project to help me while my service member was on deployment.

Smile for a Free Family Portrait with HeartsApart

HeartsApart.org brings photographers from around the country together to provide service members with photography sessions, free of charge, with their families prior to deployment. The service member receives a portrait that is printed on a waterproof bi-folded card that can fit in his or her uniform pocket. Their family receives a DVD with the photos from the entire session with reproduction rights.

The program has recently increased to provide photos of newborn babies that are born when their father is on deployment.

Operation Love Reunited Captures Your Homecoming Kiss

Operation Love Reunited offers free photo sessions for military families worldwide when the service member will be on deployment for 4 months or more. Options include pre-deployment and mid-deployment sessions, homecoming photos and fallen loved ones sessions.

Two photo sessions are allowed per deployment. Pre-deployment photo sessions require the service member to be photographed in uniform. Fifteen prints will be shipped directly overseas.

Homecoming photos are taken at the time the military spouse and service member are reunited to capture the raw emotion of being reunited. Fifteen photos will be provided digitally.

Daddy Dolls Offers Comfort to Military Children During Deployments

Daddy Dolls started as comfort pillows for children with fathers on deployment. The front of the pillow is a picture of the service member. What makes Daddy Dolls unique is that the pillow is shaped like a person and the photo is full size to the pillow.

Many of my friends had them for their children and recommended Daddy Dolls to me. I bought one for our son during the last deployment and he has carried it all over town with him.

While there isn’t a specific military discount for these now, you can find discount codes online. They have also expanded their product selection and now offer items with similar sentiment.

Record a Bedtime Story with A Story Before Bed

A Story Before Bed is a wonderful website that allows deployed, or soon to be deployed, service members record a children’s book online with audio and video for free. A wonderful element to this is children can listen to the recording repeatedly on iPad, iPhone, Mac or PC.

Our Military Kids Pays Activity Costs for National Guard Children

This is a nonprofit organization that helps children between kindergarten and 12th grade that have at least one parent in the National Guard and Reserves on deployment. They offer grants to cover the cost of activities that could help children facing stress while their parent is away. The grants cover the cost of athletic fees, fine arts and tutoring programs. It is not available to children of active-duty parents.

Ask for a Military Discount on Your Auto Insurance

Active-duty service members can receive military discounts on auto insurance during deployment. USAA offers up to 60 percent off auto insurance if you choose to store your vehicle during deployment.

GEICO offers up to 15 percent military discount. Check with your insurance carrier to see if it offers a military discount during your service member’s deployment.

Interest Rates May Be Lowered to 6 Percent

Under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, you can request all interest rates and fees that you have paid on credit cards, mortgages, student loans and other loans be lowered to 6 percent per year.

Freeze Your Service Member’s Cell Phone Account

Many cell phone companies will lover your bill or even freeze your account for the period that a service member is deployed and not using the phone. Under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, those with at least 90-day orders to an area that does not have cell phone service can cancel their contract without penalty.

Ask Your Bank to Waive Fees

Many banks will lower or even completely waive fees while on deployment. USAA does not charge fees on credit card balance transfers or on convenience checks. Check with your bank to see if they will lower the APR on transactions.

Did we miss any military discounts on deployment items? Please tell us in the comments section.

Military Savings at the Movies

By

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?