Military Life News

Military Life News, Commissary Rewards and Military Discounts

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?

Pro Tips for Military Travel

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Do you have the travel bug?

Traveling as a military service member or family member can be super easy and super cheap. If you know a few pro tips to start.

Pro Tips for Military Travel

What are your military travel tips?

ITT

Every branch of service has a morale or travel office.

Each office has a price sheet with local attractions and package deals to places farther away. You can find deals at other bases, even if you don’t live there.

For example, Travis Air Force Base offers deals and discounts to Napa Valley tours or hotels. In Okinawa, ITT offers complete tour packages to places like South Korea, Tokyo and Thailand.

Pro Tip: Before you go, check with ITT for discounted tickets near your destination.

Space-A

Did you know that the military flies to many prime destinations around the world? Think: Germany, Hawaii, Japan and England.

Most of these flights are open to eligible active duty service members, military dependents and retired personnel. Often there is a small fee or no cost at all.

There are a few catches with Space-A though. First, flights can be canceled at any time and seats fill quickly. Second, seats are filled based on category. So by the time that they get to you, all the seats might be taken. Also, certain destinations are only available from certain departure locations.

Finally, there is a process to sign up and actually get on board. It is time consuming and nothing is guaranteed. Meaning, you could get a Space-A flight to your vacation, but need to pay commercial fare on the way back.

Pro Tip: Check out Space-A flights, but know that nothing in 100% certain. Be ready with back-up plans just in case things fall through or change.

Military Airline Discounts

Southwest: Southwest offers military discounts on flights. However, the exact price is not advertised on their website. To get more information on discounted fares, call: 1-800-I-FLY-SWA.

American: To and from certain locations, American Airlines does offer military fares. Again, these prices are not advertised. Instead, contact them: 800-433-7300 (CONUS English line, available 24/7).

Delta: Like other airlines, Delta offers military fares, but does not advertise specific rates or discounts. To reach reservations/customer service, 24/7 from the United States, call: 800-221-1212.

United: Through Veterans Advantage, United offers a 5% discount. However, Veterans Advantage is a paid plan that opens up discounts at a variety of major U.S. businesses. To check on other offers, call the airline directly.

JetBlue: There are fares available for both official travel and for leisure travel. To find out more or to book, contact the airline.

Pro Tip: Not sure if your airline offers a military fare? Call customer service and check! The worst they can say is no.

Free Bags on Flights

JetBlue, United, Delta, American, and many other airlines all offer free bags to active duty military. The official line is that the service member or dependent family must be traveling on official orders, usually for PCS. However, gate agents will often allow free bags for service members no matter what.

The number of free bags can vary, from 1 to 5 per person. Check with the airline before you fly or be prepared to pay.

Be careful when PCSing OCONUS though! The commercial airline might let you check 5 bags per person, but the Patriot Express or Space-A will limit you to 2 bags or less.

Pro Tip: When checking bags, it never hurts to flash that military ID or bring your active duty spouse with you. And carry a copy of those orders everywhere!

Layover Lounge

Many major U.S. hubs host USO lounges. Seattle, Washington, D.C., and Boston are just a few of the places where troops and families can rack out for a few in between flights.

USO airport lounges are typically staffed 24/7 by volunteers, so be sure to say thank you. Inside, you will find free snacks and drinks, clean bathrooms and a place to recharge your tech toys. Some lounges, like Seattle, have showers, a luggage room and even quiet rooms for sleeping.

If you hold certain credit cards, like AMEX Platinum (fee free for military), you automatically get access to Centurion Lounges (AMEX Platinum only) or can enroll for free in the Priority Pass lounge program. These lounges are a little more upscale, with complimentary alcoholic beverages available.

Pro Tip: Find the USO (outside of security) or see if your credit card comes with airport lounge (inside security) perks.

Vacation Discounts

Delta Vacations: This vacation program offers a set amount off of booked travel based on final package cost. This service lets you bundle flight, hotel, car rental and activities.

Sandals & Beaches: These premium all-inclusive resorts offer a 10% discount to U.S. military personnel. You can combine flights with your hotel stay, too. All stays include all you can eat, drink and play (non-motorized land/water sports). Sandals is adults only. Beaches is family friendly!

Non-inclusive hotel chains, like Hilton and Sheraton, also offer government and military rates. You can often choose “military/government” when booking or call your hotel to check for special discounts.

Pro Tip: Save a bundle when you book all-inclusive or package deals through some providers. You can choose the special rate when booking national hotel chains. No discount mentioned? Ask!

What are your military travel tips? Share them in the comments section!

Military Travel Discounts to Get You There

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Holiday travel will soon be upon us. With all of the added costs of holiday meals and gifts, don’t let the high cost of travel keep you from enjoying your time away.

Check out these great military travel discounts to help you get where you need to go and enjoy your time away.

Military Travel Discounts to Get You There

What is your favorite military travel discount?

Military Travel Discounts on Airfare

Space-A travel is one of the best ways to save money on airfare. Never flown Space-A before? No worries! Fellow MilitaryShoppers.com writer Julie Provost’s article Space-A Travel for the Military Spouse has you covered.

You’ll need to be flexible with your arrival and departure dates and times, but Space-A is one of the most cost-effective ways for military families to travel.

If Space-A isn’t available, check out these other airline discounts:

  • Southwest. Discounts are available to service members by calling Southwest at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA. You will need to show a military ID upon check-in to get the discount.
  • American Airlines offers a military discount, but you have to call 1-800-433-7300 for access to those special rates. They also offer a 50% discount on pets within the continental United States and Canada.
  • Delta Airlines. Delta has a great military discount program. Get discounts on airline travel by calling 1-800-325-1771. You can also bundle travel options by visiting their Military Vacation page.
  • US Airways. Service members and their dependents can take advantage of special military rates by calling 1-800-428-4322.

Military Travel Discounts When Traveling by Train

It might be a little old fashioned, but if you have a little more time, and you prefer to keep your feet on the ground, consider taking the train.

Even better, make taking the train part of your vacation plans. You’ll get to experience travel the way it used to be and see spectacular views you won’t get anywhere else.

  • Amtrak offers a 10% military discount, though some limitations apply. Get all the details on their site.
  • Royal George Route Railroad. Make a train ride part of your vacation and book a trip on the Santa Express. And don’t forget to take advantage of the 10% military discount.
  • Take a trip through the Great Smoky Mountains on the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad and get a 20% military discount.

Military Travel Discounts When Renting a Car

When you rent a car, be sure to ask for a military discount. The following car rental companies offer great military discounts.

If you are a USAA member check their travel site for additional rental car discounts. Get all the specific details by visiting your favorite car rental website.

Other Military Travel Discounts

Sometimes getting off the beaten path means taking the road, or rather the method, less traveled.  If you’re up for a little adventure, consider one of these great travel options. And don’t forget the military travel discount!

  • Taking the bus can be an adventure and Greyhound offers a great military discount. Get 10% off walk-up fares and pay no more than $259 for travel anywhere in the United States.
  • Not everyone knows how to fly a plane, but if you do, take advantage of military discounts when renting aircraft. All American Aviation Services out of Fayetteville, N.C., and serving all of the American southwest offers military discounts on aircraft rentals. Need an aircraft in Southern California? Check out Pacific Air’s military discount. Peak Aviation in Colorado Springs also offers a 5% military discount.
  • If camping or traveling by RV is more your style, check out the Tentsfortroops.com website for campsite and RV site locations that offer free or discounted stay for military service members and their families.

What is your favorite military travel discount?

Budget Tips for Your Next Military Staycation

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Duty always comes first, even if you already have a vacation planned. There are plenty of service men and women who have found themselves calling hotels and rental companies, to cancel or modify their vacation at the very last minute. Thankfully, many service providers are happy to accommodate the ever changing schedules of the men and women who serve.

Tight budgets of those who serve are often not very vacation friendly. However, a staycation is a marvelous way to get that precious R&R without breaking the bank.  To make the most of a staycation, here are some fun ideas and budget tips.

 

  1. Book a hotel. The best way to feel like you are on a vacation is to book a hotel. One of the best money saving tips is to book based off amenites offered. All hotels have the standard bed and towels. The trick is to find some place that has something super cool that makes you feel like you are on vacation. It can be a pirate ship in the pool with a tiki bar or it can be something as simple as a complimentary cocktail hour. Weekdays are generally cheaper, and less crowded. Tip: Book directly through the hotel to avoid third party fees.

 

LBV_LRG_Banner

Photo of Lake Buena Vista, which offers Military Discounts

 

  1. Become a tourist in your current town. Military personnel are often located in places far away from where they grew up. This alone makes a staycation the ideal low cost activity.  Check out your town’s tourism website or the Chamber of Commerce for popular sights and activities. Pick a hour radius you are willing to drive and explore a new town.

 

  1. Take a walking tour. Many cities and small towns have free or low priced walking tours of historical areas. Some are even called ghost tours and are very popular around Halloween and Christmas. The guides typically relate interesting stories along the way about people and events from days gone by.  Tours usually end with coffee, tea, dining or shopping.

 

  1. Plan your staycation time around local festivals and special events. Small towns to big cities have special events throughout the year. It might be a chili or bar-b-q contest, music festival or art show. Within a short drive from wherever you are, there should be at least one big interesting event that draws a crowd.  Find out what that is and check it out.

 

  1. Have a fantastic lunch. For budget minded folks, fine dining is often out of the question. However, fine dining establishments typically serve the same foods at lower prices during the lunch hour. Look into it and plan a lovely lunch followed by an afternoon movie and ice cream.

 

  1. Use the Groupon app. Sign up for Groupon and be amazed at the savings. There are deals on dining, entertainment and shopping. The deals change frequently so keep checking until something fantastic comes up.  This is a great way to try an expensive restaurant on a budget. Tip: most purchases have a 24 hour wait period before you can redeem them, so read the fine print if you plan to use the deal the same day.

 

  1. Get outdoors. Most towns and almost all cities have parks and recreational facilities from pools and tennis courts to hiking and camping areas. Get out and enjoy the local nature trails. Check out the differences in flora and fauna from where you grew up to where you’re currently stationed.

 

  1. One way of enjoying some down time is by turning off all devices. In today’s world, we live and breathe with devices in hand that keep us connected, sometimes overly so, to the world. Disconnect for a preset period of time such as 12 to 24 hours.  Now you can read a book, take naps, try a new recipe, play with the kids and dog without trying to divide your attention.

 

  1. Look for museums. What sounds dull, such as an old tractor museum, may turn out to be a very interesting day. Plus, some museums are actually free of charge or pay by donation so a couple of bucks gets you in. You can find a list of museums that offer a military discount here.

 

  1. Check for military discounts on hotels. If you live somewhere extra fun but that also has a tendency to be pricey such as Orlando, Florida, don’t despair. Look for deals, especially those military discounts. Often times you have to skip the booking engines and go directly to the site. These are often hotel brands you know and trust like Hawthorn Suites Lake Buena Vista.

 

  1. Look for a local brewery. It’s not only an educational experience, you get to know the locals on a new level by sharing their unique brews and finding out what made them decide to go into business in the first place.

 

  1. Do a movie or bowling night. Again, check Groupon for possible deals but both these activities can be relaxing and fun. If you haven’t bowled in a while, or ever, give it a go. You might be surprised how much fun you have.

 

  1. Take dance lessons. This is something that requires a time commitment of at least a few weeks but once you’ve learned how to rock the dance floor, take your significant other out for dinner and dancing someplace special.

 

  1. Try something new. One of the most amazing benefits of military life, is all the new places you get to see. Take that a step further and try something new. Find out what is popular in the area and give it a try.

 

  1. Look for local theater group performances. A good play is typically entertaining and inexpensive. Some high schools put on amazing performances as well. Dress up more than usual and make a special night of it.  You can find a list of participating theatres here.

 

If done correctly, a staycation can be as relaxing as the real thing. You and your family will get a recharge while the bank account stays intact.  Sounds like a win-win for all military personnel.

Guest Author

Amanda Basse

How to File an Inconvenience Claim for Your PCS

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Moving can be stressful and when the movers don’t arrive to pick up your household goods or to deliver them, it’s time to file an inconvenience claim.

How to File an Inconvenience Claim for Your PCS

Filing an inconvenience claim when a moving company does not pick up or deliver household goods is easy if you follow these steps.

What is an inconvenience claim?

An inconvenience claim is a request for reimbursement of money unexpectedly spent due to the moving company not arriving on the agreed upon pack or pick up date or delivered on the Required Delivery Dates (RDDs). You can apply for reimbursement, but it is not guaranteed that you will receive it. Moving companies will generally honor your inconvenience claim however.

What is covered?

Items that you may be reimbursed for with an inconvenience claim include:

  • lodging
  • meals
  • laundry service
  • furniture and appliance rentals
  • sheets
  • towels
  • pots and pans
  • paper plates
  • napkins
  • disposable cutlery

Rental furniture includes beds and air mattresses, cribs, sofa, chairs, table, appliances and one TV. Receipts for purchases must accompany your inconvenience claim.

The total amount they will pay back to you cannot exceed the daily lodging and meal per diem rate.

It is expected that military families will minimize these expenses in ways such as sharing a hotel room with the entire family if possible. If multiple rooms are needed, you must get pre-approval in writing by the transportation service provider (TSP).

It should be noted that if the TSP reimburses you for physical items such as pots and pans, they can reclaim those items once your household goods are delivered if they choose to, though it is not likely.

What is not covered?

Don’t go crazy purchasing things thinking you can just add them to your inconvenience claim. There are many items that are not covered including: food if the family is in a residence, cleaning supplies, toiletries and cosmetics, snacks, military uniform pieces, school supplies, receipts for items out of the local area, receipts dated prior to the missed moving date, expenses that you do not have a receipt for, toys, personal clothing, dry cleaning, ATVs, boats, trailers, bikes, gifts, alcohol or drugs or tickets to amusement parks.

What is the timeline for reimbursement?

The process for filing an inconvenience claim and receiving a reimbursement is actually quite quick. The moving company or TSP is required to acknowledge they received an inconvenience claim filed within 7 calendar days. The TSP will reimburse the family within 30 days. The TSP can choose to voluntarily approve your reimbursement without receipts during this time as well.

You can begin charging the TSP for failure to pick up household goods as of the first day of the missed pick up through the actual pick up date. If they failed to deliver your items, you can charge them from the first day after the missed delivery date up until the date it is actually delivered.

Who is not eligible?

There are some instances in which you are not able to file an inconvenience claim. This includes delays due to: a natural disaster, an act of the public enemy, acts of the government, acts of the public authority, violent strikes, mob interference or delays of Code 5, Code J, or Code T shipments that stem from the government and not the TSP. Also, service members on Temporary Living Allowances (TLA) are not authorized to file an inconvenience claim.

How do you file a claim?

It is a short and easy process to file an inconvenience claim. These are filed directly with the claim department of the moving company that failed to meet its move dates. Each business has a different procedure however, but most are simple. Stevens Worldwide Van Lines, for example, has a form you can download from their website.

It is also a good idea to notify the traffic management office after you PCS. They can provide assistance in filling out the paperwork to file an inconvenience claim. If your claim is denied, they can appeal to the carrier’s home office. If the appeal is not fruitful, your case can then go on to the Surface Deployment and Distribution Command that will review it and make a final ruling.

Help can be found at the destination ITO for Air Force and Army and at the local ITO, Legal Assistance Office or the Claims Processing Office for Navy and Marine Corps. While they can help with the process, you still must file with the TSP. The inconvenience claim package must include at a minimum:

  1. A copy of the member’s inconvenience claim letter
  2. Copies of receipt for out-of-pocket expenses
  3. Copies of the Government Bill of Lading, DD Form 1299 and DD Form 619-1
  4. A statement of the reasonableness for the claim

Have you ever filed an inconvenience claim? What is your experience with this type of PCS claim?

What You Need to Do to Get TSA PreCheck

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Flying can be fun, but it can also be stressful when waiting in long lines at the TSA security checkpoint. Large airports such as Atlanta can be frustrating when the line is long and moves slowly. It is very time consuming to remove your shoes, coat and belt as well as taking out liquids and computers from your carry-on bag. TSA is working on getting those lines shortened with their TSA PreCheck program.

What Service Members, Military Spouses Need to Do to Get TSA PreCheck

Did you know that military service members qualify for TSA PreCheck?

TSA PreCheck makes security screening quicker and easier for passengers that are considered to be low-risk. Those that qualify for the program are able to go through a special lane at TSA security in some U.S. airports. These passengers are not required to take the time-consuming steps such as removing shoes, liquids and laptops. You must be a member of the TSA PreCheck program or a trusted traveler group to take advantage of these shorter lines.

Military Service Members Trusted Traveler Group

All members of the U.S. Armed Forces are instantly considered members of the trusted traveler group. This includes Reservists and National Guard as well as cadets and midshipmen at the U.S. service academies. They do therefore not need to apply for the TSA PreCheck program.

Service members simply need to put their Department of Defense identification number in as their known traveler number when making a reservation. This can be done when making flight arrangements in the military official travel program or through any airline ticketing site or company.

You do not need to be in uniform when traveling and the TSA PreCheck can be used for both personal and official travel.

When the program started, service members could simply show their CAC to the TSA document checker at the security checkpoint. That part of the program was phased out in 2014.

The only way to use your military ID to get to the TSA PreCheck  is to use your DoD ID number as the Known Traveler Number when making airline reservations ahead of time. Simply showing up at the security checkpoint with your military ID or CAC will no longer get you through the TSA PreCheck lane.

Can military dependents use TSA PreCheck?

Dependents that are age 12 and under can go through the TSA PreCheck line with their parent that is TSA PreCheck authorized.

At this time, military spouses are not included in the trusted traveler group and must apply for TSA PreCheck.

Who is eligible for TSA PreCheck?

Membership in the TSA PreCheck program is available to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals and lawful permanent residents. Some may be ineligible however if they send in incomplete or false application information, if they have existing violations of transportation security regulations or if they have disqualifying criminal offenses and factors.

There are 3 steps to apply for TSA PreCheck:

  1. Complete an online application or go to an application center to complete the whole process in person.
  2. Schedule an appointment online or call (855) 347-8371 weekdays, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern. They take walk-ins as well, but people with appointments will take priority.
  3. You will still need to visit an application center. All applicants are required to turn in the required documents and to be fingerprinted. You will need your current U.S. passport or a driver’s license and birth certificate. There is unfortunately, a non-refundable $85 fee.

Once all of these steps are completed, you can check your status online. Once approved, your membership is active for 5 years. It is important to note that not all airports in America have TSA PreCheck lanes and that the TSA still conducts random searches.

Have you or your service member tried to do the TSA PreCheck at an airport? How did it work for you?

MLB Offers Discounted Tickets for Military

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Swing, batter batter, swing!

You and your family could soon be cheering on your favorite team at the ballpark. Many major league teams are offering discounted baseball tickets for the 2016 MLB season.

MLB Offers Discounted Tickets, Appreciation Days for Military

Check out this list of discounted tickets for a baseball team close to your duty station.

If you live near Fort Bragg, you might be able to see 2 powerhouse teams play exclusively for the military community! The Atlanta Braves and Miami Marlins will face off July 3 at 8 p.m. The game will be broadcast on national TV, live from the military base. Tickets are restricted to military ID cardholders. This will be the first time that an active military base will host a regular season game for Major League Baseball.

If you aren’t in the Fort Bragg area or don’t snag one of the estimated 12,500 seats, you can still catch a foul ball on the cheap this season.

Check out this list of discounted tickets below for your hometown favorites or a baseball team close to your current duty station.

American League

Baltimore Orioles: Your family could visit Camden Yards for $3 off the regular ticket price. However, you might be able to find bigger discounts by visiting your local ITT/MWR offices in the greater Baltimore/D.C. area. Plus, flash your active duty ID at home games for a free O’s hat!

Boston Red Sox: Discounted tickets are available to military service members in select seats and games. Tickets are available for purchase online, as well as at the ball park on game day. Fenway franks are still full price.

Chicago White Sox: Active members of the military can receive 1 free ticket, based on availability, at the U.S. Cellular Field Box Office on the day of the game by presenting their I.D. This offer excludes Opening Day, Cubs series, Red Sox series, Yankees series and Elvis Night.

Cleveland Indians: If you are on active duty, retired or part of the National Guard/Reserve you can watch the Tribe for free! Bringing family along for the game? Up to 4 family members can purchase tickets at the group rate.

Detroit Tigers: Service members and veterans are eligible to purchase half-price tickets to Monday-Thursday regular season home games excluding August 18. Tickets must be purchased at the Comerica Park Box Office and a valid military ID or Veteran ID must be presented at time of purchase. Service members and veterans may purchase a maximum of 4 tickets per customer, per game.

Houston Astros: Everything is bigger in Texas! This might hold true for the discount the Astros give to active duty military and veterans. Discounted tickets are available for most Monday through Thursday baseball games (excludes the July 25-27 Yankees series). ID cardholders can purchase up to 8 tickets at the discounted rate.

Kansas City Royals: With half-price seats in select sections (excluding Marquee games), the Royals sure know how to treat active and retired military personnel. Service members or veterans may purchase up to 4 tickets at this price per game.

Minnesota Twins: Military personnel and veterans, plus up to 4 guests, can receive half-price tickets to select games throughout the regular season. These tickets are located in Home Plate View seating areas, guaranteeing you a great show.

New York Yankees: The Yankees are offering military members 1 free ticket to the grandstand or bleachers. You also can purchase one half-price ticket to other seating areas in their brand new stadium. This complimentary ticket is only available at Yankee Stadium on the day of the game.

Seattle Mariners: Tickets to home games are 10 percent off for military members. You can purchase up to 4 tickets at this price and belt out “Louie, Louie” during the seventh inning stretch.

Tampa Bay Rays: For all active-duty military, retired and honorably discharged veterans, the Rays will offer 2 free tickets for all Monday home games and 8 additional bonus dates throughout the season. This discount is also available to military spouses with a valid dependent ID.

National League

Arizona Diamondbacks: Spend Sunday with the Snake Pit when tickets are 50 percent off! All active, veteran, retired and reserve military personnel can purchase up to 4 tickets at this price for Sunday home games.

Atlanta Braves: Enjoy 50 percent off Upper Box or Outfield tickets for regular season home games at Turner Field. This offer is available to active duty, retired, reserve and veterans.

Chicago Cubs: This Windy City Team will have specially priced tickets for the Terrace Reserved Outfield seating fro service members during its Military Appreciation Night on August 31. Each ticket includes a Cubs military cap.

Cincinnati Reds: Active duty service members will receive 1 complimentary View Level Ticket for Monday-Thursday home games. This ticket is available on the day of the game only.  This ticket is available at the ticket window labeled “Advance Ticket Windows” located at Crosley Terrace at Great American Ball Park.

Los Angeles Dodgers: The Dodgers offer special pricing for military personnel at 1, 2, 3 and 4-star games during the regular season. The discounted tickets are $5 off for Loge MVP, Reserve MVP and Right Field Pavilion seats. Up to 4 tickets to “Blue Heaven on Earth” can be purchased per ID on game day only.

Miami Marlins: All military personnel, veterans and their families receive up to 4 complimentary tickets to Monday night home games.

Philadelphia Phillies: Military Phanatics can receive a $10 discount on Sunday home games in select seating sections. Discounts are also available on August 16, August 31 and September 12. Eligible tickets are priced at or below $41/$47 in select seating areas.

Pittsburgh Pirates: Active duty, reserve, military spouses and DoD employees can receive a $10 discount per ticket for Outfield Box seats for all Sunday-Friday games. The discount is $6 per ticket for Grandstand section seats.

San Diego Padres: The Padres are the hometown team for many SoCal Navy, Coast Guard and Marine Corps families. This season, Sundays are 50 percent off for all retired, active, Reserve/Guard and veteran personnel, and their families.

St. Louis Cardinals: Military personnel with their friends and family could experience an all-inclusive game in the heart of RedBird Nation. The package, starting at $60, includes a buffet and complimentary beer and soda. This offer is only available on five select games this season.

Washington Nationals: Watching the Presidents race is an awesomely funny summer tradition. To get your discounts, place your order through the official Nats website. Military personnel and families can also visit ITT/MWR offices at one of the area bases or at the Pentagon.

Not near an MLB team? Check out minor league teams near you for military discounted tickets and promotions!

How to Make Money with a Personal Procured Move

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I have a confession.

Although I didn’t enjoy my last PPM (personal procured move, formerly called a do-it-yourself or DITY military move), my husband and I banked a lot of money by during it, which made every roadblock (sometimes literally), headache and painful mile worth it.

How to Make Money on a Personal Procured Move

Have you made money with your personal procured move?

When you’re doing a personal procured move, you need to first understand your PCS entitlements. They differ from move to move and branch to branch, so take a close look at your orders to figure out what you need in your military move.

Before you go forward with finalizing your personal procured move, contact your local Travel Management Office (TMO). They are essential in guiding you through the process and giving you everything you need for a successful PCS.

No matter what you end up deciding to do for your military move, you will most likely receive a travel per diem, dislocation allowance and Monetary Allowance in Lieu of Transportation (MALT), if you choose to travel with your privately-owned vehicle (POV).

You could make some money by being smart with your dislocation allowance and travel per diem. When we PCSed from New York to Arizona, we stayed with family members located at 2 different locations (Texas and Mississippi) and utilized hotel points on our other stays that added up to free future hotel visits.

That same military move, we did a partial PPM. We packed up our car with as many goods as it could fit and we were paid money based on the weight and mileage. If you opt for a partial PPM, be sure you fill out all the appropriate forms and file for it. You need to do the same if you choose to do a full personal procured move. Pay close attention to the rules and regulations regarding weighing your car. The rules may have changed since the last time you PCSed.

With a full PPM the government will pay you 95 percent of the total cost it would be for them to take you from point A to point B. Still interested in doing a PPM? Here’s what you need to know.

What’s needed to make money with a personal procured move or PPM?

  • Packing Supplies
  • Moving Truck
  • Labor

I’m going to talk about my last personal procured move and share with you what worked for us. I’ll start with the packing supplies.

I raided local retail stores around my home for boxes from shipment days. (Don’t be afraid to ask the manager of your military commissary for shipping boxes!) Be sure you plan for time to collect your packing supplies far enough in advance and have an area in your home to put these boxes. I was able to acquire enough to pack all of our household goods. I saved money by not buying any moving boxes.

Another successful strategy would be putting a call-out for boxes on a military spouses Facebook page. I’ve seen lots of boxes get recycled that way as well. That strategy costs nothing, but time and effort!

Next, we priced out all possible moving vehicles. Luckily, most companies like U-Haul and Budget offer military move discounts! With all the labor accounted for (I’ll elaborate on that later), being able to lock in an amazing deal for a moving truck was key.

Of course, we took a little bit of a risk with this one, but we used our own clothing and other fabrics to pad and pack our breakables in the boxes. Once the boxes were sealed, we indicated what was inside them so that we could be gentler with that box over the other ones. It was my husband, myself and a friend moving boxes and furniture, so we only had ourselves to blame if anything broke. We rented the furniture pads to help with the bigger items.

Because labor was my husband, myself and a friend, it was absolutely free! Well, I did pay our friend in food, but that was it. Once we arrived at our new location, it was up to us to unpack the moving truck, but we took our time and unloaded it over the course of 2 days (we paid to have the rental truck for an extra day).

In addition, I’ve seen some military families successfully move with hiring help too. For example, they would hire the labor to pack the furniture and boxes properly in a truck that they rented. It was up to them to drive the truck to the new location and they hired another team to unload it.

Another family used a PODS-type moving system for their military move and I believe that company offers a military discount as well.

Have you made money with your personal procured move in the past? What tips do you have for making money on this type of DITY move?

How You Can Save Money with a Hotel Loyalty Program

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Military families travel. A lot.

They aren’t afraid to embark on an epic road trip during their kids’ spring break. They travel for holidays and every 3-day weekend. Heck, military families travel even when they are moving from one duty station to another. The summer PCS season is also prime vacation time for military families.

Are you planning a family vacation for spring break or this summer? Are you mapping out your PCS route from Maine to California? Do you want to save money when booking your hotel rooms for this trip?

Consider a hotel loyalty program.

A hotel loyalty program is a convenient way to save money when you are traveling. More and more hotel chains are offering loyalty programs to reward frequent customers.

Each program works a little differently. As U.S. News and World Report wrote in an article comparing hotel loyalty programs,

There isn’t one best loyalty program that would suit the needs of every traveler. Each rewards program targets different preferred lodging styles — from boutique to business-friendly — travel habits and goals.

Here are 3 things to consider when reviewing the perks of a hotel loyalty program.

How You Can Save Money with a Hotel Loyalty Program

Are you a member of a hotel loyalty program?

1. The frequency of travel for you and your service member.

Take a moment to review your most recent hotel stays. How often did you book a hotel room in the last year? Did you stay in a hotel once a year or every few months?

Let’s say you, as a military spouse, don’t travel very often. But, your service member does. He or she may have a job that requires frequent travel for classes or training. When your service member is traveling for the military, do they stay in a national hotel chain? If the answer is yes, then a hotel loyalty program may be a good fit for your family. He can earn the points during his military travel and you can use those points later for a free night during a family vacation. It’s a win-win.

2. The hotel chain’s locations in relation to your frequent travel spots.

Geographic coverage is a super important factor to consider when reviewing a hotel loyalty program. Like I said earlier, lots of hotel chains are offering loyalty programs.

But not all hotel chains are nationwide. So if you sign up for a hotel chain with locations primarily in the Midwest, but you are living and therefore traveling in the Northeast, this hotel loyalty program would not benefit you.

This isn’t a problem with the Best Western Service Rewards program. With more 4,000 hotels worldwide, you are nearly guaranteed to find a Best Western on your PCS cross-country route.

The Best Western Service Rewards program, which benefits service members, allows members to:

  • Earn 10 points for every U.S. dollar spent on qualified hotel room rates
  • Receive a military discount of 10% or more on room rates
  • Automatically be upgraded to Gold status, which allows you to earn points faster

With the Best Western Service Rewards program, your points never expire, there aren’t blackout dates (so you can use your points to book a room during Memorial Day weekend) and you have access to their exclusive reservations line.

Always review a hotel loyalty program’s policy regarding the expiration of points and blackout dates. Nothing is more annoying than not being able to use the points that you earned because of blackout dates or your points expired before you could use them.

3. The benefits and savings of the hotel loyalty program.

A hotel loyalty program should be beneficial so pick one that benefits you. Do you want to earn free hotel rooms for future trips? Then find a program that rewards travelers with an easy-to-navigate points system to get you that free room in the future. You should know how many paid nights are required to earn a free stay.

Do you want to be upgraded occasionally from a standard room to a suite? Then pick a hotel loyalty program that rewards with free amenities.

Don’t forget to ask if the rewards can be shared with your spouse. It’s frustrating if your service member earned a crazy amount of points during her TDY, but then you can’t use those points for a free night when you’re driving to Grandma’s house with the kids.

A hotel loyalty program may help you save money when traveling, as long as you understand how it works. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and review the program’s policy before signing up for one. You want to find a program that works for you. Use the program to your advantage and get ready to enjoy the benefits as a loyal and frequent customer.

Are you a member of a hotel loyalty program? How does it help you save money when you travel?

How to Military-Proof Your Vacation Plans

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As my bio mentions, I come from a military family. One of the best pieces of advice that was given to me from my parents was to never lose out on vacation time. When I graduated from college, I took that advice to heart and made an effort to travel someplace new every year.

It didn’t change when I met my spouse. Although he was a little skeptical at first, we’ve been able to successfully vacation at least once a year since we started dating. My parents shared valuable tricks that have allowed us to vacation despite the military influence.

I know it’s hard to believe because we’ve heard so many different horror stories. In fact, my own vacation plans have been thwarted due to a short-notice TDY and unexpected field exercise. But, the important thing to note is that it’s always worth a try and don’t get discouraged.

With the right planning and flexibility, you can create unforgettable vacations, despite military annoyances!

Consider these travel tips that have been tested by my parents and myself:

How to Military-Proof Your Vacation Plans

How has military life interrupted your vacation plans? Don’t be discouraged. Try these 5 travel tips to create unforgettable vacations.

1. Don’t be afraid of planning ahead.

As a rule of thumb, my spouse and I like to map out a year in advance. It sounds crazy, right? But, it’s worked out great for us in the last 5 years.

We booked our Alaska cruise a year ahead of time. Military families can benefit from early bird deals in addition to military discounts. Yes, it’s a little scary, especially when you know things can change at a moment’s notice. That leads me to my next important point.

2. Always buy the travel insurance!

My spouse and I never book without it. Remember that Alaska cruise I mentioned? Well, we had to change the date two times before we actually left for our vacation.

Travel insurance gives you the flexibility to change dates without a hitch. Be sure you read the terms carefully to make sure you have the right type of protection for your vacation. We always make sure that if it gets to the point of not knowing when we could use it, the credit could still be there for us to use at any time.

During our Alaska vacation, we only had to pay the difference of our original sail date to our new one. Because of all the discounts we landed early on, the slight increase didn’t put a dent in our budget.

3. Make the most of block leave.

Depending on your assignment or location, military members can get a sense of when some breathing room comes their way. My spouse seems to get breathing room during the summer and winter months. He typically likes to take at least a week off at those times, so we aim to schedule vacations at that time.

In the last 2 years, we’ve got to go explore a new location along with spending the holidays with family. This past year, we celebrated the New Year and quickly jetset to Vegas to spend the next 5 days with my parents.

4. Plan a PCS vacation.

So far, my spouse and I are 2-2. We’ve PCSed two times together and have taken two vacations. Our first one was a PCS road trip from New York to Arizona. We mapped out a special route for ourselves that included visits through Texas.

Our last PCS is when we went on our honeymoon.

Yes, it can be done and it really doesn’t matter when you do it. My spouse was coming from an overseas tour and took a full month of leave. We moved all of my household goods and then flew out of our new duty station to cruise out of Puerto Rico.

5. Don’t be afraid of short-term planning either.

My spouse had use it or lose it vacation time a couple years ago, so we were encouraged to take time off. I came across an email with last-minute vacation deals and passed it along to my spouse.

If he had time to use, why not use it on a beach? We quickly booked another getaway as we were waiting for our Alaska cruise as a matter of fact. We couldn’t resist because the price was right and it was for the right amount of days off.

How do you military-proof your vacation plans?