Military Life News

Military Life News, Commissary Rewards and Military Discounts

The Convenience of the Commissary’s Early Bird Program

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Do you know what the commissary’s Early Bird program is?

I have always seen signs about the Early Bird program at my commissary but I never knew how the program could benefit me.

I assumed the program was for certain people or just for those who are in the military, not their families. I was happy to learn more about the program and was glad to hear that the Early Bird program is there to help anyone who shops at the commissary.

The commissary’s Early Bird program is a program for shoppers who need 15 items or less. You can shop at the commissary before normal operating hours and pick up your necessary items.

You can’t do your big shopping this way but if you can stay under the 15-item limit, the program can be a good one to take advantage of. This program can help people save money because of the lower costs of shopping at the commissary compared to a convenience store.

The Early Bird program allows people to go into the commissary, get what they need and not have to wait until regular hours to shop.

The Early Bird program can benefit a lot of people who normally shop at the commissary. From military service members that might need to grab something quick in the morning to retirees that don’t want to worry about the crowds and only need a few things when they go.

During the normal store hours, commissaries can get quite busy. I have been to the commissary on days when the line went all the way to the back of the store. If you just need a few items that wait is not going to be the best way to go about getting them.

With the Early Bird program, you do have to plan ahead. You would need to get to the commissary within the time that they have for the program.

Do you know about your commissary’s Early Bird program?

To find out you would need to check the website for your commissary. Here at Fort Campbell the Early Bird program’s hours are 7-8 a.m., Monday through Saturday. It is available at Bolling Air Force Base from 7:30-9:30 a.m. Monday through Friday. At Pensacola NAS, the Early Bird program is open from 7:30-8 a.m. daily while it isn’t an option at the commissary at Twentynine Palms.

Not every commissary will have the Early Bird program and the days and hours might differ based on where you are located.

If you think the Early Bird program will save you time and money, you should try it out. The next time you find yourself wanting to run to a convenience store, see if you can hit up the Early Bird program at your commissary instead.

You can save money this way because the items you need will be cheaper at the commissary. Regular convenience stores can cost even more than a civilian grocery store. By shopping at the commissary instead, you can avoid having to deal with the high costs associated with those types of stores.

Does your commissary have an Early Bird program? If yes, do you take advantage of it?

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?

4 Military Discounts You Need to Know About When Buying a New Car

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When my husband left for an unaccompanied overseas tour, he left his old car with my family. At the time, he thought he had a couple more years left until he needed to buy a new one. Our ideal plan was to milk whatever years his two-door convertible had left because we wanted to buy a new vehicle for ourselves later.

However, things happened a little bit differently.

During his year away, his car started going downhill (that’s saying it nicely). There were lots of little mechanical issues that added up to a lot of money (i.e. the convertible top wouldn’t seal all the way, the window wouldn’t open and close, among other things). Plus, the engine was acting funky. I took it in to get assessed and found out that it would cost more to fix the car than what it was worth.

That’s when we decided that if we can wiggle it, we should both get new cars. The next step was working out a budget and car choices that fit our needs.

In our research, we found that there are a lot of military discounts and savings out there!

Ultimately, we utilized 2 different programs to purchase our brand-new cars that helped us save thousands. Are you shopping for a new car? Here are the military discounts and savings you need to know about.

4 Military Discounts You Need to Know About When Buying a New Car

Before you buy a new car, take time to research which car dealerships and manufacturers offer military discounts.

Buying Overseas

Military AutoSource. My dad was the one that brought this military discount program to my attention. It turns out that my own family utilized an overseas car buying program in the ‘90s to buy our tried-and-true Ford Aerostar. Purchasing your car overseas has lots of great benefits if you’re interested in a Ford or Chrysler vehicle.

The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) is typically lower and the dealerships are accommodating to match other stateside deals. These military discounts are only offered to military members overseas, so it’s something to consider when the time lines up for you. We were lucky to have the time work for us to use the military discount!

Buying Stateside

You don’t have to be overseas to bank on an amazing military discount. There are a lot of different stateside opportunities that you should explore! I’ve split up the 3 main groups that offer unique ways to save.

Car Dealerships. I was actually led to a dealership that offered deductions off my dream car’s MSRP via USAA’s car buying program. Not all dealerships participate, so start your search on USAA’s member platform to figure out which ones are included. Once I found a dealership that was within my needs, I went ahead and worked with them to buy my car.

If you don’t have USAA, dealerships may separately offer deductions for service members. It doesn’t hurt to call around and ask about military discounts. Whether you are looking for a new or used car, dealerships can work with you to get the most out of your budget.

Car Manufacturers. If you’re buying a new car, most car manufacturers offer a military appreciation bonus or military discount. The best way to research a military discount for your dream car is to go directly to their website.

Since a lot of dealerships are single car manufacturer focused, check to see if you could apply a military discount or military appreciation bonus with any other dealership discounts they offer too. Think of it this way, they want to sell you a car and use it to their advantage!

Bank Financing. Lastly, I was able to score a rebate with financing with my car manufacturer. It wasn’t actually a military discount, but it did add onto our military deals. It wasn’t my intent to finance with them, but when I sat down with the advisor, we broke down the numbers and if I planned it right I would be able to save thousands more. They offered a zero percent introductory APR and I would be able to refinance after a year.

That’s ultimately what I did, so I could use the additional discount. I was able to go with my ideal car loan with a lower APR. It would also allow me to pay off my car in a shorter amount of time.  Of course, you could utilize military friendly banks to finance from the beginning if there aren’t any particular deals to utilize at the time of purchase.

Did you get a military discount when buying your car?

How to Start a Babysitting Co-op on Your Base

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Can’t afford the on-base child development center? Do you have a doctor’s appointment and don’t have anyone to watch your toddler? Want to go grocery shopping without the kids while your husband is TDY? Craving a date night with your spouse, but can’t find a babysitter?

How to Start a Babysitting Co-op on Your Base

Do you participate in a babysitting co-op?

Military families looking for affordable and flexible child care should consider joining a babysitting co-op.

What is a babysitting co-op?

A babysitting co-op is a group of parents who agree to exchange babysitting time and most operate on a point system. When you watch someone’s child, you earn points that you trade in when someone else watches your child. It’s an alternative to traditional child care and it’s free.

Babysitting co-op members can choose to watch other people’s children at their convenience. During the day, the child is dropped off at the sitter’s house. In the evening, typically the sitter comes to the children’s house.

When we were stationed in Monterey, Calif., there was a babysitting co-op for military families. But it was only for families who lived in government housing. Since we rented a house off-base we weren’t eligible to participate. But I was definitely interested in it and heard good things about it from my friends.

Let’s say you recently moved to your duty station and you’re wondering if there’s already a babysitting co-op, the easiest way to find out is through the local military spouses’ Facebook group. You can post the question there or search the files section to see if it’s already listed there.

For bases with a babysitting co-op, there is usually a separate closed Facebook group for its participants. For example, the one in Colorado Springs gives this information on its Facebook group,

A group where fellow military wives in the Colorado Springs Area ONLY! can come together to have a close group where we watch each others children, dogs, houses on a point system. To earn points-simply help another member out by watching their kids, dog, or house. If you try to join this group your profile MUST be open and information MUST be available to show that you live here.

But what if there isn’t an existing babysitting co-op? How do I start a babysitting co-op on my base? Here are 3 things you need to do to start a babysitting co-op at your military installation.

Establish Boundaries

Who can join this group? Will you limit the amount of members? Will you require an application for membership? What are the rules for joining or leaving the group?

Like I said before, there was a group at the base in Monterey. But it wasn’t open to everyone in the military. It was only for families who lived on base. Don’t be shy about establishing narrow boundaries for your babysitting co-op. You want the families involved to trust each other and have a good comfortable level.

Establish a Point System that Works for Your Group

There can be unstructured babysitting co-ops, but I think the system works better with guidelines and boundaries. That way every participant knows what is expected of him or her.

The next step in start a babysitting co-op is deciding how you will record and track babysitting points. Some groups use a spreadsheet on Google docs that every participant has access to. There’s an honor system used and members can update that document with their points. Other co-ops have cards that they hand out to parents after they babysit. They can later redeem these cards for babysitting. Search online for templates and printables before designing your own. It will save you a lot of time.

Have a Plan for Handling Disputes Among Members

A good way to avoid drama among the members of the babysitting co-op is to have a plan for resolving disputes. Every group will have parents who haven’t earned as much time as they have used. How will your group handled that? Members need to know how much notice they need to give when requesting child care. Is it 24 hours notice? Or 7 days? Other issues that may come up are bedtime, snacks, taking the children to a playground or park, television and discipline.

I think a babysitting co-op would be a great way to earn free babysitting as a military family. With initial planning and organization, the group can run effectively and efficiently for the parents and the children.

Have you participated in a babysitting co-op in the past? What’s been your experience?

35 Military Discounts Save Veterans Money

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Veterans Day gives a lot of businesses from coast-to-coast a reason to offer wonderful military discounts to our service members, veterans and their families. I’ve seen a handful of commercials on TV that have been advertising deals to veterans, which is great! My husband and I have also utilized these special military discounts in the past.

This time of year, there will be a long list of military discounts for military families. But, most businesses will only offer the military discount on November 11. And then, some places might extend it out a day or so before and after Veterans Day.

What about the other 364 days of the year?

To my surprise, there are a lot of businesses that offer year-round military discounts. From restaurants to retailers, the list is pretty extensive. A handful have special military discount days, while others may offer it at any point. Either way, your military family has other chances to use these deals.

Here are 35 military discounts that help veterans and their family members save money.

35 Military Discounts That Can Save Veterans Money

14 Retailers that Offer Military Discounts

  1. Calvin Klein, 15% off purchases
  2. Columbia Sportswear, 10% off purchases
  3. Dell, 10% off purchases
  4. Foot Locker, 20% off purchases
  5. Home Depot, 10% off purchases
  6. Joann Fabrics, 10% off purchases
  7. Lowe’s, 10% off purchases
  8. Michael’s, 10% off purchases
  9. New York and Company, 15% off purchases
  10. Nike, 10% off purchases
  11. Old Navy, Military Mondays 10% off purchases (A little birdie told me it’s everyday now, at least for my local Old Navy. Worth a shot to check out in your neck of the woods!)
  12. Payless Shoe Store, 10% off purchases
  13. Timberland, 20% off purchases
  14. Under Armour, 10% off purchases

11 Restaurants That Offer Military Discounts

  1. Applebee’s, 10% off military discount
  2. Boston Market, 20% off military discount
  3. Buffalo Wild Wings, 10% off military discount
  4. Denny’s, 10% off military discount
  5. Joe’s Crab Shack, 10% off military discount
  6. Longhorn Steakhouse, 10% off military discount
  7. Quiznos, 10% off military discount
  8. Red Lobster, 10% off military discount
  9. Sonic Drive-In, 10% off military discount
  10. Texas Roadhouse, 10% off military discount
  11. T.G.I. Fridays, 10% off military discount

8 Travel Military Discounts

  1. Amtrak, 10% off military discount
  2. Carnival, offers military fares
  3. Choice Hotels, offers military/government rate
  4. Marriott, offers military/government rate
  5. Hilton, offers military/government rate
  6. Ramada, offers military/government rate (My husband and I got a great deal when we visited family earlier this month.)
  7. Royal Caribbean, special rates on select cruises
  8. Wyndham Hotels, offers military/government rate (Last Thanksgiving, we stayed at the Wyndham in Gettysburg, Penn., and loved the deal we got!)

2 Special Websites Listing Military Discounts

  1. GovX. As a huge shopping hub open to Armed Forces personnel and their closest family members, GovX offers amazing deals! Whether it is technology or tactical gear and everything in between, the online destination has it all. My family uses it to buy sporting event tickets. They offer exclusive discounts to watch your favorite teams no matter the time of year!
  2. ID.me Shop. This is another website that offers special deals to military members. You can get special alerts sent to you, so you’re in the know of the places that are currently running discounts. Some of the places that I mention above offer a cash back bonus in addition to the military discount through ID.me like Under Armour and Dell Computers.

All locations that I mentioned are subject to change, so ask your local store employees if they offer a military discount.

Also, some businesses have limitations. For example, Lowe’s offers 10% up to $500. I shared a lot of businesses that my husband and myself use on a regular basis. In addition, I asked other military friends and families of their favorite places too.

Keep in mind that this list just touches on the available military discounts out there. There are a lot of wonderful local businesses that offer a military discount along with some bigger franchise out here. It doesn’t hurt to ask any business you patronize if they offer a military discount.

Which military discounts do you use the most when shopping or traveling?

10 Commissary Rewards Card Specials

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As a child, my mom and I had a Sunday ritual. After Sunday dinner, we would sit at the kitchen table together. She would clip coupons from the Sunday newspaper while I discarded the expired ones from her coupon envelope and added in the newest additions.

While recently reflecting on this weekly ritual, I had to chuckle to myself. This routine seems so old-fashioned in today’s high tech e-coupon world. I don’t buy the Sunday newspaper. I don’t clip paper coupons. I don’t have a coupon envelope that I carry in my purse.

Instead I use my commissary rewards card app to conveniently download digital coupons every Sunday night.

With the commissary rewards card, I don’t have to remember to bring my coupons with me, just my card.

I don’t spend time sorting through the paper coupons to find the one I need for each product in the commissary. I simply hand the card to the cashier and the discount is taken at the time of purchase. And best of all, I don’t waste time digging through coupons checking the expiration dates. The commissary rewards card automatically removes the expired ones from My Coupons List.

This Sunday, I logged onto my commissary rewards card account to load digital coupons on to my card for this week. This week, like every week, there are some terrific money-saving coupons available through the commissary rewards card that paired with September’s commissary specials will remind you that the commissary is worth the trip.

10 Commissary Rewards Card Coupons that You Should be Clipping Today

1. Save $0.75 on any 2 Oscar Mayer Hot Dogs. Requires a minimum purchase of 2. Even though the summer barbecue season is over doesn’t mean your family can’t enjoy hot dogs as a quick dinner on Tuesday nights. In my house, hot dogs are a staple for a kid-friendly meal year-round. If you don’t have a commissary rewHow often do you add digital coupons to your commissary rewards card?ards card yet, you can download and print that $0.75 Oscar Mayer Hot Dog coupon here.

2. Save $1.50 on any 3 Classico® Red Sauce Products. Requires a minimum purchase of 3. Speaking of quick and easy dinners that your children will eat without complaining, let’s talk spaghetti. My kids are obsessed with pasta and would it every night, if we let them. Stock up and save on Classico sauce in September.

3. Save $6 on any 1 Nasacort® Allergy 24HR 120 Spray or Larger. Act quick to take advantage of this coupon available through the commissary rewards card. This offer expires September 20.

4. Save $5 on any 2 Gerber® Graduates® Formulas. Requires a minimum purchase of 2. Baby formula along with diapers are the two most expensive items that you buy for your baby. As a mother I would jump for joy when I found a coupon for formula. Then I would use it immediately. If you don’t have a commissary rewards card yet, you can digitally clip a $3 Gerber® Graduates® Formulas coupon here. There’s also a $3 off coupon for Pampers Cruisers or Extra Protection or Baby Dry Diapers.

5. Save $0.50 on any 1 Windex® product. Use this coupon as your motivation to wash your windows and shine your bathroom mirrors.

6. Save $3 on 1 Feline Pine™ Cat Litter. Enough said.

10 Commissary Rewards Card Coupons that You Should be Clipping Today

Use the commissary rewards card app to save even more money at your commissary.

7. Save $3 on 1 Gillette or Venus Razor. Smooth savings for you and your husband.

8. Save $2 on any 2 AVEENO® products. Aveeno is my favorite. I use the baby wash with my daughters. I use the sunscreen. I use AVEENO® Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 on my face every single morning and I can’t live without my AVEENO® Daily Moisturizing Lotion. The same $2 coupon can be digitally clipped here.

9. Save $1 when you buy any 1 Starbucks VIA® item. Instant coffee=instant happiness in my house. If you buy two, don’t forget to clip this e-coupon. You can save $2.25 when you buy 2 Starbucks VIA items.

10. Save $1 on any Glad® Food Protection Item. Through my church I used to deliver meals to new mothers, sick people and people who were recovering from surgery. I never wanted the person receiving my homemade meal to worry about returning my Tupperware to me, so I stock up on Glad food storage containers whenever they are on sale and I have a coupon. Then I can afford to deliver the meal without worrying about if I’ll get the container back.

This list are the coupons that I downloaded onto to my commissary rewards card last Sunday. I’ll log on again next Sunday to check for more coupons.

Want to know about the commissary rewards card? Here’s how and why every commissary shopper should be using a commissary rewards card.

Commissary Offers Cool Savings This Fall

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deCANEWS RELEASE
Defense Commissary Agency

Corporate Communications

1300 E Avenue, Fort Lee, VA 23801-1800
Tel: (804) 734-8000, Ext. 8-6105 DSN: 687-8000, Ext. 8-6105
FAX: (804) 734-8248 DSN: 687-8248
www.commissaries.com

 

Release Number: 49-15
Date: August 20, 2015
Contact: Kevin L. Robinson, public affairs specialist
Tel.: (804) 734-8000, Ext. 4-8773
E-mail: kevin.robinson@deca.mil

Your commissary offers cool savings this fall

By Sallie Cauthers

DeCA marketing and mass media specialist

 

Note: For a photo related to this news release, please go to https://www.flickr.com/photos/commissary/sets/72157657490324951.

 

FORT LEE, Va. – As summer fades, commissary shoppers will see plenty of cool sales events throughout their store offering Labor Day promotions, Oktoberfest celebrations, case lot sales, and lots of in-store coupon flyers and instant coupons full of high value savings, said the Defense Commissary Agency’s director of sales.

“As we head toward the cooler days of autumn, we want commissary customers to know we’re offering plenty of promotions to help them save money and maximize their benefit,” said Tracie Russ, DeCA director of sales.

DeCA’s industry partners – vendors, suppliers and brokers – are collaborating with commissaries to offer discounts beyond everyday savings. Overseas stores may have substitute events for certain promotional programs. Customers are asked to check their local commissary for details on dates and times for the following promotions:

Now and continuing through September, stateside commissaries are offering Customer Appreciation Case Lot Sales. Each store hosts individual two- or three-day case lot sales on one weekend between mid-August and the end of September. Commissaries in Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico are also participating.

These sales provide commissary shoppers super deals — up to 50 percent savings on some items — on bulk buys of cereals, breakfast bars, chips, beverages and paper goods. During these “parking lot” sales, commissaries also offer sale pricing on some seasonal fresh produce on sale and provide high-value coupons for products inside the store. Look online, http://www.commissaries.com/stores/html/store.cfm?dodaac=N&page=case_lot_dates, for the schedule of your local Customer Appreciation Case Lot Sale.

From late September until early October, commissary shoppers who cannot attend Oktoberfest in Germany can still find in-store products for their own celebrations. Commissaries have a full line of German products from chocolates, cookies, sauerkraut, mustard and red cabbage, to rich German coffee and more.

Unilever is offering their annual “Italian & American Festival of Savings” from Sept. 24 to Oct. 7. This year’s promotion features Unilever brands such as Hellman’s, Lipton, Knorr and Breyers, as well as personal care brands such as Dove, St. Ives, Vaseline, Q-Tips and Tresemme. More than 125,000 high-value in-store coupon flyers will be distributed worldwide. A donation of up to $20,000 on behalf of commissaries will be made to the Fisher House based on the total commissary sales for this savings event.

“Don’t miss these fall savings,” Russ said. “It’s worth the trip to your local commissary.”

-DeCA-

 

About DeCA: The Defense Commissary Agency operates a worldwide chain of commissaries providing groceries to military personnel, retirees and their families in a safe and secure shopping environment. Commissaries provide a military benefit and make no profit on the sale of merchandise. Authorized patrons purchase items at cost plus a 5-percent surcharge, which covers the costs of building new commissaries and modernizing existing ones. By shopping regularly in the commissary, patrons save an average of 30 percent or more on their purchases compared to commercial prices – savings amounting to thousands of dollars annually. A core military family support element, and a valued part of military pay and benefits, commissaries contribute to family readiness, enhance the quality of life for America’s military and their families, and help recruit and retain the best and brightest men and women to serve their country.

 

 

Stay Connected to Your Commissary Benefit

COMMISSARIES.COM: Visit www.commissaries.com to learn more about the Defense Commissary Agency: check out the latest news, find a store near you, see what’s on sale, create a shopping list, learn of food and product recalls, scan employment opportunities, read frequently asked questions, submit a customer comment form online through DeCA’s Your Action Line and more.

 

COMMISSARY CONNECTION: Stay connected with the latest news about your most valued benefit, Hot Links to additional savings, shopping sprees, contests, commissary promotions, events and more, go to www.commissaries.com/subscribe.cfm and subscribe to the Commissary Connection newsletter.

 

FACEBOOK: Visit www.facebook.com/YourCommissary, DeCA’s Facebook page, where you can post comments and share news, photos and videos.

 

YOUTUBE: To see DeCA’s latest videos, visit www.youtube.com/DefenseCommissary.

 

TWITTER: To see DeCA’s latest “tweets,” visit www.twitter.com/YourCommissary.

 

PINTEREST: To see DeCA’s theme-based image collections, visit http://www.pinterest.com/YourCommissary.

 

FLICKR: To see DeCA’s latest photographs, visit http://www.flickr.com/photos/commissary/.

 

 

 

Smokin’ Deals at the Commissary in July

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The commissary deals for July are on fire! Everything on sale is great for Fourth of July celebrations, summer snacks for you and your kids as well as keeping your furry friends at home content.

Here’s a sneak peak at the commissary specials in July.

Nestle Drumstick Dessert Cones (Vanilla, Variety Pack, Simply Dipped or Super Nugget, 8 count or Lil’ Drums, 12 count) are on special for $4. That is definitely the perfect cool down treat on hot summer days.

My husband and I look for opportunities to stock our pantry with canned goods  because of how easy it is to prepare meals if we’re on a tight schedule. Del Monte is having great deals on their canned fruits and vegetables in July at the commissary. I’m definitely going to partake!

Ideal for smoothies, fruit salad and other side dishes, Fruit in Syrup No Sugar Added Very Cherry, Sliced Pears, Fruit Cocktail or Sliced Peaches, 14.5-oz cans or Mandarin Oranges, 15-oz. cans are only 4 for $3. In addition, Del Monte’s Southwest Corn, Cut Golden Wax Beans, Green Lima Beans, French Style Green Beans with Roasted Garlic or Whole Green Beans are also 4 for $3 as well as No Salt Added Whole Kernel Corn, Cream Style Golden Sweet Corn, French Style Green Beans, Cut Green Beans and Sweet Peas are 5 for $3. These sale prices last the entire month of July.

For a sweet on-the-go snack, the 4-pack of Fruit Burst Squeezers (Strawberry, Peach-Mango, Apple-Cinnamon, Mixed Berry or Blueberry) are ringing in at 2 for $3 and Fruit Naturals (Mandarin Oranges, Yellow Cling Peach Chunks, Cherry Mixed Fruit  or Red Grapefruit) are 4 for $3.

Our four-legged friends are covered with some amazing prices from Purina on the large bags of pet food. Complete or Indoor formula Cat Chow (25 lbs.) is only $15.99 and Complete Dog Chow (55 lbs.) is only $23. Just for the felines, Tidy Cats Non-Clumping Clay Litter for Multiple Cats with Glade Touch Odor Solutions (50 lbs.) is on sale this month for $5.99. For extra savings, clip this $1.05 coupon. Can’t forget our K9s with Alpo T-Bonz Dog Treats Filet Mignon, Porterhouse or Ribeye Flavor (45 oz.) at $5.36.

Now for the items that would be great for your summer get-together. Hefty Everyday Soak Proof Plates (50 ct.) is $1.50 and Hefty Ultimate Easy Grip Cups (50 ct.) is $2.39. To wrap up delicious foods for your guests, use Reynolds Wrap. The aluminum foil (200 sq. ft.) is only at $5.99. These specials end July 15, so don’t forget to stock up on these paper products for all summer long.

Lastly, I have to mention all the awesome deals on snackable food. Totino’s Pizza Rolls (Pepperoni, Combination, Cheese, Supreme or Triple Meat, 40 ct.) are $1.99. It’s easy to pop in the oven for your hungry family.

Another sweet snack you can pop in your oven is Betty Crocker’s Fudge Brownie Mix. A box is just 99 cents and you can choose from Milk Chocolate, Fudge or Dark Chocolate. Yoplait Greek Yogurt is only 65 cents for a variety of flavors, including Blueberry, Lemon, Key Lime, Vanilla, Pineapple or Strawberry. Don’t forget to combine that savings with a $1 off coupon.

Also, I’ll be grabbing bags of the party size bag of chips that are on sale for future camping trips. Tostitos Tortilla Chips, Doritos Nacho Cheese Flavored Tortilla Chips, Ruffles Originial Potato Chips, and Lay’s Classic Potato Chips are $2.98.

Want to know the weekly manager’s specials? Sign up for MilitaryShoppers’ newsletter to be kept up to date on all the sales at the commissary.

Sizzling Deals at Your Commissary in June

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The weather is already hot here in northern Virginia. Same goes with the assortment of deals at the commissary, especially with the assortment of drinks and sweets that are on sale in June! Click to see all of our Commissary Specials!

Here’s a look at what’s on sale this month at your military commissary.

I’m loving the variety of discounts on refreshing beverages that are perfect for long summer days. From June 18 to July 8, Gold Peak Iced Tea (89 oz.) will only be $2. My husband loves his iced tea. Seriously, he drinks unsweetened iced tea everyday. So, we’ll definitely pick up some cartons.

For on the go, Honest Organic Tea (16.9 oz.) is on sale 10 for $10. They are just the right size for your car’s cup holder. Flavors are orange mango, pomegranate blue, honey green tea or peach tea.

I’m also covered because my absolute favorite summer drink is pink lemonade! You can pick up a 59-oz. sized Minute Maid Premium carton for $1 and the sale includes more than pink lemonade. Peach, berry punch, fruit punch or tropical punch are the other flavors in the deal. Why not pick them all up?

If you have little ones, the 10-pack of Minute Maid KIDS 100% Juice Orange with Calcium is $2. In addition, other Minute Maid drink packs are on sale like apple or orange (6-pack) and apple, fruit punch, mixed berry or white apple grape (10-pack). I can’t forget the 10-pack of lemonade too. They are perfect for camping or road trips. I take a couple to put in the cooler and recycle after I’m done with each bottle.

Camping is one of my favorite summer activities and there are some great powerbuys on camping treats this month.

My husband and I put a handful of Nature Valley Crunchy Granola Bars in our hiking pack. Right now, a box of 12 is $1.89 and it includes Oats ‘n Honey, Peanut Butter or the Variety Pack. You can combine this sale with a $0.50 coupon to save even more money.

For those that like crumbles of granola better than the bars, Cascadian Farm Organic Protein Granola is $2.25. They have a tasty selection, Dark Chocolate Coconut, Apple Crisp or Granola Berry Cobbler.

Looking for another healthy sweet snack? Yoplait’s Greek Yogurts are selling for 65 cents each. You can get either Cherry, Pineapple, Strawberry or Tangerine regular Greek yogurt or Coconut, Raspberry or Blueberry-blended yogurt.

For the bakers out there, select Betty Crocker and Pillsbury baked goods are powerbuys too!

Betty Crocker’s Fudge Brownie Mix (Milk Chocolate, Fudge or Dark Chocolate) are 99 cents and Pillsbury’s Big Deluxe Big Cookies Chocolate Chip or Oatmeal Raisin or Ready-to-Bake Cookies Chocolate Chip are $1.75.

Aside from brownies and cookies, you can bake some quick and easy cinnamon rolls for $1.50. Grab a tube of Pillsbury’s Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing or Orange Rolls with Orange Icing to fulfill your cinnamon craving.

This summer our furry family members are also treated with deals! Purina has some amazing discounts that I will be partaking for my feline friend.

My cat Xena goes bananas for Whisker Lickin’s Tuna Cat Treats! It’s only 80 cents for a pouch and that includes Salmon flavored too. One Smartblend Cat Food is $6.40 for a 3.5 lbs. bag (Hairball Formula, Healthy Metabolism, Indoor Advantage or Urinary Tract Health Formula).

For a more glamorous meal for Xena, Purely Fancy Feast (2 oz.) is $1.04. I can choose from Natural Steamed Wild Alaskan Salmon Entree, Natural Tender Tongol Tuna Entree or Natural White Meat Chicken Entree all in Delicate Broth.

On the not so glamorous side of cat parenting, litter is on sale! Purina Tidy Cats Non-Clumping Clay Litter 20 lbs. bag is 2 for $6 or Clumping Litter 14 lbs. is $5.21 both for Multiple Cats 24/7 Performance or Instant Action. Save an additional $1.05 with this coupon.

Let’s not forget the pups in our family! Here are some great deals at the commissary for them:

  • Beneful Dog Food (Health Smile, Playful Life, Healthy Weight or Original) 7 lbs. for $8.99
  • Beggin’ Strips Dog Snack (Bacon & Cheese or Bacon Flavor),  6 oz. for $2
  • Alpo Dog Food Chop House or Gravy Cravers Variety Pack, 12 ct. for $6.99

Want to know the weekly manager’s specials? Sign up for the newsletter to be kept up to date on all the sales at the commissary.

Memorial Day Savings This Month at Your Commissary

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May is my absolute favorite month! Not only is it my birth month, it is also the unofficial start to summer. Our community pool opens up Memorial Day weekend (YAY!) and outdoor gatherings become a regular occurrence.

It can be said that along with the weather, the commissary deals are heating up too! In honor of National Military Appreciation Month, they have upped their game with lots of great specials throughout the month aimed to help military families get ready for barbecues, pool parties or any other family get-togethers.

Who doesn’t love a good backyard picnic? Add the ideal outdoor dining side dish to your menu with a tasty pasta salad. Betty Crocker’s Suddenly Pasta Salad (Ceasar, Classic or Ranch & Bacon) is only $0.98. Buy 2 and you can save $.50 with this coupon. It’s a great make-ahead meal and can be refrigerated until it’s time to eat.

Another great addition to any meal outside is a delicious pickle. Vlasic® Spears (24 oz.) are 2 for $3. For those who like to add a pickle topping to their hot dogs, Vlasic Relish (10 oz.) is $0.98.

Stock up on great finger grabbing snacks like Ruffles Potato Chips (Original or Cheddar & Sour Cream, $2.50), Tostitos Tortilla Chips (Cantina Traditional or Thin & Crispy, $2; Restaurant Style or Scoops, $2.50) or finally, Lay’s Chips (Baked, Classic or Wavy Original, $2). Don’t forget to include your favorite dip into the mix.

I’ve mentioned before that I’m from Texas, so I know that no awesome barbecue is complete without sweet tea and lemonade. Sometimes a get-together is quickly arranged. As a result, you have no time to brew a batch of tea or squeeze a bunch of lemons! In those instances, I love grabbing a refreshing jug of pre-made tea and lemonade. I’m excited that Gold Peak’s Iced Tea Diet or Sweet Tea (59 oz.) is $1.39 and Minute Maid Light Lemonade (59 oz.) is 2 for $3.

Also, I don’t know about you, but I tend to stick with disposable plates and cups for most outdoor dining situations. It makes clean-up a breeze. Several of Hefty’s great products are on sale for $1.50 this month. The sale items include: Everyday Soak Proof bowls or plates (50 ct.), Deluxe Extra Strong & Deep plates (24 ct.) and Ultimate Easy Grip 18 oz. cups (30 ct.).  They have a good selection of trash bags discounted too. Ultimate Flex Scent Free or Clean Burst (38 ct.) or Odor Block scent free or lavender vanilla (45 ct.) are $4.99 a package.

Don’t forget to pair these great discounts with coupons from coupons.com.

This month, Neutrogena products are on special. Pamper yourself with a wide range of their offers! I’m a huge fan of their Oil-Free Moisturizer for sensitive skin. They also have a version with SPF that’s great for the sunny months ahead. Both are just $6.67.

Here are some more Neutrogena specials:

  • Deep Clean (Facial and Cream Cleanser or Gentle Scrub), $3.41
  • Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover, $4.18
  • Excellent for travel: Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes Refill Pack, $2.97
  • Deep Clean Invigorating Foaming Scrub or Oil-Free Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit Foaming Scrub $4.51
  • Transparent Facial Bar Acne Prone Skin Formula, $1.73
  • Rapid Wrinkle Repair Moisturizer with Sunscreen SPF 30 or Night, $11.37
  • Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Cream Original Formula SPF 15, $7.45
  • Health Defense Daily Moisturizer with Sunscreen SPF 50, $8.43

Be sure you scope out the commissary specials flyer for more fantastic sale prices!

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