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Connecting Veterans to Schools

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Every veteran has a story to tell. And our children need to hear those stories. This November, it’s important that we work on connecting veterans to schools so that our future generations know and understand the meaning of selfless service.

There are easy ways to bring stories of military service into our schools this month and throughout the school year.

Connecting Veterans to Schools

Bringing veterans and their stories into schools is just missing two key components: action and cooperation.

It’s important that teachers and schools take action to bring Veteran’s Day programming into their classrooms and schools. Worksheets and coloring pages are great, but learning about veterans is more meaningful when children can hear the stories first hand.

Local veteran’s organizations and military units can reach out to local schools, offering to send in guest speakers or provide learning opportunities. Taking this first step can lead to an ongoing relationship with schools, bridging that military/civilian divide!

How Military Units and Veteran’s Groups Can Connect with Schools

Military units — active duty, reserve or National Guard — are relatively stable even though the actual personnel might change over time. All it takes is just one person or unit reaching out to a teacher or school to build a relationship.

First, talk to your unit, base, or regional public affairs office. They will have guidance about how to connect with non-military organizations. There might already be relationships in place that you could draw on while setting up a Veteran’s Day program.

Next, contact area school districts, individuals schools, or use a personal connection at a school. Ask if the school is open to guest speakers from your base or command. Explain that your team will be sharing age-appropriate stories about military service and why they’ve chosen to serve.

Every military base should also have a School Liaison Officer (SLO). This individual, or office, should already have developed connections with on-base and local public schools. Talk with the SLO to find out the best people to talk to at the school(s). Or work together to build a Veteran’s Day program for schools.

How Schools and Teachers Can Connect with Military Veterans

It just takes one teacher with an initiative to build a great Veteran’s Day Program!

First, check with your school’s administration to learn the process to bring guest speakers to your classroom. You can also reach out to colleagues. Gauge their interest in participating in this program.

Then, connect with local military bases, units, and veteran’s groups. Try:

Outline what you are looking for, the ages this presentation would be reaching, and several ideal dates and times.

Once you have speakers on board and the go-ahead from your school leadership, set up the Veteran’s Day schedule! Make sure to include supporting activities and resources for teachers to use in their individual classrooms, too.

Get help building your own Veteran’s Day program with resources from the History Channel’s Take a Veteran to School Program.

Veteran’s Day Resources to Use in School and at Home

There are great ways to build connections to Veteran’s Day at your school or at home even if you can’t get an in-person speaker.

One great starter activity is to read an age-appropriate book with your child or students. Operation We Are Here has an excellent list of children’s picture books. The Cincinnati Library goes beyond picture books with recommendations for Veteran’s Day books from early readers to adults.

Next, you might consider reading “In Flanders Fields,” a famous poem about World War I by John McCrae. It has become connected with Veteran’s Day. Older students can dive deeper into the meaning of this poem, examining the history and symbolism behind the words. Younger children can listen to the poem and share their feelings or impressions. Another idea, for all ages, is to create art inspired by “In Flanders Fields.”

The National Education Association and the Georgia 4H program both have complete lesson plans available to teachers.

The NEA features several Veteran’s Day lesson plans aimed at elementary, middle, and high school students. Teachers, and parents or homeschooling families, can access individual lesson plans. Each lesson plan comes with directions, linked resources, and supplementary materials.

Georgia’s program has a complete packet that includes Veteran’s Day resources for teachers and students. It’s aimed at elementary and middle school students, but can be leveled up for older children. The entire document is printable. Parents could even print out just the pages they need. Or download this as a PDF ebook for on-the-go use on a tablet.

Whether you’re hosting guest speakers or DIYing an in-class lesson, it’s super important to share our veterans’ stories.

How will your local schools be celebrating Veteran’s Day this year? We’d love to hear your stories!

Discounts and Freebies to Expect from Your Favorite Restaurants this Veterans Day

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It always feels nice to be appreciated. This Veterans Day, those who have served our nation will have the chance to feel the love!

Military veterans, as well as those serving on active duty, can take advantage of great Veteran’s Day deals and discounts.

Discounts and Freebies to Expect from Your Favorite Restaurants this Veteran’s Day

This year, there are tons of exciting restaurant meal discounts and freebies available to veterans and active duty troops.

Before you head out the door, double check the date and time of the meal deal. Some locations are offering discounts or freebies on Sunday, November 11. Others are thanking veterans on Monday, November 12. Each restaurant also has a specific timeframe during which their deal is valid. Different meals and drinks are available during breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Be sure to bring your military identification with you to the restaurant. The staff will need to verify your service. Other options are to wear your uniform, as allowed by your branch of service, presenting a DD214, VA ID card, or another document that verifies your identity as a veteran, active duty troop,  or member of the Guard, or Reserve forces.

If you play your cards right, you might not need to pay for food all day!

Start Your Veterans Day with Breakfast & Coffee

Get your morning started right with breakfast. Take advantage of free coffee, donuts, pancakes, and more!

  • Village Inn: Grab a free breakfast from Village Inn on Sunday, November 11.
  • Dunkin’ Donuts: Pick up a free donut, one per ID, while supplies last on Sunday, November 11.
  • Krispy Kreme: Get yourself a complimentary donut with a cup of coffee at Krispy Kreme on Sunday, November 11.
  • IHOP: Dig into a stack of Red, White, and Blue Pancakes from IHOP on Monday, November 12.
  • LaMar’s: Bring a military ID with you to claim a free donut plus a 12 oz. coffee from LaMar’s on Sunday, November 11.
  • Country Kitchen: Enjoy a Country Scramble at Country Kitchen on Monday, November 12 when you bring your military ID.
  • Friendly’s: Pick from breakfast, lunch, or dinner at Friendly’s on Sunday, November 11.
  • Perkin’s: Order a Magnificent 7 breakfast meal at Perkin’s on Sunday, November 11.
  • Bakers Square: Choose between pancakes, waffles, and french toast meals at Bakers Square locations on Sunday, November 11.
  • Bruegger’s Bagels: Enjoy a hot coffee, any size, from Bruegger’s Bagels on Monday, November 12.

Try a Free Appetizer on Veterans Day

Treat Yourself to Lunch or Dinner on Veterans Day

Take a break for a complimentary meal, at lunch or dinner, at your favorite restaurants. Will you be heading out for steak, burgers, Mexican, or barbeque?

Head to a Buffet for a Free Apps to Dessert Experience

Fill your plate, again and again, at a free buffet this Veterans Day!

  • Cicis: Enjoy pizza, pasta, and more at Cicis on Sunday, November 11.
  • Golden Corral: Golden Corral will open it’s famous buffet to all military members, past and present, from 5-9pm on Monday, November 12.

Enjoy a Sweet Treat on Veterans Day

Finish your Veterans Day with a yummy dessert!

  • Cracker Barrel: Savor a yummy, down-home dessert at Cracker Barrel on Sunday, November 11.
  • Menchies: What topping will you add to your fro-yo? Go nuts on Sunday, November 11 at Menchies!

Remember, some offers are only valid on Sunday, November 11 while others are for Monday, November 12. Each freebie’s conditions vary. Bring documentation of your military service, like wearing your uniform or carrying your ID, with you to the restaurant just in case.

It is also advised that you call your local restaurant location in advance. Not all locations participate. You could also check with national, regional, and local restaurants in your area to see if they offer a discount or free meal that is not otherwise advertised.

Which free meal will you be enjoying on Veterans Day? Let us know your favorite Veterans Day deals and discounts in the comments!

Is Saying ‘Thank You for Your Service’ Enough for Our Veterans?

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It’s become almost a knee-jerk reaction: see a veteran, say “thank you.”

These brave men and women gave years of their lives to protect our nation. Many have suffered catastrophic injuries, both visible and invisible.

Is Saying 'Thank You for Your Service' Enough for Our Veterans?

Thank you doesn’t quite cover everything that our veterans have sacrificed for the greater good of our country.

As a nation, we owe our veterans a debt of gratitude for raising their hands to protect and defend. It’s not an easy job. It requires a willingness to write that proverbial blank check.

So we say thanks.

Thank you for your service, for protecting our collective national values and assisting other nations in need.

Thank you is not enough.

While troops are on active duty, they get many services provided for them. It’s all in the name of readiness. Our troops get medical and dental care provided so that they are ready to deploy at a moment’s notice. They get a housing stipend or are allocated a room in the barracks to make sure there is a place to lay their heads. There are clothing allowances and life insurance policies and retirement savings plans. Service members have the opportunity to live or deploy around the globe.

All of this is great. You might say that these are the benefits of serving your country. Things are often taken care of or subsidized. It’s handled.

This looks almost glamorous from the outside in. It can seem pretty plush: housing, medical, dental and relocation to cool locations. To the civilian community, these are great, especially in an age of uncertain health care and rising housing costs.

It looks great until it isn’t anymore.

The thing that many non-military connected Americans don’t fully understand is what it takes to live that “plush” life. Troops agree to risk life and limb, in a very real sense. It’s a commitment, to say the very least.

Once military life is over, things change fast. There are, of course, stories of beautiful lives post-service. Veterans and their families who go on to successful non-military careers, they take international vacations and remain in good health.

In one way or another, military service marks troops for life. It’s not something you can ever truly walk away from. Troops from Camp Lejeune are feeling the lasting impact of polluted water. Troops who served in Iraq and Afghanistan are now dealing with health issues as a result of the waste burn pits. Vietnam veterans are still suffering from the results of Agent Orange.

In just the current conflicts, there are over 50,000 known/reported wounded service members. Their injuries range from missing limbs and scarred bodies to traumatic brain injuries and post-traumatic stress disorders. I say reported wounded troops because everyone came back a little bit different.

Thank you isn’t enough for those who have sacrificed almost everything.

Many veterans carry the baggage of their service forever, mentally and physically. Thousands of veterans are homeless, accounting for roughly 11% of the total U.S. homeless population. Other vets self-medicate with drugs and alcohol. They are attempting to battle back against their demons, to soothe their wounds, in any way they know how.

Once they leave active duty, veterans are shunted right back into the civilian world. Their VA health care only covers service-related conditions, and getting even those covered can be a fight. Too many veterans have died waiting to see a doctor. There are some safety nets in place to assist a veteran who may be struggling or in need of additional assistance, but again the wait could be long or the services provided are not the right fit.

Is thank you enough for the 19-year-old kid who is now missing his legs? He will carry the scars of his service for the rest of his life. His blank check, his defense of our freedoms, required that he sacrifice his limbs.

What about the veteran who is working through debilitating mental health issues as a result of her service? Is sharing a reflexive “thanks” on Veterans Day enough recognition? She might struggle to maintain mental normalcy for the rest of her life, requiring ongoing therapy or medication.

Thank you doesn’t quite cover everything that our veterans have sacrificed for the greater good of our country.

But it’s a start.

Keep offering your thanks for their service, please. It starts a dialogue about military service and sacrifice.

Saying “thank you” or asking about a veteran’s time in the military can open the door to changing the way the VA is handled. We can all learn more about veteran-specific health care issues or employment concerns.

When we have these discussions, then we can start to work together to support those who have given so much of themselves in defense of our country.

Thank a veteran this month and start that conversation.

Now it’s your turn. What do you think? Is saying “thank you for your service” enough for for veterans?

 

Military Exchange Online Shopping Opens to Veterans

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Nearly 20 million honorably discharged U.S. veterans will soon have the opportunity to shop online through the Army and Air Force Exchange service. This change in policy comes after years of pressure to open shopping to all those honorably discharged men and women.

As of Veterans Day, November 11, 2017, all honorably discharged U.S. veterans will be able to shop the exchange online.

This new privilege will only extend to online shopping however, not shopping in the physical exchange. Through the website, veterans will be able to purchase any items except for uniforms, alcohol and tobacco products.

The exchange estimates that this could bring in between $226 million and $1.13 billion in annual sales. An increase in sales also means an increase in funds for MWR programs.

Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) receives the majority of its funding from exchange dividends. The more sales the exchange has, the more programs MWR can offer. MWR programs are in place to support the “readiness and resilience for Soldiers and Families.” Programs include child and youth services, libraries, entertainment, sports and fitness, automotive skills, crafts and more.

Recently, exchange dividends have been low and MWR has not had the funds to support their usual programs. The Army has had to use some of this money to improve its daycare centers since budgets have been cut so much. The low sales have been due to the decline in the active duty force and base closures as well as the ending of tobacco product discounts and smaller profits from cheaper gas being sold. Opening online sales to all honorably discharged veterans is expected to quickly solve this problem.

Veterans will enjoy saving on average 20 percent over commercial stores while those families with base access will be enjoying better MWR programs. It’s a win-win situation for all.

This has been a two-year effort to open online shopping up to honorably discharged veterans. In the fall of 2016 the Defense Department’s Executive Resale Board voted unanimously to open online shopping to veterans and the Deputy Defense Secretary approved it.

AAFES has been preparing for the expansion of shoppers by improving the website, call centers and warehouse and distribution systems. They are working with the Department of Veterans Affairs and Defense Manpower Data Center to determine a way to verify that exchange shoppers are in fact honorably discharged veterans.

Shopping will only be available to veterans online and only for the exchange.

There are currently no plans to open shopping at the commissary up to honorably discharged veterans. This is because the commissary is run differently than AAFES. The Defense Commissary Agency receives a $1.4 billion operational subsidy annually that is funded by taxpayers. An increase in shoppers at the commissary would result in a higher cost for taxpayers in accordance to the current system. DECA therefore, is not considering adding veterans to the list of eligible shoppers.

Honorably discharged veterans however are excited to able to shop at the exchange online, even if they can’t also shop at the commissary. The Army and Air Force Exchange service has received outstanding support for this program and is anticipating a huge turnout of veteran online shoppers on Veterans Day.

You can keep up with announcements as the date for launch of this program approaches and learn how you can establish your identity as an honorably discharged veteran through their website.

What do you think of this policy change for the military exchange shopping privilege for veterans? Are you a veteran that will be shopping online this Veterans Day?

Millennials: the Next Generation Called to Serve

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

4 Surprising Things About Millennials in the Military

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

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

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

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

4 Surprising Things About Millennials in the Military

They Know the Importance of Service

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

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

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

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

They Thrive in Team Environments

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

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

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

They are “the Most” Generation

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

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

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

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

They Love Technology

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

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

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

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

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

Our Giant List of Veterans Day Deals

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

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

Our Giant List of Veterans Day Deals

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Krystal is giving veterans a free chicken or sausage biscuit.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to Teach Your Children About Veterans Day

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You want to teach your children about any holiday throughout the year and as a military family teaching them about Veterans Day is a must. What your child understands about the day might depend on the age of your child and their personality. Some will be a lot more interested in it than others.

Here are a few ideas on how to recognize Veterans Day with your children.

Teaching Children About Veterans Day

One idea is to tell them about the veterans in their family. If you are a military family this will of course include Mom or Dad but they might not know who else in your family served. Get out all the photographs you can find of family members in uniform over the years. Sit down together and show them each person and let them know when they served. Your children will enjoy seeing the photos and will be able to put a face alongside periods of history in our country.

If there are any Veterans Day parades in your area, you should plan to take your children. They can really learn a lot about the day by doing this. They can see the veterans in your community and learn a little bit more about the history of when people served. It is also a great way to participate in your community.

You can also host a Veterans Day craft party at your home. Invite some other families and find some fun crafts on Pinterest. You can find different cutouts and puzzles for them to do. You can also do this before a parade and make banners to hold when you go to it. Just getting the children thinking about what November 11 stands for is very important.

If you have older children that would be interested, you can show them a documentary on what it means to be a veteran. You can find these at your local library, on television or even online. After it airs, make sure to discuss it with your children. Let them ask you any questions they might have. Have them write down what they learned from watching the documentary.

A great way to give back is to have your children write letters to veterans in your community. They can be something as simple as a card with a picture on it. Anything they can do to show their appreciation would be a good thing. You can look in your community about different events that help veterans and see if there is anything you and your children can do to help them out. Doing so will be good for those who have served and will teach your children tangible ways of saying thank you to the military.

Teaching Children About Veterans Day

Even if you do not live in a military town you should be able to find something going on that you can take your kids to. Make it a habit to go somewhere every year so your kids will know the importance of that day. They will grow up learning what it means to serve and how we as Americans should treat those who have done so.

What are your plans for Veterans Day? Tell us in the comments below.