Military Life News

Military Life News, Commissary Rewards and Military Discounts

Planning to Ski this Winter?

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Don’t plan your excursion before reading our military savings tips.

By Marguerite Cleveland

Ski Season is upon us but for those who love to ski the costs have skyrocketed in recent years with daily lift tickets crossing over the $100 mark. Here are some tips to enjoy this fun sport without breaking the bank by using your military discount.

  • Visit your military base’s outdoor recreation center. If you base is located within driving distance of a local ski resort they will often have rental equipment for skiing. This is greatly discounted for what you would pay at a large resort. Also check out the monthly tours, many installations offer ski trips.
  • Your installations’ Leisure Travel Services (LTS) is another place you should check for discounted lift tickets. Fort Carson’s LTS offers discounted Colorado Ski Resort lift tickets and passes.
  • Ski Resorts Websites. Most ski resorts offer some type of military discount and some are better than others with some being extremely generous. Do an internet search for Military Appreciation Days at Ski Resorts. Quite a few have special days offering 50% off and some even offer free lift tickets.
  • Season Passes. If you really love to ski and are within driving distance to a resort a season pass is the way to go.  To ensure the best deal purchase in the Spring. This is the time of year most resorts offer their best deals; some even have military discounts off the price of a season pass. Many also can be used for summer activities which increases the value. This year Vail Resorts offered a $99 military season pass to celebrate their anniversary and military heritage. Unfortunately it is too late to purchase this year but it is an example of why purchasing early and rack up huge savings.
  • Smaller Resorts. This is those fun Mom and Pop type places. You won’t have all the fancy chair lifts, gondolas and other amenities and some still have rope tows and t-bars but you will get amazing prices for a day of skiing. These are great for honing your skills and an economical place to learn to ski as well.
  • Learn to Ski Packages. Look on resort websites for these packages. They will include a lesson, rental equipment and a lift ticket. Sometimes the lift ticket will have restrictions but over all a good value. Some resorts also offer a multi-day package
  • GROUPON and other discount sites have some deals. Looking on GROUPON in Denver, you can purchase a discounted membership to the Mountain Sports Club which will then give you discounts like BOGO on lift tickets at some resorts as well as lodging and rental discounts. Also lots of deals on ski rental and gear on GROUPON.
  • Canada has what I like to refer to as the American discount which is an exchange rate very favorable to the US dollar. It works out to a 25-30% discount depending on the rate. Canada has quite a few ski resorts within driving distance of the U.S. border.

Photo taken at Whistler-Blackcomb
Photo credit: Marguerite Cleveland

When looking for more bang for your buck always check out your military discounts. So many businesses appreciate your service and are willing to show it with a discount. This year my family will be skiing for $99 each for the season because we planned ahead. That is less than the cost of one lift ticket at most places. One weekend trip will have little cost as we turned in hotel points for a free stay. Even though the preseason deals are long past with the tips above you won’t have to pay full price to enjoy ski season in your area.

Marguerite Cleveland is a freelance writer who specializes in human interest and travel stories. She is a military brat, a veteran and now a military spouse.  Her military experience is vast as the daughter of a Navy man who served as an enlisted sailor and then Naval Officer. She served as an enlisted soldier in the reserves and on active duty, then as an Army Officer. She currently serves as a military spouse. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two sons. Visit her website www.WanderWordsWine.com

How to Snag a Low Cost or Free Dress for Military Balls

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By Marguerite Cleveland

Military Balls are a fun, exciting event to attend and who doesn’t love seeing their spouse in a dress uniform. While a great time, attire for a formal function can get expensive. Here are a few tips to help reduce the cost.

  • Many military spouses clubs host events offering free dresses. Visit Operation Deploy Your Dress a military spouse nonprofit that collects new and gently used formal attire and gives it out for free to military and dependent ID Cardholders.
  • The USO hosts an event at military installations across the country called Operation That’s My Dress. If you are lucky enough to have this event come to your area, it is the full princess experience. In addition to a designer ball gown or dress there is a high energy fashion show and lots of swag. The best part, it’s totally free.  Visit The USO.
  • Check out the Thrift Shop on your installation. They often have great deals on formal gowns. Early in December and May are peak seasons for people to get rid of things. Local thrift shops and Goodwill are also good options. When shopping thrift shops think vintage to come up with a unique look. Consignment shops will give you a better option for picking up a designer dress and will often come at a higher price. I often find better deals when shopping sales.
  • Trade with friends. This is a great way to get more mileage out of your own dresses. Trade or borrow with friends. I’ve often lent dresses to other spouses. You can make a fun event out of it by inviting over a group of ladies and have everyone bring dresses they would like to trade.
  • Lastly shop when you don’t need a dress. Every time you are out at a department store make sure to peek in the formal dress section. I’ve often lucked out and found a gown for under $50. My biggest score was at a Laura Ashley Outlet and they had a rack of formal gowns and bridesmaids dresses for $7 each. Needless to say I stocked up. I even bought ones that didn’t fit me because I was sure someone I knew could wear it.

Before you pluck down big bucks for a gown, try a few of these suggestions. You never know what treasure you may find.

Marguerite Cleveland is a freelance writer who specializes in human interest and travel stories. She is a military brat, a veteran and now a military spouse.  Her military experience is vast as the daughter of a Navy man who served as an enlisted sailor and then Naval Officer. She served as an enlisted soldier in the reserves and on active duty, then as an Army Officer. She currently serves as a military spouse. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two sons. Visit her website www.WanderWordsWine.com

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!

Cellphone Companies Announce Military Discount Programs

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In this fast-paced world, cellphones have become less of a convenience and more of a necessity, especially in the military community.

With deployments, training exercises and relocations, it is imperative to have the ability to stay connected with spouses, family and friends. It’s imperative and it’s expensive! Cellphone service can cost more than a car payment.

Several cellphone providers have announced discount programs for the military to help elevate the high cost of cellphone service. Check out the discounts the top carriers are offering.

Sprint Unlimited Military Plan

Sprint offers a 50% discount on the basic unlimited plan to military and veterans. The discount applies to additional family lines associated with the primary line. The first line is $60 a month (no discount applied), each additional line receives a 50% discount.

Four lines will cost $100 a month and include unlimited data, talk and text nationwide, Hulu, 500 MB mobile hotspot, DVD-quality streaming, global roaming in more than 185 worldwide locations, unlimited talk and text in Mexico and Canada, and 5GB of 4G LTE data.

One of the biggest concerns with switching service is the coverage. So how does Sprint’s coverage compare? According to an article published in “WhistleOut,” Sprint has the “fourth-best” coverage in the United States. The good news is in the regions Sprint is available the reliability of the service is pretty good.

If you are stationed anywhere from the East Coast to mid-Texas or the West Coast, Sprint offers reliable coverage at a great rate. If you live in the mid or south-west region of the United States, you may want to opt for a different cellphone provider.

Verizon Military Discount Program

Verizon is the Cadillac of cellphone providers when it comes to coverage areas, however, they do not offer quite as deep discounts for military members.

Verizon recently announced a military discount program. With this deal, you could save up to $40 on four lines under any of Verizon’s three “unlimited” plans. The basic unlimited plan or “go Unlimited” starts at $40 a month per line and requires at least four lines be opened to receive this price. The basic plan would cost a family of four $120 a month.

Related: 4 Ways to Save on Your Cell Phone Bill

This plan includes unlimited talk, text and 4G LTE data, DVD quality streaming (480p), unlimited mobile hotspot (600 kbps), Verizon Up Rewards and text and data in Mexico and Canada.

To receive the monthly savings, customers must enroll in Verizon’s AutoPay program and use paperless billing.

T-Mobile One Military

T-Mobile has recently rebranded and is the cellphone provider to watch, in my opinion. They are third in line for coverage which includes most of the United States, except for parts of Nebraska, Iowa, Wyoming and a very small area in southwest Texas near the Mexican border. I have driven through this area several times and there is pretty much no service available with any carrier.

With T-Mobile’s military discount, a family of four would pay $100 a month. These plans include most of the same services as the other carriers with a couple of notable additions. Netflix, texting and data abroad including 210 countries, in-flight texting and one hour of data on flights in the United States and what I think is the best part, all taxes and fees are included in the price, so your $100 cell phone bill is $100.

Another plus, T-Mobile has committed to hiring 10,000 veterans and military spouses and offers career training.

They don’t just have sales jobs. They offer a variety of positions from HR to IT.

AT&T

I intentionally left AT&T for last, because their military discount plan really isn’t worth much of a mention in addition to all the problems AT&T users have recently had (did you experience the major outages in 2017?).

They have a wide coverage area in the United States, coming in at a close second to Verizon. The military discount offered by AT&T is 15% off monthly service charges on qualifying plans. Their unlimited plans start at $70 a month for one line. In my opinion, 15% doesn’t come close to the amazing discounts the other carriers are offering.

These military discounts can really help military families lower their cellphone bills while still staying connected to the ones they love!

Are you looking to change your current cellphone carrier? Would you switch to one that offers a military discount?

10 Military Discounts for When You’re Stationed in SoCal

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Welcome to glowing sunsets, mountain hikes and seemingly endless summer! Sunny Southern California can be a dream duty station for those lucky enough to get assigned here.

With beaches and wineries and, let’s be honest, Disneyland so close by, you’re going to want to go everywhere and do everything. But checking items off your SoCal bucket list can get a little pricey.

Keep costs down and hit the tourist hot spots with these military discounts.

10 Military Discounts for When You’re Stationed in SoCal

1. San Diego Zoo and Safari Park

The San Diego Zoo has been a leader in zoos and wildlife conservation for more than 100 years. Visit the historic zoo, located in Balboa Park or head to the Safari Park in Escondido for a day of adventure. With military discounts, service members and their families can save a little bit on their trip!

Active duty troops get complimentary access to both parks with their DoD ID. Military dependents can claim 10% off their daily admission fees too. There are no limits on how often troops and their families can use these discounted tickets.

Veterans and non-active duty reserve troops are not offered a discount at the gate. Tickets with discounted pricing are offered through ITT or MWR offices at military bases throughout Southern California.

2. SeaWorld San Diego

You’re sure to have a whale of a good time at SeaWorld San Diego! Head down to San Diego’s bay area for a fun-filled day of thrilling rides, entertaining animals shows and learning about our oceans.

Active duty troops and their dependents can spend a day at the park for free, thanks to the Waves of Honor military salute! This deal expires on December 31, 2018, but is typically renewed annually.

Through September 30, 2018, veterans and up to three guests can go to SeaWorld for free!

3. Hornblower Cruises

It’s fair winds and following seas for deploying service members with a dinner cruise package from Hornblower Cruises! They’ve included special extras to help make this often stressful time a little more enjoyable.

Military personnel and their families can enjoy discounted Hornblower cruises anytime when they purchase tickets through their base ITT or MWR office.

4. San Diego Padres

Take your family to the ballgame with discounted tickets! Attend a military salute game for cheaper. Going on a Sunday gets you a bigger discount too.

Make sure to bring a little extra for Cracker Jack and a drink. Maybe you’ll even catch a foul ball!

5. Legoland California

Get your brick on at Legoland and SeaLife Aquarium! Spend the day at Legoland with a 25% discount or hop between the theme park, water park and aquarium with a combo ticket. Combo tickets up the value with increased discounts and free days!

If you’re going spur of the moment, claim up to 10% off at the gate with your military ID. When you visit ITT or MWR, you can even grab discounted annual passes!

6. Temecula Wineries

Enjoy a staycation in Temecula with discounted hotel rates and winery tastings. Head to Old Town for a taste of the old west or stay at a winery resort for an immersive experience. Grab discounted tasting coupons to local wineries through 2018 to celebrate the valley’s 50 year anniversary.

Related: 30 Military-Friendly Wineries and Breweries You’ll Want to Sample

Many wineries are child-friendly, with open lawns and occasionally a playground! Bring a picnic and make a day of your adventure to the Inland Empire.

7. USS Midway

Check out the Navy of the past with a visit to the USS Midway on San Diego’s Embarcadero. Active duty military can board for free! Veterans can also claim a discount on tickets.

Stroll the decks and reminisce about the quality of chipped beef on toast at the cafe. Military kids will love to peek at the bunkrooms and see where the racks are on board.

8. Old Town Trolley Tours

Dip your toes into all San Diego has to offer with a fun hop-on hop-off trolley tour. From Old Town to Coronado, you’ll learn all about the history of this wonderful city. Head to ITT and MWR for discounted tickets.

In November, military personnel and veterans can hitch a ride for free!

9. Knott’s Berry Farm

Brave the big drops and loop-the-loops on some giant roller coasters at a discount! Military troops and their families can grab cheaper admission every day when you show your ID at the gate. However, military personnel need to be present to qualify for the discount.

While you’re there, say “hi” to Snoopy, Charlie Brown and friends. Grab a chicken dinner and make sure you leave room for dessert!

10. Disneyland and California Adventure

It’s not SoCal without a visit to Mickey and company! Now you can go to the Happiest Place on Earth with a sizeable discount.

Grab multi-day passes with the Military Salute ticket packages. Some packages offer options to hop between Disneyland and California Adventure! You are limited to six tickets per military family per year. This deal is also only for active duty troops and their dependents.

When you buy military tickets, you’ll also qualify for a discounted PhotoPass.

If you’ve already used your Military Salute tickets, discounted passes are available at ITT and MWR offices nationwide. Make a total vacation of it and stay at Disneyland with a military discount. Call the resort or book online to qualify.

What are your favorite SoCal military discounts or special offers? Share your top spots in the comments!

5 Military Discounts for Your RV Rental Adventures

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Are you renting or taking your RV out this summer for some family fun time?

Make sure you get the most for your money with military savings. There are many RV rental companies that offer military discounts as well as military campgrounds that are a lot of fun for low prices. Here are five recreational vehicle rental companies to consider when planning your RV adventure.

Getting a Military Discount when Renting a Recreational Vehicle

If you don’t own an RV and need to rent one, you’ll be happily surprised to find that many RV rental companies offer military discounts. Some MWR facilities also rent RVs.

Share My Rental is a company that matches would-be RV renters with owners in California. They offer a 5% military discount.

RV Rentals USA gives a 5% discount to military families renting an RV in Texas.

Bates International has special military discounts for renting RVs across America and Canada.

American Dream Vacations is a veteran-owned business that offers military discounts for RV rentals.

Roadrunner RV Rental is also a veteran-owned business that offers military discounts for RV rentals.

Affordable and Convenient Military Campgrounds

Looking for a campground? Check out some of the wonderful military campgrounds to take your RV to this summer. They are operated by the Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) office of each branch.

The Air Force has more than 60 camping locations around the world. They even have a frequent camper program.

If you plan on taking a few trips with an RV, joining the Air Force’s frequent camper program is a great idea. Membership gives you access to information about camp sites and it also has incentives for visiting them. A wonderful bonus is that you can earn up to 25 free nights of camping at USAF campgrounds.

One campground to try is Birch Lake Recreation Area in Alaska. It has amazing views.

The Army’s MWR has a great collection of campgrounds around the country as well.

If you’re planning on parking your RV at an Army MWR campground, try Fort Benning’s Army Recreation Area in Destin, Fla. I’ve lived in Destin twice and its emerald waters cannot be beat. This campground is situated right on the water with amazing restaurants within walking distance. You can also rent boats from this MWR office.

Related: 5 Simple Recipes for Your Summer Camping Trip

The Navy MWR also has fantastic campgrounds to enjoy with your family. If you find yourself in Florida, the Oak Grove Park in Pensacola, Fla., is a great place to camp.

All the way on the other side of the country is Cliffside RV Park at NAS Whidbey, Wa. This is great place to visit. Your family can explore the area and perhaps see a bald eagle.

All of the MWR campgrounds offer great amenities in a wonderful setting. You can’t beat the rates either.

If you want to venture to non-military campgrounds, make sure you check to see if they offer a military discount before making your reservation. Encore and Thousand Trails offer a 20% discount at RV sites around the country.

I love that you can park your RV at Jellystone Park. Really. There are over 80 Jellystone Parks across the country. They have great amenities including electric and sewer hook-ups, water, 30- to 50-amp service and picnic tables. Don’t forget the military discount.

Tents for Troops is a program where your family can go camping for free. They offer a minimum of two nights stay at RV sites for free. This is possible through the generosity of large organizations that donate the space to active duty military families.

There are so many great opportunities for RV vacations that you’re sure to find the right one for your family.

Where have you taken an RV on vacation?

How I Feel About Service Member-Only Military Discounts

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by Amanda Marksmeier, Guest Contributor

“Sorry, we only offer discounts to service members.”

As military spouses we have all heard this statement.

I find it ironic. My husband and I are partners in life, we share everything including a bank account. The money I use when making a purchase is as much his as it is mine.

Furthermore, the reason he is not with me is because he is either deployed, in the field or gone for training.

I don’t believe we as members of the military community are entitled to military discounts, but it is nice when a business offers a military discount to military spouses.

When the United States was engaged in two wars with the scars of 9/11 still seeping and American pride swelled within us, military discounts were a way to honor service members and their families. As the wars drag on and disappear from national headlines, the military community fades from the forefront of the minds of American civilians.

Unless you have a personal connection to the military you are unaware of the challenges and sacrifices of military families. So, allow me to share a few numbers with you.

The military spouse unemployment rate is estimated at 16%; the national unemployment rate is 3.9%. Sixteen percent doesn’t sound like a lot, but it equates to 104,000 out of work military spouses. This number does not reflect spouses who gave up their job search or are underemployed.

The average income for a service member is between $40,00 and $52,000 annually. The U.S. average annual household income is approximately $73,000. For those doing the math that is a difference of $21,000!

But military families don’t pay for housing or health insurance, right?! No, as a matter of fact we pay for both necessities. While military families can live in base housing it is not free.

Service members receive a housing stipend or basic housing allowance (which is included in the $52,000) but for families that choose base housing this money is recouped by the housing offices to cover living expenses.

Military members pay health insurance premiums just like everyone else. Granted our premiums are much lower than other insurance premiums but we pay them nonetheless.

Here are some more numbers to consider.

The average military family will move six to nine times. The government pays for the move, right? Yes and no. The government approves and pays to move our household goods up to a certain weight which is based on the service member’s rank, not how many dependents are in the household. They will also cover travel expenses such as gas, hotel stays and meals depending on the distance traveled.

What they don’t cover is the cost to ship a vehicle because your newly licensed teen is not experienced enough to drive across the country.

Another expense that is not covered is the three weeks of hotel fees because base housing is unavailable when you arrive on post.

A huge out-of-pocket expense for moving military families is food. For families living in a hotel or an empty home awaiting household goods, their only option is to eat out.

I know what you are thinking, no cooking or dirty dishes, sign me up. I am here to tell you, besides the cost, which can easily average $100 or more a day for a family of four, eating out gets old quickly.

My goal in sharing this is not to gain sympathy or “poor mouth” but simply to provide information by the numbers.

Many military families struggle financially, so a military discount not only helps their bottom line but boosts morale and gives a feeling of appreciation.

I have been a military spouse for almost 13 years and I am grateful for every moment of it. Military life has taken me many places and introduced me to amazing people. It is a life I chose but that doesn’t mean it is easy or cheap.

Our family has lived in six homes. My husband has been deployed for more than 60 months and has been away for far too many field exercises and trainings to count.

When I am offered a military discount on my purchase it makes me feel like someone is acknowledging and appreciating the commitment I made to my husband.

What are your thoughts on service member-only military discounts?

Amanda Marksmeier is an Army wife and mother of four. She works as an employment specialist assisting the military community in achieving their career goals. Amanda is also a contributing writer for a quarterly employment journal and has written for several military affiliated blogs.

30 Military-Friendly Wineries and Breweries You’ll Want to Sample

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May is National Wine Month. What better way to celebrate National Wine Month than with a tasting at a military-friendly winery?

There are more than 8,700 wineries in the United States. Many wineries offer military discounts on tastings or free tastings to veterans and military spouses. Here is a list of military-friendly wineries in Napa and Sonoma.

15 Napa Wineries that Offer a Military Discount

Start your wine tour at the oldest winery in Napa Valley, Charles Krug. It also happens to be the first tasting room in California. At Charles Krug you can enjoy a five glass wine tasting. It’s usually $20, but the fee is waived for active duty service members.

Robert Mondavi has made Napa Valley what it is today. Enjoy a military discount and great wines at Robert Mondavi.

Hall Winery generally has a $40 tasting fee, but it is free for service members. Service members can enjoy a free glass of wine as well.

Domaine Carneros has a military discount on tastings as well as 10% off merchandise.

V. Sattui Winery has delicious wines as well as a military discount.

Grgich Hills Estate offers free wine tastings to service members.

Domaine Chandon has a 20% military discount.

Mumm Napa not only offers service members a free tour and wine tasting, but they also have a military discount of 30% off purchases.

Rombauer Vineyards offers free wine tastings to service members.

Raymond Vineyards offers a 10% military discount.

Peju offers free wine tastings for service members.

Beaulieu Vineyard provides free wine tastings to military service members.

Beringer Vineyards has a program where service members can enjoy a free glass of wine.

Cakebread offers free wine tastings to service members.

Monticello Vineyards may be a small family-owned and -operated winery, but they really know what they are doing. Enjoy a free wine tasting with their friendly staff.

7 Sonoma County Wineries That Have a Military Discount

There are more than 425 wineries in Sonoma. Here are seven military-friendly ones not to be missed.

Murphey Goode offers free wine tastings to veterans. I love that they support Operation Homefront, which is a nonprofit charity that gives assistance to service members. Murphey Goode donates 50 cents from each bottle of their Homefront Red Blend to the organization. While that doesn’t sound like a lot per bottle, it has generated over $300,000 a year.

At Francis Ford Coppola Winery you’ll enjoy a free wine tasting as well as a 10% military discount.

Adastra offers free wine tasting to military couples.

Alexander Valley Vineyards provides a free reserve tasting for service members.

Highway 12 Vineyards and Winery provides free wine tastings.

One last winery to mention in California is Tackitt Family Vineyards in Paso Robles. It is dear to my heart. They produce a collection of wines labeled EOD Cellars. The owner is a Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) veteran. My husband is an EOD Tech. A portion of the profits from these wines goes to the EOD Warrior Foundation, which supports wounded EOD techs.

8 Military-Friendly Breweries Owned by Veterans

There are also veteran-owned breweries. The eight below are ones not to be missed if you are in their area.

Honor Brewing Company is operated by an Army veteran, a Gold Star son and one other partner. Their tasting room opens this year.

Heritage Brewing Company has its own nonprofit that supports veterans. A portion of their proceeds go toward it.

Full Tilt Brewing in Baltimore, Md., is run by a veteran and a former DoD worker.

Young Veterans Brewing Company, owned by two Army veterans, is in Virginia Beach. You can visit their taproom and take a tour there.

Veterans United Craft Brewery in Jacksonville, Fl., is owned by a former Naval flight officer.

Railhouse Brewery is owned by Army, Navy and Air Force veterans. You can visit their taproom in North Carolina.

Red Leg Brewing Company in Colorado Springs has a wonderful taproom.

Fair Winds Brewing Company is one of the top 50 fastest growing breweries in America. You can visit their taproom in Fairfax, Va.

With all of these military-friendly wineries and breweries, you’re sure to have a good time supporting veterans and businesses that support our military community.

Are you looking for a military discount? Sign up for MilitaryShoppers’ newsletter and you’ll have savings delivered directly to your inbox.

Military Discounts for Your Child’s Birthday Party

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Have you started planning your child’s birthday party? Hosting a birthday party can be expensive, as I’m sure you’ve already discovered. Military discounts are so helpful when buying party supplies or booking a birthday party location.

Here is a list of military discounts to help you make your child’s next birthday party not only memorable, but also affordable.

Party Supply Stores

If you plan on decorating for the birthday party, you’ll want to stock up on supplies. There are many retailers to consider purchasing your supplies from. Try a local party supply store to help out a small business if you can. Ask them if they offer a military discount. Many small businesses like to give back to the military community.

If that isn’t an option, try a national chain such as Party City. They offer a 10% military discount on all items bought in store. If you see something on their website but it isn’t available in store, they can order it for you and have it sent to your house without paying for shipping.

If you are shopping for birthday party supplies online, try Shindigz. They have a 20% discount for military families. They also offer free shipping for purchases over $49.

Whole Sale Party Supplies has a 10% military discount and they provide free shipping with purchases of $39 or more.

Craft Stores

Perhaps you are a “Pinterest parent” and are planning on making the birthday party decorations. That can add up quickly, not only with your time but also with your budget.

I attempted to be a Pinterest mom for my son’s birthday last year just 2 weeks after having our daughter. It was probably a crazy idea to do so much at that point but I’m glad I did. I’m also glad that so many of the craft stores offer military discounts to make it more affordable to be creative.

Michaels has a 15% military discount that you can combine with their coupons. There is almost always a 40% off one regular priced item coupon and if not, they accept competitors’ coupons.

AC Moore also has a military discount. Their discount is also 15%. I shop here often as their prices tend to be lower and you can combine the military discount with other coupons and also gain points toward rewards certificates. You will find plenty of birthday party supplies and craft items at AC Moore.

Jo-Ann is another place you can try if you don’t find what you’re looking for at the other two places. They tend to have higher prices and offer a 10% military discount but if you want fabric, Jo-Ann is the place to go.

Birthday Party Locations

Making birthday party decorations or even buying them to host a party might not be your idea of a fun birthday party. In that case, try having your child’s birthday party at a fun location.

Chuck E. Cheese is always a popular option. They have military discount packages such as the Alpha package and Beta package. These include pizza, drinks and tokens. The best part of having your child’s birthday party here is that you don’t have to entertain kids and you don’t have to clean up.

Other locations that you might want to consider include: the zoo or aquarium, a gym or sports complex, a bounce house or trampoline world or perhaps a fun zone or sky zone. All of these in the D.C. area that I contacted offer military discounts so some in your city may offer a discount for your child’s birthday party as well.

Theme Parks

A popular birthday party idea is to take a few close friends to a theme park. Pretty much all of them offer a military discount. Great Wolf Lodge for example offers up to a 30% discount and is an extremely popular place for young children to have fun.

Busch Gardens, which is also connected to Sea World and Water Country USA, offers free entry and discounted packages to military families. By going on your free pass day, paying for birthday party guests will be more affordable.

Check with your ITT office for discounted tickets to other theme parks such as Six Flags. If you want to think a little outside the box, Medieval Times is something completely different. They have special packages that are available at MWR/ITT offices as well.

There are so many great places that offer military discounts that you can use for your child’s next birthday party. All you have to do is ask.

What are your favorite military discounts for your child’s birthday party? Tell us in the comments section.

17 Greenhouses and Garden Centers That Offer Military Discounts

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The first day of spring is March 20, and that means it’s time to get your gardening on!

There is nothing quite like the feel of warm soil on your hands. Add some quality seeds, some sun, a little water, and in just a few short months you have the freshest produce or most beautiful flowers you can imagine. And nothing quite beats the feeling you get when you can go out into your own backyard and fill a vase or basket with something you’ve grown.

Even if you have a small space, as long as you have a sunny spot, you can grow something. You can even grow fruit trees! Last year, we made the big investment and built a large raised bed garden. We planted all kinds of things: tomatoes, peppers, three different types of squash. Then there was eggplant, strawberries, broccoli, Brussel sprouts, cabbage, lettuce, carrots and tomatillos. We had cucumbers for days and we don’t have time for me to list all of the herbs, just know that there were 6 types of basil.

To say that we may have gone overboard in our first year is probably an understatement. But it’s almost time to start planting again, and while we have pared down our harvest list, what hasn’t changed is our love of a good bargain.

Seeds aren’t expensive, per say, but when you add in all of the other things you need like potting soil, plant food, insecticide, watering cans, soaker hoses and plant supports, it can really start to add up. Knowing where you can snag a military discount is a gardener’s secret weapon.

Home Depot & Lowe’s

Both of these home and garden stores offer a 10% discount to all active duty military and veterans. You need to register in order to receive the discount, but it’s easy, and it’s a solid 10% off on everything you buy. And depending on the sale, it is often on top of sale prices.

I love Home Depot and Lowe’s for things like soil (watch for the sales!), seed starters, and materials for building trellises or vining frames. We even bought the cinder blocks we used to build our raised beds there, at a discount of course! They also offer a variety of easy to grow plants already started for you. Their selection of plants is a little limited, but you can start a pretty decent garden from what they have to offer.

Meadow Farms

Do you live in Maryland, Virginia or West Virginia? Meadow Farms has an amazing array of plants, including fruit trees, vegetables and herbs. If you’re not up for sprouting from seed, they are a great place to “stock” your garden and Meadow Farms offers a military discount.

I scoured the net to find other garden centers that offer discounts. Here’s what I found:

Live in New York?

Check out the daily discount offered by Hewitts.

Stationed in Ohio?

Get 10% off every Wednesday at Pettiti.

Snag 10% off waterscape plants and materials from Hoffmans.

Boyerts offers 10% off any one item every Wednesday.

Have PCS orders to southern California?

Get 10% off every Wednesday at Armstrong Garden Centers.

Live in the middle of the United States?

Orshlen offers 5% off every Tuesday.

Stationed in northern Maryland?

Homestead Gardens offers 10% off every Thursday.

Live in Oregon?

Wilco Farm Stores offers 10% off every day.

For military families stationed in Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee:

You can save 10% at Marvin’s every day.

At participating Southern States Cooperative locations, you can get a 10% discount every Tuesday.

Need grow lights?

Want to do a little hydroponic gardening? HTGSupply offers a 10% military discount for veterans. You need to register for a veteran account with HTGSupply to receive the discount.

Live in Arizona?

Summer Winds Nursery offers a 10% discount on any one item every day.

Do you have a large yard?

John Deere offers a military discount for all current and former service members.

Live in Washington?

Jason’s Greenhouse offers a 10% discount.

Logee’s offers a 10% military discount.

Are you thinking about planting a garden this spring? Check out this article, “How to Plant a Victorious Deployment Garden.”