In honor of the service and sacrifice of U.S. servicemen and women, a wide array of businesses offer complimentary products, services, and significant discounts to active duty military personnel, veterans, and their families. These offers, often referred to as military appreciation freebies and discounts, are available across numerous categories, including travel, lodging, entertainment, food, and retail. The following guide compiles verified information on available programs, eligibility requirements, and redemption processes to help military families access these benefits.
Understanding Military Appreciation Freebies and Discounts
Many companies structure their military appreciation programs to be available year-round, not limited to specific holidays. These initiatives serve as a tangible way for brands to express gratitude for military service. The scope of these benefits is broad, encompassing both free products and services as well as percentage-based discounts on purchases. According to compiled data, military discounts can range from 5% to as much as 60% off, with an average discount of approximately 10%.
Eligibility for these programs typically extends to active duty service members, veterans, retirees, reservists, and National Guard members. Some retailers, such as lululemon, explicitly include spouses and dependents from the same household in their discount programs. However, eligibility can vary by brand and location. For instance, some national chains like Chick-fil-A and AMC Theatres may offer different discounts at different locations, with some participating and others not. Therefore, it is always advisable to verify with the local establishment or the official brand website before assuming a discount is available.
Free Products and Services for Military Families
Beyond monetary savings, several companies provide complimentary products and services specifically designed for military families.
Complimentary Story Recordings for Deployed Service Members
A notable freebie available to military families is the FREE Bedtime Story Recording offered by A Story Before Bed. This program is available to members of the U.S. Armed Forces who are currently deploying or have already deployed. The service allows service members to record a bedtime story for their children, providing a comforting connection during periods of separation. This offer is available year-round and requires sign-up through the provider's platform.
Welcome Home Banners and Signs
BuildASign has a long-standing military appreciation initiative, providing FREE Welcome Home Military Banners and Signs. Since 2008, the company has given away over 337,000 of these banners, valued at more than $10 million, to military friends and families for loved ones returning from deployment. This program is available year-round and serves as a way to celebrate and honor returning service members.
Free Military Care Packages
Several organizations facilitate the sending of free care packages to deployed troops, veterans, and wounded heroes. * Full Circle Home: This organization provides a free military care package that can be sent to deployed service members or their spouses. * Operation Gratitude: This program sends care packages to deployed troops, veterans, and wounded heroes. These initiatives allow individuals to support the military community directly.
Travel and Lodging Discounts
Travel-related discounts are a significant component of military appreciation programs, helping service members and their families save on vacations and official travel.
Air Travel
Some airlines offer specific military discounts. To access these, travelers can use fare finder tools and select the ‘Military' option for eligible passengers during the booking process. These discounts are generally available year-round.
Hotel Stays
Several hotel chains offer guaranteed military discount rates. * Best Western: Provides a Military Discounted hotel rate based on the U.S. government per diem for government employees, military personnel traveling on official business or leisure. This offer is available year-round. * Choice Hotels: Offers guaranteed Military Discounts on one and two person rates at over 2,700 participating properties. Eligibility includes active duty, retired military personnel, federal employees, cost reimbursable contractors, and employees of foreign governments. This program is also available year-round. * Shades of Green: Located at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, this hotel offers discounted rooms specifically for the military, making family vacations more affordable. This is a year-round offer.
Entertainment and Amusement Park Admissions
Various entertainment venues, including amusement parks, offer complimentary admissions or discounts for military members.
LEGOLAND Florida Resort
U.S. Service Members receive complimentary admission to LEGOLAND Florida Resort & Water Park. It is important to note that this offer is not available online; service members must present valid military identification at the park entrance to receive the free admission.
Dining and Restaurant Discounts
Numerous restaurant chains participate in military discount programs, with some offering special deals on Veterans Day and Memorial Day, while others provide year-round discounts. * Taco Bell: Participates in Veterans Day and Memorial Day offers and also runs year-round promotions for those with military ID. * Texas Roadhouse: Offers free meal vouchers to veterans on Veterans Day. * Chick-fil-A: Select locations offer military discounts and participate in appreciation events. Discounts vary by location. * Buffalo Wild Wings: Select locations offer free meals or discounts to veterans and active duty on holidays. * CiCi’s Pizza: Participates in Veterans Day and other appreciation events with free or discounted buffet deals. * Dunkin’: Often offers a free donut or beverage on Veterans Day with military ID. * Del Taco: Offers 50% off orders for military with valid ID at select locations. * Firehouse Subs: Participates in military discount programs; customers should check with their local store. * Golden Corral: Known for their Military Appreciation Night with free meals for service members. * Hardee’s: Occasionally offers free meals or sandwich deals on Veterans Day.
Retail and Apparel Discounts
A wide range of retail brands offer military discounts, from apparel and electronics to home improvement goods. While the provided source material does not list specific retailers beyond lululemon, it is noted that there are nearly 200 military discounts available across various categories. The lululemon military discount is explicitly detailed as including all active, reservist, veteran, and retired military personnel, as well as spouses and dependents from the same household.
How to Access and Verify Military Discounts
To take advantage of these offers, military personnel and their families typically need to verify their status. This is often done through third-party verification services like ID.me or SheerID, which are used by many retailers to confirm eligibility. When seeking a discount, it is important to: 1. Check Official Sources: Always verify discount details on the official brand website or through their customer service. 2. Carry Proper Identification: Have a valid military ID or other proof of service available when visiting a location in person. 3. Confirm Local Participation: For national chains, contact the specific location to confirm they participate in the military discount program, as participation can vary. 4. Look for Year-Round Offers: Many discounts are available throughout the year, not just on military holidays.
Conclusion
The landscape of military appreciation freebies and discounts is extensive, offering tangible benefits to service members and their families across travel, lodging, entertainment, food, and retail categories. From free bedtime stories and welcome home banners to significant savings on hotel stays and amusement park admissions, these programs provide meaningful support. Key takeaways for consumers include the importance of verifying eligibility, which often extends to spouses and dependents, and confirming offer availability directly with the brand or establishment, as participation can vary by location. By utilizing verified information from official sources, military families can effectively access these well-deserved benefits.