Numerous businesses across the United States demonstrate appreciation for military personnel, veterans, and their families through a variety of freebies and discounts. These offers span multiple categories, including entertainment, retail, travel, and specialized support services. While many promotions are available year-round, others are tied to specific holidays such as Veterans Day, Memorial Day, and Independence Day. The following guide details verified offers and programs available to members of the U.S. Armed Forces.
Entertainment and Attractions
Several major entertainment brands provide free admission or significant discounts to military members and veterans.
SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment Through the "Waves of Honor" program, SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment offers free admission to military personnel and veterans. This program includes SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, Sesame Place, and other associated parks. Eligible individuals receive one free ticket and three additional tickets for friends and family via ID.me verification. The option to purchase up to six discounted tickets is also available. * Eligibility: Currently serving military members (including reservists and National Guard) and veterans. * Availability: Year-round for active duty; seasonal availability for veterans (e.g., May to September and Veterans Day in past years).
National Park Service The National Park Service offers free access to over 2,000 national parks and historic sites for active duty military, veterans, and their families. * Eligibility: Any member of the military, past or present. * Requirements: A military ID, Veterans Affairs ID, or a state-issued driver’s license showing service status is required at the gate. * Note: Some parks may require advance reservations.
World of Coca-Cola Located in Atlanta, the World of Coca-Cola offers free admission to military personnel and veterans through its Military Appreciation program. * Eligibility: Active duty, reserve members, and veterans. * Requirements: Proper ID must be presented.
Baseball Hall of Fame Source data indicates that the Baseball Hall of Fame offers free admission to veterans, though specific eligibility details were not fully elaborated in the provided text.
PGA (Professional Golfers' Association) The PGA’s "Birdies for the Brave" outreach program provides free tickets to tournaments for active duty military personnel. Veterans are eligible for discounted tickets.
Retail and Apparel Discounts
Many retail brands offer consistent discounts to military personnel and their dependents, often requiring verification through ID.me or direct presentation of ID.
Under Armour Under Armour provides a 10% Military Appreciation Discount to Active Duty, Retirees, Veterans, Military Spouses, and Military Family Members. * Verification: Eligibility is verified online via ID.me. * Restrictions: Cannot be combined with other promotional codes; does not apply to gift card purchases or specific items like the WWP Backpack Gift.
Rack Room Shoes Rack Room Shoes offers a 10% military discount every Tuesday year-round. * Eligibility: Military personnel and their dependents. * Holiday Extensions: Additional discounts apply on Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Veteran's Day.
Sally Beauty Supply Sally Beauty Supply waives the $5 membership fee for the Sally Beauty Supply Club for military personnel. * Requirements: Valid active military ID must be presented in-store. * Availability: In-store only; not available online.
Yankee Candle Yankee Candle offers a 10% discount every day to active and retired military members and their immediate families. * Availability: Valid at retail stores, outlet stores, and online.
Educational and Family Support
Support extends beyond retail to include educational resources and family-oriented services.
Tutor.com Active duty military personnel and their dependents have free access to Tutor.com. * Service: Online tutoring covering a wide range of subjects.
A Story Before Bed This service offers free recording of bedtime stories for children of deployed U.S. Armed Forces members. * Eligibility: Members who are deploying or have already deployed.
Operation Heal Our Patriots This program provides a free marriage retreat for wounded veterans and their spouses. * Location: Alaska wilderness lodge. * Features: Biblically-based seminars, outdoor activities, and private cabin accommodations.
Food and Beverage
While specific free product samples like tea or cups were mentioned in relation to "Growing Veterans" and "Natural American Spirit," the provided data focuses more heavily on meal discounts and general appreciation offers.
Veterans Day Meals A widespread tradition involves free meals for veterans and active duty personnel on Veterans Day. Chains such as Applebee’s and Chili’s typically participate, offering a choice of one entree to veterans, retirees, reservists, active duty personnel, and National Guard members.
Coca-Cola As noted in the attraction section, the World of Coca-Cola in Atlanta offers free admission, reinforcing the brand's support for the military community.
Lawn Care and Specialized Services
Operation Heal Our Patriots In addition to marriage retreats, the organization provides lawn care services to married couples of wounded veterans. * Services: Mowing, bed edging, tree pruning, fertilization, clean-up, and snow removal. * Duration: Services are provided for a 9-12 month period.
Important Considerations for Redemption
When seeking these freebies and discounts, consumers should keep the following in mind: * Verification: Most offers require proof of service. Common forms of ID include a military ID, Veterans Affairs ID, or a state-issued driver’s license with a veteran designation. Online retailers frequently use ID.me for verification. * Availability: While many offers are year-round, seasonal promotions (specifically around Veterans Day and Memorial Day) are common. It is advisable to check specific brand websites for current dates and terms. * Location: Some offers, such as those from Rack Room Shoes or Sally Beauty Supply, may be limited to in-store redemption, while others, like Under Armour or Tutor.com, are available online.
Conclusion
The landscape of military appreciation offers is diverse, encompassing free admission to theme parks and museums, retail discounts, educational resources, and specialized family support services. Brands such as SeaWorld, the National Park Service, Under Armour, and Tutor.com actively participate in recognizing the service of U.S. military members and veterans. To maximize these benefits, individuals should ensure they possess valid identification and stay informed about seasonal promotions and specific redemption requirements.