Deals for Military Appreciation Month

In honor of Military Appreciation Month,
Rob (above) describes discounts offered
to the military and their families.

The last decade has been a stressful one for the military, with most families experiencing multiple deployments, looking out for your buddy’s back has become second nature.  When you get home, it’s good to know that there are people out there watching out for your back pocket as well.  More and more organizations are offering military discounts these days but sometimes you have to know where to look in order to take advantage of them.

The first place to check is online.  For starters, there is Troopswap, which was started by a couple of Iraq veterans and offers deals exclusive to service members, veterans and their families.  They work hard to secure deals from name brand organizations, local businesses and destinations which are passed on to its members.  Signing up is free, but they will require you to validate your membership in the armed services.

Many service members are also aware of websites like Oakley’s, but another site worth checking out is ProMotive, a platform which gives wholesalers the opportunity to offer some spectacular discounts on everything from paddle boards to mountain bikes to camping gear.  Not all of the discounts offered on the website are available to everyone, so it helps to poke around and join as many “teams” as you can.

Moving off-line, a tremendous number of businesses offer discounts to military members and their families.  These prices aren’t always advertised but it never hurts to ask.  For example, I once got 100% off the $20 admission to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama just because my buddy thought to ask if they offered a military discount.   Now that was exceptional, but many fast food restaurants, movie theaters and museums offer 10% - 20% off for card-carrying military members.  (That being said, don’t forget to donate whatever you can to museums you enjoy, they count on it!)  Keep in mind, while some discounts may not be corporate policy, local stores are happy to offer it anyways, so don’t assume that just because you don’t get it at one location that it isn’t worth asking at another.

Don’t forget that many businesses offer discounts around Veterans and Memorial Days for veterans and their families.  Restaurants like Applebee’s and Outback will even offer free meals to veterans so keep your eye peeled for those.

This is by no means a comprehensive list, but hopefully it’ll get you started.  Finally, remember to thank businesses who support you and your family and never take them for granted.  Many of these places are run by former members of the military and they don’t have to offer the discount but do it because they respect your service, be sure to respect their thanks and keep it available for your brothers and sisters down the road.