Discounts and Free Benefits for Active and Retired Servicemen and Their Families

Members of the U.S Armed Forces sacrifice so much to safeguard the freedoms we value. Along with this sacrifice come many benefits, such as Housing, Education, and Medical coverage. Now what we have failed to mention is the growing number of private businesses that provide discounts for the entire military family. Military families, the unsung hero's for those who fight to protect our country.

For many military families, the idea of taking a long family vacation is a very fluid idea, due to constant changes in deployment schedules. Some families are without their loved ones for over a year at a time. Imagine not seeing your husband or wife for twelve to fifteen months at a time. Well it may not come as a surprise that these families once reunited, plan trips to many locations based on the Military discount they receive.

The first of these places we will look at are the Anheiser-Busch amusement parks, they offer free admission to their establishments. These parks include Busch Gardens, Sea World, and Sesame Place. Through their hero salute program military members and up to three of their dependants may enter one of the above listed parks free for one day.

Another option for military members both with and without families is the Armed Forces Vacation Club. With 3,500 resorts all over the world, operating on a space available basis is a great choice for the person wanting to open up many more options for vacation planning. This program is available to all military members and their dependants, to include members of the National Guard and Reserve components. This program is also available to our retired members of the armed forces, as well as civilian employees of DOD, the American Red Cross, and members of the Disabled American Veterans. For more information regarding the Armed Forces Vacation Club visit their website. You must register to be a member to take advantage of these deals.

Let's not forget it is tax season; and even military members have to pay taxes. One option for military members is TaxCut through H&R Block. This service is free through www.MilitaryOneSource.com. Registration is free for the site and is a great avenue for information.

For the spouses in who selflessly follow their military member around the world, putting their careers on hold; the Department of Defense has started the Spouses to Teachers program. This is a pilot program designed to help spouses of active duty or reserve members in their pursuit of careers as teachers K-12.

This is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to military friendly companies and programs. Some of the most noticed common locations are Chik-fil-A, Hot Topic clothing store, IHOP, Grand Movie Theaters and Hilton Hotels. Some places offer as much as a 20% discount on their services. Please keep in mind that not all locations participate.

The next time you are in an airport and find yourself with a long layover check to see if they have a USO. The USO offers free food, drinks, computer access and phone usage. Some of the larger ones even have beds to rest on and playrooms for your children. Not all airports have them and some are nicer than others; but I can attest that the ones I have been in no matter how large or small, the volunteers that run them have been friendly and extremely helpful. Donations are always welcome but not required.

The key to thing to remember is if you are a member of the military or if you are the family of a military member, you have not been forgotten. There are so many resources for you and your family to make life a bit more comfortable.