While military service isn't always easy, it does come with a number of benefits that some people might not realize, even if they've been serving for years. This certainly includes "freebies" and other unexpected perks that businesses across the U.S. are more than happy to provide current and former service members as a "thank you" for their sacrifices.
The number of true "freebies" out there is relatively small, but military members and their families should certainly move to take advantage when they can, according to Military.com. For instance, Blue Star Theaters – a chain of local live theater venues – often provides current and past military members, as well as their families, with free admission to plays.
Furthermore, the federal government allows military members to get free annual passes for all national parks that charge admission fees, the report said. Along similar lines, many amusement parks and museums across the country allow military members to get free admission. However, it's always wise to check online to see what options are available in this regard.
Military members don't always have to wait for sales to save money at their favorite stores.Finding discounts
Far more common than straight-up free admission are military discounts for people who show applicable identification, and these are often available at many stores people visit on a regular basis, according to Business Insider. Clothing chains such as Eddie Bauer, Abercrombie and Fitch, Gap and so on offer military discounts, as do many sporting goods stores like Champs Sports and Foot Locker. Nike, likewise, provides discounts for military members.
Often, these discounts are available not just in the store, but online – and all shoppers will have to do is electronically verify their status with the military, the report said.
In addition, many cell phone service providers give military members and their families sometimes significant discounts on their monthly plans, Business Insider advised. AT&T, Sprint and Verizon all provide relatively small discounts – around 15 percent – while T-Mobile gives 50 percent off. Many electronics retailers likewise give some discounts.
Making a getaway
Meanwhile, many companies offer military members discounts on vacation planning as well, according to a separate report from Military.com. Disney is one such company, which allows military members and their families to visit its theme parks at potentially steep discounts, including on hotel stays. Some major cruise lines may do the same.
Moreover, plenty of restaurant chains offer military discounts, so whether in their regular neighborhood or on vacation, service members may be able to unlock some discounts, the report said. In addition, many small local businesses – especially those located near military bases – will likewise provide discounts.
Often, the best way to determine if there are any savings opportunities here is to simply do a quick online search or simply ask an employee at checkout. That may be especially true because companies don't always advertise their military discounts but still provide them when prompted. In this way, a little research can go a long way toward helping active-duty military personnel, veterans and their families a lot of money each year.
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