Ellen Phillips photo for ConsumerWatch column that runs every Sunday - Please use this photo from now onI'm very grateful to those who serve in our military. The last couple of months have reinforced that appreciation, particularly with respect to two events. First, the fatal July 16 shooting of five servicemen in Chattanooga brought so many people together, not only to mourn these senseless deaths but to celebrate the lost servicemen's lives. Additionally, the 14th anniversary of 9/11 reminds us to offer thanksgiving for those who fight and serve to ensure we remain free.
As Veterans Day approaches, along with a verbal thank you to those we encounter who serve or who have done so in the past (including law enforcement, fire fighters and emergency responders), I urge readers to also thank the many merchants and services that offer discounts to veterans and active military personnel. We want all military and service heroes and heroines to take advantage of every penny, so please pass today's and next week's columns along so our country's defenders can save as much as possible at every opportunity. (Note: By no means can I list all the many available discounts, but check militarybenefits.info/military-discounts and militarydiscountscentral.com for a pretty thorough inventory.)
Here are two categories everyone enjoys.
Dining and Entertainment
* A Story Before Bed (astorybeforebed.com as well as a free smart phone app) donates a free recordable storybook to personnel facing deployment.
* Blue Star Museums offer free admission to military folks and their families from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
* Buffalo Wild Wings, Burger King and Chick-fil-A cook up a 10 percent discount, based on location; just present a valid military ID.
* Cinemark Movie Theatres at select locations give active military discount rates upon presentation of valid active duty ID.
* Dairy Queen may be one of the most generous eateries around. While most locations offer varied discounts, if a service member shows up in uniform, the amount can be as high as 50 percent.
* Fuddruckers gives from 10 percent to 15 percent discount when presented with a military ID.
* Gold's Gym lets military members and vets sweat for 20 percent off their monthly dues and discounted enrollment prices.
* Hard Rock Cafe offers a year-round 15 percent discount with a valid ID; moreover, the amount is increased to 20 percent during select months.
* Lonestar Steakhouse and Saloon allows veterans and active duty personnel a 20 percent discount every Monday and 10 percent every other day of the week.
* Massage Envy Military Discount Program discounts the yearly spa fee $60, but check locations. Active-duty personnel only.
* Outback Steakhouse periodically offers 10 percent off for military folks. Some locations offer this discount all year around.
* Shoney's doesn't stop with our men and women in military uniform but, in addition, gives 15 percent off to uniformed police, fire and EMTs.
* Showcase Cinemas offers a military discount to all active duty people and their dependents - $7 for general admission and $5 for matinee and kids.
* Six Flags Amusement Parks provides free admission on its military appreciation days, depending on season and park. Tickets are available at discounted prices, which vary by location. Quantities are unlimited with a valid military or DOD ID. (Discounted tickets are not available at the parks.)
* Tough Mudder events provide a $10 rebate off the participant registration price for active military and vets.
Retail
* Apple's federal government and military employee purchase programs are available to military personnel, National Guard and Reserve (and family members), as well as federal government employees. Get military discounts on iPhones, iPads, iPods and Macs.
* AT&T Wireless discounts 15 percent to active duty, reserves and vets on mobile phone services. Present military ID and mention FAN code 4085530.
* Bass Pro Shop (coming soon to our area) presents Military Discount Days at Outdoor World discount stores for one week, beginning the 15th of each month. Active duty and retired military receive 10 percent off, excluding reels and firearms, among other select items.
* Best Buy military discounts, typically 10 percent, are available at a number of locations; call to see if your local store participates. Additionally, Best Buy offers Geek Squad services for half price.
* Brides Across America Military Bride Wedding Gown Giveaway works with bridal retailers and designers to provide free gowns to military brides. Check bridesacrossamerica.com for a listing of the next free wedding dress event in a city near you.
* Cabela's Legendary Salute offers a daily 5 percent discount to active and retired military, active reservists and VA patients. Show your ID at checkout.
* Costco gives new members over $50 in savings; recipients (SYN) must belong to any branch of our armed forces - active duty, veterans and their families
* Dell's Military Rewards offers laptop discounts on Dell's premiere series. Webcams that come with the computers help keep military families connected to their service member.
* Home Depot offers a year-round discount up to $500 at all U.S. locations to active duty personnel, reservists, retired or disabled vets and all immediate families. An extra 10 percent perk is awarded to all other military veterans on Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day and Veterans Day. (Some stores offer this discount all year.)
* Kohl's allows a 15 percent discount in selected stores nationwide when presenting a valid military ID.
* Lowe's honors our military in the following ways: 10 percent military discount to active duty (and their families), VA recipients and retired veterans. All folks who have served honorably are presented this discount on Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Veterans Day. Present proof of service or a valid Form DD214.
* 24-Hour Fitness Military Membership allows active duty personnel to waive the membership initiation fee and to pay only the first and last month's dues.
* Old Navy, on Mondays, gives military people a 10 percent discount of purchases. Just show your valid military ID.
* Sam's Club presents a $15 gift to new and renewing club members who are active duty and retired military, civilian military employees and spouses.
I could go on and on for days; however, with travel bennies for our military on next week's agenda, I'll leave it up to readers to check out all the other many perks, including higher education courses and all sorts of vehicles' deals.
Contact Ellen Phillips at consumerwatch@timesfreepress.com.