Thank You for Your Service

Today is officially Veteran’s Day even though the federal holiday was celebrated yesterday.

What is Veteran’s Day?

“We remember those who died BUT Veterans Day is the day set aside to thank and honor ALL those who served honorably in the military – in wartime or peacetime,” It is a holiday “is largely intended to thank LIVING veterans for their service, to acknowledge their contributions to our national security, and to underscore the fact all those who served – not only those who died – have sacrificed and done their duty.”

Would you like to make a difference in the lives of our military families?

Every week, households across the country get the Sunday paper which is typically filled manufacturer coupons.  Some cut out what we can use while others simply put the entire batch in the recycling bin never to be seen again.  Did you know you could help our military families and all it would cost you would be the postage?

Recycling coupons is a GREAT way to “give back” to our military families. Military families can use current and EXPIRED (up to 3 months from the expiration date) manufacturers coupons at the BX/PX.  Such an easy way to help others who risk their lives for us every day.

I never realized how much the “small” things we take for granted are appreciated by our military families and our troops until about 14 years ago.  My best friend’s husband, Bill, was deployed to Bagram in the early days of “Operation Freedom”.

A one month deployment turned into a 6 month stint during a time when there was no family support groups – just friends and family who got Stephanie and the four kids (Jen, Sean, Ryan & Shane) through the many days and long nights.  Every penny counted and believe it or not, coupons helped. Here is a quote from her Facebook page on Veteran’s Day –

” On Veterans Day, don’t count the days or the months. Just please remember every family of every soldier – and if you don’t know what to say, just do a random act of kindness like taking out the trash for a soldier’s wife while her husband is at home. Small things mean a lot. I know.  November 11, 2012 at 8:37pm  

Today, there are many businesses saluting veterans and active-duty military personnel.  They’re offering freebies and special discounts to show their appreciation for all those who have sacrificed for their country.  Proof of service such as a military ID is typically required and a few businesses will allow dressing in uniform as a form of identification.

Check with your location to see if they are participating:

Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill: Free meal from a special menu Saturday at any of the nearly 1,800 locations.

Bob Evans: Free meal from a special menu available all day Saturday at all locations.

Bonefish Grill: Free Bang Bang Shrimp appetizer.

Buffalo Wild Wings: Free small order of traditional or boneless wings with a side of fries.

Chili’s: Free meal from a special menu.

Cracker Barrel: Free slice of Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake.

Dunkin’ Donuts: Free doughnut of choice, while supplies last.

Friendly’s: Free meal from a special menu at participating locations.

Little Caesars: Free Hot-N-Ready lunch combo from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

LongHorn Steakhouse: Free appetizer or dessert. Plus guests dining with veterans will receive 10% off their meals.

Muscle Maker Grill: Free meal at participating locations.

Olive Garden: Free meal from a select menu.

Outback Steakhouse: Free Bloomin’ Onion and non-alcoholic beverage.

Panera Bread: Free breakfast sandwiches until 10 a.m. Saturday at participating locations. After 10 a.m., military members get a coupon for a free pastry to use on a future visit.

Red Lobster: Free appetizer or dessert.

Red Robin: Free Red’s Tavern Double Burger with bottomless fries.

Ruby Tuesday: Free appetizer up to $10.

TGI Friday’s: Free lunch menu item up to $12 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Plus get a coupon for $5 off next meal.

Wawa: Free coffee, any size, all day Saturday for veterans, active military and family members.

Great Clips: Veterans and active duty get a free haircut on Veterans Day or pick up a free haircut card to use through Dec. 31. Also non-veterans who get a haircut Saturday get a free haircut card to give to a veteran.

Many stores offer military discounts year-round, but a handful are only on Veterans Day.

A.C. Moore: 15% off your total regular and sale price purchase with valid ID every day.

Home Depot: 10% discount.

Jo-Ann Fabric: 10% discount for military service members and their families year round.

Lowe’s: 10% discount.

Michaels: 15% discount for military families every day.

Have you served in the military?  You can get your ID card at most county office buildings with a copy of your DD214.

Do you know a vet who could use some cheering up?  I have HERO bags made up and ready to send out.  Complete the form below and I will send them out or if local, I would be happy to drop it off to bring a smile and a thank you to one of our Veterans.

 

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If you should see someone from the military today – Thank them!  They don’t just sacrifice their lives on Veteran’s Day but EVERY DAY!

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

WooHoo Wednesday In Honor of Our Veterans

Veterans Day is an official United States holiday that honors people who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, also known as veterans.

Today, I want to thank those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for their country. I want to thank the dedicated soldiers at home and deployed across the seas for defending our freedom. I want to thank the families of these dedicated men and women – see they pay the ultimate price too as they share their loved ones with us. Life for a military family isn’t easy either so today I honor them too for their service.

My dad served in the Army. He never really talked a lot about it but I do know that he changed his birthdate on his birth certificate so that he could join the Army. It one of those stories that we always wondered if it was true. My dad is great for TALL tales….. I never really knew many in the military growing up.

I do remember one year that we had a few soldiers come for a holiday dinner. Dad picked them up and they spent the whole day with us while they enjoyed a home cooked meal. Then I would have to fast-forward to my next real encounter with the military – enter my best friend – Steph, her hubby – Bill and their kids – Jen, Sean, Ryan and Shane. Our families become melded into one during Bill’s deployment during Operation Freedom. It was my first up close and personal experience of the sacrifices made by our military and their families.

Now, my nephew, Jimmy, is stationed at Guantanamo Bay for the next 6 months – I am again faced with the reality of the sacrifices made by our military men and women along with their families.

This day is for you… if you should see someone from the military today, thank them. Better yet, buy them a cup of coffee or lunch. What better way to thank them for their selfless service that with a random act of kindness.

As for me, I will be again doing OPERATION ZIPPER POUCH…For just $23 you can sponsor a Zipper Pouch personalized with USA HERO. I will use ALL of my commission to fill them with mints, candy, trail mix, gum, crossword puzzle book, a thank you card and a small American flag. My goal is 31 zipper pouches sponsored by November 30th. Yes, that is only 15 days away but I have faith in all of you. The bags will be shipped out so that they arrive around the holidays to show our military men and women how much we appreciate them.

So, who is with me? For $23 you can bring a smile to the face of some one who is far from home defending our freedoms. This project is near and dear to my heart – for my nephew and as a reminder of the days and nights spent with my best friend and her 4 kids while her hubby did TWO tours in Bagram during Operation Freedom.

Payments can be made via check or through Paypal at hopesgiftcloset@@comcast.net. If you don’t have Paypal, I will be happy to invoice you.  Won’t you help to make a difference today?

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

#gratitudeformilitary

Thank a Vet

Veterans Day is an official United States holiday that honors people who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, also known as veterans.

Today, I want to thank those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for their country.  I want to thank the dedicated soldiers at home and deployed across the seas for defending our freedom.  I want to thank the families of these dedicated men and women – see they pay the ultimate price too as they share their loved ones with us.  Life for a military family isn’t easy either so today I honor them too for their service.

My dad served in the Army. He never really talked a lot about it but I do know that he changed his birthdate on his birth certificate so that he could join the Army.  It one of those stories that we always wondered if it was true.  My dad is great for TALL tales….. I never really knew many in the military growing up.

I do remember one year that we had a few soldiers come for a holiday dinner.  Dad picked them up and they spend the whole day with us while they enjoyed a home cooked meal.  Then I would have to fast-forward to my next real encounter with the military – enter my best friend – Steph, her hubby – Bill and their kids – Jen, Sean, Ryan and Shane.  Our families become melded into one during Bill’s deployment during Operation Freedom.  It was my first up close and personal experience of the sacrifices made by our military and their families.

Now, as I wait for the date that my nephew, Jimmy, is sent off to boot camp – I am again faced with the reality of the sacrifices of our military men and women  along with their family.  I also remember the Belinda’s friends of who serve our country – Spena and Rupert.

This day is for you… if you should see someone from the military today, thank them.  Better yet, buy them a cup of coffee or lunch.  What better way to thank them for their selfless service that with a random act of kindness.

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

#gratitudeformilitary

#Army

#Veteran’s Day