1,000 Free Vacations to Military Families

In honor of Veteran’s Day, Westgate Resorts is honoring U.S. military personnel who have and continue to serve our country by giving away 1,000 free vacations to those military members and their families at the company’s most recently renovated property, Westgate River Ranch Resort, a Florida-cowboy themed destination resort and the largest dude ranch east of the Mississippi.  This is the fourth year in a row that Westgate has honored our nation’s heroes with free vacations, and this current offer will bring the total to over 3,500 military families served by this program.

Eligible service members may call in to receive a complimentary three day, two night vacation during the week (Sunday through Thursday) at the Westgate River Ranch Resort located just one hour south of Orlando and one hour west of Tampa. 

To be eligible, military must have served in Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and/or The War on Terror. (Service dates of 9/11/2001 through today).

• Other past U.S. military members are eligible for the ranch’s military rate, which offers a savings of 25 percent on room rates.  

• The first 1,000 eligible military members who call will receive the complimentary stay.  The offer is only available by phone by calling 1-800-887-9312.

About Westgate River Ranch

Rooted in the history of the nation’s first cowboys, Westgate River Ranch lies on 1,700 lush acres in the heart of Florida’s cattle lands and is surrounded by approximately 400,000 acres of state and federally protected wetlands. The ranch offers Florida cowboy-themed accommodations, ranging from campgrounds to Glamping (glamorous camping); tents to two-bedroom cabins.  Westgate River Ranch boasts a multitude of recreational activities, including horseback riding, swimming, golf, a petting farm, nature hikes, trap and skeet shooting, mechanical bull, hayrides, cookouts and a full-service marina complete with boating, and fishing, and airboat and swamp buggy rides. Westgate River Ranch also features a 5,000-foot paved and lighted runway, award-winning Smokehouse Grill, River Ranch Saloon and the longest-running Saturday night championship rodeo in the United States, featuring trick riding, bull riding, calf roping and barrel racing at a 1,200-seat rodeo arena. A herd of grazing buffalo and Watusi cattle (known for their long, distinctive horns) makes its home at Westgate River Ranch. 

*Terms & Conditions: Offer valid as of November 8, 2013, at 9am EST. Offer available by phone ONLY. Valid Sundays – Thursdays ONLY. Based on availability. A credit card is required to book the reservation. Credit card will not be charged. Only ONE reservation per family. Offer valid for the first 1,000 reservations. Must travel before October 31, 2014. Free Room Type for Westgate River Ranch: Lodge Suite, Lodge Guest Room, Deluxe Lodge Suite and Glamping Tent Only. No Resort Preview Required. Not valid for Westgate employees. Upgrades are available for a minimal fee. Additional night(s) will receive 10% off of “Best Available Rate”. Blackout dates: Nov 18, 2013, Dec 5, 2013, Dec 25-26, 2013, Dec 31, 2013 – Jan 1, 2014, Feb 11-12, 2014, Mar 9-11, 2014, May 25-26, 2014, Oct 6-19, 2014. Other blackout dates may apply.

2013 Veteran's Day Freebies and Discounts

Veteran’s Day is a great time to get a free meal because lots of restaurants offer freebies to active duty and retirees. 

We usually go over to McCormick and Schmick’s because they have a free meal for vets and a special menu that the rest of the family can order off of. This reduces the cost of eating there, making it affordable for a military family. Unfortunately this year we won’t be going to McCormick and Schmick’s because my husband is on alert that day. Oh well. I must say though, now that Abuelo's is participating we would probably go there instead. It's my most favorite restaurant.

For all of you that can go out grab the freebies here’s a list. Keep in mind that restaurant chains advise calling ahead to specific locations, because not all franchises honor the specials offered by their parent organizations.

FREE FOOD

Abuelo's Mexican Food -- Offers vary by region. (I highly recommend checking into this, because their food is awesome.)

Applebees -- All veterans and active-duty military eat free from a limited menu on Veterans Day.

Buca di Beppo Italian Restaurants -- Special offers for vets on Veterans Day.

Chili's -- Veterans and service members can dine for free from a special six-item menu on Veterans Day.

Golden Corral -- Military Appreciation Monday includes a free dinner, Nov. 11, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. for military retirees, veterans, and current service members.

Famous Dave's -- Offers for free or discounted meals on Veterans Day vary by location.

Hooters -- All veterans and service members get 10 free wings with the purchase of a drink.

Krispy Kreme -- A free donut is available for all service members, retirees and veterans.

McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurants -- participating McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurants are offering a complimentary entree to vets from a special menu on a space-available basis. Online reservations are highly recommended.

Outback Steakhouse -- Outback will offer veterans and military a free Bloomin' Onion and beverage

Olive Garden – A free entrée for active duty members and veterans.

Subway Restaurants -- Free six-inch sub or flatbread available to military vets on Veterans Day.

Texas Roadhouse -- Free meals available to veterans from opening until 4 p.m. on Veterans Day.

T.G.I. Friday's -- Veterans and service members can buy one meal and get another free.

UNO Chicago Grill -- UNO is offering a 19.43 percent discount on food and non-alcoholic beverage beverages to vets and military. The chain explains that 1943 was the year UNO invented the deep dish pizza.

VETERANS DAY RETAIL DEALS

Amazon.com -- A free downloadable MP3 album includes 12 songs performed by Military bands and ensembles from now through Veterans Day.

Build-a-Bear Workshop -- Members of the armed services, including the Coast Guard and ROTC, receive a 20 percent discount on any one transaction at the workshop.

Cabela's Outdoor Store -- Employee discounts are being offered to all veterans, active-duty military and reserve-component troops, along with law-enforcement, fire and emergency-management personnel. Discounts vary from 5 percent to 50 percent, depending on item.

The Dollar General -- Veterans, service members and their immediate families can receive a 10-percent discount with a Veterans Day coupon.

Fashion Bug -- Offering 20 percent off all plus-size and misses clothing purchases with a copy of military ID or spouse's military ID.

Home Depot -- Offers a 10 percent discount to all veterans on Veterans Day.

Home Depot offers a 10 percent discount year-round to active duty military and retirees.

Lowe's -- All veterans receive the 10 percent discount for purchases of up to $5,000. A 10 percent discount is available year-round to active-duty military and retirees.

Seven-Eleven -- On Nov. 11 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., veterans can get a free small Slurpee.

Sports Clips Haircuts -- Offering free haircuts to active-military and veterans.

Free Admission

Oregon Zoo in Portland, OR is offering free admission on Veteran's day to active military.

American Wanderer Summer Camp - military kids

American Wanderer Summer Camp invites military youth middle and high school aged (11-17 years old) from across the U.S. to explore our National Parks this summer! They offer unique two-week camp sessions that explore over 34 Parks in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming.

Military discounts and scholarships are available.

For more information, to register or inquire about military discounts/scholarships visit: contact the American Wanderer Camp owners/directors, Lyn & Chris Kimberly at: 203-557-3339 or email: Lyn@RVCampforKids.com

More military discounts

Here are some more military discounts.  Some of these are repeats from my earlier list.  Please see my military discount label to see all discounts that may be available to you.

A&W – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
Aeropostale – 20% off in store, just bring valid military ID
Agentsource.com – Up to 40% off standard real estate closing costs for Active duty men and women moving in the United States or Canada
All State – Allstate Funding proudly offers all U.S. Military personnel a $250 credit towards the appraisal of a residential property. Ends 12/31/2010
American Airlines – Discount varies, requires military ID
American Video Productions -10% off to active duty, retired, families of military and dependents. Call and ask for the discount http://www.americanvideoproductions.net/
Amtrak – 10% off
Anheuser – Busch Amusement Parks – Free admission for you and your family into one some of their parks including Sea World and Busch Gardens. Take a valid military ID with you.
Anna’s Linens - 10% off any purchase with Valid Military ID in store only
Ann Taylor - up to 15% off any full price purchase 
Apple Computers - The discount varies, you need to sign up here - http://www.apple.com/r/store/government/
Applebee’s – Discount varies per location, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you
Arby’s - Discount varies per location, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you. ( I have never been able to get a military discount at an Arby's)
Ashford University – Discounted tuition at $250 a credit, books are covered for all required courses, waived application fee, waived technology fee and more! Benefits apply to all Active Duty, National Guard, Reservists and spouses, dependents eligible for survivor benefits, plus civilian DOD employees & separated vets/retirees still using their GI Bill.
ASMBA – Armed Services Mutual Benefit Association – Membership in the non-profit association is free, and, when you join, you’ll get $3,000 of free AD&D coverage.
AT&T – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
Auto Zone – Varies Per Store - Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
Avis – 25% off, online you should use this coupon AWD # A555084
Azamara Cruises – Discounts vary, 800-338-4962 800-338-4962

Back Yard Burgers – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
Banana Republic – 10% military discount 1st of every month (may vary by location; in-store only). Barnes and Noble – 6% off regular price plus free shipping, check out www.bn.com/militarycity Barnhill’s Buffet – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
Bass Pro Shops – 10% off from the 15th to 22nd of each month
Bath & Body Works – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
Bed & Breakfast Inns – Varies, online Best Inns and Suites – Varies, must present Military ID with check-in
Best Western - Rates within allowable per diem, must present military ID with check in
Beyond Blossoms - 20% off all flower orders throughout the year 12/31/2010
Big 10 Tires – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
Blockbuster – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
Boscov’s- 15% off in-store purchases with military ID everyday.
Bronson laboratories - 10% off on all vitamin and supplement orders, for active, retired, and reserve and their families Call 1-800-235-3200 1-800-235-3200 or use online code AF2004, ends 1/21/2011
Buckle – 10% off, Free Shipping on all military orders
Budget – Varies, up to 25% off time and mileage Store, requires military ID to redeem
Budget Truck Rental – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
Burger King – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
Captain D’s – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
Carl’s Jr. – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
Champs Sports – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
Checker Auto Parts – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
Chevy’s Fresh Mex – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
Chick Fil A – Varies, Discount with ID card (location dependent), discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
Chipotle – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
Ci-Ci’s Pizza – Discount varies, dependent on location, must present military ID
Cingular – 17 to 18% Discount off your bill and 25% off accessories
Clarion Inn – Rates within allowable per diem while on travel orders.
Cold Stone ice cream  - 10% off
Copeland’s Sports - Discount varies per location
D.S.W. Shoe Warehouse – 10% military discount
Dairy Queen - 10% off, location dependent
Days Inn – Rates within allowable per diem. Must present valid military ID with check-in
Dell Computers – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
Denny’s – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
Dick’s Sporting Goods – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
Discovery Channel Store – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
Disney Resorts – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
Disneyland - Military discounts are available only for tickets purchased at installation MWRs. Prices vary per date and length of visit
Disney World - varies every year and it is usually a substantial discount.
Dollar Car Rental – Allowable per diem rates
Express Clothing Store- 10% off on top of other coupons as well with military ID
Extreme Outfitters -10-20% on miiltary Gear, online and in Store
Eyeware - Discount varies, get the discount online at http://www.afeyewear.com/ – This site offers military discounts for a wide range of eyeglass companies
Ford – Discount varies, http://www.encs.com/ford/
Friendly’s Ice Cream Stores – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
Gap – 10% military discount 1st of every month (may vary by location; in-store only).
Geico – 2% to 15% in all states except Georgia, Indiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, New Mexico, Tennessee and Texas
GM – Varies, always well below MSRP. You can sign in online at https://www.exclusivegmoffer.com/ip-gmpop/initPop.do?program=mpp
GNC – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
Golden Corral – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.

Haber Vision – 50% discount on all sunglasses. Online at http://www.habervision.com/CodeResult.aspx?code=JB10222Q
Hertz – Allowable per diem rates. Show valid military ID
Hewlett-Packard – Log on to website and click on New User Registration: Enter first and last name, user name, password and email address. Use company code: 2727. Discounts vary. Online only.
HickoryFarms.com - 10 percent Military discount – Enter 892848 in code box on online order form
Home Depot – 10% off Year Round, to active duty, active reserve, retired military, and immediate family. In-Store, just bring valid military ID
IHOP – 20% with Military ID at owner’s discretion
Imax – $1 off movie tickets with Military ID
Inkshouse.com – 20% off $50 or more, use cod Mil20
Java Cafe – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
Jeep – $500 for active military, reserves and retired reserves or active after 20 years of service. Requires military ID
Jiffylube – 10% off with valid Military ID
Jockey – 10% off with valid Military ID
KB Toys – 15% off during advertised Military Days
KFC – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
Kohl’s – 15% off with Military ID
Kragen Auto Parts – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
Lerner – 15% off
Long John Silver’s – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
Longhorn Steakhouse – 10% military discount
Lowes – 10% off year round to active duty, active reserve, retired military, and immediate family. Just bring in a valid military ID. The military discount, however, cannot be combined with other coupons they may be offering.
Marriott Hotels – It’s the Per Diem amount the government picks up, whatever that amount is. Just call and place the reservation over the phone and ask for that discount.
Mary Kay Cosmetics – Military personnel and dependents receive 10 % on online orders. Reference your service affiliation and status, and ask for additional free gift and bigger discounts by contacting website.
McDonald’s – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
Meineke – 10% off parts
Michaels - 10% off every Wednesday.
Midas – 10% off MLB Hall of Fame – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
Movie Theaters – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
Mrs. Fields- 10% off with military ID,
NAPA Auto Parts – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
Nautica - 10% off with military ID
National – No fee for additional drivers, and special off duty rates per location. Service members receive full loss damage waivers
National Credit Solutions – 25% discount, call toll free at 866-485-2540 866-485-2540 x109, and for a direct line please call 972-746-4209 972-746-4209
New York and Company - 15% off military discount
Nextel – 18% Discount, call 1-800-639-6111 1-800-639-6111
Nickelodeon Hotels – Reduced rates and perks, online and in store, www.nickhotel.com/military , 877-NICK-111 877-NICK-111 and ask for the Military Family Package.
Nike – 10% off, In-Store. For official company policy please check out http://www.nikebiz.com/customer_service/discounts.html
Nuvo - $30 off Ritmo Pregnancy Sound System. You can call 1-888-688-6462 1-888-688-6462 , or use coupon code MILITARY99 online at http://www.nuvo-group.com. Valid military ID required for in-store purchase.
O’Reilly Auto Parts – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
Oakley – There is a website you register with that offers Oakleys at a discounted price. It doesn’t say how much that price is though. Check it out online at https://secure.usstandardissue.com/
Old Navy – 10% military discount 1st of every month (may vary by location; in-store only).
Pac Sun – Discount varies per location, just bring in a vaild military ID and ask
Pancho’s Mexican Buffet – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
Panda Express – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
Papa Johns - they run military specials occassionally
Paradise Bakery- 40% off meals for military members with military ID. Does not extend to family. Paradise Limousine – $25 Off Limousine Service Coupon Code: 1369 for service members
Pizza Hut – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
Play It Again Sports – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
Professional Sports teams – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
Pure Beauty – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
Quizno’s – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.

Race-Depot – 10% off, use code 10MILCITY
Rack Room Shoes – 15% discount. Bring in valid military ID
Raising Cane’s Chicken – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
Ramada – 15% to 30% – depending on availability. Must present military I.D. upon check in.
Red Robin – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
Regal Movie Theaters – it is usually a dollar off.  Requires Military ID
Ripley’s attractions and museums – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory – 10% military discount
Rocky Mountain Tracking – 5% off any tracking inc. Use code USMILITARY, http://www.rmtracking.com/
S & K Men’s Wear – 8% Discount on all items free shipping on orders over $99 & APO/FPO shipping. To access the military site at S&K you must go through their AAFES Exchange Mail Online service. Sally Beauty Supply – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
Samsonite- 15% off with military ID
Sesame Park Place- One day complimentary admission for members of the military and 3 direct dependents in 2010. Here’s to the Heroes
Shoe Carnival – 10% off
Sierra Suites – Rates at or below per diem depending on location. Discounts may vary and depend on availability. Must present military I.
Six Flags Mountain Magic – Service members receive special discounts on admission for special events and specific dates. Tickets must be purchased in advance MWR and ITT 143. Recreation offices, not at the park.
Sizzler – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
Sleep Inn - Rates at or below per diem depending on location. Discounts may vary and depend on availability.
Sonic – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
Southwest Airlines – Varies, it’s a dollar amount, not a percentage. Not available on all flights, you’ll have to call Southwest and simply just ask.
Spencer’s Gifts – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you. SportsMemorabilia.com – 10% off at checkout, use code mili10 online
Sprint Business – 15% to 20% Discount, 1-888-788-4727 1-888-788-4727
Suzuki – $500 off for you and immediate family. Requires military ID
Taco Bell – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
Texas Road House – 10% military discount Texas Roadhouse – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
The Finish Line – 20 percent military discount off select items at special locations
The Melting Pot – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
Timberland Outlets
Toyota – $500 off + $500 for firs time buyers. Requires military ID
Travelodge – Rates within allowable per diem. Discounts may vary and depend on availability.– 15%, bring in valid military ID

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Veteran's Day discounts for Military

Veteran's Day Discounts
RESTAURANTS :

Applebee's - Free dinners to veterans throughout the day.

Outback Steakhouse - Free Blooming Onion and beverage.

Golden Corral- Free buffet dinner from 5-9 p.m. on Nov. 16 to anyone who has ever served in the U.S. military.

Krispy Kreme - One free doughnut of any variety.

UNO Chicago Grill- Free entree or individual pizza with an entree or pizza purchase of equal or greater value.

Coushatta Casino Resort - The Louisiana casino and resort is offering a free seven-clans lunch or dinner buffet to veterans or active military.

MarketPlace Grill & Express - Veterans and active-duty military receive free entrees.

Masala Wok - The Northern Virginian restaurant is offering a free entree to veterans.

Hy-Vee supermarkets - The mid-western supermarket chain is offering a free breakfast to veterans.

Abuelo's Mexican Food Restaurants - All veterans and active-duty military receive a free entree.

Carolina Burgers & BBQ - In Matthews, NC is offering a free meal to all service members and veterans.
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RETAILERS:

Brides Across America - Provides free wedding gowns to qualified military brides.

Lowe's & Home Depot - Extra 10% off to active-duty military members, National Guard and reserve members, retirees, honorably discharged veterans and immediate family members.

Sam's Club - Over 25,000 Hugo canes will be given away to U.S. veterans in need of mobility assistance. Membership is not required, but supplies are limited, so check with your local store.

Amazon.com - Free "Veterans Day Honor" MP3 album download. The album includes 12 songs by The Bands and Ensembles of the U.S. Armed Forces.

Cabela's Outdoor Store - Offers their employee discount to all veterans, active-duty military and reserves, law enforcement, fire and EMS personnel Nov. 11-12. Discounts vary from 5% to 50%, depending on the item.

Build-a-Bear Workshop - Members of the armed services including the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Reserve Officer Training Corps, will receive a 20% discount Nov. 11-15 on any one transaction at Build-A-Bear Workshop.

Dollar General - 10% discount for all veterans, active-duty military, National Guard and reserve and their immediate families.

Fashion Bug - 20% off all plus-size and misses clothing purchases with a copy of military ID or spouse's military ID.
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ENTERTAINMENT:

National parks, forests and monuments - Admission is free to everyone on Veterans Day.

Knott's Berry Farm - Free park admission to U.S. armed forces personnel and a guest during Veteran's Month, November 1-26.

Colonial Williamsburg - Free admission Nov. 6-11 for active-duty military, guard and reservists, retirees, veterans and their dependents.

San Jacinto Museum of History - Free visits to the Observation Deck, theatre, and special exhibit for veterans, active duty military personnel, and their families.

Historic Jamestown - Free admission to veterans, current Armed Forces members and their family members.

Battleship Cove - Free admission and a special ceremony for veterans, active, duty and reservists.

Vicksburg National Military Park - Free admission for all.

Birmingham Museum of Art - Free admission to the ticketed event "Life and Liberty" on Nov. 10-11 for veterans and active military.

Vulcan Park and Museum- In Birmingham, Alabama is offering discounted admission through November to the park and museum.

Greenbay (WI) New Zoo - Free admission to veterans and their families.

Central Florida Zoo - Free admission to the Sanford, Florida zoo with proper ID.

Strategic Air & Space Museum- Free admission for veterans Nov. 11-14 to the Ashland, Neb. museum.

National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum - in Oklahoma City offers free admission to veterans and five guests from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Veterans Day.

Natural Elements Spa & Salon - In Chesapeake, Virginia, will provide free services from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to both active duty and retired military

Horses for Heroes

     Not long after moving to Vegas I heard about an interesting program for military kids called Horses for Heroes.  I decided it would be worth checking out after talking to a gal in the phone about it.  So, I got the kids up early and took them out to the place they hold it here locally for the weekly playdate.
     I found out that it is a nationwide program.  They have it in Nevada, New Mexico, Georgia, and many other states but not all states. The are apparently looking for other horse owners/ranches to get involved. This program is also for firefighter and police families.  Each facility gets to decide how they run it and what they offer.  It seems that most have apnea time fee to join this program between $35-$50 Here in Nevada they offer:

Weekly Playdates: you can pay $10 and your little one gets to ride a horse or two.  Depending on the age they receive some instruction. The kids get to participate in a variety of chores and they get to play with and brush the other animals like a bunny, goats and dogs.

Introduction lessons: 4 one hour lessons for $50.

Operation free ride: once a week the entire family can come out at a designated time and ride for free.

Lessons: ongoing lessons $10-$15 depending on type of lesson.