Military Family Appreciation Month :: Events, Deals, Freebies, Support & More

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    Military Family Appreciation Month : Events, Deals, Freebies, Support & More - Columbia SC Moms BlogCourage. Strength. Commitment. Sacrifice. Bravery.

    These are all words that are a part of the daily life of those in the military and their families. 

    Military families experience a lot during their time of service; deployments, moving every two to three years, being away from family and friends, sometimes having to move to a new country, and so much more…

    That’s why each year the President signs a proclamation declaring November be the month of the military family. During the month of November the Department of Defense and the nation honor military families around the country to show their gratitude for the sacrifice and commitment military families make. 

    Columbia is home to the U.S. Army’s largest training center for Basic Combat Training, Fort Jackson. In fact, Fort Jackson trains 50 percent of the Army’s Basic Combat Training load and 60 percent of the women entering the Army each year. But, there are service men and women from other branches of the military (Air Force, Marines, National Guard) who make Fort Jackson their home as well. Columbia boasts a very large military community!

    My husband is in the Air Force and before moving here two years ago, we lived near a Navy Training base in Chicago and an Air Force base in Milwaukee. There were no where near as many military families in that area as there are here. Columbia has a wonderful military community that deserves to be celebrated!

    So, military moms, how can you celebrate? Below are a list of events and businesses honoring the military this month.

    Not a military family but wondering how you can support those around you? Scroll down a little further and find out. 

    mil-apprEvents

    Military Family Appreciation Fun Fair

    This event will take place on Ft. Jackson Saturday, November 19 from 10am-2pm. Festivities will include carnival rides, games, a bounce house and slide. This event is FREE and open to the Ft. Jackson community.  And, hey, pick up a flyer when your on base, have your child color the clown and bring it to the Fun Fair for a FREE PRIZE!

    Special Deals

    Amazon.com

    Offering 20% off of select apparel on Veterans Day. Promotion code: “20veterans”

    AT&T

    Now through Dec. 31, 2016, qualified active duty military personnel, veterans, and spouses can save $100 on Samsung Galaxy S7 active, as well as a 15% discount on the monthly service charge of qualified AT&T wireless plans.

    Bed Bath & Beyond

    U.S. Military and Veterans get 20% off Thursday, Nov. 10 – Sunday, Nov. 13.

    Brides Across America

    They will hold a wedding gown giveaway in partnership with bridal salons across the country in November to honor Veterans Day. Qualifying brides register to attend the event at a participating bridal salon by completing the registration form and paying a $30 fee. Once verified, you will be assisted in finding a gown from the selection.

    Enterprise Car Sales

    Active duty military members, veterans and their dependents get a Firestone Prepaid Maintenance Package with any used vehicle purchase during the month of November.

    FAN2SEA

    Active-duty, reserve-members, and veterans get a discount off the FAN2SEA four-day cruise. The cruise is scheduled to be held Jan. 19-23. Book your trip for 30 percent off by Nov. 16, or 25 percent off between Nov. 16 and Dec. 2

    Firestone Complete Auto Care

    Between Nov. 11 – 13, veterans and active duty personnel receive an additional 10% off the lowest advertised price of any automotive service.

    JCPenny

    All current and former military personnel can enjoy discounts off  purchases on Veterans Day.

    Publix

    Active and retired military personnel and family members receive a 10 percent discount on Veteran’s Day. Proof of service required.

    Sleep Number

    Through Nov. 14, active and veteran military members will receive exclusive discounts on Sleep Number products. Save up to $700 on select Sleep Number mattress sets.

    Under Armor

    Active duty, retirees and veterans get 15% off on all orders through Nov. 12.

    Veterans Day

    There are many restaurants offering FREE food and/or special discounts on food to both Active Duty, Reservists, National Guard, and Retired veterans on Veterans Day. Be sure to bring your military ID as many places require ID to receive the promotion. Unless otherwise noted, all offers will be available on Friday, Nov. 11, 2016.

    Applebee’s

    FREE MEAL. There will be seven different meal options to choose from. Military members and veterans will also receive a $5 coupon to be redeemed on additional food and beverages or for a later time.

    Bonefish Grill

    FREE Bang Bang Shrimp.

    Carraba’s Italian Grill

    FREE appetizer of your choice.

    Chicken Salad Chick

    FREE Original Chick and Regular drink.

    Chili’s

    FREE meal – Choice of any lunch combo, or your choice of a dinner meal from a select menu (beverages not included).

    Chipotle Mexican Grill

    Buy one get one free deal from 3 p.m. – close

    Cracker Barrel

    FREE slice of Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola® Cake (not a free meal, but hey, it’s free cake!)

    Denny’s

    FREE Build Your Own Grand Slam® from 5 a.m. to noon at select locations only. Call ahead to make sure your closest location is participating. 

    Fazoli’s

    FREE Build Your Own Pasta Bowl.

    Golden Corral 

    FREE meal – Golden Corral Military Appreciation dinner on Monday, Nov. 14.

    IHOP

    FREE Red, White and Blue pancakes. Participating locations only. Please call ahead to verify participation.

    Krispy Kreme

    FREE doughnut and small coffee. Available only at participating Krispy Kreme stores. Please call ahead to verify participation.

    Longhorn Steakhouse

    FREE appetizer or dessert for the military member AND Additional 10% off for guests that dine with Veterans. 

    Red Lobster

    FREE appetizer or dessert from their select Veterans Day menu.

    military-month-2

    How to Support Military Families

    Perhaps you’re not in the military and don’t have a spouse or family member who is. But, chances are, you know someone (even just an acquaintance) in the military. Below are some ways you can support military members and their families during the month of November and all year round. 

    • Tell them thank you! Both the military member AND their spouse deserve to hear how much what they do each and every day is appreciated. 
    • Write a thank you note showing them your appreciation for their sacrifice for our country.
    • Perform a random act of kindness for the family.
    • Offer to babysit and/or make them a meal. This one is especially valuable during a deployment or when the military member is away for training and work (many Acitve Duty service men and women travel frequently as a part of their job).
    • ASK how you can help them out. Every family is different with different needs.

    Military families we appreciate YOU! Take advantage of these great services above and enjoy your Military Family Appreciation Month!

    “Our nation owes each day of security and freedom that we enjoy to the members of our Armed Forces and their families. Behind our brave service men and women, there are family members and loved ones who share in their sacrifice and provide unending support.”

    – President Obama

    Know of other events or special offers for military this month? Feel free to share below!

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