Sunday, November 7, 2010

Discounts for military personnel and families - Vets Day and everyday

 This is a HUGE list of special discounts for military personnel and their immediate family members that was sent to us. Some are specific to Veterans Day this year. Take a look!


Restaurant Freebies
Applebee's Restaurant - Free dinners to veterans throughout Veterans Day November 11th; selections will be from a new Veterans Day menu.

Outback Steakhouse - Free Blooming Onion and beverage.

Golden Corral- Free buffet dinner from 5-9 p.m. on Nov. 15 to anyone who has ever served in the U.S. military Staff.

In celebration of Veterans Day 11 Nov 2010, Subway is showing its thanks with free six inch subs to all Veterans or Active Duty members.

On Nov. 7, McCormick & Schmick's restaurants will offer a free entree to military veterans for its 12th annual Veteran's Appreciation Event. Menu picks include such seafood items as parmesan crusted tilapia, roasted cedar plank salmon and almond crusted rainbow trout. "Our Veterans Appreciation Event has become a tradition that our restaurants look forward to each year," said Bill Freeman, CEO of McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurants, in a statement. For more information: www .mccormickandschmicks.com

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.

Retail Freebies
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.

Entertainment Freebies
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 Anytime Offers:

MILITARY DISCOUNTS UPDATE 02:
All these businesses offer military discounts; all you have to do is ask:  

Restaurants Arby's A&W Back Yard Burgers Burger King Captain D's Chick-Fil-A Cotton Patch Denny's Dunkin' Donuts Farmers Boy IHOP (20 percent discount with military identification) Java Cafe KFC Long John Silver Pancho's Mexican Buffet Pizza Hut Quizno's Sizzler Sonic Taco Bell Whataburger

Services AT&T California Cryobank Geico Jiffy Lube Meineke Sears Portrait Studio

Travel and Leisure Blockbuster Movie theaters Ripley's attractions and museums Professional Sports teams

Products Apple Computers AutoZone Barnhill's Bass Pro Shop Bath and Body Works Big 10 Tires The Buckle Champs Sports Copeland's Sports Dell The Discovery Channel Store Dress Barn The Finish Line Foot Action Footlocker Gadzooks GNC Goody's Great Party Happy Harry's Home Depot Hot Topic Jockey Lerner Lowes Michael's NAPA Auto Parts New York & Company Pac Sun Payless Shoes Play It Again Sports Pure Beauty Sally Beauty Supply Spencer's Gifts Suncoast Timberland Outlets Wilson's Leather

Cell Phone Service Discount - All Federal employees are able to get a 15% discount on their personal cell phones by calling their carrier and mentioning the "Federal Telecommunications Act of 1996 - Discount to Federal Employees Past and Present." You will need to know the military member's supervisor's name, phone number, and full address, so that his/her military status can be verified. Use the following contact numbers: Cingular - 800-319-6393 Sprint - 877-812-1223 T-Mobile - 866-646-4688 Nextel - 800-639-6111 Verizon - 800-865-1825 [Source: VA Frederick Service Office Maryland VSO msg. 26 Apr 2010 ++]

Take a look at Oregon's newest resource http://fortoregon.com This website will find local resources where you live by Oregon county or zip code.

A 24/7 Resource for Military Members, Spouses & Families WWW.MILITARYONESOURCE.COM

Free Day at Kroc Center

FREE day at Kroc center for all past and present military personnel and their families. Just present your military ID or DD214 and bring your own towels for swimming!

Live performance by The Salvation Army band, letter writing to active duty military personnel and a movie in the chapel theater. Remember no smoking on Kroc campus.

1865 Bill Frey Drive NE
Salem, OR 97301
(503) 566-5762
www.SalemKroc.org

Horseback Riding in Corvallis - Free on Veterans Day

Horses4Heroes, Inc., the leading family horseback riding non-profit
organization that enriches lives and empowers our youth by offering
able-bodied, affordable horseback riding programs that emphasize fun and
safe activities with horses, mounted and un-mounted for all ages, has teamed
with Riverbottom Stables in Corvallis to present Salute to Veterans, a
Veterans Day Open House for Veterans, military personnel and their families,
Thursday, Nov. 11 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Participants will enjoy guided
horseback riding, a petting zoo, roping, and driving and riding
demonstrations.  The open house is free to attend and all ages are welcome.
For more information, please call (541) 752-2883 or (888)987-4376
(9US-HERO).

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Military Family Appreciation Month

During Military Family Month, we celebrate the exceptional contributions of our military families, and we reaffirm our commitments to these selfless individuals who exemplify the highest principles of our Nation.

- President Barack Obama,
2010 Presidential Proclamation - Military Family Month
Read the entire Presidential Proclamation



Monday, November 1, 2010

Operation Homefront News

November 26th to December 24th- Operation Homefront will have a gift wrap station at the Heritage Mall (Albany Oregon).  We are looking for volunteers to sign up for various shifts to help man the booth.  This could be a huge fundraiser for Operation Homefront!


December 13th to December 18th- Operation Christmas Shoppe!  This is a six day period devoted to our wonderful military children.  The community has donated some fabulous gifts for our military kids to come through the office and "buy" (free) and then have one of our elves gift wrap for them!  This allows the children to have a gift under the tree from them for their family. Any family that is interested needs to fill out the registration and return it to the office asap so appointments can be scheduled (Contact me for registration form -Amy).  This is available for all military families, regardless of rank.  We are seeking donated gifts (unwrapped) and also volunteers to assist the children with shopping and gift wrapping.


Christmas Adoption- Any family or business that would like to adopt a military family for the holidays, please contact the office so that we can get you matched up.  Also, if you know of any military families that are facing tough times and would like to be adopted, contact Operation Homefront.    

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Veterans Event November 16th

Tribute to Veterans - November 7th

Activity at the YMCA - FREE for military families!


Wednesday November 10, 2010
7:00 pm

Come float on a noodle in our warm water Small Pool!
(No school the next day!)
FLICK & FLOAT
"How to Train Your Dragon"
Small Pool is limited to 30 people.
Bench space is also available.
Salem Family YMCA
685 Court St. NE Salem, OR 97301
503-581-9622 www.youry.org

Scholarships for 2011-2012

 Oregon National Guard Association
Will be presenting six $1500 scholarships for School Year 2011-2012 at the ORNGA Conference 2011 (April 16, 2011 in Salem, OR).   Scholarships are awarded for demonstrated qualities of leadership, civic action and academic achievement.

Available to:  Active Members of the Oregon National Guard, ORNGA, or their Spouses or Children.
   Note: Previous year recipients are not eligible, (winners for school year 2010-2011 may not apply until next year).  Scholarships are awarded for undergraduate level college, business or trade school.

Application Deadline: March 1, 2011

Scholarship Applications are available on the web at http://www.ornga.org or call the Scholarship Coordinator, CW4 Diane Beach, at (503) 584-3456, e-mail - diane.beach@us.army.mil.

Send completed Applications and support documents to: 
     Oregon National Guard Association
                              ATTN: Scholarship Committee (CW4 Beach)
P.O. Box 14350
Salem, Oregon 97309

Free Dinner at Applebees for Veterans



Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Make a Difference Day

October 23, 2010 is National Make a Difference Day! Join in and do some good!

One idea might be joining your FRG! 

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Your NG Publications - Increasing Our Pride and Commitment

The current issue of National Guard Soldier & Family FOUNDATIONS featured Soldiers from Salem! The article entitled Legacy of Service: Fathers and Sons on the Roots of Their Patriotism, discussed SGM Charles Kovitch and his son SPC Trevor Kovitch and their experience in the Guard as father and son.
 "When you're a father with a child serving in the Guard, it makes you grow a lot closer." -SGM Kovitch
(See  your current issue of Foundations September/October 2010 Volume 2 - Issue 3 for article.)

Reading this issue of Foundations really got me thinking; I hope our Guard families are taking advantage of the publications available to them through the National Guard.

Some of the major roles of the FRG include insuring our Guard families are independent, resilient, well informed and proud to be associated with our unit; supporting each other and feeling a sense of commitment to do so. These roles are critical to our ability to stay strong and support our Soldiers while they perform their duties.

If you normally toss your military publications straight in the recycling bin, please take a few moments this month to scan through them instead! The Sentinel covers news specific to our Oregon Guard. Foundations is a great magazine for articles specific to Guard families. The company newsletter is NOT JUST FOR THE SOLDIER in your home. Read it and be knowledgeable about what our unit is up to! Coming next year, our FRG is hoping to have it's own newsletter to distribute each month as well, so look forward to that.

I look forward to an amazing FRG program, enhancing all our lives, as we support our 1186 MP Company Soldiers.The more informed we are, the better we can be.

If you do not receive the company newsletter please inform one of your 1186 leaders or contact an FRG leader. Family members are entitled to a copy as well as the Soldiers.

Past issues of Foundations available here.
Past issues of The Sentinel available here.

Monday, October 4, 2010

FRG Hosted Event - We Need You

The FRG is planning a very important gathering that will be happening around the first of the new year. We need volunteers willing to step in and join the team prior to that meeting. If there are those of you who are thinking about stepping up, but weren't sure if you were needed, you are! Contact Amy Christensen (amylynn.christensen@gmail.com) or leave a message here on the blog with your contact email.

Sunday, October 3, 2010

Commissary On-Site Sale October 8th - 10th


Friday, October 8 at 9:00am - October 10 at 5:00pm


Jackson Readiness Center, 6255 NE Cornfoot Road, Portland, OR

Take advantage of savings on popular grocery items at the Commissary On-site Sale. The McChord Air Force Base Commissary is hosting an On-site Sale at the Jackson Readiness Center in Portland, Oregon.

All authorized commissary shoppers are invited to the sale. The commissary has expanded its reach to Guard and Reserve members in particular by bringing the benefit to you via these On-site Sales to areas with military populations not served by a nearby commissary.

Sale items may include paper products, soap and cleaning products, canned goods, sodas, sport drinks, water, laundry detergents, and a variety of other products at savings of 30 percent or more! Please check the store local information page for specific sale items.

On-site sales are subject to change. Visit www.commissaries.com and click Guard/On-site Sales for current information.

Friday, October 1, 2010

Upcoming Event to Honor Military Spouses

Mil Dep Free Public Event 10-6


The Oregon Military Dept. is sponsoring a Job, Safety, Health and Wellness event that is free and open to the public.  The event will be held on October 6, 2010 from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM at the Salem Auditorium near the State Fairgrounds.  The address is 2320 17th St, NE, Salem Oregon.

Representative from the following businesses are scheduled to attend:

Oregon National Guard
YWCA
American Red Cross
Cash Tools
AFLAC
Marion County District Attorney
First Tech Credit Union
Marion County Health Dept. - Tobacco Prevention Prgm
Salem Public Library
SAIF Corporation
Boy Scouts
Juice Plus
YMCA
Take Shape for Life
Shaklee Wellness & Nutrition
Tomboy Tools
Eugene Veterans Center
Nu Skin
Boys & Girls Club
Salem Hospital's Community Health Education Center (CHEC)
Marion County Recycling
Albany/Salem/Keizer Hearing Aid
COSTCO
Scentsy
Hire Oregon Veterans
Safety & Compliance Inc.
SNAP Resource/Volunteer Coordinator - Senior & People with Disabilities
Salem Fire Dept.
ClubZ In-Home Tutoring
NW Human Services
Oregon Youth Challenge Program
Willamette University
Shred It
Meals on Wheels
Edward Jones Investments
S.T.R.E.E.T. Combat Defense Systems
Identity Theft Program
Oregon Paralyzed Vets of America
TOPS
Bridgeway Recovery Services
Marian Estates
and many more.  

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Family Readiness Group - Volunteering


The FRG (Family Readiness Group) is just starting up in our unit and it needs your support!

Under the direction of the commander, the FRG exists to offer information, referrals and support to soldiers and their families. As a community of military families we can offer each other friendship and support whether our soldiers are home or abroad. According to the goals of the Army FRG we can develop and operate systems to provide information and education programs, welcome and orient new families, promote involvement, and prevent isolation.

The FRG can't run with out volunteers who are willing to devote some time and energy (on any scale, from very minimal  to multiple hours a week). There are many opportunities to help including telephone contact volunteers, treasurer, FRG members at large, and coordinators over special events, refreshments, childcare, publicity and more. All volunteers are offered support through a chain of command and are able to receive training.

Our unit has FRG leaders who are energetic and eager to offer activities, information, resources and friendship. Amy Christensen and Keri Martin are both available for you to contact any time!