One of the biggest perks of serving in the U.S. Armed Forces—beyond the honor and pride of service—is the wide range of 

military discounts, freebies, and exclusive deals 

offered by thoughtful businesses nationwide.

From free admission to national parks and museums to discounts on prescriptions, sports, and even tutoring, there are countless opportunities for Veterans, active-duty military, reservists, National Guard, and Gold Star families to enjoy well-deserved benefits.

Even after transitioning out of the military, many of these offers remain available to Veterans, ensuring your service continues to be recognized and appreciated.

We’ve rounded up the top 12 brands offering free stuff for Veterans and military members that you should know about.

Top 5 Brands: Free Offers for Veterans & Service Members

Any member of the military, past or present, can get into any of our country’s stunning 

 with their military ID, Veterans Affairs ID, or state-issued driver’s license showing their service.

Military members or Veterans just need to show their ID at any national park gate to be issued an annual park pass. Your ID gives you access to over 2,000 beautiful and historic sites overseen by the Park Service. Some national parks require reservations, so be sure to check the requirements for each national park.

A program run by the Theatre Communications Group, 

 is a network of 179 theatres across 42 states (and counting) that aims to bring the thrill of seeing live plays and entertainment to military families across the nation.

With free admission for military personnel and Veterans, find the participating theatre near you to take advantage of this great offer.

Tickets are available for active-duty service members, Veterans, and the immediate families of those who gave their lives in service.

Vet Tix gives military families the chance to enjoy sporting events, concerts, theater, educational programs, and family activities together.

After verifying service, members can request tickets for events they’re interested in and simply cover a small delivery fee.

Prescription drugs are one of those things that, if you need them, there’s no way to avoid paying for them.

VeteranRX’s Prescription Discount Program

, you can save some serious money on your necessary medications.

With over 35,000 pharmacies across the country offering discounts of up to 80%, your regular medical costs can drop significantly with your membership.

While not a year-round offering, the concept of a free meal for military personnel on Veterans Day is always worth mentioning. That’s because it’s widespread and it’s tasty.

Chains from Applebee’s to Chili’s, as well as a fair share of local places (so ask around your town to see who’s participating in your neck of the woods), offer a choice of one popular entree at no charge to all Veterans, retirees, reservists, active duty personnel, and members of the National Guard.

7 Leading Brands: Exclusive Freebies for Military Members

 is a program run by SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment (which includes, in addition to their titular chain of maritime parks, 

, and more) that offers free admission at all of their establishments to military personnel and Veterans.

Military members and Veterans receive one free ticket and three additional tickets for friends and family through ID.me, plus the option to buy up to six discounted tickets.

The offer is available year-round to those currently serving, including reservists and the National Guard. Veterans can receive free tickets during seasonal times of the year.

Past years have seen promotions from May to September and on Veterans Day. There is also a $99.99 Annual Military Pass available for Veterans and their families.

Nothing is more American than our military, but there are a few things that come close. And one of them is baseball.

, New York, has great discounts available for members of most major Veteran organizations. For active duty and retired personnel, admission is 100% free all year long.

Learn all about the incredible history of America’s pastime and the greats who played it over the decades (Navy Veteran 

Built on the site of the very tragedy it commemorates and memorializes, the 

 is a beautiful and deeply affecting tribute to the thousands who lost their lives and the countless heroes who saved even more on September 11th, 2001.

Active duty and retired personnel's admission to this hallowed place is completely free of charge. Each year, around Veterans Day, they hold special events to honor Veterans.

One of the most popular cultural institutions in New York City, the 

 has a massive collection of the greatest contemporary art in the world, plus a regularly changing roster of spectacular exhibits and exhibitions.

Active military personnel, as well as dependent family members with their appropriate ID’s, can experience these amazing pieces for free any time of year.

Whether you’re using (or planning to use) the GI Bill or have kids or a spouse in school, 

 is a great resource for those who want to get a leg up on their education. It’s super convenient, as their online tutors can teach you anything from anywhere.

And, it’s completely free for active duty military personnel and their dependents.

The Professional Golfers’ Association’s 

 does a whole lot for the military community.

From fundraising events to direct support for military charities, this outreach program of the PGA also provides free tickets to tournaments for the active duty community, as well as discounted tickets for veterans.

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Atlanta, the 

 is a massive interactive museum dedicated to the world’s most famous brand of soft drink.

Learn about the 130+ year history of America’s most iconic beverage and sample flavors from across the globe. And their Military Appreciation program offers free admission to all active duty, reserve members, and Veterans of the armed forces with proper ID.

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If you want to get pedantic about it, none of this free stuff is technically “free.” Your payment was the numerous hardships and sacrifices of service. But the other side of that coin is the fact that, by said sacrifices, you’ve already paid for all this great stuff. So why not get the most out of it?

As a member of the military community, you owe it to yourself to take advantage of all the benefits available. Particularly those with no extra charge.

Looking for even more deals? Make sure to check out our 

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At the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, and the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, football isn’t just a game—it’s a showcase of discipline, pride, and tradition. 

For generations, these academies have turned the gridiron into a proving ground where cadets and midshipmen channel the same intensity they’ll one day carry into service. From push-ups after touchdowns to mascots with long histories, service academy football has its own rhythm, rituals, and military pageantry.

Every academy has a mascot, and none are chosen by accident.

 bring speed and precision, with trained falcons diving and soaring above the field in dramatic halftime demonstrations.

 date back to 1899, when they first squared off against Navy’s goat. Today, official live mules, alongside a costumed counterpart, symbolize Army’s strength and endurance.

—known as “Bill the Goat”—goats have served faithfully since 1904. While dogs, cats, and even a carrier pigeon briefly filled the role of mascot at the Naval Academy, the goat has reigned supreme for more than a century.

Few pregame sights are as moving as the march-on.

Before kickoff, the entire Corps of Cadets or Brigade of Midshipmen files into the stadium in tight formation.

For fans, it’s a reminder that every player and cheerleader is more than just an athlete—they’re also training to serve.

Each academy finds ways to showcase military skill. The Air Force parachute team and the Wings of Blue often delivers the game ball via jaw-dropping stadium jumps.

Flyovers—by fighter jets or helicopters—are a staple at academy matchups. At Army, players wear active division patches on their uniforms, linking each game to soldiers currently serving around the globe.

Each academy’s home turf carries its own legacy.

: Opened in 1924, it overlooks the Hudson River and is one of college football’s most iconic settings.

: In Annapolis, the stadium itself serves as a memorial, with tributes to battles etched into its walls.

: Sitting in a natural bowl at the base of the Rockies, it offers some of the most stunning views in college football.

After every home-team score, freshmen cadets or midshipmen drop for push-ups—one for each point on the scoreboard.

It’s grueling, spirited, and contagious: even ROTC units across the country have adopted the tradition for their own games.

The Army–Navy Game is one of the most famous rivalries in sports.

First played in 1890, it’s about more than football—it’s pride, honor, and bragging rights. The game is held at neutral NFL stadiums to fit the massive crowds, and traditions run deep: from exchanging “prisoners” (cadets and midshipmen studying at the other academy) to the winning team singing their alma mater second.

The Air Force adds another layer of competition. Every year, Army, Navy, and Air Force battle for the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy, with the winner not only claiming bragging rights but also earning a trip to the White House.

Parents’ weekends and alumni reunions often center on football, bringing together generations of service members and their families.

Milestone reunions from 5 to 45 years are held during football season, ensuring old grads reconnect over the roar of the crowd.

Fans in uniform, Veterans, and local communities pack the stands, adding to the energy.

Service Academy Football: Beyond the Game

Football at the service academies is about far more than touchdowns. It’s about tradition, unity, and honoring the commitment of those who wear the uniform.

The season builds toward December’s Army–Navy Game, but every kickoff, every push-up, and every march-on carries the weight of history and service.

Because at these academies, football isn’t just sport—it’s service in motion.

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Going to a military ball can be a fun, but expensive outing. One of the pricier items that military spouses may find themselves paying for is a formal dress. Depending on how many military events you plan to attend, you may have multiple formal gowns you need to invest in. While this type of investment might seem a bit daunting at first, luckily military spouses have many options at their disposal. Below, we are sharing several ways to get your dream formal dress, without breaking the bank.

Affordable New Military Ball Dresses for 2023

It can be fun to get a new dress for a formal event, so don't be afraid to spoil yourself. If this is something you want to do or enjoy doing, there isn’t any shame in getting a new dress for each formal event you attend.

If your family has the means to make this happen, or if it is a priority for your budget, then it is perfectly acceptable to enjoy the excitement of finding a dress and getting to wear it.

One other popular idea is to borrow a dress from a friend. Because military spouses attend various formals, it isn’t hard to start collecting dresses. 

Sharing them with friends so that they can get more life out of the dress is great. 

Often, a way to say thanks for borrowing a dress is to have it dry cleaned after the event. The cost of dry cleaning is considerably less than buying a new dress.

Operation Deploy Your Dress: How It Works

 (ODYD) is a nonprofit organization started by a group of Army military spouses. 

Yvone Coombs was one of those five spouses, and said it began as, “...a complete and total accident. We were Army spouses at Fort Bliss looking to help our units boost the attendance of the spouses at our upcoming military balls. We knew that spouses weren’t skipping out on the military balls because they weren’t interested in going. They were skipping the events because it was a huge financial strain on the family’s bank accounts. We knew if we found a way to cut the costs of attending, we’d likely get more spouses to go.” 

So, they threw around a few ideas and decided to try and help military spouses get free dresses for the formal events. Their goal was to collect 200 dresses, before they knew it they already had 3,000 dresses.

With ODYD military spouses can get free gently used formal gowns for spouses or dependents that have been donated to ODYD. Britteney, a Space Force spouse who has attended their pop-up event and said, “The financial and time burden of shopping for a dress and accessories has always felt like a monumental task. ODYD has removed the burden and stocked my closet with dresses that make me excited to have a reason to put them on.”

Renting Military Ball Dresses: Cost-Effective Options

Another new popular option is to rent a dress for a military ball. There are several different organizations that offer options to rent a dress.

 Prices vary based on what style or designer you pick, so ensure you go into the process of renting a dress with a budget in mind. It will help you focus on dresses within your budget. 

Also, plan for the timing so you don’t incur late fees. It is also important to know your proper size so you don’t end up with a dress that doesn’t fit.

Another option that might take more work, and just a little bit of luck, is searching at local thrift shops. Depending on where you live, you might be able to find an amazing dress for a considerable discount. 

Kelly, an Air Force spouse said, “I found a beautiful dress at a thrift shop, I took it to the dry cleaner, and it was perfect.”

Reusing Dresses from Past Military Assignments

There are some military spouses who do not like to wear the same dress to various events. But, there isn’t any reason you can’t wear the same dress you wore in the past. Especially, if you have moved to a new assignment. 

More than likely no one will remember what you wore last year, and if you are at a new assignment the dress will be brand new.

Getting dressed up is part of the fun in going to a military ball. Having a dress purchase weigh down your finances does not have to be part of the experience. 

Use the tips above to see if there are other alternatives to help you get a dress for free or at a limited cost.

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It's a tiny act that means a lot more than most people realize. On Fridays, civilians wear a red piece of clothing (it can be a shirt, tie, pants, etc.) as a reminder to all to Remember Everyone Deployed. Known as R.E.D. Friday, there are a lot of stories around where this idea to support those serving overseas began. Keep reading to learn more about how the early 2000s tradition began, and why it is still important today.

Origin of RED Friday: Supporting Deployed Troops

 can’t be traced to one organization or person, it was started as a grassroots effort among the military community at large. 

Fun fact, the tradition actually has two competing origin stories. 

The first is that the tradition began will a simple email. This origin story says that in 2005, an email was sent out encouraging recipients to simply forward the chain to others. The email explained, 

"If every one of our members shared this with other acquaintances, fellow workers, friends, and neighbors, I guarantee that it will not be long before the USA will be covered in RED - and make our troops know there are many people thinking of their well-being. You will feel better all day Friday when you wear RED!"

The second origin story says that the tradition began in Canada, though it was an American initiative, that implored subscribers to wear red to support troops who were deployed. 

Military spouses Lisa Miller and Karen Boier organized an event with fellow Canadians, encouraging them to wear red (which happened to work perfectly with the Canadian flag). The events began to become more popular and eventually made their way up to the Canadian Prime Minister. 

But why red? Isn’t yellow already tied to remembering those who are deployed?

 has been a symbol for supporting troops, but it is tied to many other traditions, and is often seen as a symbol of hope and sympathy. 

While still used today, families and those connected to military service wanted to find another way to show support to the military community serving overseas in combat or support zones.

The military loves their acronyms, and red fits perfectly with helping people remember those deployed.

RED stands for Remember Everyone Deployed. The day Friday was chosen in the grassroots movement as the day everyone would wear red to support those overseas.

Target Audience of RED Friday: Military Families and Civilians

 is for everyone. It doesn’t matter if you are connected to the military as part of the military community or if you are an American wanting to show support to those who defend it.

It doesn’t matter if you know someone currently deployed, or if you don't. It isn’t a political statement about service members overseas. Instead, it is a personal statement showing support for those serving overseas.

Even though this action began in the early 2000s when many service members were deployed overseas, there are still service members away from their family, serving all over the world to keep our country safe. Wearing red today is just as important as it was when the movement started.

Sustaining RED Friday Participation in 2023

Want to get involved and show your support to military members serving overseas? It is easy.

Just intentionally wear red every Friday. T-shirts, hats, polos, ties, and ribbons are great examples of how to intentionally add red to your outfit.

There are several organizations that have created specific wear RED t-shirts, but they are not necessary to participate. You can also share your outfit choice on social media, and use the tag #RedFridays to help spread the word.

It may seem small, but it means a lot to those who are serving overseas to know there are people back home supporting them.

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For past Olympic games held in the US, sitting presidents have served in passive, ceremonial roles. However, President Trump has hinted at other plans for the LA 2028 Olympics. 

 outlining a general framework for an Olympic task force, appointing himself as the chair and the Vice President as the vice chair. 

While the President has historically played a role in the Olympic games, it has historically been ceremonial and passive. In the moments after signing the executive order, Trump hinted at military involvement in the Games. 

Learn more about the plan for the upcoming Olympics, the military, and how involved presidents have been in the past.

Military Planning for 2028 Los Angeles Olympics

 began planning the LA 2028 Olympics when they won the bid in 2017. The focus has been on utilizing existing venues within the LA area while also determining if new facilities need to be constructed.

Because of the different venues within the LA area, the goal is to utilize them without the need to build new structures. Almost all sporting events have already been 

, and the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) will be utilizing their campus as the Olympic Village.

 in a city that has long been known for traffic congestion. In anticipation of hosting the 2028 Games, the Metro Board approved a list of 28 projects, totaling $20 billion and targeted for delivery by 2028. Currently, 29% of the projects have been completed with all the other projects in various stages of development.

LA28 Chairman, Casey Wasserman, attended the event announcing the Olympic Task Force at the White House and praised the President for leaning in, “You’ve been supportive and helpful every step of the way,” Wasserman said, noting that the Games would amount to hosting seven Super Bowls a day for 30 days. 

“With the creation of this task force, we’ve unlocked the opportunity to level up our planning and deliver the largest, and yes, greatest Games for our nation, ever.”

Olympic Security Task Force: Military Focus

President Trump’s task force will focus on security. In comments he made after signing the Executive Order, Trump said that he would send back the National Guard to LA if needed in order to help protect the games. The task force will work with federal, state and local partners on security and transportation.

In both the 1996 Atlanta Games and 2002 Salt Lake City Games the federal government played an important role in helping to enhance security for the Olympic games. 

Formalizing a task force focused on security could help finalize the current negotiations between LA officials and the LA28 Olympic committee that must be completed before October 1, 2025. LA28 must reimburse LA for costs incurred beyond regular daily operations.

Another aspect outlined by the executive order for the task force will be to, “assist in the planning and implementation of the visa processing and credentialing programs of foreign athletes, coaches, official and media personnel" The task force, to be housed within the Department of Homeland Security.

President Trump also sees the games as, “a premier opportunity to showcase American exceptionalism,” according to a White House statement. Trump, the administration said, “is taking every opportunity to showcase American greatness on the world stage.”

Presidential Roles in Olympic Security: Historical Overview

The Olympics have been held in the United States 8 times. The LA 2028 Olympics will be the 9th occasion.

in the past Olympics has been limited, while the federal government has often played a role when focused on security. 

While the Olympic Charter requires the head of state to open the Olympic Games, most often it has been passed down to another state official representing the President. 

Ronald Regan was the first President to open the Olympic Ceremonies at the 1984 LA Olympics.

 urged the games to continue after the bombing in Centennial Olympic Park happened, killing only one person due to the quick thinking of Security Guard Richard Jewell who found the bomb in a backpack and started to evacuate the area, 111 people were injured.

 opened the Lake Placid games in 1932, but he was the governor of New York where the games were being held and wouldn’t be elected president until nine months later. 

 also opened an Olympic games. He opened the 1960 Squaw Valley Games, but he was serving as Vice President when the games took place.

Donald Trump's Military Task Force Announcement for 2028 Olympics

While speaking at the White House, Trump said that he would send the military back to Los Angeles if he chose so, in order top protect the Olympic Games. 

According to a statement released by the White House, Trump views the games as "a premier opportunity to showcase American exceptionalism." Additionally, the Trump administration said that Trump is, "taking every opportunity to showcase American greatness on the world stage."

In June, Trump sent the National Guard and U.S. Marines to LA amid widespread immigration enforcement actions, despite receiving pushback from the mayor and other local officials. 

In regards to the probability of Trump deploying the National Guard, Trump said, "We'll do anything necessary to keep the Olympics safe, including using our National Guard or military, OK?" 

He went on to say, "I will use the National Guard or the military. This is going to be so safe. If we have to."

Trump's latest executive order establishes a task force that will help steer federal coordination for the Olympic Games. According to the White House, the task force will be working with federal, state, and local partners to ensure security and transportation related to the Games.

Los Angeles and Military: Historical Tensions

In June, President Trump sent the National Guard and U.S. Marines to downtown LA to help with the protests projected toward ICE that had continued to grow with increased violence. 

The National Guard, with the support of the LA Police Department, were able to curb the protests and have since left the LA area. Both California Governor Gavin Newsom and LA Mayor Karen Base condemned the actions of the President.

The President also had a rocky relationship with Mayor Karen Bass after the 

took place, and residents held a town hall meeting with the president and mayor working to get homeowners back to their property after the fires.

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The military community is made up of service members, Veterans, and their families—each experiencing unique challenges and making significant sacrifices. While many civilians are deeply grateful, it can often feel overwhelming to move beyond simply saying, "Thank you for your service."

But meaningful support doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, some of the most impactful ways to support the military happen on an individual level. Whether you’re looking to support a neighbor in uniform or advocate for national policies that benefit Veterans, here are clear, actionable tips to help you get started.

Civilian Support Strategies for Military Community

Showing military families support is about much more than just saying 'thank you.' It's about gaining an understanding of the challenges that they face, and offering help in meaningful ways. 

The emotional strain of long deployments, the constant uprooting, and the isolation that comes with these changes are rarely fully understood. However, civilian supporters have the power to change this.

Civilians are the lifeline that help military communities connect and thrive. As civilians, there are many things that you can do to show the military community your appreciation. Below, we are sharing four tips that civilians can use to start showing their support.

Integrating Military Families into Civilian Communities

Tip: Create a welcoming environment for military families near you.

If you live near a military base, or in a town that frequently welcomes new residents, you’re likely to cross paths with military families. 

Relocating often—sometimes every two to three years—is part of the military lifestyle. That means military families are constantly navigating new schools, unfamiliar neighborhoods, and the challenge of building friendships from scratch.

If a military family moves in, try to find a way to invite them over for dinner, or simply swing by and say hello. It can be intimidating to move to a new place, and being welcomed by a friendly face can make a place feel like home.

When we moved to Los Angeles in 2014, our neighbors were quick to come by and say hello and welcome us to the neighborhood. While we had met our neighbors over the years, we lived in Ohio we had never felt so welcome so quickly. It was a special place that still held neighborhood events throughout the year, and being welcomed into our new home was special.

For our first assignment we moved to Alamogordo, New Mexico in 2007. The internet wasn’t the powerhouse of search results that it is today. And instead, we relied on the guidance and support of what at the time were strangers that we had been connected with by one of my co-workers in California.

They helped us figure out where to live and understand the lay of our new town. They also regularly invited us to dinner, often a home cooked meal. We even spent our first Thanksgiving in New Mexico with their family. Welcomed with open arms into a place that we didn’t really fit into. But they made space at the table for us. And we felt welcomed and loved.

Veterans Affairs Programs: Civilian Support

Tip: Volunteer your time or resources to groups doing the groundwork.

Even if you don’t live in a place where current military members reside, there likely are Veterans living in your community. Find out if there is a Veteran organization within your town, and if there is a way you can support the organization either as a volunteer or by attending events so you can meet Veterans.

Additionally, you can attend local Veterans events to show your support, can volunteer for community drives, service projects, or ceremonies, or even donate to causes that align with your interests—housing, employment, mental health, etc.

Below is a list of some organizations that you’ll want to keep an eye out for:

 – Builds community through fitness and connection.

 – Offers support, camaraderie, and advocacy for Veterans.

 – Supports active-duty members and their families.

Amanda Huffman

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