Thoughts on discounts for vets...do you take advantage?

Mac in Mo · Post by **Mac in Mo** » Fri Mar 30, 2012 10:30 am

Do any of you guys take advantage of these discounts. I never have, always felt embarrassed to ask. With the tough times my family is facing, I have been seeking ways to be more frugal. Maybe I need to swallow my pride and take advantage?

If you do the discount thing, do you carry your DD-214 around?

Kevin

earlmck · Post by **earlmck** » Fri Mar 30, 2012 10:56 am

Because of an inheritance I ended up with a little checking account at Chase. Ran out of checks a few months ago, went down there with the intent of closing and moving to local bank. Nice lady there told me they give free checking to vets. I said "but Chase is such a horrible bank I don't want to do business with you". She explained to me that on the plus side, they were providing a dozen decent paying jobs with benefits to some of the local folks. I hunted up my DD214, took the free checking and left the account there.

There are other discounts to be had?

Blaine · Post by **Blaine** » Fri Mar 30, 2012 11:12 am

If I think of it, I'll ask and show them my retired ID card, and thank them very, very, kindly. If there is an age discount, I do that as well....not because it's "owed" to me, but because it's there.

L_Kilkenny · Post by **L_Kilkenny** » Fri Mar 30, 2012 11:23 am

Hey I'm not a vet and on the behalf of me and all the others like me I say ............

DON'T BE EMBARASSED TO USE IT!!! You earned it, you wouldn't feel bad about asking for a paycheck or vacation time would ya? It's not like you're taking charity.

LK

stretch · Post by **stretch** » Fri Mar 30, 2012 11:35 am

From time to time.

I get a discount from my oil company for being a vet.
Would I take free bread from a soup kitchen just for being
a vet? No....

I feel absolutely no shame taking a discount on oil!

Like Kilkenny said, you earned it. The company offered you
a discount. It's not like you're being offered charity and preventing
someone who really needs something from getting it.

DD214? Nope - just the honor system. I'm happy to bring it
b if they actually want to see it, but they say that's not
necessary. Maybe they trust me 'cuz I've been a good customer.

Just my two cents.......

-Stretch

Post by **Hobie** » Fri Mar 30, 2012 11:50 am

I know just how you feel. While I did 27-1/2 years with nearly 5 of them in the ROK I don't feel I've done anything to earn such things as the 10% discount at Lowe's. It galls me to do that. BUT!!! My wife says that a dollar is a dollar and so if she thinks of it and asks me to pull out the card I'll do it while she's there. That said, we offer 10% on most things to serving and retired military where I work on the weekends and I get employee discounts where I work. Everywhere I've been I have to show the ID. Lowe's must have had some fraud as a manager has to see and approve the card now.

Old Ironsights · Post by **Old Ironsights** » Fri Mar 30, 2012 12:13 pm

Generally, no.

But when the .gov screwed up "employment law" with their stupid EEOC quota mandates I was forced to play their game. The more "points" I can get from being a Vet the more likely I am to actually get an interview - since skill sets matter less than EEOC "points".

Yay .gov...

octagon · Post by **octagon** » Fri Mar 30, 2012 2:45 pm

Standard discount in my shop has always been parts at cost and 10 percent off labor. I have never asked for any ID. Long history of Vets in my family and I am proud to offer a discount to these men.

FWiedner · Post by **FWiedner** » Fri Mar 30, 2012 3:04 pm

If the proprietor of a privately owned business wants to show his appreciation for any given special interest by lowering his price to that group, it's a good thing economically for that group and enhances his standing in the eyes of his business clientele.

It's the same business tactic behind "Lady's Night."

jeepnik · Post by **jeepnik** » Fri Mar 30, 2012 3:47 pm

I never think of things like that. My wife does, but I usually try to avoid it. I did what I did, it's done. Now folks that are currently active surely deserve any discount they can get. Because, while they are paid a heck of alot more than I was, it's still real hard to make ends meet on a GI's salary, especially for those with kids.

olyinaz · Post by **olyinaz** » Fri Mar 30, 2012 7:50 pm

Of course I do on the off chance they ask or advertise it. I was always grateful for a LEO discount when I carried a badge as well. It's private business, if someone wants to offer me a green eyes or Scandanavian discount I'd take that too!

Oly

DPris · Post by **DPris** » Fri Mar 30, 2012 8:17 pm

Didn't know there were such things.
Hobie, howscome you never told me?

I did use the extra points that were offered to vets in applying for a job 30-something years ago. Didn't mind that.
Don't think I'd look for a veteran's discount at a store.
As a wise man said above, it was just something I did a long time ago.

Current armed services members are entitled to anything & everything they can get to help out, and I'd certainly encourage 'em to use it if available.

I started out at $288 a month way back when & made out OK, but I didn't have a family to feed.

Denis

Bullard4075 · Post by **Bullard4075** » Fri Mar 30, 2012 8:36 pm

I am and always have been embarrassed to be called a 'vet'. I volunteered and served gladly in the
Air Force but never left CONUS. A Vet ( capital V) to me is someone who put themselves in harms way. I have the
utmost respect for veterans (both big and little v), it is just to me Veteran means so much more than I did.

Post by **Ysabel Kid** » Fri Mar 30, 2012 8:52 pm

L_Kilkenny wrote:Hey I'm not a vet and on the behalf of me and all the others like me I say ............

DON'T BE EMBARASSED TO USE IT!!! You earned it, you wouldn't feel bad about asking for a paycheck or vacation time would ya? It's not like you're taking charity.

LK

+1 - you deserve a whole lot more! Thank You for your service!

Pete44ru · Post by **Pete44ru** » Fri Mar 30, 2012 9:11 pm

No, I don't ask/take a vet's discount anywhere else, except for the $1K tax exemption my municipality gives vets on house taxes.

Same deal for "senior discounts " - I don't go looking or asking, but if asked by some company if I am, I'll accept their offering.

Maybe I'm just lazy..............................

.

Old Ironsights · Post by **Old Ironsights** » Fri Mar 30, 2012 9:16 pm

Pete44ru wrote:No, I don't ask/take a vet's discount anywhere else, except for the $1K tax exemption my municipality gives vets on house taxes.

Same deal for "senior discounts " - I don't go looking or asking, but if asked by some company if I am, I'll accept their offering.

Maybe I'm just lazy..............................

.

No... you aren't. And I forgot about that one. Next year I can skip my "homestead" property taxes alltogether if I bring in my DD214...

I'm all for paying less taxes for whatever reason.

MrMurphy · Post by **MrMurphy** » Fri Mar 30, 2012 11:00 pm

Whether you left CONUS or not is irrelevant, you served. A guy who mans the console in a missile silo for a couple years is on the front line of his particular profession, even if he's not dodging bullets.

I did 3.5 years before getting dinged up.

I don't ask for it, but I don't turn it down either.

Griff · Post by **Griff** » Fri Mar 30, 2012 11:08 pm

AND Senior discounts also!

Griff · Post by **Griff** » Fri Mar 30, 2012 11:43 pm

olyinaz wrote:Of course I do on the off chance they ask or advertise it. I was always grateful for a LEO discount when I carried a badge as well.
Oly

I did too, but always left the "retail" amount anyway. Sometimes that would lead to a "situation". You wouldn't believe what some folks'll think of the practice. I didn't until I was asked to teach the "ethics" couse at the local community college as part of the academy and as an elective for continued certification.

MrMurphy wrote:Whether you left CONUS or not is irrelevant, you served. A guy who mans the console in a missile silo for a couple years is on the front line of his particular profession, even if he's not dodging bullets.
I did 3.5 years before getting dinged up.
I don't ask for it, but I don't turn it down either.

I did less than year before being "dinged up", still finished my tour, getting dinged up twice more! But yep; where you served is unimportant, you signed the same contract I did. It was Uncle Sugar who decided the WHERE! S'long as you don't claim otherwise, who the he77 am I to judge?

Most vet discounts I see are for retirees, I don't qualify. Harumpf! LIFERS! Even worse when they get that GS job! (Present company excluded, I'm sure)!

765x53 · Post by **765x53** » Fri Mar 30, 2012 11:57 pm

What is a DD214 ?

FWiedner · Post by **FWiedner** » Sat Mar 31, 2012 12:09 am

765x53 wrote:What is a DD214 ?

Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active duty

x

yooper2 · Post by **yooper2** » Sat Mar 31, 2012 12:13 am

My folks ran a ran a hardware store when I was a kid and offered a vet discount. They were always very happy to give it to folks and I have always been under the impression that it was deserved. You guys put yourselves on the line for the rest of us who couldn't or wouldn't and have earned the perks available.

Eric

Pete44ru · Post by **Pete44ru** » Sat Mar 31, 2012 8:39 am

MrMurphy wrote:Whether you left CONUS or not is irrelevant, you served. A guy who mans the console in a missile silo for a couple years is on the front line of his particular profession, even if he's not dodging bullets.

I did 3.5 years before getting dinged up.

I don't ask for it, but I don't turn it down either.

Yep, some fought the Battle of D'nang, while others fought the Battle of Chicago, Minot, or Fayetteville - none had the choice, AFAIK. Orders is orders.

.

rjohns94 · Post by **rjohns94** » Sat Mar 31, 2012 9:10 am

I use it when I see it posted. I often forget at home depot or so. Sometimes I remember. Not very consistent.

Pitchy · Post by **Pitchy** » Sat Mar 31, 2012 9:12 am

Never new about it until i read about it here, i`m going to check out the house tax thing though

AJMD429 · Post by **AJMD429** » Sat Mar 31, 2012 10:20 am

FWiedner wrote:It's the same business tactic behind "Lady's Night."

Now that's just funny, no insults intended, but a good point.

The guvmint won't allow me to offer any discounts except to whatever groups they are currently trying to get votes from (usually single-moms with four or five different baby-daddy's), but I can sort of informally give discounts to pro-gun people (includes most vets, of course), and I do so (all within the limits of the law, of course

).

2571 · Post by **2571** » Sat Mar 31, 2012 6:18 pm

McDonald's is going to start offering coupon discounts & is arranging their menu by price. In this economy, stigma against using discounts has vanished.

Personally, I look forward to the .015% discount MidwayUSA occasionally offers on reloading stuff. That .26 really helps on an $80 purchase. :>)

Griff · Post by **Griff** » Sat Mar 31, 2012 6:22 pm

765x53 wrote:What is a DD214 ?

The summary of your service record. Also shows your re-enlistment code.

Mac in Mo · Post by **Mac in Mo** » Sat Mar 31, 2012 6:39 pm

Thanks for the replies guys. It was the Lowe's discount that prompted me to ask. I still don't think that I will utilize the discount. It is greatly appreciated but I won't actively seek it out.

I was USN and served during the mid-eighties. I know that we all are vets, but I too won't begin to compare my service to those who have been in combat, been wounded, etc.

I am also a former LEO and had the same thoughts about discounts offered then. If it was a large chain fast food, yeah, I would accept a discount on food, on duty in uniform, but only after trying to pay full boat.

I had a barber who owned his own shop try to give me a free cut after he learned I was a cop. I argued there was no way, it was coming right out of his pocket. We went back and forth until he finally agreed to take half price. When he finished, I tried to give him a tip. He would not take it .Again, I appreciated the offer, but, just because I had a badge, I didn't feel it was anyone's responsibility to pay me extra. They were already paying my salary with taxes.

I think the companies and businesses that offer the discounts are doing something good. If someone takes them up on it, that is cool with me. I just can't bring my self to ask. My wife says I am weird, but she knew that before she married me.

Kevin

damienph · Post by **damienph** » Sat Mar 31, 2012 7:47 pm

The only benefits that I have used are VA Loan for my home, ALL of my GI Bill entitlement, and during the 12 years that I lived in Georgia my Driver's License was free plus it said "veteran" at the top. I am confident that it got me out of more than one ticket.

Thinking about that; I can't EVER remember getting a ticket when I lived in Georgia. I think that the free license is only offered if service was during or between certain dates; mine was because I was a Viet Nam Era Veteran, NOT a Viet Nam Veteran.

JReed · Post by **JReed** » Sat Mar 31, 2012 8:38 pm

The only place I use it at is Lowes other then there I don't ask. My wife on the other hand ( I call her the CFO

) asks every where we go. Sometimes it works out to be a heck of a discount especially at small businesses major chains not so much.

ving-thorr · Post by **ving-thorr** » Sun Apr 01, 2012 6:17 am

JReed wrote:The only place I use it at is Lowes other then there I don't ask. My wife on the other hand ( I call her the CFO ) asks every where we go. Sometimes it works out to be a heck of a discount especially at small businesses major chains not so much.

The wives always ask because they're proud of us, guys. They only tell us it's to save money so we don't let it go to our heads! That's how they work, they can be proud and brag on you, but you better not get proud and brag on yourself!

To the OP, don't think of it as a handout. Think of it as a kind or generous gesture. When someone holds a door open for you, you don't say "hey, close it, i can open the door myself". No, you say "thanks" and hurry through the door.

MrJudgeOC · Post by **MrJudgeOC** » Sun Apr 01, 2012 8:52 am

Last year at my sons boot camp graduation at Ft Benning they made a "big to do" about vets. There were hundreds of people in attendance and asked for all the vets to stand. It wasn't merely a minute of recognition, it was a major deal that went on and on. I did not stand. The day was for the graduates and what they were about to do, not me.

On topic: I do not, and have not, taken advantage of a vets discount. I do like the possible "tax break" and am going to look into it. When I was a cop, we were forbidden to accept ANY discounts for cops. People were fired over that. I did, however, offer a "discount" to any vets I encountered during my duties, lol.

Mike D. · Post by **Mike D.** » Sun Apr 01, 2012 9:44 am

My DD 214 is long gone and, no, I have not taken advantage of any vets discounts, not even a mortgage. No CalVet, no GI anything. Never occurred to me, I guess.

jeepnik · Post by **jeepnik** » Sun Apr 01, 2012 10:00 am

Mike D. wrote:My DD 214 is long gone and, no, I have not taken advantage of any vets discounts, not even a mortgage. No CalVet, no GI anything. Never occurred to me, I guess.

You can, and should get a replacement. Go here. http://www.archives.gov/veterans/milita ... e-records/

When my dad passed away, we found his separation papers hadn't fared very well. This was in 1988. It was a bit of a hassle until we contacted our Congressman. That gentleman's office handled it quickly. We also found out that Dad had a few decorations, including a Silver Star we knew nothing about. Funny how Dads never seem to mention that kind of stuff.

Blaine · Post by **Blaine** » Sun Apr 01, 2012 12:20 pm

Regardless of your job, or length, and place of service, you wrote Uncle Sam a blank check for your behind, and it could have been cashed up to the full amount that you had to give. Some business owners like to show a little appreciation. If they get a little "bounce" from that, good for them

765x53 · Post by **765x53** » Sun Apr 01, 2012 12:28 pm

Griff wrote:
765x53 wrote:What is a DD214 ?
The summary of your service record. Also shows your re-enlistment code.

I guess mine must be in my short-timers bag, which has been in my duffel bag in the attic since '71.

Canuck Bob · Post by **Canuck Bob** » Sun Apr 01, 2012 6:08 pm

Folks offer this stuff because they want you to use it. Its good for a direct sale in tough times and it is outstanding behavior for a company that other folks, ex-service or not, will reward for doing so. A good deed and good business, it is a win-win for everybody.

I wish Canadians would value our vets more. Those returning from war zones like Bosnia, Africa, and the Middle East deserve better here.

Blaine · Post by **Blaine** » Sun Apr 01, 2012 9:12 pm

Canuck Bob wrote:Folks offer this stuff because they want you to use it. Its good for a direct sale in tough times and it is outstanding behavior for a company that other folks, ex-service or not, will reward for doing so. A good deed and good business, it is a win-win for everybody.

I wish Canadians would value our vets more. Those returning from war zones like Bosnia, Africa, and the Middle East deserve better here.

You've been darn good Allies, Bob...the very best.

Pitchy · Post by **Pitchy** » Sun Apr 01, 2012 9:16 pm

BlaineG wrote:
Canuck Bob wrote:Folks offer this stuff because they want you to use it. Its good for a direct sale in tough times and it is outstanding behavior for a company that other folks, ex-service or not, will reward for doing so. A good deed and good business, it is a win-win for everybody.

I wish Canadians would value our vets more. Those returning from war zones like Bosnia, Africa, and the Middle East deserve better here.
You've been darn good Allies, Bob...the very best.

+1

COSteve · Post by **COSteve** » Sun Apr 01, 2012 10:35 pm

All this, "thank you for your service." and other stuff like that feels hollow to me. I consider it just like the once popular, "have a nice day." tripe. This current 'feel good' wave about the vets is fine for them but I feel it's really just the sheople trying to make themselves feel good and be part of the 'cool crowd'.

When I got out of the hospital in Jan 1970 after 7 months recovering from my wounds, I got spit on and called a baby killer. There is nothing on this earth that will ever let me forget that or forgive the ignorant, flippant jerks who make up 'popular culture.' Not then, and certainly not now. The fact is that some times you just can't un-ring that bell and the populous is on this wave of 'feel good' stuff so it's all just phony stuff to me.

I just say, "no thank you" and move on.

adirondakjack · Post by **adirondakjack** » Mon Apr 02, 2012 12:12 am

Bullard4075 wrote:I am and always have been embarrassed to be called a 'vet'. I volunteered and served gladly in the
Air Force but never left CONUS. A Vet ( capital V) to me is someone who put themselves in harms way. I have the
utmost respect for veterans (both big and little v), it is just to me Veteran means so much more than I did.

I used to think that way too. Also a USAF vet who spent most of my time in the horrible conditions of California in the 70s (it were not bad duty as I recall), "Sam" never did give me those four years of my youth back, and I was 28 when I graduated college, far behind my age-mates.

I don't carry my DD214 around, but DO have a VA ID card (medical), which ought to suffice IF I ever was even aware of such discounts.

I do SOMETIMES get "senior" coffee these days at McDonalds, depending on how I am dressed...... With the bike clothes, doo rag and sunglasses, not so much, but hat off, no glasses, yeah, them girls think I am ancient.

adirondakjack · Post by **adirondakjack** » Mon Apr 02, 2012 12:19 am

CO Steve, ya did what ya had to and yeah, paid for it in spades. But the times were what they were, a divided nation that was in serious trouble at home. You paid an un-deserved price for that, and yeah, ANY time soldiers are demonized, it's looking at the wrong house (CONGRESS and 1600 makes the plays) I hope the day comes you can find it in your heart to make peace with the radical anti-war crowd, as forgiveness is a two way gift, but no, NONE of us ought ever forget. I DO think our current vets are getting a better, more deserved shake. That is a good thing.

Ray Newman · Post by **Ray Newman** » Mon Apr 02, 2012 12:37 am

COSteve: BINGO! I feel the same way.

ving-thorr · Post by **ving-thorr** » Mon Apr 02, 2012 1:33 am

Canuck Bob wrote:Folks offer this stuff because they want you to use it. Its good for a direct sale in tough times and it is outstanding behavior for a company that other folks, ex-service or not, will reward for doing so. A good deed and good business, it is a win-win for everybody.

I wish Canadians would value our vets more. Those returning from war zones like Bosnia, Africa, and the Middle East deserve better here.

I'll never forget those pretty Canadian nurses at the field hospital at Kandahar Airfield. Which reminds me, I was given a veteran's discount in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada. The lady asked if I was a veteran, and I told her well, yes, but I'm an american, served with Canadian troops in Kandahar though. That counted in her book! Made me feel some real north american solidarity.

olyinaz · Post by **olyinaz** » Mon Apr 02, 2012 8:42 am

adirondakjack wrote: I DO think our current vets are getting a better, more deserved shake. That is a good thing.

Well said. Like Steve said, you can't unring some bells, but I sure don't see it as any kind of negative how popular the "support our troops" thing is these days.

Oly

L_Kilkenny · Post by **L_Kilkenny** » Mon Apr 02, 2012 9:10 am

Steve, I hear what you're saying but an insincere Thank You is better than a punch in the nose. If they are truly insincere, just being PC and using it as a marketing gimmick then that just adds more reason to accept the offer, take em for what you can get.

But if they are being sincere then IMO you should take it. "It's not your choice if it's a gift" sound familiar to anyone.

LK

MrMurphy · Post by **MrMurphy** » Mon Apr 02, 2012 9:17 am

COSteve, my dad had similar experiences in 1969.

Coming home from the Gulf War, the seven or so veterans (including him) from our town who went got a parade, the whole bit. I think the reaction from Gulf War 1 was in some part, everyone feeling bad about what happened in Vietnam.

Not asking you to forget (as I know all too well, you never will), but.....people realize their mistakes, and try to make up.

He hasn't forgotten 1969 one bit, but 1991 did make up for it a little bit.

My one deployment was more or less a vacation, no shots fired, but the bombers we protected were dropping ordnance in Afghanistan daily, and the wing king made sure those of us on the ground supporting them knew what was happening because all the other guys made it possible. I had friends on the other end of that air support, and they were happy as hell to see a B-1B coming in full of ordnance.

I went in 'old' at 27, and now at 34 in college, it does kind of get to you at times. I had no desire to get out, I was up for re-enlistment and sergeant when i got my knees injured bad enough they canned me. I work in the game business (computer game design) and most of the young hippies I work with are respectful but don't really understand. The few of us vets stick together, for those days when you need to talk to someone who's been there. I've buried quite a few friends from all services in the last decade, and I had a kid at work ask me if it was worth it, i.e would I do it again.

I told him he had no comprehension of what I would do for just one more day. In my case, guard mount, arming up, rolling out on a fireteam, even if nothing happened... but... he wouldn't understand. Still doesn't.

horsesoldier03 · Post by **horsesoldier03** » Mon Apr 02, 2012 10:26 pm

I dont walk around with my hand out or ask at every place I do buisness, but if I do find out that they give Military Discounts, I cant whip out my RETIREE ID quick enough. It has definately saved me money over the years, and most places advertise that they provide a Veterans Discount if/when they do.

OJ · Post by OJ » Tue Apr 03, 2012 2:35 pm

I accept it as it is iintentioned AFAICT. Enlisting inn WWII -veterans benefite never envisione for us - but - we sure were glad to get thatgI Bill for college - pre med for me plus first hald of first med school year - and, if you stayed in the upper third of your class - scholershoip was there t pay that tuition.

A strange thing happened years later - I was in a local businesws when the owner loudly announced to me he guessed he paid my way through med school through GI Bill - I said not entirely and asked if he would rather be speaking Japanese or German - left - and he shortly went out of business - I think he was getting into dimentia.

Korea was a different matter - troops were sacrificed - unfit for battle because the commanding general wasn't doing his job keeping hte troops in Japan battle ready - and such things as being caught at Chosin without winter supplies was also his fault - and costly.

The strangest thing to me was that, if you got and used GI Bill benefits after WWII, and then earned benefits from Korean War service, those used after WWII were subtrated from what you earned in Korean War - my thought was there shouldn't have been any relationship - much less losing any for second round of duty - I can assure you we didn't volunteer for Korea just to get more GI Bill benefits..

I accept the thanks in the spirit they are given but get the real satisfaction of knowing I contributed to our continued freedom - now, if we can keep it going at the voting boxes, it will have been worth while.