2009 U.S. Army Soldier Show!

The U.S. Army Soldier Show is a high-energy 90-minute live musical review showcasing the talents of active duty Soldiers who were selected by audition from throughout the Army. They are amateur artists who have a passion for music, dance and performing. They come from aviation, biological, infantry, medical, musical, signal, transportation and other tactical units. The show is assembled in five weeks, and then tours for six months.

Click here to download the 2009 schedule.

Armed Forces Recreation Centers Great Getaways Sweepstakes!

The grand prize winner will receive a trip to his/her choice of one of the five AFRC resort destinations. The package includes $2500 cash for travel expenses, a set of luggage (approximate retail value (ARV) $500), a set of golf clubs (ARV $600); a Sony Digital Camera (ARV $300) and a seven night stay at the winner’s choice of available AFRC property (ARV $595). The total package approximate retail value is $4495!!

There are also 10 monthly winner who each win $100!

The Great Getaways Sweepstakes is open only to current Active Duty Service Members from all branches of Service, Reserve, and National Guard members, Retirees, Military Service Members (Active Duty, Retiree, Reserve and National Guard) family members and DoD civilians. All participants must be eighteen years or older to enter.

Click here to enter the sweepstakes once daily from now through May 31st.

Sands Resort-R&R Package for Military Families!!

For a limited time, the Sands Resort (located in Myrtle Beach, SC) is offering a special rest & relaxation package for America's military and veterans.

This package includes:

Oceanfront Accommodations

Buffet Breakfast

Sands' Kids Eat Breakfast Free

Welcome Military Gifts

$10 Gift Certificate for Mangos on the Beach

One Adult Ticket to the Carolina Opry or Good Vibrations

Tickets for kids under 12 to the Carolina Opry or Good Vibrations

Unlimited admission to Hall of Heroes

Newly Renovated Sands' Health Club

New Atlantis Spa with indoor pool, sauna, and steam room

Sands' Kids Club and Evening Childcare (opens May 23rd)

Bicycles & Volleyball

Sands Waterpark

Airport Shuttle

Wireless Internet

42" Flat Screen TVs

Miles of white, sandy beach

Click here to read more about this package or to book your vacation...sounds like a fun getaway for the whole family!

Have a Cheap Date Night with Restaurant.com!

Are you in the mood to have a nice dinner with your sweetie or to meet friends for lunch but don't have the money to spend? Well, this is the deal for you!

Restaurant.com is an online network of thousands of restaurants across the United States. When you find restaurants you'd like to visit, you can buy Gift Certificates for a fraction of the actual value. Some restaurants even offer online reservations and/or online take-out/delivery ordering.

After you complete your purchase, you will be taken to a page with a link to each Gift Certificate. You can print your Gift Certificates using your computer and printer. In most cases Restaurant.com Gift Certificates are good for one year from the date of purchase, although there are exceptions depending upon the state you live in.

Thru tomorrow only, take 80% Off with every order of $25 Gift Certificates with code LUCKY and pay only $2!

Here are some scenarios that I have created for those of you stationed at the following military bases:

Camp LeJeune, NC: Purchase $25 gift certificate for Christopher's Restaurant in Sneads Ferry. Enjoy at least $50 worth of fresh local seafood, steak, chicken, ribs and/or desserts. Then hand over the gift certificate and knock $25 off the bill!!

Fort Hood, TX: Purchase $25 gift certificate for the Caribbean American Choice Restaurant in Killeen. Enjoy at least $35 worth of Jamaican Beef Patties, Curry chicken and/or Jerk Chicken. Then hand over the gift certificate and knock $25 off the bill!

Edwards AFB, CA: Purchase $25 gift certificate for Crazy Otto's Diner in Lancaster. Enjoy at least $35 of steak, chicken, ribs or seafood...then hand over the gift certificate and knock $25 off the bill.

Click here to find a participating restaurant near you.

Yummy! All these deals are making me hungry...Enjoy!

Cheap Coffee!

Gevalia has a great offer right now-3 half pound pound boxes of coffee AND a free stainless steel travel mug for only $3.00!!

If you enjoy Gevalia, you will automatically receive three more half-pounds in about a month. Subsequent shipments will arrive every six weeks, plus you may receive a special holiday shipment. However, you can cancel at anytime with NO further obligation by calling customer service at 1-800-Gevalia.

Not only would this be great Mother's Day gift but it would also be something fun to send to someone deployed. Click here for more information about this offer.

Commissary Case Lot Sales Worldwide in May!

Yipeee!!!!!!!!!

The word on the street is that the May case lot sale will be the biggest spring sale yet, offering about 100 more products than last year's 260.

For those of you not familiar with these great sales, they give you the opportunity to stock up on bulk-sized products ranging from canned goods, beverages, toilet paper, paper towels, produce, fresh meat, seafood, frozen foods, health and beauty items, pet supplies, cleaning and laundry products and more. Some 50-60 percent of the items are sold in "club pack" product assortments similar to the oversized or multiple products sold at commercial warehouse club outlets.

Click here to find out when your commissary is hosting a sale next month. These sales typically only happen twice a year so make sure you "save the date!"

Cheryl & Co. Gifts-FREE shipping!

Cheryl & Co. offers delicious, high-quality baked goods (i.e. cookies and other desserts) and unique gift ideas and they provide FREE shipping on ALL Cheryl&Co. gifts to APO/FPO military bases! Click here to browse thru all the delicious cookies and great gift ideas...this would be a great Mother's Day gift!

Just choose Ground Delivery and select Armed Forces in the state field when entering your order. Click here for more information about the free shipping.

For a limited time, enter the promotion code "MT" at checkout and receive 20% off!

GM Military Discount!

Are you looking for a new car or truck? Well, this is the deal for you!

If you are an eligible member of the military, which includes active duty members and Reserves of the U.S. Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines, National Guard and Coast Guard, then you are qualified to receive military pricing on GM vehicles through the GM Military Discount Program.

Almost every new and unused 2008 and 2009 GM passenger car, SUV, crossover and light-duty truck is eligible.

As an eligible member of the military, you can purchase vehicles at a specially discounted price that is less than MSRP. To compare the MSRP to the military price, click here.

Visit gmmilitarydiscount.com to request your "Go Code" and bring it and your military ID to your salesperson at your GM Dealer to receive your vehicle discount.

In most cases, you can combine the military discount with current incentives that are being offered by GM!

Free Admission to the San Diego Zoo!

Active duty military personnel (U.S. and foreign) with valid military ID card receive FREE admission to the San Diego Zoo!

Spouses and dependents can also receive a 10% discount on the Best Value Admission! Click here to review the admission prices and ticket packages.

Some upcoming events at the zoo include a Mother's Day Brunch, Kids' Safari, Father's Day Classic Campout and much more. Click here for a list of future events at the zoo.

Operation Purple-Free Summer Camp!

The Operation Purple program brings children of deployed service members together for an exciting and memorable camp experience. These free, week-long, overnight camps are open to all military children ages 7-17 from all service branches including National Guard and Reserve, Coast Guard, National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration & Public Health Services. However, priority is given to those children who have or will have a parent or guardian deployed between September 2008 and December 2009 (includes pre-, during and post-deployment phases).

Click here for a list of 2009 camp locations and to register. Hurry-registration has only been extended through April 27th!

Free Bracelet for Families of Deployed Troops!

Harms Way 4 Kids is making bracelets available to everyone who has a loved one that has been deployed no matter where they are stationed. This bracelet was designed in honor of the troops and their families. The yellow beads represent that someone you love is "in harm's way." The red, white and blue hearts represent our love and patriotism. Click here for information and to order a bracelet.

If you would like to make a donation to assist with the purchase of supplies and postage for Harms Way 4 Kids, click here.

Free SAT and ACT Test Preparation Software!

Military service members, veterans and dependents can now order a free SAT test preparation program worth $200 thanks to the generous donations of eKnowledge, a group of NFL players, and the Department of Defense!

The eKowledge SAT/ACT PowerPrep includes:

• 120 lessons and 120 drills


• Hundreds of practice questions


• Progress Quizzes


• Electronic Outlines


• Electronic Notetaking


• Syllabus, schedule and tracking

Click here for more information and to order this program.

Free YMCA Membership!

Did you know that the Department of Defense has contracted with the Armed Services YMCA to fund memberships at participating YMCAs throughout the United States and Puerto Rico for the following Title 10 DoD Military Groups:

• Families of deployed national guard and reserve


• Active duty assigned to an independent duty location


• Active duty assigned to a newly established joint base


• Relocated spouse of deployed active duty personnel


• Respite childcare for children up to age 12

For more information about this offer and to see if you qualify, click on one of the above links.

Cell Phones for Soldiers

Since today is Earth Day, I thought this would be a great day to remind everyone about the Cell Phones for Soldiers program.

Cell Phones for Soldiers uses funds from recycled cell phones to buy prepaid phone cards for active duty military members – to help connect them with their families.

Through generous donations and the recycling of used cell phones from drop-off sites across the country, Cell Phones for Soldiers has already raised more than $1 million and distributed more than 75 thousand phone cards to soldiers overseas.

AT&T is now offering all 2,000-plus company-owned wireless store locations across the country as drop-off sites to help recycle used cell phones for the program, through July 2009. Click here for a list of drop-off sites.

Happy Earth Day!

Is your base doing anything special for Earth Day? Well, if you live in Camp LeJeune, NC, then head on over to the Earth Day Energy Fair. This fair is designed to educate Marines and their families on how they can eliminate waste and help preserve the Earth.

The Earth Day Energy Fair opens at 10 a.m. today. The Base Environmental Management Division will also demonstrate its initiatives to help keep Camp Lejeune green, including managing wildlife and air and water quality.

Let me know if your base has anything special planned!

Free One Day Cruise for all Military who have served or are serving in Iraq or Afghanistan!

Discovery Cruise Line is inviting all Military who have served or are serving in Iraq or Afghanistan on a complimentary one day cruise from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida to Grand Bahama Island valid until December 31, 2010.

Discovery will provide the free one day Bahamas Cruise, including the cost of all buffet meals, all service charges, taxes and Bahamian Departure Fees. There are no additional costs involved.

Click here for more information and to register. Reservations will be required along with Military ID.

Wow, what an awesome opportunity for a free getaway!

AAFES.COM-Win a Cordura Bugout Bag and Camelbak Black Bottle!

It's Tuesday which means it's time for another weekly sweepstakes offer from AAFES.COM. Between now and April 27th, you can enter once every 24 hours to win a Cordura Bugout Bag and a Camelbak Hydrate or Die Black Bottle valued at $119!

Click here to enter (note first you must register or log in to AAFES). Good Luck!

Dunkin Donuts: Buy an Iced Coffee and Support Home for Our Troops!

Stop by Dunkin' Donuts on Tuesday, April 21st and for each small 50 cent iced coffee that you buy, Dunkin' Donuts will donate 10% of the purchase price to support Home for our Troops. Click here for more information about Iced Coffee Day.

Home for Our Troops helps severely injured veterans by building or adapting homes to be handicapped accessible. Click here for more information about this awesome organization.

If you love Dunkin' Donuts' coffee like I do, then you may want to click here and sign up for a chance to win Dunkin' Donuts' coffee for a whole year!

Commissary Deals-April 16th thru April 29th

Here is a collection of the current commissary sale items paired up with both printable and/or newspaper coupons to help you save money! Please let me know if you come across any other great deals so that I can share them with other readers. Please note that this is a work in progress...I will be adding to the list in the next few days.

Abbreviations used: RP=Red Plum; SS=Smartsource; P&G=Proctor & Gamble

Arm and Hammer Carpet and Fabric Odor Eliminator Powder: $1.19
Print the $.50 coupon here (register)
Final Price: $.69

Ban Solid Deoderant: $1.50
Use the $0.75 off coupon from the 4/5 SS
Final Price: $0.75

Bertolli Oven Bake (Lasagna Rustica): $4.50
Print the $2.00 off coupon here.
Final Price: $2.50

Betty Crocker Instant Potatoes (select varieties): $1.00-$1.25
Use the $0.25 off coupon from the 4/5 SS
Final Price: As low as $0.75

Biore Pore Strip Nose Cleaning: $4.00
Use the $1.00 off coupon from the 4/5 SS
Final Price: $3.00

Bounty Paper Towels 8 Rolls: $4.19
Use the $0.25 off from the 4/5 P&G
Final Price: $3.94

Breyers Ice Cream (select flavors): $2.79
Use the $0.75 off coupon from the 4/5 RP
Final Price: $2.04

Cascadian Farm Frozen Harvest Berries: $1.99
Print the $1.00 coupon here (register or log-in)or use the $1.00 off coupon from the 2/22 SS
Final Price: $.99

Cascadian Farm Cereal (select varieties): $2.25
Print the $1.00 off coupon here (register or log-in) or use the $1.00 off coupon from the 2/22 SS
Final Price: $1.25 per box

Cascadian Farm Organic Fruit Jelly: $1.99
Print the $1.00 off coupon here (register or log-in)or use the $1.00 off coupon from the 2/22 SS
Final Price: $0.99

Cascadian Farms Granola Bars: $2.25
Print the $1.00 off coupon here (register or log-in)or use the $1.00 off coupon from the 2/22 SS
Final Price: $1.25

Charmin Toilet Paper 12 rolls: $4.19
Use the $.25 off coupon from the 4/5 P&G
Final Price: $3.94 for 12 rolls

Claritin allergy liquid gels (24 count) and 24 hour allergy tablets (30 count)-$12.99
Use the $4.00 off coupon from coupons.com
Final Price: $8.99

Contessa Frozen Meals (select varieties): $4.29
Print the $1.00 off 2 from here
Final Price: $3.79 per meal

Crystal Light Drink Mixes: $2.50
Use the Buy2Get1Free coupon from the 3/29 SS
Final Price: $1.67 per container

Curel Lotion: $4.50
Use the $1.00 off from the 4/5 SS
Final Price: $3.50

Daisy Cottage Cheese: $2.49
Use the $1.00 off coupon from the 2/22 SS
Final Price: $1.49

Duncan Hines Brownie Mixes: $0.89-$1.50
Use the $0.35 off from the 2/1 SS
Final Price: As low as $0.54

Fiber One Granola Bars: $1.75
Use the $0.50 off coupon from the 3/8 SS
Final Price: $1.25

Filippo Berio Olive Oils 17 oz.: $3.25-$3.59
Print the $1.00 off coupon here
Final Price: As low as $2.25

Flinstones Gummies Complete Kids Vitamins: $4.00 per bottle
Use the $1.00 off coupon from the 3/22 SS
Final Price: $3.00 per bottle

French's Spicy Brown Mustard: $1.00
Use the $0.50 off from the 3/29 SS or use the $0.75 off from the 1/18 SS
Final Price: As low as $0.25

General Mills Cereals (select varieties): $2.29
Print the $1.00 off 2 coupon here or use the $1.00 off 3 from the 3/8 or 4/5 SS
Final Price: As low as $1.79 per box

Healthy Ones Lunchmeat (select varieties): $1.69
Print the $0.55 off 1 here or $0.75 off 1 here
Final Price: $0.94-$1.14

Keebler Cookies (select varieties): $1.89-$2.00
Use the $0.55 off 1 or $.0.55 off 2 from the 4/5 RP
Final Price: as low as $1.34 per box

Kellogs Cereal Corn Flakes and/or Corn Pops-$1.79
Use the $1.00 off coupon from the 4/5 RP
Final Price: $.79

Kellogs Frosted Mini Wheats-$2.00
Print the $1.50 off 2 boxes coupon here or use the $1.00 off coupon from the 4/5 RP
Final Price: as low as $1.00 per box

Kraft Mayonnaise 32 oz.: $3.50
Use the $1.00 off 2 from the 3/29 SS
Final Price: $3.00 per mayo

Lawry's Marinades (select varieties): $1.59
Use the $1.00 off 2 from the 4/5 RP
Final Price: $1.09 per marinade

Marcal Napkins: $1.59
Use the $0.55 off from the 4/5 SS
Final Price: $1.04

Marcal Paper Towels 6 Rolls: $5.99
Use the $1.00 off coupon from the 4/5 SS or the $1.00 coupon from the 3/8 SS
Final Price: $4.99

Meow Mix Wholesome Goodness Cat Food 6 lb bag: $5.49
Use the $1.00 off coupon from the 3/1RP
Final Price: $4.49 per bag

Michelinas Frozen Entrees (select varieties): $0.75-$0.79 each
Print the $1.00 off 5 coupon here
Final Price: $.55 per entree

Milk Bone Dog Snacks (select varieties): $1.59
Use the $1.00 off 2 coupon from the 3/1 RP
Final Price: $1.09 per bag

Muir Glen Organic Canned Tomatoes: $1.25
Print the $1.00 off coupon here and here.
Final Price: $0.25

Murray's Sugar-Free Cookies: $1.79
Print the $1.00 off 2 coupon here
Final Price: $1.29 per box

One a Day Vitamins Womens/Mens 50 Plus/Womens 50 Plus: $5.00 each
Use the $1.00 off one or the $4.00 off two from the 3/22 SS
Or use the $1.00 of coupons from here or here
Final Price: As low as $3.00 per bottle

Oral B Indicator Toothbrush: $1.30
Use the $1.00 off 2 coupon from the 4/5 P&G
Final Price: $0.80

Ortega Diced Mexican Chiles: $0.75
Use the $0.75 off 2 from the 4/19 SS
Final Price: $0.38 each*

Ortega Guacamole Dip: $1.80
Use the $0.75 off 2 from the 4/19 SS
Final Price: $1.43 each*

Oretga Taco Sauce: $1.38
Use the $0.75 off 2 from the 4/19 SS
Final Price: $1.01 each*

*Also check out the $5.00 mail in rebate from the 4/19 SS when you buy any 2 Ortega Products and Disney's Bedtime Stories on DVD

Pam Cooking Spray: $1.99
Use the $0.35 off from the 3/29 SS
Final Price: $1.64

Pedigree Dog Food 8 Packs (select varieties): $2.99
Use the $1.00 off coupon from the 4/19 RP
Final Price: $1.99

Pillsbury Toaster Strudels: $1.39
Use the $0.35 off from the 2/8 General Mills
Final Price: $1.04

Pompeian Olive Oil 32 oz: $6.00
Print the $1.00 off coupon here.
Final Price: $5.00

Post Cereal (select varieties): $2.00
Use the $1.00 off 2 coupon from 3/29 SS
Final Price: $1.50 per box

Puffs Tissue Basic 3 Pack: $3.69
Use the .25/3 or one 3 pack from the 4/5 P&G
Final Price: $3.44 for 3 boxes of tissue

Q-Tips Cotton Swabs: $1.59-$2.00
Use the $0.30 off from the 4/5 RP
Final Price: $1.29-1.70

Quacker Chewy Granola Bars: $1.60
Use the $0.75 off 2 from the 3/8 RP
Final Price: $1.23 per box

Red Baron Pizza (select varieties) 9 oz.: $2.25
Use the $1.00 off 2 coupon from the 3/1 RP
Final Price: $1.75 each

Renuzit Air Freshener Adjustables: $.75 each
USe the $.55/3 from the 2/22 SS
Final Price: $.57 each bottle

Rosetto Raviolis/Stuffed Shells: $2.29
Use the $1.00 off coupon from the 2/22 SS or print the $1.00 off coupon here.
Final Price: $1.29

Saint Ives Facial Scrub (select varieties): $2.19
Use the $1.00 off coupon from the 3/8 SS
Final price: $1.19

Sargento Shredded Cheese: $3.09
Use the $.50 off 2 coupon from the 1/25 SS
Final Price: $2.84 per bag

Seapak Shrimp: $3.50
Use the $1.00 off 2 from the 3/1 RP or print the $1.00 off 2 from here.
Final Price: $3.00 each

Stouffer's Flatbread Melts/Strombolis: $1.77
Print the $1.00 off 3 coupon from here
Final Price: $1.44 each

Suave Shampoo: $1.39
Use the $1.00 off 2 from the 3/1 RP or the $1.75 off 3 from the 3/1 RP
Final Price: As low as $0.89

Tresemme Gel/Hairspray/Mousse: $1.99
Print the $1.00 coupon found here.
Final Price: $0.99

Tyson Chicken Fries/Wings (select varieties): $1.99
Use the $1.00 off coupon from the 3/8 SS
Final Price: $0.99

V8 Vegetable Juice: $2.10
Print the $1.00 coupon from here
Final Price: $1.10

Wishbone Salad Dressings 16 oz/Salad Spritzers 7 oz: $1.69
Use this $.75 off one from here (IE) or here (Firefox) or here
Final Price: $0.94

Yoplait Yogurts (select flavors): $0.50
Use the $0.40 off 6 from the 3/22 SS or the 4/19 SS or print coupon here for $1.00 off 8
Final Price: As low as $0.38 each

Help others save money...spread the word about Hip2Serve.com!

Escape with Sato Vacations!

Are you in the mood to escape somewhere tropical or to take a European vacation? Well, Sato Vacations can help you plan and book your vacation while also providing you with special military pricing.

CWTSatoTravel is the travel division of Carlson responsible for soliciting and managing travel for U.S. military and government clients.

Sato specializes in online airline, hotel, and car reservations for leisure travel, cruise reservations, vacation packages, and reunion and group travel. Click here to visit their website and book your getaway!

Fact or Fiction: Miltary Discount at Buckle.com?

Fact!

Buckle.com offers FREE shipping to all military orders going to APO/FPO, AA, AE or AP addresses shipped via United States Postal Service (US Mail).

Buckle.com offers a unique mix of high-quality, on-trend apparel, accessories, and footwear for men and women.

Buckle carries a wide selection of fits, styles, and finishes from leading denim brands, including BKE, Lucky Brand, Guess, MEK, Silver Jeans, Big Star, and Miss Me. Complementing its strength in denim, the Buckle also carries lifestyle brands Quiksilver, Roxy, Affliction, Manchester, Obey, Billabong, and Fossil, among others.

Click here to check out their selection and place an order.

Fact or Fiction: T-Mobile has a military discount?

FACT!
Woo-Hoo! T-Mobile does indeed offer a military discount that is not advertised on their web-site. The discount is 18% for active duty and 15% for reservists. In order to take advantage of this discount, you can call T-Mobile's discount department at 1-877-453-8824 or click here to go to the corporate discount section of the website. You will then be required to log in to your T-mobile account. Note that you will have to provide your military ID number and your military email address.

Free NRA Membership!

Click here to sign up for a free one-year trial membership of the NRA.

Some of the special trial benefits include:

• 24/7 Defense of your Firearm Freedoms


• NRA's Freedom Times Monthly E-Letter


• Your NRA Membership Card and Decal


• Invitations to "Friends of NRA" Dinners and Celebration of American Values Special Events


• Free Admission to NRA's Show With Over Five Acres of Guns, Gear and Outfitter Displays (with current membership) in Phoenix, 2009 - Charlotte, 2010 - Pittsburgh, 2011

Operation Hi Mom-Free Mother's Day Gift!

Operation: Hi Mom is a program created by canvasondemand.com that gives hundreds of deployed military men and women a free fine-art canvas that will be presented to their moms on Mother's Day. The beautiful 16"x20" Pixel Painting canvas, created from a favorite photo, has the look and feel of a traditional custom painting.

If you are a deployed member of the United States military and want to surprise your mom on Mother's Day, just fill out the form here. Canvas On Demand will be sending 500 Canvases to Moms of deployed US troops for Mothers Day as part of Operation: Hi Mom. If more than 500 requests are made, recipients will be selected at random.

What a great Mother's Day gift!

Wickers Underwear for Anywear-20% Off!

Wickers sells moisture wicking all weather thermal underwear; and all Wickers' garments are made in the United States of America!

For military and government personnel only, Wickers is offering 20% off on all fire resistant underwear and fire resistant thermal underwear. In order to receive this promotion, just enter the promo code "USMIL" in the box labeled "coupon code" during checkout.

You must have a valid government or military email address and / or a government or military ship to address.

Click here for more info and to check out all their products.

AAFES.COM Sweepstakes to win Surefire L2 Digital Lumamax Dual Output LED Flashlight!

Could you use a free Surefire L2 Digital Lumamax Dual Output LED Flashlight and a free Camelbak-Hydrate or Die-.75L Black Bottle?

Click here to enter AAFES.com's weekly sweepstakes and you may be the lucky winner! You can enter once every 24 hours. Note that you will be required to log into AAFES.com and you will then be directed to the sweepstakes page.

Good Luck!

Free Laptop with Webcam!

AllAmericanDirect.com is currently running a national campaign to give 2 laptops with webcams away every 2 months to a deserving home that has an immediate family member serving in the armed forces overseas.

Would a brand new laptop and webcam help you keep in touch with your husband, wife, son or daughter, mom, dad, brother, or sister?

All you have to do is submit a 400 word essay below, telling AllAmericaDirect.com your story of need, and detail why your family should be picked out of thousands of Americans to win this month’s laptop. The prize package includes a laptop with a built-in webcam, as well as an additional webcam that can be sent to your loved one who is serving overseas.

For complete contest rules and to submit an entry, click here.

Free Admission to Anheuser-Busch Adventure Parks!!

Any active duty, activated or drilling reservist, or National Guardsman is entitled to free admission under the Here's to the Heroes program.

As many as three direct dependents of military personnel also are entitled to free admission. Dependents may take advantage of the offer without their service member, though an adult must accompany minor dependents, and dependent ages 10 and over must present valid dependent I.D.

This offer is valid for one complimentary single-day admission per person, per year, to one of the following Anheuser-Busch Adventure Parks: SeaWorld Orlando, San Diego, or San Antonio, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay or Williamsburg, Sesame Place, Water Country USA, Adventure Island. Not valid at Discovery Cove and Aquatica.

For more information and to register, click here.

Free Blue Star Flag for Military Service Members and Their Families!

In honor of all of the brave men and women in uniform, Grantham University would like to offer every service member a FREE Blue Star Flag that your family can display to pay tribute to your hard work, dedication, and service to our country.

The Blue Star Flag first appeared in 1917, when an Army captain who had two sons serving on the front line designed it as a tribute to their dedication and service. The flag quickly became the unofficial symbol of a child in the service. Today, families who have a loved one serving in the military display a blue star flag in the inside front window of their homes to show the family's pride in their loved one who is serving and to remind others that preserving America's freedom demands much.

To receive your FREE Blue Star Flag, complete the request form here.

$30 Gift Certificate & A Free Night at the Movies!!!

All you have to do is log onto AAFES.com and click on the mystery shopper link. As a Mystery Shopper, you are responsible for completing 3 survey sets within a 6-month period.

A survey set consists of a Main Store shop, a Services Shop (beauty, barber, dry cleaners, optical, florist, alterations), a Branch Store (automotive, Shoppette, MCSS, Troop Store), and a Theater shop if there is a theater at your installation. Each completed survey set must be at least 21 days apart to ensure best results.

You will receive a $30 gift certificate, and a night at the movies (two theater passes with two large bags of popcorn and two medium drinks) after you’ve submitted each completed survey set. (If your current duty station does not have a theater you will only receive the $30 gift certificate.) Upon completion of the 3 survey sets or after the 6-month time period, you will be automatically unregistered from the program, but you can re-register in six months for selection into the Mystery Shopper Program again.

Note that in order to be a mystery shopper, you cannot be an AAFES employee/nor a family member of an AAFES employee; Only one member from a household may register; and you must be at least 18 years of age.

Fact or Fiction-Barnes and Noble has a military discount?

FACT! Barnes and Noble does have a designated military website found here that offers FREE standard ground shipping and an extra 6% off on all orders -- discounts are automatically applied when you check out. To make the deal even sweeter, Barnes and Noble is currently having a bargain book sale where you buy 2 books and get the 3rd book free. Some books are as low as $4.00 each so you can potentially get 3 books for $8.00 plus free shipping!

Fact or Fiction: Cabela's has a Military Discount?

FICTION! Cabela's does not routinely offer a military discount. According to a Cabela's customer service representative, "The stores have, on occasion, had a special day, or weekend, when they honored persons in the armed forces, police and fire fighters. This isn't done on a regular schedule, however." You can always be proactive and ask the manager of your local Cabela's store about offering a discount. Contact information for your closest Cabela's retail store can be found here.

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT HONORS MILITARY PERSONNEL WITH FREE ADMISSION!

Universal Orlando Resort’s new Military Salute program offers one free 2-park, seven day unlimited admission ticket to all United States Active Duty (includes Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, National Guard or Reservists) and Retired military service members with a valid military photo I.D.

Active Duty and Retired military personnel and their immediately family members can also purchase additional 2-park, seven day unlimited admission tickets with a valid military photo I.D, for up to $35 off the retail price.

These tickets, being sold primarily at military bases, are also valid for admission to select Universal CityWalk clubs and venues during the time period that the ticket is being used.

Tickets are available at participating Military Base ITT/ITR offices nationwide (177 locations) and the Shades of Green Resort in Orlando.

Hurry to take advantage of this offer because it ends on June 28, 2009! Free and companion tickets are valid for use through December 18, 2009. Click here to view the official press release.

Walt Disney World Deals for the Military!

From now through December 23, 2009, Walt Disney World is offering up to a 40% discount on rooms at select Disney Moderate Resorts! In addition, each active or retired member of the U.S. military may obtain one complimentary 5-day "Disney's Armed Forces Salute" ticket with Park Hopper® and Water Park Fun & More options. This ticket is valid for five days of admission into the four Walt Disney World® theme parks, plus a total of five visits to a choice of a Disney water park, DisneyQuest® Indoor Interactive Theme Park or certain other attractions. During this offer period, active or retired U.S. military personnel (or their spouses, but not both) may also make a one-time purchase of up to a maximum of five 5-Day "Disney's Armed Forces Salute Companion" tickets (one theme park per day) for $99 per ticket, plus tax, for family members (including spouse) or friends. Although this ticket for family members and friends does not include either the Park Hopper® or Water Park Fun & More options, this ticket can be upgraded to add either such option, or both, for an additional $25, plus tax, per option. Actual prices may be less. All tickets and options are non-transferable and must be used by December 23, 2009. For more information, click here.

Activated members of the National Guard or Reservists (with orders showing active status after January 1, 2008) and active or retired members of the United States Coast Guard are also eligible to participate in this offer.

What a great deal! Walt Disney World, thanks for supporting the military!

What is the Commissary Coupon Policy?

• Commissaries accept most types of coupons as part of purchase transactions in accordance with the terms and conditions stated on a coupon.

• Commissaries CANNOT accept "in-house" coupons issued by commercial grocery stores or supermarkets.

• Patrons who wish to use coupons as part of a purchase transaction must buy the item(s) indicated on a coupon, and-except in foreign overseas areas-must use a coupon prior to or on the expiration date stated on a coupon.

• Commissaries located in foreign overseas areas accept coupons up to six months after the expiration date stated on a coupon.

• Commissaries never have "double" or "triple" coupon promotions that are sometimes offered by commercial stores. However, Commissaries do occasionally offer a different type of "double coupon" promotion. For these promotions, manufacturers or other coupon issuers agree that commissaries may accept more than one coupon on the purchase of an item, and usually supply large numbers of coupons to patrons in the commissary in support of such promotions. These "double coupon" promotions involve doubling the number of coupons accepted on the purchase of an item, but DO NOT involve doubling (or otherwise increasing) the face value of a coupon.

• Customers may use only ONE coupon per item in DeCA commissaries

• Commissaries gladly accept Internet or home-printed coupons provided they meet the following requirements - the coupons must have a typical barcode and Product Identification Number (PIN) or GS1 DataBar. A Dot Scan Barcode may appear below the expiration date, but is only required if stated on the coupon, e.g., "Do not accept without a Dot Scan Barcode below the expiration date." Internet coupons cannot be accepted for free products, however, "Buy One Get One Free" coupons are acceptable if they meet all other requirements. Procter and Gamble (P & G) does not authorize Internet coupons for any of their products.

• For more detailed information about the commissary coupon policy, click here.

Commissary Corner Abbreviations

Every 2 weeks (when the new commissary ad is released), Hip2Serve will be dedicated to providing a list of current sale items at the commissary paired up with both printable and/or newspaper manufacturer's coupons. Here is a list of the abbreviations that will commonly be used:

• SS = Smartsource


• RP = Red Plum


• PG = Proctor & Gamble


• B1G1F, B2G1F-"Buy one get one Free", "Buy two get one Free"


• TEAR PAD- A pad of refund forms or coupons hanging on a shelf at the store.


• Peelies-sticker like coupons found on products.

Fact or Fiction-Military Discount and Lowes?

Fiction-Unfortunately, Lowes Home Improvement store does not offer any sort of advertised military discount at this time. However, last year Lowes did offer a discount on Veteran's Day so there is a possibility that some sort of discount may be offered on Memorial Day. The customer care representative that I spoke to also noted that Lowe's managers can provide a military discount at their discretion-so be proactive when shopping at Lowes. Find the manager, show them your military ID, and ask for a discount. You may be pleasantly surprised! If you would like to suggest to Lowes that they consistently offer a military discount, you can call customer care at 1-800-445-6937 or email them at customercare@lowes.com. For those of you that prefer to write a letter, you can mail the letter to Lowe's Companies Inc. Po Box 1111 North Wilkesboro, NC 28656-0001.

Fact or Fiction-Military Discount and Oakley?

FACT! Oakley has an exclusive website for the US Military and the US Government found here. The Oakley Military and Government Sales program is for active duty military, reserve, all government employees including local police, fire, EMS and those holding military/government retiree credentials. In order to access information about the website, you must complete the online registration form and then upload or fax your Military/Government ID, business card, or a copy of your pay stub . You will then be sent an approval in 24 hours or less so that you may place your order. You will be sent an email confirming you are approved once Oakley has reviewed your ID, and your ID approval will be valid for one year for purchases.

Oakley, thanks for supporting the military!

Fact or Fiction

This daily post will be designed to confirm or deny whether restaurants, shops, department stores etc. offer a valid military discount. I will be providing information about the discount amount, how to go about receiving the discount, and how often the discount is offered. If a store does not currently provide a discount for our troops, I will be researching the appropriate contact address in order to encourage my readers to write letters or emails asking these companies to provide a discount for military personnel and their families. Please let me know if you have any further suggestions!