Thursday, February 26th, 2009

We were delighted to hear this bit of news, so we wanted to announce it to our members ASAP: The Better Business Bureau (BBB) rates Veterans Advantage A+ — its highest rating – for the way we’ve been doing business with the military/veteran community since February, 2001.

The BBB switched to this grading system just this year, as a guide to consumers. We are proud of our partnership with the BBB, and are dedicated to keeping it strong through many of the unique ways we stay in tune with our members.

And if you are not a member, bear this in mind — you always can reach a real person at Veterans Advantage! Our fully staffed customer service call center also gives you a personal touch whenever you need it. Members get a special toll-free phone number to call with questions, and access to a special web site for email questions.

This, in addition to the Welcome Kit you receive by First Class Mail, the nationally recognized membership card, personalized with your name and branch of service, and the ever expanding package of top corporations looking to Veterans Advantage as the universal provider of special benefits to all those who served and their families. Interested? Click on over and try Veterans Advantage for 30 days.

And we are not resting on our laurels. You’ve got my commitment that we are always developing new ways to respond to your everyday needs, so stay tuned!

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Wednesday, February 25th, 2009

Its always great to get feedback from happy members and partners, but this particular note in my mailbox was heartwarming. Bonnie Carroll, founder of Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), passed along her thanks for another donation from us, part of our ongoing charitable activities with leading organizations supporting those who serve. Bonnie’s also an honorary lifetime Veterans Advantage member. She has devoted herself to this important work and all of us think she is terrific.

We honored Bonnie as a HeroVet in 2003 when TAPS was just starting out. We are proud and grateful for her extraordinary commitment and accomplishments in providing critical assistance and support to family members who have lost a loved one.

Do what you can to help Bonnie and TAPS today. You Can learn more at taps.org.

Tags: HeroVet, taps
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Monday, February 23rd, 2009

There appears little question that our troops will be leaving Iraq in greater numbers in the months and years ahead. The question now is, how will we welcome them back?

There was little thought given to this question for those who served and sacrificed in Vietnam and the results were painful and disastrous; they continue to reverberate through American society nearly 35 years after the end of that war.

Along with training and equipping our troops for wartime service, we need to focus our energies on how we train and equip them to reenter American society. The consequences of inadequate re-entry programs are disturbing and real. Read the article by Give an Hour Founder Dr. Barbara Romberg, who examines the response to the rise in suicides in the Army community. And read our HeroVet profile of Brian Delate, a talented actor and director, long active in the New York veterans community, and now making news on the national scene with an award-winning movie about the perils – and triumphs – faced by people with PTS. Clearly, we have an obligation to our brave men and women not to repeat the mistakes of Vietnam.

With an eye on your wallet (as always), we highlight this week discounts for food, computers, your upcoming tax filing, and, lastly, flea and tick medication for your pet. Our new discount program with 1800petmeds.com has everything you need to protect your pets from insect-related illnesses this spring.

Tags: troops returning home
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Sunday, February 8th, 2009

The press has just reported that Paul “Buddy” Bucha, a Veterans Advantage Advisory Board member, is being considered by the new Administration for the position of Secretary of the Army. I’ve known Buddy for 25 years. No one is more qualified for this role. A West Point graduate and former Army Captain, Bud is the recipient of our nation’s highest award, the Congressional Medal of Honor. He’s also a Veterans Advantage HeroVet (click here to read Paul Bucha profile). A successful businessman and entrepreneur, he has worked tirelessly on Veterans causes for decades and possesses the necessary experience and skills to do the job. We’re rooting for his appointment!

On Veterans Day last year, I had the pleasure of meeting this week’s VetFamily designate, Harris Faulkner of Fox News. In addition to the grace and intelligence she exhibits as an Emmy award-winning anchor, Harris is deeply concerned about the issues servicemen and women are facing today, especially in the areas of health and finance. With a Ret. Lt. Colonel Dad as inspiration, her reasons for caring run deep. We salute her for her accomplishments and for her role in keeping the needs of those who serve at the forefront of the American consciousness.

With Valentine’s Day on the horizon, remember the special person in your life with flowers from 1800FLOWERS. Use the limited-time coupon code online or by phone for a 20% discount on your order! (Code available in Members Only) This Valentine discount is good until February 13, so don’t procrastinate!

Tags: valentines day flower coupons, Veterans Benefits
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