Veterans Blog - Scott's Corner

Fisher House Gets $250,000 Donation From President Obama

admin — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 15:17:39 +0000

We were delighed to learn that President Obama is giving $250,000 of his Nobel Peace Prize award to the Fisher House. As part of his pledge to donate all of the $1.4 million award, it’s also noteworthy that Fisher House received the largest donation among a group of leading charitable organizations, which included the Clinton-Bush Haiti Relief Fund. This further demonstrates that Fisher House is among the best in American philanthropy.

We are proud of Fisher House, and have been longtime supporters of them as well. Their public/private partnerships are making a significant impact on the lives of the critically wounded and their families.

“The program is now becoming part of the American consciousness,” Chief Executive Ken Fisher told Veterans Advantage in an exclusive interview, our current VetFamily honoree. “It’s slowly but surely starting to gain a lot of momentum.”

Just two days before the announcement, I visited Ken’s offices to present our VetFamily Award to him. I was joined by Roy Asfar, our Vice President of Marketing, and producer of Ken’s VetFamily award designation, as well as Veterans Advantage board members Peter Eldredge and Gerry Byrne. Gerry is also on the Board of Fisher House.

(l. to r. ) Peter Eldredge, Ken Fisher, Scott Higgins, Gerry Byrne

Benefit Upgrade: Omaha Steaks

admin — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 22:19:31 +0000

As part of our ongoing coverage to bring you up-to-date on combinable discounts (for instance, check out recent news on Dell computer discounts, pet care, Continental Airlines, and Car Rentals), we’re proud to update you on another benefit partner combining discounts and benefits only for Veterans Advantage members.

Omaha Steaks, a leader in the premium foods business since 1917 and actually one of the first companies to launch an e-commerce site in the 1990s, is combining a special 5% discount on retail and sale prices online, by phone or at its retail stores for card-carrying Veterans Advantage members.

When active members log into Members Only, they get access to a special discount link for immediate online discounts, which will be shown at checkout, as well as instructions on how to get the discount offline.

Only two months until outdoor grilling season. Are you ready?

‘The Hurt Locker’ Racks Up At Last Night’s Oscars

admin — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 17:04:30 +0000

I’m not much for saying “I told you so,” but last month we predicted a big day for the producers of “The Hurt Locker,” which was the clear headliner of last night’s Oscar awards ceremony. With best picture and director honors, its great to see stories of military service continue to gain way into the American conversation.

Thinking of Spring with Veterans Advantage Benefits

admin — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 18:07:29 +0000

If you live in the northeast part of our country, you are having to endure all sorts of weather issues that puts a damper on vacation and business plans. But that shouldn’t keep you from planning for spring! Take a trip on the open roads with Greyhound, go camping with Coleman, or start working on your golf game through our sporting goods discounts with The Golf Warehouse. It’s all yours, a click away, as part of your Veterans Advantage membership.

Apple recently opened an exciting new store on the main street of our hometown. Lin needed a new computer, so after showing her Veterans Advantage card, saved $160 on a new MacBook Pro! Thank you, Apple!

Military Olympians at Vancouver Winter Games

admin — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 15:05:53 +0000

Have you been checking out the Winter Olympics in Vancouver? As with so many Olympiads, these games are well represented by those who served our country. My favorite, the bobsled, where all three men’s U.S. Olympic bobsled teams — were piloted by a current or former National Guard member. My favorite is John Napier, who joined the Vermont National Guard to repay his mother for $25,000 in debts, so he can fulfill his bobsled dream. He has also formally requested to be deployed to Afghanistan soon after the games are over. Great kid!

The U.S. Department of Defense has special coverage of all our military Olympians here.

Veterans Advantage Board Member Covering Olympics

admin — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 13:09:34 +0000

I was excited to see my good friend and Veterans Advantage board member Donna De Varona on the ground in Vancouver providing guest Olympics coverage for the New York Times.

Many know Donna for her own Olympic fame, as a gold medalist swimmer, and later as an Emmy Award-winning anchor and correspondent for ABC Sports. She is currently a member of the International Olympic Committee’s Women and Sport Commission.

More on the Veterans Advantage Board of Advisors.

Remembering Those Who Serve In Haiti

admin — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 19:19:57 +0000

We hope you enjoy reading our latest article from guest columnist, Dr. Barbara Van Dahlen. The military’s key role in natural disasters is just one of many special acts of heroism our men and women in uniform are performing today and every day. Unfortunately, they get very little credit.

In the aftermath of the heart wrenching earthquake that hit Haiti, we need to acknowledge the special service and sacrifice our men and women in uniform are making to assist those in need.

Home Video and Valentine’s Day Discount Shopping

admin — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 21:26:43 +0000

If you’re like me, winter means a lot of evenings at home. A quiet dinner with family, and some good ol’ fashioned living room entertainment. It reminded me of our recent online poll that says two-thirds of vets would prefer to watch a movie at home, rather than attend the movies. That means there are a lot of online shopping options for you to enjoy DVDs at home with your Veterans Advantage membership.

For instance, you should check out “The Hurt Locker,” an Iraq War drama about a risk-taking bomb disposal technician which just scored the top film award from the Producers Guild of America. The movie is building new momentum for a Best Picture Oscar nomination, and you can shop for it today in our online discount site from Barnes & Noble.

For other military and historical video entertainment, you should check out our online discount store at the History Channel, with 20% discounts for Veterans Advantage members.

Finally, as a follow up to our news last week about some extra benefit enhancements, our friends at 1800FLOWERS.com have increased its discount with us for the Valentine’s Day shopping season, with a special upgrade to 20% discount for Veterans Advantage members (through February 15, 2010).

Dunkin’ Donuts and Dell Extend Special Veterans Advantage Member Sales

admin — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 17:07:12 +0000

Here at Veterans Advantage, I’ve always been proud of the Everyday Savings programs from our top corporate partners, and thanks to the support of Dunkin’ Donuts and Dell, today I have news from two member favorites who have chosen to extend their special enhanced benefit sales.

First, an update: Our Dunkin’ Donuts special 20% online discount has been extended through February 28, 2010. Extending the window here has now ensured you have a significant money-saving option for Valentine’s Day gift giving, and it is a terrific way to kick off our partnership.

Dell, meanwhile, has extended availability for an additional 5% discount in our 10-30% Everyday Savings online storefront. That offer is now good through 1/29/2009, and available to Veterans Advantage members in Members Only.

In this era of information overload, you don’t deserve needing to scramble all over the Internet to find a great price, especially one that honors you for your service. Through standard everyday discounts, which we actively make available to our members each day, Veterans Advantage members get assurance there’s always something available with membership.

And thanks to the likes of Dunkin Donuts and Dell, you are getting extra savings on top of what you already get.

What could be better than that?

Dell Adds Extra 5% To Your Veterans Advantage Savings This Week

admin — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 17:33:51 +0000

We are happy to have Dell going the extra mile for our members this week. Now through January 22, 2010, Veterans Advantage members can access an extra 5% discount on top of the discounts already available in our special online Dell storefront.

We sent an email communication to our members over the weekend to make sure they are aware these extra Veterans Advantage benefits are available for access. If you are one of them, log in to Members Only today for the special instructions.

If you are interested and not yet a member, try Veterans Advantage for 30 days today.