This month’s HeroVet is Gen. David Petraeus (U.S. Army, Ret’d). We honor his long and distinguished service and sacrifice to our country. As a Grand Marshall of the New York City Veterans Day parade this year, he represents the hundreds of thousands of troops who have served in Iraq and those who can officially stand down from service there by year’s end. It is our most sincere hope and prayer that we can report a similar outcome for those who have served, and are currently serving, in Afghanistan.

Prospects for the return of our troops, and re-uniting with their families, is even more special this month — National Military Family Appreciation month. No greater toll has been absorbed by American families over the last 10 years as the price paid by the military family. Be sure to remember the mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers and children who are all hoping for someone special to come home soon.

Finally, and speaking of the parade, Veterans Advantage once again saluted our troops by participating in our 12th Veterans Day parade today up New York City’s historic Fifth Avenue. With the marking of the 50th Anniversary of the start of war in Vietnam, this year’s parade paid special tribute to those who have served in that war. I was joined by several of our board members who are fellow Vietnam Veterans, including Medal of Honor Recipient Paul W. Bucha, as well as notable corporate executives Gerry Byrne and Peter Eldredge.

For more:  Here’s a press release we also distributed about our activities this month.

Veterans Advantage is celebrating Veterans Day – 11/11/11 – with a float in the NYC Veterans Day parade and a special one-day 50% OFF new membership discount for Veterans, those who serve, and their families. Active Duty Military, Veterans, National Guard & Reserve and their families can join the leading card benefits program for those who serve at half price for a one-year membership. Qualifying Americans can access this first-year discount at www.VeteransAdvantage.com/nov11

I am also proud to let you know that as part of our continued participation at the New York City Veterans Day parade on Fifth Avenue, we are saluting four of our newest corporate partners: Foot Locker, Inc. Verizon Wireless, Wendy’s and Overstock.com. Veterans Advantage partners provide everyday discounts to Veterans Advantage “VetRewards” Card members, as a thank you for service to the country. You can read more when you click here to our press release.

The overwhelming majority of you — more than 90% — voted in a recent online poll that you want to use our new Wendy’s discount benefit, so I wanted to update you on this latest addition to the Veterans Advantage Card benefit program. On Veterans Day, November 11, a special coupon will be emailed to Veterans Advantage members who have subscribed to Wendy’s own WendyMail newsletter, via the special link in Members Only.

This is part of the ongoing commitment at Wendy’s to set up special one-day offers for patriotic holidays, as well as other special coupons that could be used throughout the year — just for Veterans Advantage members. Click here for our recent press release.

Also in the spirit of shopping tips with your Veterans Advantage benefits: When you receive and download your special Veterans Advantage / Wendy’s offer, be sure to print it out and present it at the cash register before you place your order. And as some members of our team discovered recently, your discount will be broken out separately as a line item on your receipt, confirming your discount. Click here to see what that looks like.

If you are participating in the rush of new orders for Apple’s iPhone 4S, I wanted to give you a reminder about your Veterans Advantage “VetRewards” Card. Bring your active VetRewards card into any Verizon Wireless owned and operated store across the country – over 2,000 of them – and get 15% discounts on both your voice and data plans with Verizon Wireless.

And for you Droid users – Your smartphone voice and data plans are covered, too.

Let’s also not forget the 25% discounts on your accessories, too. If you are a road warrior like me, you know these expenses can pile up when it comes to your wireless gear. It is often overlooked, but your needs in this area are substantial over the life of your new wireless phone. From phone cases, home and auto chargers, screen protectors – make sure your “VetRewards” card is part of your everyday shopping experience at Verizon Wireless stores.

More on the Verizon Wireless Military & Veteran Discount for Veterans Advantage here.

We are participating again in the New York City Veterans Day Parade, this coming November (11/11/11), the largest one of its kind in the country. If you are in the area, please come march with us! Send me your RSVP at this email.

It promises to be a special event, the 10th anniversary of Veterans Day since the 9/11 attacks on America. It is also our twelfth year in a row participating.

As former Apple CEO Steve Jobs sadly passed last week, we want to recognize and thank Steve and his company for Apple’s strong support of the Veterans Advantage program. Back in 2004, Steve’s team approached us to provide special savings on Apple products for those who have served. We offer our deepest condolences to his family and colleagues.

We are pleased to announce news about Wendy’s becoming our latest benefit provider in the Veterans Advantage program. Through our joint announcement this past week, we have rolled out a special discount program that gives our members special savings at Wendy’s restaurants.

These special offers – discounts on Wendy’s hamburgers, chicken sandwiches and other signature menu offerings — are a real benefit to U.S. Military veterans, Active Duty and National Guard & Reserve personnel and their families. And this offer is available to full Veterans Advantage members immediately – all they have to do is identify themselves as Veterans Advantage members with their MemberID when enrolling in the free WendyMail service. More on the Veterans Advantage / Wendy’s benefit is here, and instructions to our members are in Members Only.