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 Blog - Scott's Corner
MAY 6, 2008
You can call this your last-second Mother’s Day shopper edition, and I’ve rounded up some of the most-popular shopping ideas for you. There may still be time on getting some of these great offers in time for Mother’s Day, including shipping through 1800flowers.com, and getting an iPod discount at your local Apple Store – just show Apple your Veterans Advantage card!
Lots of great news from our leading partners, too. This Saturday is the first-ever National Train Day, sponsored by Amtrak. There are lots of events nationwide, including some really neat special events at New York’s Penn Station. Special offers, too, check out http://www.nationaltrainday.com.
For those who like traveling on the high seas, we are proud to announce our first special partnership in the cruise industry, with NCL, Norwegian Cruise Line. It is a very patriotic organization, based in Florida, and has a terrific new cruise ship – The Pride of America – that’s the first U.S. flagged cruise ship in 50 years. Check out more details on special Veterans Advantage/NCL cruise offers by visiting the NCL Members Only page at VeteransAdvantage.com.
APRIL 21, 2008
Great New Benefit News: In the highly competitive car rental industry we’ve been able to get special discounts for Veterans Advantage, courtesy of Dollar Rent A Car and Thrifty Car Rental. Both providers have been able to secure discounts and certain money-saving waivers, such as those typically charged for additional drivers or under-25 drivers. Marine Corps Veteran Gary Paxton is the CEO of both companies and believes strongly in recognizing service to the country. Thank you, Gary and thank you to Dollar/Thrifty! Be sure to check them out today.
If you have the spring fever bug like me, you’ll want to consider our special entertainment benefits section this week. There’s some significant dollar savings on baseball tickets, savings that helps make that family outing easier on your wallet. Other fun venues and warm weather activities such as zoos & aquariums, theme parks and movie theaters are included, too. And remember to use your special Corporate Member ID #, provided to all members in Members Only.
APRIL 4, 2008
We hope you enjoy reading about Gregory Islan, our HeroVet in this week’s edition. He’s a terrific guy filling a need that thousands of American families are struggling with today: paying college tuition in the face of financial hardships brought by the death of a loved one. By helping surviving families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice while on Active Duty, Islan’s foundation is not only easing strife for families today, but also ensuring a better future for our youth tomorrow. Learn more about his foundation today at www.fallenpatriots.org.
In fact, Lin and I just bumped into Greg Tuesday night with his lovely wife at the Yale club in NYC, attending “The Lincoln Prize” awards, hosted by our Alma Mater, Gettysburg College, and its Lincoln and Soldiers Institute. The Prize goes to the finest scholarly work in English on Abraham Lincoln, or the American Civil War soldier, or a subject relating to their era. Philanthropists Richard Gilder and Lewis Lehrman generously underwrite the $50,000 prize and the dinner to announce and celebrate. We’re enthusiastic supporters of this valuable service to promote American history, and encourage you to learn more here about the prize and this year’s winner.
MARCH 20, 2008
We are now at the five-year anniversary of the Iraq War. It’s appropriate that we take time to thank all of you who have served, and to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Their courage and dedication are inspiring. We are deeply grateful for their service. When you see a soldier, sailor, airman, marine, or coastie, be sure to go out of your way to thank them!
Veterans Advantage has chosen to support two great 501c3 causes in 2008. Please join us with your support:
- Give an Hour.org: A network of mental health professionals dedicating free therapy time to the troops and families dealing with the war’s aftermath. It’s time well spent, and we will be supporting them as well. And if you are a mental health professional, please contact them today and join this important effort.
MARCH 7, 2008
If you haven’t checked out our increasingly popular Prescription Drug Discount plan, I want to encourage you to do so today. Our online pharmaceutical search tool recently added a pricing index of the most popular medications on one screen. We highlighted just one of them today, which actually represents a 42% savings on pricing listed on the Internet, but there are lots of others that can save you money throughout the year.
Our special RX Travel feature has been very popular as well, a downloadable discount card you can print out whenever you find yourself on the go.
This week we profile John Doman as our TopVet. As a marine and Vietnam Veteran, John has stared over the last 5 years, as the Police Chief in the HBO series "The Wire," which is wrapping up this month after a successful five-year run. We salute John for his accomplishments and for his determined pursuit of a dream - to become an actor. He will tell you his Marine Corps experience had a lot to do with reaching his goal. You’ll enjoy reading his story.
Finally, a little bookkeeping--As a follow-up to a special Presidential Election poll in our last newsletter, you’ll be interested to know that about half our VA members voted for Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to be John McCain’s running mate in the November election. If you haven’t voted in our polls yet, please participate. Our next one comes out in two weeks, be on the lookout for our next e-newsletter.
FEBRUARY 21, 2008
Things are heating up in the political primaries. With this week’s action now complete, Republican frontrunner John McCain – already picked by Veterans Advantage members over a month ago – is starting to speak about being his party’s nominee for president. One question for the rest of the season is who he will name as his running mate. Be sure to complete the poll question to let us know your choice.
Speaking of seasons -- This season also marks two key financial planning events for millions of Americans nationwide:
- As April 15 is less than eight weeks away, you should get your tax return together and avoid the last-second procrastinator’s crush, saving $30 at Jackson Hewitt Tax Preparation locations nationwide.
- College hopefuls are also in peak season, too, picking their next move. For loan hunters, now’s the time to start shopping, too. Thanks to our partnership with Sallie Mae, Veterans Advantage members and their families can get access to a host of federal and private loans and save money on their fees. Check it out today.
FEBRUARY 7, 2008
There are lots to be proud of today in America. First, the Super Tuesday primary elections of the last week have us all energized, with real choices on both sides of the aisle. With Mitt Romney exiting, it looks like John McCain, long favored by Veterans Advantage members will represent the Republicans. Clinton and Obama are locked in a struggle to lead the Democrats. You can tell Americans are charged up and care about our future. The democracy that we all fought for is alive and well.
There are also some great things happening among the rich and famous, too. With role models like Michael Strahan of the Super Bowl-winning New York Giants, finally winning the big one after 15 years, you can tell an Army Brat upbringing offers a formula for success. Meanwhile, across the country, there’s a real good reason to believe that Hollywood can indeed be in touch with the important things in life, too. Just ask Scarlett Johansson, who feels nothing beats traveling across the globe to personally thank all those in uniform.
Finally, and speaking of feel good moments: Valentine’s Day is next week, and 1800FLOWERS is there for you. Use the special limited-time coupon code online or by phone for a 20% discount on your order. That’s a special holiday upgrade from VA’s Everyday Savings, and a wonderful gift for a loved one.
FEBRUARY 1, 2008
If you’re like me, you’re excited about the upcoming Super Bowl. Between the Patriots’ drive for perfection led by son of a Navy Veteran, Bill Bellichick, as it's head coach, and the rallying New York Giants, led on defense by Army brat Michael Strahan, it could be a much better game than the spread suggests. And with their Super Bowl showdown just around the corner, you may want to consider some great HD television sets at Target.com’s special online store, where you get 10% off. The latest LCD technologies are simply amazing!
Dell has got some of its own special offers, too.
For more sweet deals, stay tuned for our next newsletter, which will highlight Valentine’s Day, special deals from Apple and 1-800-flowers.
JANUARY 9, 2008
The National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, a division of the Department of Defense, is seeking to recognize employers with records of stellar support for military employees. The group is accepting nominations for the 2008 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Awards through Jan. 21. Go to www.esgr.org to submit a nomination. Winners selected in three categories will be announced in early spring and will receive their awards during a Sept. 18 award ceremony from Veterans Advantage HeroVet and ESGR Executive Director Dr. L. Gordon Sumner.
With the start of 2008, a lot of people turn their attention to resolutions for the coming year. From annual tax planning, travel and entertainment plans to new home purchases, Veterans Advantage has you covered. And for many of you who have set special personal goals, go to our special online center for health and wellness. With a 15% discount at MyPathTV, you can visit for hope, inspiration and guidance to handle any challenge. Check it out today.
We also want to remind you about the special upgrade with our Amtrak benefits program in 2008. If you join Amtrak’s frequent traveler program, Amtrak Guest Rewards, you’ll receive a special 1,000 points bonus for new enrollees, enough for a free trip to many of Amtrak’s scenic destinations. Check out our Amtrak benefits update today.
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