Just before Veterans Day I read in various newspapers about the restaurant chains offering discounts or free meals to veterans. 

I was initially pleased by this. But, then, I wondered how do I prove I'm a veteran if I'm not retired. I don’t have a veterans ID card, should I make a copy of my DD-214? I was out of the country anyway that week so I didn’t have the chance to figure it out. 

Shortly afterwards, I was shopping at a major home improvement store buying a new washer and dryer. As I checked out the cashier noticed my Marine Corps sweatshirt and asked if I received my military discount. I commented that I was no longer on active duty to which she replied, “don’t worry about  that, you are veteran and you get the discount.” 

Cool. Now, how do I prove it. I went to customer service and they asked for some type of proof. Since there were a few hundred dollars at stake I copied my DD-214 and they gave me the discount. I asked the manager about it and he said they don’t really challenge people if they ask for the discount. 

This spurred me to ask around to see if other stores afforded the same courtesy to veterans. Having some sort of proof made the conversation easier, but most of them didn’t want to make a big deal out of it. Mind you, they aren’t actively publicizing these discounts but they are there -- and not just during Memorial Day and Veterans Day sales, either.

You be the judge. I don’t expect you to start asking for the veterans discount everywhere you go -- then again, you earned it. If you can find those businesses that value your service enough to give you a discount maybe you should do business with them. 

What's more, if you own a business, you should consider adopting this policy. You need to look at your customer base and cost structure, but a customer is a customer and a few more of those may not hurt. 

Since the economy is still limping along, it's wise to take advantage of available

savings. Ask you favorite retailer about military discounts and ye shall receive.