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Alaska Airlines Military Discount: What You Need to Know

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What you need to know about the Alaska Airlines Military Discount...

What you need to know about the Alaska Airlines Military Discount…

Most airlines offer a discount of some kind to military members. But they all differ, from offering free bags to discounts on tickets. If you are planning a trip or just want to know, here is what Alaska Airlines offers service members and their families as a military discount.

What is the Alaska Airlines military discount?

  • Alaska Airlines offers military fares to active duty members with valid IDs, their accompanying spouses and dependent children in specific markets.
  • You do have to call 1-800-252-7522 to get this discount. You can not get it online.
  • Service members must be:
    • Traveling on an official excused absence
    • Discharged from active duty military service in any one of the US military agencies (Discharged military personnel must complete all travel within 7 days of discharge.)
    • Military reserves on active duty
  • Immediate family members of US active duty military personnel must be:
    • Spouse/dependents 10 or older with dependent ID
    • Children (aged 2-9) of active duty US military personnel

Make sure to visit the Alaska Airlines Website for the most updated information!

What else does Alaska Airlines offer the military?

  • Complementary Alaska Lounge day passes are available for current active duty personnel traveling on official government-sponsored travel booked through SATO and departing within three hours. All others can get a day pass at the discounted rate of $30.
  • 15% discount on food during the flight.
  • Current service members can board the plane early.
  • Trained service animals travel free with proper documentation.
  • Save 5% off airline tickets with WeSalute.

Does Alaska Airlines Offer Free Bags?

Yes, current service members and their accompanying spouse and children may check two standard checked bags free of charge.

What is the History of Alaska Airlines?

Alaska Airlines dates back to the 1930s when two companies started flying in Anchorage. McGee Airways and Star Air Service. In 1935, the owner of McGee Airways, Mac McGee, sold his airline assets to Star Air Service. Many other carriers merged with it, and in 1944, it became Alaska Airlines. In 1948, Alaska Airlines was a part of the Berlin Airlift. Then, in 1949, Operation Magic Carpet. Today, you can find their headquarters in SeaTac, Washington.

What you need to know about the Alaska Airlines Military Discount...

How Military Spouses Can Chase Their Dreams During Military Life

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How Military Spouses Can Chase Their Dreams During Military Life

One of the hot topics in the military spouse world is how we, as military spouses, can chase our dreams during the craziness of military life. There is always a reason not to move forward, and there always seem to be obstacles in our way. But does it have to be this way?

Here are a few things you can do to still chase your dreams as a military spouse:

Go to School

Going to school is something you can do to further your own career. You can go back to school, and finish a degree you have already started. You can look to get another degree or to start college in the first place. You have a lot of options for what you can do to further your education.

Sit down and think about what you would want to do. Look at the different programs that are out there and figure out what will work for you. Take the first step and look into applying to get started. You will be glad that you did.

Write a Book

Do you know much about a topic you want to share with the world? Are you a fiction writer, ready to start putting your stories down on paper? Maybe now is the time for you to write your book. If nothing else, get your ideas out on paper and see where that leads.

These days, you don’t have to go with a traditional publisher. Many writers self-publish their own Ebooks, and that can be an option for you. Do your research on writing a book and follow your book writing dream.

Start a Business

Military spouses love to start businesses. There are different ways to do this too. You can join a direct sales business and skip some of the steps to get started. You might be a creator and can start to sell your own homemade products. For some, selling advice or career help can be a way to get going on a business.

There are so many options these days, and you are not limited by what is available locally. The whole internet is at your fingertips. Military spouses are rocking it as successful entrepreneurs and that might be the right direction for you too.

Find a new job

Maybe you are a SAHM or maybe you are in a job you are not too excited about. Finding a new job could be the answer. You can find a job that will get you closer to where you want to be in the long term.

How Military Spouses Can Chase Their Dreams During Military Life

For example, if you are good at managing your money, you might consider a career as a financial advisor. First Command explains a bit why in this article.

Don’t get discouraged about finding a job and keep looking until you find something. Sometimes this might mean thinking outside the box. You might not always end up with your dream job, your current duty station could make that impossible, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find something that will work for the current season of your life.

Sign-up for LinkedIn

LinkedIn is more than just a place to search for jobs. LinkedIn is filled with networking opportunities. You never know who you might connect with or what that relationship will lead to.

Volunteer

There are always plenty of volunteer opportunities in your community. Some might be on base or post, and some might be off. If you want to work on a particular career in the future, look at what you can do that is similar or will help you later on. Volunteer work can look excellent on a resume and can fill in gaps if you are unable to find another type of job.

Whatever you decide to do, remember, your dreams are important too. While there could be certain circumstances when you can’t do exactly what you want to do for your career or your future during certain seasons of life, that does not mean this will be the case forever. Don’t be afraid to dream big, know that you can follow your own heart, and figure out how to make things work during your spouse’s military career.

How have you worked on your own career during your time as a military spouse?

Cicis Pizza Military Discount For Your Next Night Out

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Cicis Pizza Military Discount For Your Next Night Out

If you are in the middle of a deployment, don’t want to cook dinner, and need an easy place to take the kids, try Cicis Pizza. They offer a pizza buffet with chicken wings, pasta, salads, and soups. You can also find dessert. And it is all you can eat!

They also offer a Game Zone, a fun arcade for the kids, and a break for mom. They can be a great place to have a low-cost birthday party! We had my youngest son’s 7th birthday party there. And all-you-can-eat pizza? Kids will love that!

Cici’s also has a military discount to save a little on dinner.

What is the history of Cicis Pizza?

Cici’s Pizza, or Cicis, which it is now called, was opened in 1985 in Plano, Texas. Although we do call it Cici’s Pizza, in 2015, they dropped the “pizza” and became just Cicis. They also promoted “Beyond Pizza” to show they have more than just pizza. Today, they operate more than 300 restaurants in the United States.

What is the Cicis Pizza military discount?

Cicis offers a military discount, but since most of its restaurants are individually owned, the discount could differ depending on where you are. Make sure to ask at your local Cicis.

Many different restaurants offer military discounts. If you are unsure if the one you are at does, politely ask. Sometimes, only certain ones do, even within the same chain. You can find military discounts at places like Outback, Chuck E Cheese, and Hard Rock Cafe.

Soldier’s Wife, Crazy Life is looking for guest posts! ✍️ Have something interesting you want to write about the military spouse community? 🌻 Have advice for new military spouses? 🌸 Want to share about your duty station? 🏡

If so…head on over to my Soldier’s Wife, Crazy Life Guest Post Form to get started.

5 Truths About Finding Community When You Feel Alone

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5 Truths About Finding Community When You Feel Alone

Moving every few years means you have to find a new friend base every few years, which can be complicated. You can and should keep in touch with friends across the miles. These friends might live in your phone the rest of your life, but those relationships are important. However, finding your people where you live is important too.

But getting out there, getting rejected, or feeling like you might be alone can make finding friends more difficult. The truth is, finding your people isn’t always easy. Sometimes, it can take a lot of time and work, and that can be emotionally exhausting.

Here are some truths about finding community when you do feel alone:

It won’t look the same every time

At some duty stations, you might find your people right away. Only to move and have it take forever to do the same somewhere else. This is just how life works. Don’t give up hope if it is harder than it used to be. Your people are still out there.

You’re allowed to grieve your last community

Leaving a community you love is disappointing, and it’s okay to grieve that. You don’t want to let it keep you from trying in your new home, but it is okay to be sad about having to move away from it.

You might have to make the first move

I know, I know. This is the hard part. But you might have to make the first move with a potential new friendship. You may need to reach out and ask if you want to meet for coffee, a playdate, or even a night out without the kids. This can be hard to do, but it can also be the opening to a wonderful friendship.

Friendships for a season

Some friendships might be for a season. What happens if you meet someone with only a few months left at your new duty station? They can still be worth friending even if you won’t live in the same place for long. Making friends can lead to other friends and connections. And even just a few months is enough time to make fun memories.

People are always coming and going in the military community, so don’t shy away from meeting people who might not physically be around for long. You can still keep in touch, and you might be surprised by how your friendship can develop, even across the miles.

You are worthy of friendship, no matter who you are

You are worthy of finding friends, your people, and your community. You won’t always connect with everyone, and that’s okay. You may have to put yourself out there more than you want to, but finding those people can all be worth it.

Military life is hard, and being able to do it with people by your side makes it all so much easier. Even if it doesn’t look how you want it to look for a season. Remember, things change, and you never know what the next day, week, month, or year might bring.

5 Truths About Finding Community When You Feel Alone

The Universal Studios Orlando Military Discount

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When you talk about Orlando, most people think Walt Disney World. But there is much more to explore when visiting this Florida city. You can always go to SeaWorld. Military families get in free with their Waves of Honor Military Discount. You can also go to Universal Studios Orlando.

Universal Studios opened in Florida in June of 1990. Due to the success of Universal Studios Hollywood in the 1980s, they decided to build a Universal Studios in Orlando to compete with Walt Disney World. Orlando began with Universal Studios Florida. Then, they added Universal Islands of Adventure in 1999. The waterpark, Universal Volcano Bay, was added in 2017, and Universal Epic Universe will be added in 2025.

Universal Epic Universe will include five immersive worlds and sounds fantastic! This fourth park will open on May 22nd, 2025 and includes:

  • The Wizarding World of Harry Potter-Ministry of Magic
  • Super Nintendo World
  • How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk
  • Dark Universe
  • Celestial Park

If you are planning a trip to Universal Studios Orlando, you will want to use their military discount. Here is what you need to know about it:

Who qualifies for the Universal Studios military discount

  • Active duty
  • Reservists
  • National Guard
  • Retired memes of all branches
  • Military spouses of those mentioned above
  • 100% disabled veterans
  • Department of Defense Civilian personal members

2025 Military Freedom Pass Promotional Ticket

  • You can use this ticket through 12/19/2025.
  • You have two options: a 2-park option or a 3-park option.
  • You can purchase and activate up to 6 promotional tickets. One must be for the eligible service member. Exceptions do apply.
  • To activate, you must present a current and valid qualifying Military ID or DOD ID at the ticket window.
  • You must purchase this ticket at an authorized military ticket and travel office.
  • The tickets start at $210.
  • The 2-park includes Universal Studios Florida and Universe Islands of Adventure on the same day.
  • The 3-park includes Universal Studios Florida, Universe Islands of Adventure, and Universal Volcano Bay on the same day.
  • Blackout dates are April 14th-April 20th, 2025.

Universal Epic Universe 2025 Military Freedom Pass Add-On

  • One-park, one-day pass.
  • You can only get this add-on ticket if you purchase the 2025 Military Freedom Pass Promotional Ticket.
  • Ticket prices and availability vary by day.
  • You must buy this one online, not at the military ticket and travel office.

Vacation Packages

Universal Studios Orlando also offers vacation packages at a discounted rate. They offer:

  • Military Create Your Own Vacation Package
  • The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Exclusive Vacation Package

Universal Hotels

You can also save a bit on hotels:

  • 40% off Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort
  • Up to 30% off at other Universal hotels
  • Book through the travel office

Please visit the Universal Studios Orlando page for more information!

Parable of the Sower and Reading Dystopian Books in a Time of Crisis

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Parable of the Sower and Reading Dystopian Books in a Time of Crisis

I read my first Octavia Butler book, Kindred, a few years ago and loved it. I figured it was time to read Parable of the Sower. Originally written in 1993, this dystopian story is set in California in 2024. Although Octavia Butler passed away in 2006, she seemed to have predicted some of what we are going through currently.

Now, our world isn’t exactly like the world in the Parable of the Sower, but some of it rings true. California is undergoing a crisis, and getting water regularly is a problem. The young protagonist, Lauren, is 15 years old and lives with her family behind a makeshift wall of their neighborhood. If you leave the neighborhood, you are putting yourself at enormous risk. They try not to go out unless necessary. When they do, they take a lot of precautions.

Everyone is trying to survive, and Lauren is trying to figure out what she believes about God and the universe. She can also feel other people’s pain, which can be challenging at times.

The Parable of the Sower was one of those books where you go on a journey with the main character. She experiences a lot of tricky situations you have probably never experienced. It makes you think about what you would do and what decisions you might make.

In addition to this book, I am drawn to different dystopian novels. There is just something about them that pulls me in. I don’t see them as guidebooks for the future, well maybe a little bit sometimes. I do want to see how people handle these environments. I like how they strive for freedom and battle the ones in charge.

What can the “little guy” do when faced with such a change from the norm? What do relationships look like in this environment? How do they grow as a person through what they are going through?

Not everyone likes to read these types of books during our current unprecedented times. However, I find them comforting for some reason. I plan to read or re-read several other books this year. These include The Handmaid’s Tale, 1984, The Hunger Games, and The Parable of the Talents. It is the sequel to Parable of the Sower.

What’s on your reading list?

Soldier’s Wife, Crazy Life is looking for guest posts!

✍️

 Have something interesting you want to write about the military spouse community? 

🌻

 Have advice for new military spouses? 

🌸

 Want to share about your duty station? 

🏡

If so…head on over to my Soldier’s Wife, Crazy Life Guest Post Form to get started.

Parable of the Sower and Reading Dystopian Books in a Time of Crisis

Holding Onto the Memories: Losing My Grandparents Too Soon

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Losing My Grandparents Too Soon

There is a graphic going around Facebook that says something about being able to go back to your grandmother’s kitchen, just for a moment. So many of us have memories of our grandmother’s kitchen. I know I do.

As a young girl, I remember baking cookies with my grandma. It was a tradition; sometimes certain smells remind me of those days. The smell of coffee mixed with a slight whiff of cigarette smoke from my grandpa brings me back to her kitchen in Glendale, Arizona.

I can remember where the table was, the fridge in the corner, and the TV where they watched a lot of Wheel of Fortune. The carpet was the same type of carpet you might find in an elementary school, and my grandma had one of those vacuum sweepers to clean up messes.

I walk through their home in my memories often and think about all the time I was able to spend there. The long drive from California, the hot pavement in the heat, and the cactus out front that we called our cactus family.

As I remember my grandparents, I also think about the fact that I lost them too soon. I never met my paternal grandfather, he passed a few years before I was born. My paternal grandmother passed away when I was just 4 years old so I have very little memories of her.

My maternal grandfather passed away when I was about 14 and at the same time, my maternal grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease. And while she lived until I was 23 years old, I felt like I lost her much earlier than that.

Holding Onto the Memories: Losing My Grandparents Too Soon

You can view the rest of this story on Medium!

Soldier’s Wife, Crazy Life is looking for guest posts! ✍️ Have something interesting you want to write about the military spouse community? 🌻 Have advice for new military spouses? 🌸 Want to share about your duty station? 🏡

If so…head on over to my Soldier’s Wife, Crazy Life Guest Post Form to get started.

The Walt Disney World Military Discount is Amazing

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The Walt Disney World Military Discount is Amazing

When it comes to military discounts, the Disney military discount is one of the best! Whether you plan a trip using the Walt Disney World military discount or the Disneyland military discount, you will save a significant amount of money.

Walt Disney World in Florida is a popular spot for many military families. It is drivable from many of the duty stations in the South, East Coast, and Midwest. You can also fly into Florida from other places, including overseas.

Walt Disney World opened in 1971 and is made up of several different theme parks. It is a lot bigger than Disneyland in California. Disney World is made up of the Magic Kingdom (which is similar to what you find at Disneyland), Disney’s Hollywood Studios (where you will find Star Wars Land), Epcot (where you can find themed festivals, international cuisine, live entertainment, and more), and Animal Kingdom, (with animals, and The World of Avatar.)You can also find two waterparks, Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach.

The Walt Disney World Military Discount is Amazing

If you are curious about the Walt Disney World Military Discount, this is what you need to know:

  • The Walt Disney World Military Discount can be used from January 1, 2025, through December 19, 2025, with the following blackout dates: April 13, 2025 through April 26, 2025 and November 23, 2025 through November 29, 2025.
  • You can choose a 4-Day, 5-Day or 6-Day Disney Military Salute Ticket with the Park Hopper or Park Hopper Plus option.
  • Here are the different options with prices:
    • 6-Day Disney Military Salute Ticket – purchase now through December 14, 2025.
      • With the Park Hopper Option: $439 plus tax
      • With the Park Hopper Plus Option: $469 plus tax
    • 5-Day Disney Military Salute Ticket – purchase now through December 15, 2025.
      • With the Park Hopper Option: $419 plus tax
      • With the Park Hopper Plus Option: $449 plus tax
    • 4-Day Disney Military Salute Ticket – purchase now through December 16, 2025.
      • With the Park Hopper Option: $399 plus tax
      • With the Park Hopper Plus Option: $429 plus tax
  • You can get the Memory Maker for $98 through December 19, 2025.
  • The difference between the Park Hopper Option and the Park Hopper Plus Option is that with the Park Hopper Plus, you get to visit more than one theme park on the same day and get a certain number of visits to a water park, golf course or miniature golf course based on the length of your ticket. With the Park Hopper option, you can visit more than one of the four theme parks daily.
  • You will need a valid ticket and a park reservation for each park you want to visit. Check out the Theme Park Reservation Availability page.
The Walt Disney World Military Discount is Amazing

Who can qualify to use this military discount?

  • Active or retired members of the US Military, including the National Guard, Reservists, the US Coast Guard, the US Space Force, the Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Service (PHS), and the Commissioned Corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) qualify for this discount. Military spouses can also use the discount with a valid and active US Military ID in the absence of their service member.

Where do you buy the tickets?

  • Service members or their spouses can purchase the Military Salute Tickets at participating US military sales outlets. They can be used by themselves, family members, and friends, and you can buy up to six of them. The service member or spouse must be with anyone else who has a ticket on the first day to activate the tickets.
The Walt Disney World Military Discount is Amazing

Can you get a military discount on the hotels?

Where do I go for more information?

The Walt Disney World Military Discount is Amazing

If you are curious about the Disneyland Military Discount, you can find out more information on my Disneyland military discount page.

The Walt Disney World Military Discount is Amazing