We actually have five openings on the float, so we’ll take Veterans Advantage members on a first come/first served basis. But, even if you can’t be on the float, you can walk the parade along with us, with pride.

Just stop by our staging area at 11 AM, on 29th Street, between Broadway and Fifth Avenue. The parade begins at 11:30, so don’t miss out!

Please accept our best wishes and gratitude for your service this Veterans Day!

Lin & Scott Higgins, Founders of Veterans Advantage
and the Veterans Advantage team

Here’s a couple of tips I think will help you get started:

If you are exploring our program for the first time: Click any of the blue links across the top for background on our program. We’ve worked to enhance this area to underscore the importance of our mission — ranging from unique money-saving benefits across a range of key everyday categories with your Veterans Advantage Card, to the latest news and resources to keep you informed about your ongoing benefits from the government and the private sector. And finally, through our charitable activities, we want you to know that you are truly part of something special.

If you are not a member yet, I encourage you to sign up today and get started.

If you are already a member: Click on “Members Only” in the upper right hand corner of each page to access your benefits to enter with your Veterans Advantage Member ID and password. You’ll find direct benefit access just one or two clicks away from anywhere on our Web site.

Our valuable member services support continues to be online: visit the personalized “Your Account” area and “Contact Us” for online support or see our Help section. And finally, your Veterans Advantage Membership qualifies you for our free weekly member e-newsletter that updates you on the latest inclusions in your benefits package and is posted on our new site under “Resources.”

All of us here at Veterans Advantage hope you like this upgrade to our Web site. Tell us what you think!

Enjoy VeteransAdvantage.com today.

Lin and I had the opportunity to meet with the Honorable General Erick K. Shinseki, U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs and former U.S. Army Chief of Staff, who represented the United States, together with former Senators Bob and Elizabeth Dole. Secretary Shinseki and Senator Bob Dole were awarded the Legion of Honor in a previous ceremony.

Senator Bob Dole, a disabled US WWII Veteran decorated three times for heroism, had been invited by President Obama to travel with him to France for the 65th anniversary of D-Day to represent the American World War II generation, clearly a great choice given his outstanding WWII service, his long and distinguished career in public service, and his continued commitment to veterans. He told us he’s made countless trips to Normandy!

Senator Dole is also very proud to have served as chairman of the National World War II Memorial in Washington, which raised $175 million in private funds for its construction. He told us that he is active in the “Honor Flight” network, which flies World War II veterans from across the U.S. without charge to view the memorial and loves to personally greet the flights bringing them to Washington.

We were so proud to be able to attend such an significant event and for the opportunity to bear witness to those 32 amazing American WWII vets who received such an important honor.

More about Veterans Advantage.

Veterans Advantage Co-Founders Scott Higgins (r) and Lin Higgins (l) with US Secretary of Veterans Affairs Shinseki

Veterans Advantage founders, with their daughter, Drew, and with former US Senators Bob and Elizabeth Dole

But the kicker was watching Odierno shave Colbert’s head, on orders from President Obama.

Both the character and the real Colbert are ardent supporters of the troops. He has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for the Yellow Ribbon Fund, which helps injured service members and their families, and is a board member of DonorsChoose.org, which is raising money for the education of children of military parents.

As we’ve been doing since 2000, Veterans Advantage was represented well and we had a memorable day in the sun. Peter Eldredge and I enjoyed a great time, as did my son Parker, fresh off his first year at Gettysburg.

Mayor Bloomberg welcomed all and gave special thanks and recognition to the military for their continuing service in guarding our Nation and our interests around the world. That Day was especially significant in the context of the Mayor’s speech as he mentioned his earlier news conference on the foiling of a terrorist plot just a few miles uptown in Riverdale.

Mayor Bloomberg introduced the commanders of the Navy, Marines, Coast Guard and a contingent of Canadian naval units and thanked all for their continuing, outstanding service. Speaking on behalf of the naval forces assembled, Vice Admiral Melvin Williams, Commander of the Navy’s Second Fleet, spoke emphatically of their mission to deploy around the world to protect our country, interests, and allies in these dangerous times. Moreover, he spoke passionately of the military who choose to raise their hands and volunteer to fight and protect us. This speech was received with rousing cheers and applause. It was a special day for all and as we walked back to our cars, we bumped into a few of the 10,000 sailors walking around the Big Apple this week. We thanked them for their service.

(l. to r.) Scott Higgins with NYC Commissioner of Veterans Affairs Roger Newman and Advisory Board member Peter Eldredge

Scott Higgins with Vice Admiral Mel Williams

Our editorial team put together a special package for the day, starting with a roundup of remembrances being held around the nation, to a special reminder from Dr. Barbara Romberg who is keeping tabs on the transition of Active Duty troops back into our country.

And please spread the word: We all are taking a moment of silence this Monday at 3pm Eastern Time for those who served and sacrificed.

The evening was quite emotional and moving as WWP Founder John Melia spoke of his dream to create an organization that cared for our military who have paid a heavy price with physical, emotional and stress related injuries in defense of our Nation. Mr. Melia, a wounded warrior, thanked all of the sponsors and those who have donated to help the Warriors with the proceeds going to assist many service men and women from the battlefield to bedside and beyond.

Guest Speaker was Police Commissioner, NYPD, Raymond W. Kelly. Commissioner Kelly is a Vietnam Veteran and retired after 30 of service with the Marines. He spoke with gratitude and admiration for our young warriors and their ongoing dedication to our Country. Awards were given to Johnny Damon of the New York Yankees, who is part of a military family, for his dedication to veterans and his work as WWP’s National Spokesman.

The Tony Snow Award was presented to Michael J. Ward, CEO, of CSX Transportation. A board member of WWP, Mr. Ward donated generously to WWP and was instrumental in funding TRACK, an organization that offers education courses to assist warriors’ transition from their injuries to a successful civilian life.

Finally — The George Lany Award for Courage was awarded to John Fernandes, a former employee of WWP who was key in our first partnership discussions with WWP, over a year ago. Captain Fernandes, who was seriously wounded losing both of his legs in Iraq, spoke of his life after combat and the strength of his wife and family that brought him through his ordeal. He reminded us that this kind of support and love is so very special and important in transitioning to civilian life. It was an honor working with John, and we wish him and his family the very best.

Capping the night, were a number of videos of wounded warriors, their injuries and rehabilitation, their love of our Country and their pride to have served.

Scott Higgins with Advisory Board Member Donna DeVarona and fellow sportscaster Bob Costas

WWP Honors Veterans Advantage at the Gala

As Peter Eldredge, a VA Board member and guest at the event said:

“’Taking Chance’ is a beautiful, sensitive and stunning portrayal of a young Soldier who paid the ultimate price in defense of his country. Historically accurate, the film captures the unparalleled honor and respect for our fallen heroes. Not to be missed! For sure, it’s a compelling reminder to thank your troops for serving so bravely.

More on the movie here.