Kevin’s father served in WWII, and as everyone knows, he has distinguished himself in dozens of movies, especially military dramas.

Our special renewal membership sale expires soon. You can add 36 more months to your membership at half price. If you’re adding family members, we’re including a free DVD of the World War II classic Saving Private Ryan, starring Tom Hanks. Renew today and save!

I wanted to take this opportunity to recognize our latest Medal of Honor recipient, a young man who receives our country’s highest honor posthumously. Sergeant First Class (SFC) Jared C. Monti, a Fire Support Specialist, Targeting NCO assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 3rd Squadron, 71st Cavalry, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, New York. He distinguished himself by acts of conspicuous gallantry above and beyond the call of duty against an armed enemy in Gowardesh, Nuristan Province, Afghanistan. Learn more about Sgt. Monti’s ultimate act of heroism here.

While visiting, I also saw an award hanging on the wall, recognizing this week’s HeroVet, Bob Kingsley. He’s a great example of someone who never forgot his roots, and is also a supporter of the WWP. Read more about Bob Kingsley and his service to the country.

At last count as I am writing this blog entry, I must say I am somewhat surprised to see the majority of you are planning on buying a car in the next year. For our economy’s sake, I hope so, too.

And if you are interested in our most recent polls, check these out:

• What’s your source for Do-It-Yourself home remodeling? Some were not surprised to see Lowe’s won, but wow, by such a wide margin!
• New benefits that you want to see in the Veterans Advantage program: We always take our feedback in this area and try to find the best of the best for you.

Going forward, you should visit our “Resources” section regularly for more updates.

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.

This weekend, as we celebrate our nation’s 233rd birthday, we at Veterans Advantage kick off a special month to honor family members of those who have served our country. We believe that when one member of the family serves, the whole family serves and sacrifices.

In our editorial package this week, we profile superstar Shaquille O’Neal. Shaq grew up in a military family and received life-changing direction and important values from his Army dad. Our roundup highlights other VetFamily who have achieved great success, from business to the arts to sports: Mark Teixeira, Reese Witherspoon, Harris Faulkner, Julia Stewart, and Will Smith.

For instance, this week we feature Charles Bolden as our new HeroVet. The son of a teacher, and a proud grandfather himself, this Marine has been nominated to be the next NASA administrator. He will lead an organization that by virtue of its ambitious challenges has been inspiring young people for 50 years. Bolden has made speaking out for military kids a priority, reminding educators and the public of the unique challenges they face.

Speaking of special days and special dads, Saturday is D-Day, an important day for many fathers of Veterans Advantage members…and VA members themselves. Be sure to pause to remember those who served and sacrificed in WWII, so that we could enjoy the freedoms we have today.

And most importantly, we must do our part to keep this message alive. Recent reports suggest the National D-Day Memorial, unveiled just eight years ago, is experiencing a severe drop-off in donations that threatens its existence. Please consider making a donation to keep it alive, by clicking here.

The BBB switched to this grading system just this year, as a guide to consumers. We are proud of our partnership with the BBB, and are dedicated to keeping it strong through many of the unique ways we stay in tune with our members.

And if you are not a member, bear this in mind — you always can reach a real person at Veterans Advantage! Our fully staffed customer service call center also gives you a personal touch whenever you need it. Members get a special toll-free phone number to call with questions, and access to a special web site for email questions.

This, in addition to the Welcome Kit you receive by First Class Mail, the nationally recognized membership card, personalized with your name and branch of service, and the ever expanding package of top corporations looking to Veterans Advantage as the universal provider of special benefits to all those who served and their families. Interested? Click on over and try Veterans Advantage for 30 days.

And we are not resting on our laurels. You’ve got my commitment that we are always developing new ways to respond to your everyday needs, so stay tuned!

On Veterans Day last year, I had the pleasure of meeting this week’s VetFamily designate, Harris Faulkner of Fox News. In addition to the grace and intelligence she exhibits as an Emmy award-winning anchor, Harris is deeply concerned about the issues servicemen and women are facing today, especially in the areas of health and finance. With a Ret. Lt. Colonel Dad as inspiration, her reasons for caring run deep. We salute her for her accomplishments and for her role in keeping the needs of those who serve at the forefront of the American consciousness.

With Valentine’s Day on the horizon, remember the special person in your life with flowers from 1800FLOWERS. Use the limited-time coupon code online or by phone for a 20% discount on your order! (Code available in Members Only) This Valentine discount is good until February 13, so don’t procrastinate!