Burlington, MA MCL Home Page

A&W – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
Aeropostale – 20% off in store, just bring valid military ID
Agentsource.com – Up to 40% off standard real estate closing costs for Active duty men and women moving in the United States or Canada
All State – Allstate Funding proudly offers all U.S. Military personnel a $250 credit towards the appraisal of a residential property. Ends 12/31/2010
American Airlines – Discount varies, requires military ID
American Video Productions -10% off to active duty, retired, families of military and dependents. Call and ask for the discount http://www.americanvideoproductions.net/
Amtrak – 10% off
Anheuser – Busch Amusement Parks – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
Anna’s Linens - 10% off any purchase with Valid Military ID in store only
Apple Computers - The discount varies, you need to sign up here – http://www.apple.com/r/store/government/
Applebee’s – Discount varies per location, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you
Arby’s - Discount varies per location, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
Ashford University – Discounted tuition at $250 a credit, books are covered for all required courses, waived application fee, waived technology fee and more! Benefits apply to all Active Duty, National Guard, Reservists and spouses, dependents eligible for survivor benefits, plus civilian DOD employees & separated vets/retirees still using their GI Bill.
ASMBA – Armed Services Mutual Benefit Association – Membership in the non-profit association is free, and, when you join, you’ll get $3,000 of free AD&D coverage. AT&T – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
Auto Zone – Varies Per Store - Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
Avis – 25% off, online you should use this coupon AWD # A555084
Azamara Cruises – Discounts vary, 800-338-4962 800-338-4962

Back Yard Burgers – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
Banana Republic – 10% military discount 1st of every month (may vary by location; in-store only).
Barnes and Noble – 6% off regular price plus free shipping, check out www.bn.com/militarycity
Barnhill’s – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
Bass Pro Shops – 10% off from the 15th to 22nd of each month
Bath & Body Works – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
Bed & Breakfast Inns – Varies, online
Best Inns and Suites – Varies, must present Military ID with check-in
Best Western - Rates within allowable per diem, must present military ID with check in
Beyond Blossoms - 20% off all flower orders throughout the year 12/31/2010
Big 10 Tires – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
Blockbuster – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
Boscov’s- 15% off in-store purchases with military ID everyday.
Bronson Laboratories - 10% off on all vitamin and supplement orders, for active, retired, and reserve and their families Call 1-800-235-3200 1-800-235-3200 or use online code AF2004, ends 1/21/2011
Buckle – 10% off, Free Shipping on all military orders
Budget – Varies, up to 25% off time and mileage Store, requires military ID to redeem
Budget Truck Rental – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
Burger King – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
Busch Gardens- One day complimentary admission for members of the military and 3 direct dependents in 2010. Here’s to the Heroes

Camino Real Apartments – 5% military discount
Captain D’s – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
Carl’s Jr. – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
Century 21 – FREE Century 21 AON Home Protection Plan when they buy or sell a home through Molly Kucharski ONLY paid for at settlement. Value = $399.00, call 1(800) 952-
2516 1(800) 952-2516
Champs Sports – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
Checker Auto Parts – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
Chevy’s Fresh Mex – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
Chick Fil A – Varies, Discount with ID card (location dependent), discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
Chipotle – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
Ci-Ci’s Pizza – Discount varies, dependent on location, must present military ID
Cingular – 17 to 18% Discount off your bill and 25% off accessories
Clarion Inn – Rates within allowable per diem while on travel orders. Must present valid miliatry ID with check-in
Comfort Inn – Rates within allowable per diem while on travel orders. Must Present valid military ID with check-in
Coolmilitary.com – 10% off, online, ends 12/31/10
Copeland’s Sports - Discount varies per location

D.S.W. Shoe Warehouse – 10% military discount

Earthly Herbs – 25% off, discount ends 12/31/10.
El Molino Coffee Shop - Free Shipping, online
Express Clothing Store- 10% off on top of other coupons as well with military ID
Extreme Outfitters -10-20% on miiltary Gear, online and in Store
Eyeware - Discount varies, get the discount online at http://www.afeyewear.com/, This site offers military discounts for a wide range of eyeglass companies

Ford – Discount varies, http://www.encs.com/ford/
Forget me not Jewelry – 30% off, ends 12/31/10. Online, use code militarygen100 at www.forgetmenotjewelry.com
Friendly’s Ice Cream Stores – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.

Gap – 10% military discount 1st of every month (may vary by location; in-store only).
Geico – 2% to 15% in all states except Georgia, Indiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, New Mexico, Tennessee and Texas
GM – Varies, always well below MSRP. You can sign in online at https://www.exclusivegmoffer.com/ip-gmpop/initPop.do?program=mpp
GNC – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you
Golden Corral – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.

Haber Vision – 50% discount on all sunglasses. Online at http://www.habervision.com/CodeResult.aspx?code=JB10222Q
Hertz – Allowable per diem rates. Show valid military ID
Hewlett-Packard – Log on to website and click on New User Registration: Enter first and last name, user name, password and email address. Use company code: 2727. Discounts vary. Online only.
HickoryFarms.com - 10 percent Military discount – Enter 892848 in code box on online order form
Home Depot – 10% off Year Round, to active duty, active reserve, retired military, and immediate family. In-Store, just bring valid military ID

IHOP – 20% with Military ID at owner’s discretion
Imax – $1 off movie tickets with Military ID
Inkshouse.com – 20% off $50 or more, use cod Mil20
istudysmart.com – Free Shipping for Military Families, Online, 9/15 – 10/14

Java Cafe – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
Jeep – $500 for active military, reserves and retired reserves or active after 20 years of service. Requires military ID
Jiffylube – 10% off with valid Military ID Jockey – 10% off with valid Military ID

KFC – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
Kohl’s – 15% off with Military ID
Kragen Auto Parts – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.

Lerner – 15% off
Long John Silver’s – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
Longhorn Steakhouse – 10% military discount
Lowes – 10% off year round to active duty, active reserve, retired military, and immediate family. Just bring in a valid military ID. The military discount, however, cannot be combined with other coupons they may be offering.

Marriott Hotels – It’s the Per Diem amount the government picks up, whatever that amount is. Just call and place the reservation over the phone and ask for that discount. Online at http://www.marriott.com/reservation/worldnum.mi
Mary Kay Cosmetics – Military personnel and dependents receive 10 % on online orders. Reference your service affiliation and status, and ask for additional free gift and bigger discounts by contacting website.
McDonald’s – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
Meineke – 10% off parts
Michaels - 10% off every Wednesday.
Midas – 10% off MLB Hall of Fame – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
Movie Theaters – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
Mrs. Fields - 10% off with military ID, coupon link
My Cruise Club – 9% off on all cruises, ends 12/31/10, www.militarycruisedeals.com

NAPA Auto Parts – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
Nautica - 10% off with military ID
National – No fee for additional drivers, and special off duty rates per location. Service members receive full loss damage waivers
National Credit Solutions – 25% discount, call toll free at 866-485-2540 866-485-2540 x109, and for a direct line please call 972-746-4209 972-746-4209
New York and Company - 15% off military discount
Nextel – 18% Discount, call 1-800-639-6111 1-800-639-6111
Nickelodeon Hotels – Reduced rates and perks, online and in store, www.nickhotel.com/military, 877-NICK-111 877-NICK-111 and ask for the Military Family Package.
Nike – 10% off, In-Store. For official company policy please check out http://www.nikebiz.com/customer_service/discounts.html
Nuvo - $30 off Ritmo Pregnancy Sound System. You can call 1-888-688-6462 1-888-688-6462 , or use coupon code MILITARY99 online at http://www.nuvo-group.com. Valid military ID required for in-store purchase.

O’Reilly Auto Parts – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
Oakley – There is a website you register with that offers Oakleys at a discounted price. It doesn’t say how much that price is though. Check it out online at https://secure.usstandardissue.com/
Old Navy – 10% military discount 1st of every month (may vary by location; in-store only).

Pac Sun – Discount varies per location, just bring in a vaild military ID and ask
Panchero’s Mexican Grill – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
Pancho’s Mexican Buffet – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
Panda Express – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
Paradise Bakery- 40% off meals for military members with military ID. Does not extend to family.
Paradise Limousine – $25 Off Limousine Service Coupon Code: 1369 for service members
Pizza Hut – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
Play It Again Sports – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
Professional Sports teams – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
Pure Beauty – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.

Quizno’s – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.

Race-Depot – 10% off, use code 10MILCITY
Rack Room Shoes – 15% discount. Bring in valid military ID
Raising Cane’s Chicken – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
Ramada – 15% to 30%, depending on availability. Must present military I.D. upon check in.
Red Robin – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
Regal Movie Theaters – Matinee prices for all show times. Requires Military ID
Ripley’s attractions and museums – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory – 10% military discount
Rocky Mountain Tracking – 5% off any tracking inc. Use code USMILITARY, http://www.rmtracking.com/

S & K Men’s Wear – 8% Discount on all items free shipping on orders over $99 & APO/FPO shipping. To access the military site at S&K you must go through their AAFES Exchange Mail Online service. http://bdeal.me/aCVq2X
Sally Beauty Supply – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
Samsonite - 15% off with military ID
Sea World -One day complimentary admission for members of the military and 3 direct dependents in 2010. Here’s to the Heroes
Sesame Park Place - One day complimentary admission for members of the military and 3 direct dependents in 2010. Here’s to the Heroes
Shoe Carnival – 10% off
Sierra Suites – Rates at or below per diem depending on location. Discounts may vary and depend on availability. Must present military I.
Six Flags Mountain Magic – Service members receive special discounts on admission for special events and specific dates. Tickets must be purchased in advance MWR and ITT 143. Recreation offices, not at the park.
Sizzler – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
Sleep Inn - Rates at or below per diem depending on location. Discounts may vary and depend on availability. Must present military I.
Sonic – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
Southwest Airlines – Varies, it’s a dollar amount, not a percentage. Not available on all flights, you’ll have to call Southwest and simply just ask.
Spencer’s Gifts – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
SportsMemorabilia.com – 10% off at checkout, use code mili10 online
Sprint Business – 15% to 20% Discount, 1-888-788-4727 1-888-788-4727
Suzuki – $500 off for you and immediate family. Requires military ID

The Melting Pot – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
Taco Bell – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
Texas Road House – 10% military discount Texas Roadhouse – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
The Finish Line – 20 percent military discount off select items at special locations
The Melting Pot – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
Timberland Outlets – 15%, bring in valid military ID Toyota – $500 off + $500 for firs time buyers. Requires military ID
Travelodge – Rates within allowable per diem. Discounts may vary and depend on availability.

Marine Corps League Ribbons Guide

Required Uniform

(Click here for a downloadable PDF of the required uniform.)

For Marine Corps League Uniforms
Marine Corps League National Headquarters
Web: http://www.mcleague.org
Phone: 800-625-1775

For U.S. Marine Uniforms
Uniform Center (for USMC uniform items)
Web: http://www.usmc-mccs.org/uniforms/index.cfm
Phone: 800-368-4088/4089

Flag Etiquette

Click here for a proper flag etiquette, c/o www.ushistory.org.

How to obtain a copy of your DD-214

First go to the link: http://vetrecs.archives.gov/

The top right hand link, under vetrec's will take you to the form you need, which you need to download, and print.

How to Initiate a Request for Military Personnel Records:

Click on the "Request Military Records" button below to start. This will launch a separate window.
Enter the required information in the system to create your customized request form. There are 4 steps that you need to navigate. The system will guide you through the steps and tell you exactly which step you are on.
Print, sign and date the signature verification area of your customized form. If you don't have a printer, have a pen and paper handy and we will guide you through the process. This is important because the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a) requires that all requests for records and information be submitted in writing. Each request must be signed and dated by the veteran or next of kin.
Mail or fax your signature verification form to us, and we will process your request. You must do this within the first 20 days of entering your request, or your request will be removed from our system

How to obtain your other military records

It may become necessary at some point in time to request your military records. The following information will help guide you through this process. Complete information can be obtained at The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) website at http://www.archives.gov/.

Currently there are three ways to obtain a copy of your service records:
(NOTE: NARA's preferred method of receiving records requests is via the Internet.)

Online--veterans or next-of-kin of deceased veterans can use NARA web site.
http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/

Submit SF-180--by mail to NARA (at address below) or bring in person to the appropriate records center.
You may also be able to obtain the SF-180:

From the Department of Defense

From Federal Information Centers

From local Veterans Administration offices

From veterans service organizations

Write a letter--Date and sign letter and include as much as the following information as possible:

The veteran's complete name used while in service

Service number or social security number

Branch of service

Dates of service

Date and place of birth may also be helpful, especially if the service number is not known

If the request pertains to a record that may have been involved in the 1973 fire, also include:

Place of discharge

Last unit of assignment

Place of entry into the service, if known

Mail requests to:
The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration
1 Archives Drive, St Louis, MO 63138-1002

NOTE: This address is new as of November 2011.
The majority of personnel have moved to the new location and the military personnel records are in the process of moving. The entire move should be completed by the end of the Summer of 2012.

Fax requests to:
(314) 801-9195

The Center will respond to requests in writing by U.S. Mail. You may submit more than one request per envelope or fax, but please submit a separate request (either SF-180 or letter) for each individual whose records are being requested.

Order Processing Time--Response times for records requested from the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) vary greatly depending on the nature of the request. For example, the NARA Military Records Facility currently has a backlog of 180,000 requests and receives approximately 5,000 requests per day. Routine requests for separation documents currently require only 2-4 weeks for servicing. However, requests that involve reconstruction efforts due to the 1973 fire or older records, which require extensive search efforts, may take much longer. The average turnaround time on all requests is currently running at approximately 12 weeks.

Recommendation--The veteran should take his/her DD-214/discharge to their County Clerk to have it registered. This will assure the veteran access to a copy of these documents in the event of their loss.

How to keep your military records safe and secure

As a reminder, ALL retirees and Honorably Discharged veterans should ensure that their family knows the location of their military Separation Document (DD Form 214 from 1950 to present and WD (War Department) Form 53-55 and other variations prior to 1950). Note that registering a copy at the county court house may make that document a public record. Separation Documents issued after 1969 may contain a Social Security Number which could be used for identity theft. Storing the Separation Document in a safe deposit box may make it difficult to retrieve immediately upon the death of the retiree or honorably discharged veteran. The better storage locations are:

Fire safe in a secure location of the house (not in the bedroom, as this is where most thieves search first). Be sure spouse/NOK knows the location and has key/combination.
In a watertight food container (Glad, Tupperware. etc.) in the refrigerator. Most refrigerators are fire resistant. Additionally, a refrigerator is heavy enough to fall through the floor of a building into the cooler part of the fire in the basement and better survive. Finally, a refrigerator is large enough to be easily located in the ash and ruble of a fire or other serious incident. (As a bonus, everyone has a refrigerator, not everyone has a fire resistant storage box). Be sure to inform your spouse and relatives where to locate your Separation Document - and any other important papers

How to obtain your Cold War Recognition Certificate

The Secretary of Defense approved awarding of the Cold War Certificates to all members of the armed forces and qualified federal government civilian personnel who faithfully and honorably served the United States anytime during the Cold War era, which is defined as 2 September 1945 to 26 December 1991. The authority to issue these certificates is in accordance with section 1084 of the Fiscal Year 1998 National Defense Authorization Act.

To be eligible for the certificate, applicants must certify that the nature of their service was honorable, and provide supporting documentation of proof of service. Documentation that is acceptable is any official government or military document that has the recipient’s name, date of service and Social Security Number, or Military Service Number or Foreign Service number. Members of the National Guard and Reserves are eligible for this certificate, although Contractors and volunteers are not eligible.

The following are examples of acceptable supporting documentation

Leave and earnings statement

DD214 or other discharge paper

SF50 (Civilian Personnel Action Form)

NOTE: Please do not send originals, they cannot be returned. Please send Copies only.

NOTE: The number supplied in your initial request, be it SSN, MSN, or FSN, must match the number supplied on your supporting document

Military Service Numbers (MSN) were issued to members of the armed forces before Social Security Numbers (SSN) were used to identify personnel. The changeover to Social Security Numbers occurred in the late 1960’s, so many retirees who are eligible for the certificate may have only a Military Service number on their supporting document.
The Foreign Service Number (FSN) is used to maintain records for foreign nationals employed by the US government and who do not have Social Security Numbers.

How to Request your Certificate

1) Fill out either the U.S. Resident or International Resident application depending upon your current mailing address. Required fields are marked with an asterisk.

2) Print the application. You must certify your honorable service by signing and dating the application, or your application will be rejected. If you are unable to print the application you may submit a signed and dated letter containing the same information as the application. You must include the phrase "I confirm my faithful and honorable service to the nation during the Cold War Era."

3) Mail or fax the application to the Cold War Office along with your supporting document to:

CDR, PERSCOM
Cold War Recognition, Hoffman II
Attn: TAPC-CWRS, 3N45
200 Stovall Street
Alexandria, VA 22332-0473

Fax 1-800-723-9262

Due to the remarkable success of this program, turn-around time for mailing certificates will be a minimum of 6 months. The CWRS Operations Team is working as fast as possible to clear the backlog. Please do not request feedback prior to 6 months from the request date. Thank you for your patience and interest in the Cold War Recognition program.

How to obtain your platoon photo

If you went to boot camp at Parris Island, SC

• Platoon Photos—Platoon photos dating back to 1939 are available through Recruit Photo by calling (843) 228-1555.

• Graduation Videos/DVD's—Graduation videos dating back to Nov. 5, 1999, and DVDs dating back to May 23, 2003, can be ordered by calling 1-800-889-6734.

• Individual Photos—Individual photos of Marines are also available but only go back for four years. . To find out how to get photos, call Recruit Photo at (843) 228-1555.

• Graduation Books—Recruit training series books are not available.

If you went to boot camp at San Diego, CA

• Platoon Photos—To purchase Platoon Grad photos, please visit the Marine Corps Community Service website:
http://www.mcrdmuseumhistoricalsociety.org/histsoc/histsoc-photos.htm.

• Graduation Videos/DVD's—To receive a video of graduation, please call (619) 725-6294 and place the order over the phone. You will need to have a credit card ready to purchase by phone. The customer service representative assisting you can help you with price, shipping charges, etc.

• Individual Photos—To obtain individual photos, the yearbook office can be reached @ (619) 296-3840.

• Graduation Books—The yearbook office keeps records for two years. For more information they can be contacted by calling (619) 296-3840. For books older than two years, you can contact the MCRD Historical Society (619) 524-4426.

References:
MCRD Parris Island FAQ
MCRD San Diego FAQ

The story of Taps

If any of you
have ever been to a military funeral
in which taps was played;
this brings out a new meaning of it.

Here is something
Every American should know.
Until I read this, I didn't know,
but I checked it out
and it's true:

We
in the United States have all heard
the haunting song, 'Taps.' It's the song that
gives us the lump in our throats and usually
tears in our eyes.

But,
do you know the story behind the song? If
not, I think you will be interested to find out
about its humble beginnings.

Reportedly,
it all began in 1862 during the Civil War,
when Union Army
Captain Robert Ellicombe was with
his men near Harrison's Landing in
Virginia . The Confederate Army was
on the other side of the narrow strip of land.

During
the night, Captain Ellicombe heard the moans of
a soldier who lay severely wounded on the field.
Not knowing if it was a Union
or Confederate soldier, the Captain
decided to risk his life and bring the stricken
man back for medical attention. Crawling on his
stomach through the gunfire, the Captain reached
the stricken soldier and began pulling him
toward his encampment.

When
the Captain finally reached his own lines, he
discovered it was actually a Confederate
soldier, but the soldier was dead.

The
Captain lit a lantern and suddenly caught his
breath and went numb with shock. In the
dim light, he saw the face of the soldier. It
was his own son. The boy had been studying music
in the South when the war broke out.
Without telling his father, the boy
enlisted in the Confederate Army.

The
following morning, heartbroken, the father asked
permission of his superiors to give his son a
full military burial, despite his enemy status.
His request was only partially granted.

The
Captain had asked if he could have a group of
Army band members play a funeral dirge for his
son at the funeral.

The
request was turned down since the soldier was a
Confederate.

But,
out of respect for the father, they did say they
could give him only one musician.

The
Captain chose a bugler. He asked the
bugler to play a series of musical notes he had
found on a piece of paper in the pocket of the
dead youth's uniform.

This
wish was granted.

The
haunting melody, we now know as 'Taps' used
at military
funerals was born.

The
words are:

Day is done.
Gone the sun.
From the lakes
From the hills.
From the sky.
All is well.
Safely rest.
God is nigh.

Fading light.
Dims the sight.
And a star.
Gems the sky.
Gleaming bright.
From afar.
Drawing nigh.

Falls the night.



Thanks and praise.
For our days.
Neath the sun.
Neath the stars.
Neath the sky.
As we go.
This we know.
God is nigh

I
too have felt the chills while listening to
'Taps' but I have never seen all the words to
the song until now. I didn't even know
there was more than one verse . I also
never knew the story behind the song and I
didn't know if you had either so I thought I'd
pass it along.

I
now have an even deeper respect for the song
than I did before.

Remember
Those Lost and Harmed While Serving Their
Country.



Also
Remember Those Who Have Served And Returned; and
for those presently serving in the Armed
Forces.