TOPIC:

I saw on another forum about a little known benefit for active duty troops and their families to get out and do some camping. It's called Tents for Troops and, apparently, it's a network of commercial campgrounds and RV parks around the US who will provide a site for active duty troops and their families for a few days free of charge! It sounds pretty good and, from personal experience at a couple of them, they have some pretty nice campgrounds in their network. Here's a link to their website:

Tents for Troops

Any of you active duty folks on here, give it a look and recommend it to your friends!

Thanks for bringing this topic back up.

We helped announce the start of "Tents for Troops" program in our newsletter last year. The program looks like it keeps growing. A very good program for our active duty!

Along this same line - Oregon state parks gives disabled vets ten free days PER MONTH camping. IN the past, a vet had to bring proof ... NOW a change, a vet must apply by mail ahead of time, and it takes three weeks or so to get a pass/card in the mail - it's good for five years.

In addition - we have done this in the past and just needed the proof - now, you need the pass. As we didn't know about the change, we arrived with proof, but no pass. Oregon policy now is - if you don't get the pass ahead of time, keep your receipts, send copies with an application. Once approved, Oregon will refund your camping fees up to the ten days per month along with your new pass.

Very nice benefit - and a nice thanks to our veterans. And a thanks to Oregon.

South Dakota also has a pass veterans pass for S.D. residents only - and Texas has a veterans pass that gives the entry fee off for lifetime. You need proof of disabled vet status 50% or more. What this means - if you plan camping in any state, check that state in advance and you might find a nice discount. Soe for active duty, some for AD and retired, and some for DAV's ...