As a veteran, I've personally experienced the disappointment of asking for a military discount at businesses, only to be told that such reductions don't exist or that my service to the country doesn't grant me any "special" benefits. This has happened too many times to count - at well-known stores, mom-and-pop shops, American owned or, indeed, foreign entities operating on American soil. Therefore, I am calling for a directive that requires all businesses operating within the United States to offer, at least, a 10% discount to all military veterans, active duty military, and reserve military.

Our military personnel make significant sacrifices. They endure long separations from their families, miss the births of their children, freeze in sub-zero temperatures, bake in wild jungles, lose limbs, and, far too often, lose their lives. Military families make distinctive sacrifices too, dealing with frequent moves and deployment anxieties, among other challenges.

There are 18.2 million veterans living in the United States according to the U.S. Census Bureau, plus over 1.3 million active-duty military according to the Department of Defense. That's almost 20 million citizens who have pledged to protect this country, facing risks most of us will never know. However, as of yet, there is no nationwide mandate to provide them with a basic discount as a small token of gratitude for their service.

This campaign is not about gaining 'special' status; this is about acknowledgment, a small token of appreciation from the businesses operating because of the freedom these veterans and military personnel help secure.

Please join us in our plea to mandate a minimum 10% military discount for all US veterans, active-duty personnel, and reserves at all American businesses. It's time to make a tangible commitment to those who committed their lives for us. Let's urge Congress to integrate this policy. Sign the petition.