Treasure 
A few months ago, my Shell Petroleum Development Company ex-boss visited Abuja and called me to hang out. I met her at the Sheraton hotel where she lodged. During our discussion, I got to find out that her office has a special discount at the hotel (in my usual inquisitive nature, I asked how much she paid….lol)……simply amazing!. I sincerely don’t know how many such hotels, if any, offer military discounts.
Why is it that in this part of the world, one hardly finds organizations offering military discounts?
The highest obligation and privilege of citizenship is bearing arms for one’s country. A good soldier (with) discipline, self-confidence, and pride in his unit and country is the MILITARY. Only in the military can you see discipline, unity, and loyalty to the country ALWAYS.
These soldiers guard us with guns and stand ready to visit violence on those who would harm us (remember, you can’t buy fighting spirit).
Come on……man!, Soldiers (serving and retired) worldwide ought to be recognized, respected, and rewarded.
RECOGNITION AND REWARD
I can only confirm two (2) organizations in Nigeria that offer military discounts.
Pace Setters Academy, Abuja, offers a 20% military discount to every military child attending the school. I salute the Management of the school for this noble act. May God reward them.
It’s now in the news that Arik Air commenced a military discount for men and officers of the Nigerian Armed Forces for travel within the Arik domestic network, so I called Arik Air and confirmed the authenticity of the news. I commend the management of Arik Air Limited for this honorable act. Still, I’m concerned about one aspect of the “Terms and Conditions,” which states, “The ticket is only for the officers and not members of their families and dependants.”
Their families are integral to their stability and well-being, even in the field. Every military man thinks of nothing else after his national call to serve other than his wife and children.
In the real sense, we travel more than they do; we visit them where they are stationed now and then as exigencies of duty often determine their movement. Hence, the management of Arik Air needs to extend such goodwill to the soldier’s dependents.
I also hope other airlines will catch the bug and emulate this exemplary act by Arik Air.
RECOGNITION, REWARD, AND RESPECT.
HERE ARE SOME AIRLINES THAT OFFER MILITARY DISCOUNTS TO THE U.S. MILITARY.
JetBlue Airlines
JetBlue military fare discounts allow active duty service personnel and “their immediate family” (spouses and children) to fly on JetBlue. “Immediate family members” may travel on a military fare independently if they can present proper identification.
Southwest Airlines
Here, active duty and “dependants” are eligible for military discounts. SouthWest waives ALL baggage fees for Active Duty ( even if overweight or multiple bags)…..sounds excellent!
United Airlines
The airline proudly provides discounts to thank U.S. military veterans, Active Duty military, National Guard, Reserve members, and “their families” for their service.
Virgin Atlantic
Offer members of the Armed Forces (serving and retired), MOD civil servants, and “their dependants” discounted fees to worldwide destinations!…... Fantastic offer!!!!.
Alaska Airlines
Offers military discounts, which include free checked bags for Active Duty. The discount applies to “military dependants” on travel orders.
U.S Airways
The airline offers special rates to military personnel traveling on an officially excused absence, discharged personnel within seven (7) days of discharge, and “military dependants” as well.
Hawaiian Airlines
Offers Active Duty military passengers and “their dependants” special discounts. They will also be allowed four (4) checked complimentary bags when traveling on orders, but for personal travel, they will only be allowed two (2) complimentary checked-in bags. The military bag-free waiver will not apply to U.S. military dependants on personal travel.
If you know any organization in Nigeria that offers a military discount, please drop your comment in the section. Military families will be glad to utilize the opportunity.
