Military discounts are a token of gratitude offered by businesses to the men and women who have served or are currently serving in the armed forces. These discounts are a small way to honor the sacrifices made by military personnel and their families, helping them save significantly on everything from groceries to travel expenses.

To help you take advantage of these savings opportunities, let's take a look at the top 5 discounts available to military servicemembers and veterans.

1. Automotive Discounts

The automotive industry has a long-standing tradition of supporting military personnel through various discount programs. Many car manufacturers, rental companies and insurance providers offer special pricing to active duty servicemembers, veterans and sometimes even their families. These discounts can apply to the purchase of new vehicles and are often in addition to other rebates and incentives available to the general public. Some of the most well-known car brands have structured programs that can save military members thousands of dollars on a new vehicle purchase, making it more affordable to own the car they desire.

2. Retail Benefits

The retail sector offers a plethora of exclusive in-store and online discounts to active-duty military members, veterans and their families. These discounts span across a wide range of brands and products, from clothing and electronics to home goods and sporting equipment. Many stores have a fixed percentage off the regular price, while others may offer special promotions during military appreciation events or holidays. Some online retailers also partner with military discount services to verify servicemember status, which you can then use to access discounts across multiple online stores.

3. Travel and Accommodation Deals

The travel industry is well-known for its support of military personnel through a variety of special offers and discounts. Many airlines provide reduced fares for active duty military members and their families, recognizing the need for affordable travel, especially when it comes to last-minute trips or emergency leave. Hotels and resorts also extend special rates to military personnel, often under a dedicated military discount program. These military rates can result in significant savings on accommodations, whether for leisure, during a PCS, or while on temporary duty.

4. Dining and Entertainment Discounts

Restaurants across the nation express their gratitude to military members by offering military discounts on meals. These discounts can range from a percentage off the total bill to a free appetizer or dessert. Some dining establishments may even offer a completely free meal to servicemembers on certain holidays like Veterans Day. It's a gesture that not only helps servicemembers save money but also gives them a warm welcome and a sense of appreciation from the community.

Entertainment centers like movie theaters and amusement parks also show their support for military members by offering special military pricing on tickets. This discount can make a night out at the movies or even a weekend resort more affordable, allowing servicemembers and their families to enjoy themselves without straining their budget.

5. Financial Services and Banking Perks

Financial institutions often provide tailored services to meet the unique needs of military members, including reduced loan interest rates. These lower rates can apply to mortgages, auto loans and personal loans, helping service members save money over the life of their loans.

Some lenders also offer special programs for military homebuyers, such as VA loans, which come with additional benefits like no down payment and no private mortgage insurance requirements. Active duty service members are encouraged to explore these options to maximize their financial benefits and make borrowing more affordable.

Looking for More Military Member Benefits?

Discover the discounts an AFBA membership has to offer.

Dogs are more than just pets; they've been loyal companions to humans for tens of thousands of years. In ancient times they helped us hunt, but today, they serve a wide range of roles, from our best friends to vigilant protectors who keep us safe.

Each year, March 13th is dedicated to National K9 Veterans Day — a day for recognizing and honoring the service and sacrifices of military and working dogs. It marks the official birthday of the United States K9 Corps, which was established back in 1942 for the first military dogs who served during World War II.

These dogs, and those that followed, have played critical roles in patrol, detection, search and rescue, and as loyal companions. The observance of National K9 Veterans Day is a testament to the enduring partnership between dogs and humans, particularly in the realm of national defense and public service. It's a day to reflect on the heroism of these animals and give thanks for their countless contributions to our society.

The History of the K9 Unit

The K9 unit, as we know it today, has a storied history that began long before its formal establishment. Dogs have been used in warfare and security since ancient times, aiding the military forces of Egypt, Greece, and Rome. However, the official use of dogs for military purposes in the United States began during World War II with the inception of the War Dog Program, or "K9 Corps," on March 13, 1942.

This marked the beginning of systematic training and deployment of canines for combat and other military-related tasks. The K9 Corps initially recruited civilian dogs and their owners, training these teams for various duties, including sentry, scout, and messenger roles.

Over the years, the role of K9 units has evolved significantly. In the public sphere, police forces have adopted the concept of training dogs for law enforcement tasks such as drug and bomb detection, search and rescue operations, and the pursuit of suspects. Today, these K9 units are an indispensable part of both military operations and public safety efforts, showcasing the remarkable adaptability and skill of these working dogs.

The Life of a Working Dog

Working dogs play a pivotal role in contributing to public and national security. Their keen senses, particularly hearing and smell, make them invaluable in detecting explosives, narcotics, and even certain medical conditions. Our canine companions are also often the first line of defense for national security, working tirelessly at borders, airports, and high-security events to sniff out potential threats.

The life of a K9 unit begins with rigorous training, where handlers hone their natural abilities to perform specialized tasks. This training is both physically and mentally demanding, ensuring that the dogs are prepared for the challenges they will face in the field without getting distracted.

Throughout their service, K9s form an unbreakable bond with their handlers, built on trust, respect, and mutual reliance. When these dogs retire, they often do so with the same handler or another loving family, where they can enjoy a well-deserved rest and the companionship they have earned through years of loyal service. In some cases, after their tenure in active duty, K9s can often find new ways to contribute to society — especially as the roles of working dogs are continually expanding.

As therapy dogs, they provide comfort and support to veterans and civilians alike, helping to alleviate stress, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms. As service dogs, they assist individuals with disabilities, offering them greater independence and quality of life. Whatever they get up to, K9 units continue to serve and inspire long after their official duties have ended, proving that their heroism extends far beyond the battlefield or the line of duty.

Historically, the military has been at the forefront of medical innovation. The necessity of saving lives on the battlefield has led to important discoveries as well as the development of cutting-edge medical techniques and technologies.

Major Walter Reed, for example, led the Yellow Fever Commission in Cuba in 1900, according to the Department of Defense. This commission’s work found that mosquitoes carried Yellow Fever — a discovery that saved countless lives.

Then, there’s the fact that because of wartime medical advancements, the survival rate for wounded and ill soldiers increased from 4% in World War 1 to 50% in World War II, per the U.S. Department of Defense.

The connection between military and civilian medicine is undeniable, as many advancements initially intended for soldiers have found their way into everyday healthcare practices. Let’s take a look at a few additional medical advancements that originated in the military.

Field Triage and Evacuation Systems

Military forces developed efficient triage and evacuation systems to provide timely care to injured soldiers. These systems have been adapted for civilian emergency response, ensuring that critical medical attention is given to those who need it most during such events as accidents and natural disasters. The military’s readiness and protocols for crisis response and disaster management have also been integrated into civilian disaster preparedness and response efforts.

Hemostatic Agents and Blood Clotting Innovations

The military played a significant role in advancing blood clotting technology. Hemostatic agents developed for military use have been instrumental in saving lives on the battlefield. Today, they’re widely used in civilian healthcare to control bleeding during surgery and trauma cases.

Trauma Care and Surgical Techniques

A bit more on trauma — battlefield surgery innovations have led to enhanced emergency surgical techniques in civilian healthcare. Military surgeons’ expertise in dealing with high-stress, trauma-related surgeries has improved outcomes for civilian patients in emergency rooms worldwide.

Prosthetics and Rehabilitation

The military’s dedication has driven innovations in prosthetic limb technology to rehabilitate injured soldiers. These advancements have greatly benefited civilian amputees by providing them with more functional and lifelike prosthetic limbs.

There have been significant advances in prosthetics since 9/11, according to the Military Health System and Defense Health Agency. For example, the Department of Veterans Affairs funded a clinical trial focused on percutaneous osseointegrated prosthesis, or POP implants. These implants are surgically anchored to an individual’s remaining thigh bone. In addition to several benefits compared to traditional prostheses, patients have reported that the POP implants feel like they are a part of them.

Telemedicine and Remote Healthcare

For everyday folks, telemedicine is more common than ever, but they may not realize that the military has pioneered telehealth. This technology has had a substantial impact on rural and underserved civilian populations, improving access to healthcare services. For the military, telemedicine has enabled remote medical consultations and diagnosis for soldiers deployed in remote locations.

Vaccination and Preventive Medicine

The military has played a vital role in vaccine development and distribution, from smallpox to COVID-19. Lessons learned from military-led vaccine research have paved the way for widespread vaccination campaigns and bolstered public health efforts.

In addition to vaccines, the military has excelled in preventive medicine strategies, including disease surveillance and prevention. These strategies have proven effective not only for soldiers but also for civilian populations in preventing the spread of infectious diseases.

February is Black History Month — an important time to recognize and honor the profound contributions and sacrifices of African Americans throughout our nation's history. Despite the immeasurable hardships and discrimination they've faced in a country that had, until around 60 years ago, denied their rights as citizens, African American soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines have continually shown exceptional valor and resilience both on and off the battlefield.

This year, to celebrate and honor our nation's Black service members, we'd like to take a look back at their heroic journeys throughout history, shedding light on their often unsung stories.

The History of African Americans in the Military

From the very inception of the United States of America, Black service members have demonstrated an unwavering commitment, courage and determination to defend the nation. In fact, they've answered the call of duty to serve and sacrifice in every single U.S. war, from the Revolutionary War through Iraq and Afghanistan.

As we commemorate the enduring legacy of African Americans in the military, let's trace their remarkable history from the 1700s to the modern day.

The Revolutionary War

Beginning prior to the Revolutionary War, both free and enslaved Black people rose up against the British during the Boston Massacre. In fact, Crispus Attucks is considered to be the first casualty of the revolution, bravely leading the protest before the tragedy transpired.

Following the Boston Massacre, over 5,000 Black soldiers from all 13 colonies fought for the American cause, seeking the prospect of freedom from both the British and the colonists. Unfortunately, only about 20% of those who served were freed from their bonds.

The Civil War

While Black minutemen and soldiers served in regiments throughout the later 1700s and early 1800s, it wasn't until 1863 that the U.S. government officially allowed African Americans to enlist in the armed forces. However, the Civil War was obviously a turning point for Black military history, as by the end of it, nearly 200,000 Black soldiers had served in the Union Army. Meanwhile, the Confederate Army had recruited a small group of Black soldiers toward the end of the war, but they wouldn't see combat before its end.

The Great Wars

By the time of World War I and World War II, the horrors of chattel slavery had ended, and Black Americans were quickly becoming a much larger part of the nation's military — despite continuing discrimination and segregation. To put it into perspective, the First World War saw over 380,000 African Americans serve in the army, while over 1 million Black men and women served in the second.

Fighting fascism on one front and racism on the other, Black service members demonstrated extraordinary courage and resilience, with legendary groups like the Tuskegee Airmen leaving an indelible mark on history.

Modern Military Diversity

In today's modern military, the landscape has significantly evolved. The U.S. military is continually committed to improving racial diversity and providing equal opportunities for all service members. And with each branch making a more proactive effort to recruit and train a diverse force of soldiers, sailors and airmen, the nation can not only strengthen its capabilities but also reflect the values of equality and inclusion that are so central to America.

Honoring Black Heroes

As we continue into Black History Month, and throughout the year, it's important to take the time to reflect on and commemorate the sacrifices and contributions African Americans have made in the line of duty. Their stories of bravery and determination inspire us all and remind us of the strength found in diversity and unity.

The word "valor" conjures up images of bravery in the face of incredible danger — a description well-suited for service members. But did you know that valor can be stolen?

The Stolen Valor Act is meant to help protect service members and their reputations and identities. It's also a defense against any false claim of military decoration, stopping people from lying about awards, medals or other recognitions. However, like most legislation, the Stolen Valor Act is an ongoing story — one that's about to get more complicated.

Here's everything you need to know about stolen valor and how to protect yourself.

What Is Stolen Valor?

Stolen valor is essentially a lie. It involves falsely claiming military service, rank, recognition or even someone else's identity. While it's not technically illegal to just "make things up" — for example, to impress friends at a party — stolen valor is more complicated than that, which is why it is considered a crime. (So is military impersonation, a similar offense committed willfully, wrongfully and with or without intent to defraud.)

What makes stolen valor so complex? One example is nuance. In some cases, a service member may have received the wrong authorization and could be unknowingly wearing a medal or other decorations inappropriately. That's right: Even active service members can commit an act of stolen valor. These acts are covered under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), while veterans and civilians answer to civilian federal law.

The Stolen Valor Act is a series of attempts to clarify these issues, balancing military service protections with free speech rules. Here's a look at the legislative history:

The Stolen Valor Act of 2005

This legislation made it a misdemeanor to lie about earning any kind of military medal or honor. These lies included wearing, manufacturing and selling any medal without legal authorization. The reasoning was clear: "Fraudulent claims surrounding the receipt of [military honors] damage the reputation and meaning of such decorations and medals." Penalties included fines and imprisonment.

However, the legislation didn't last long. In the United States vs. Alvarez, one of multiple stolen valor cases, state official Xavier Alvarez's legal team argued that these rules infringed upon the First Amendment protection of free speech. In 2012, the Supreme Court declared the legislation unconstitutional.

The 2013 Amendment

In 2013, stolen valor rules came back, this time with a new caveat: The lies in question must result in some kind of tangible benefit before they can be considered legally problematic. This helps focus legislative language on fraudulent activity that isn't protected under the First Amendment.

The new Stolen Valor Act identifies protections for military awards including:

Congressional Medal of Honor.
Distinguished service cross.
Navy cross.
Air Force cross.
Silver star.
Purple Heart.
Combat Action Badge.
Combat Action Ribbon.

Penalties include fines, imprisonment for up to one year or both.

"Our nation can never fully express our gratitude for all that our men and women in uniform have experienced on our behalf," said Senator Dean Heller, one of the creators of the amendment, in 2013. "Their acts of valor helped ensure the safety and security of our nation, and the honor of their awards should never be compromised.

A New House Provision

In mid-2023, the House Appropriations Committee released its Fiscal Year 2024 bill, which included a potentially problematic provision for stolen valor laws. This would make it far more difficult to obtain military service records.

The idea is mostly an attempt to defend service member privacy, which is more important than ever in today's world. However, there's a perhaps unintended consequence: It would be incredibly complicated to disprove any fraudulent claim of military service. You could technically get the information if you really needed it, but you'd have to get permission from the service member or their family — and if that didn't work, you'd have to file a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, which could take months or years to come through.

It's crucial to protect personal information, sure. But opponents of the provision point out that it's equally important to be able to disprove lies that could hurt service members or their families.

How To Spot Stolen Valor

Although ongoing legislation shifts the playing field for the Stolen Valor Act, you can still help spot trouble. Here are a few red flags that someone could be lying about a military honor:

Incomplete Understanding of Military Duties

Military duties are rigorous and highly regulated, as any service member should know. You'd probably be able to list the specifics of your responsibilities even decades after active service. That's why it's often suspicious when someone has an incomplete or incorrect understanding of military duties — whether the tasks they supposedly completed or the functions of the military overall.

If you suspect someone could be committing an act of stolen valor, ask yourself this: Does it sound like they learned everything they know by watching war movies? This kind of surface-level or even flat-out wrong understanding of the military is often a giveaway that you're not hearing the truth.

Of course, if someone is truly dedicated to such lies, they may have done in-depth research. That means this red flag isn't always applicable, and you may need to look elsewhere for signs of deception.

Lack of Details

These days, it's easy to look up details about particular deployments or military operations — but someone who's falsifying their experiences won't have the specifics. They might be purposefully vague, avoiding in-depth discussions and changing the subject, or they might make things up to fill in the gaps. While a civilian may not notice inconsistencies in such a story, service members and their families will likely be the first to suspect that something isn't right.

This is particularly true if the person mentions a particular deployment location and date. Do other service members' recollections line up? There's always a chance that someone has simply forgotten a detail or had a different perspective and experience — but in general, everyone's stories should be similar.

Suspicious Language

There are a few ways to break down someone's language if you suspect stolen valor.

First, consider whether they "talk like a service member." Do they use the right terminology in the right places? Do they treat certain topics, responsibilities and fellow service members with respect? Do they speak about their experiences with familiarity? Everyone's experiences are different, so it can be difficult to know for sure — but trust your gut on this one.

It can also be helpful to remember the context of stolen valor as a legal term. If you were to hypothetically charge someone with this crime, they would have to be getting some kind of tangible benefit from their fraudulent claim. That means they might weave certain kinds of language into their speech or writing. Are they trying to get something from you or others? Do they sound like they're persuading you logically, emotionally or ethically? Can you link anything they're saying or doing to a money-making opportunity?

Protecting Your Valor

Service members and their families shouldn't have to fight for the valor they rightfully earned, but sometimes, it's necessary. That's why you should keep an eye on stolen valor laws and watch out for suspicious activity in on- or offline communities where you can't verify someone's military background. Most importantly, look for any kind of identity theft that could impact your reputation, finances or quality of life.

Behind every first responder is a family standing tall to support them. Though first responder families are often overshadowed by the flashing lights and sirens, they live lives of quiet bravery and resilience. From coping with constant worry over their loved one’s safety to managing the unpredictable nature of emergency work and its impact on the home, these families face their own set of challenges.

Today, we’d like to shine a spotlight on the experiences of first-responder families and share a few resources that can offer some much-needed support.

The Challenges of Being a First Responder Family

First, it’s important to understand the unique difficulties many family members face, including:

Emotional Stress and Anxiety: Families of first responders often must grapple with ongoing worry and anxiety over their loved ones due to their occupational exposure to danger. Much like first responders have to deal with the unpredictability of emergency work, their family members are also unsure of what each day may bring.
Long, Irregular Work Hours: The atypical and often extended working hours of first responders can also put a strain on first responders and their families. Long shifts that stretch into the nights can hinder family bonding time and disrupt routines and schedules. This often puts more responsibilities on spouses to manage the household alone.
Limited Availability for Family: In addition to irregular and long working hours, the demanding nature of a first responder’s job means they often have to miss significant family events, such as birthdays, school functions, anniversaries and holidays. Their absence during these moments can lead to feelings of disappointment or even abandonment, especially for children.
Physical Risk and Health Concerns: The inherent danger of being a first responder can bring constant worry about physical harm. Families often live with the fear of potential injury or worse, impacting their mental well-being, and exposure to hazardous and traumatic conditions can have long-term impacts on their loved ones.
Financial Strain: Despite the essential nature of their work, many first responders and their families face financial stress, whether it’s from the rising cost of living or health care expenses in the case of injury or trauma. In the tragic event that a first responder passes in the line of duty, their family could be facing even greater financial distress on top of dealing with the grief. Fortunately, a wide array of support resources are available to first-responder families.

Helpful Resources for Supporting First Responders and Their Families

Here are a few resources to help first responders and their family members:

First Responders Support Network offers specialized retreats and mental health support for first responders and their families, focusing on recovery from traumatic stress and promoting well-being through peer support and education.
Hope for Emergency Responders Organization (HERO) is dedicated to providing support and resources and fostering a community of care and recognition for the mental and physical health of first responders and their families.
First Responders Children’s Foundation provides financial assistance and educational resources to children who have lost a parent in the line of duty and families facing hardship due to a first responder’s work-related trauma.
Family Survivor College Scholarship was established by AFBA to support the educational aspirations of the children of fallen first responders.
Financial and Legal Assistance offered by AFBA through various programs and organizations provides financial guidance and legal support to first-responder families, helping them navigate the complexities of financial planning, insurance and more.

At AFBA, we recognize the strength and courage of first responder families, and we’re here to help. Find out more about the support and resources available to our members.

Winter is here and, per usual, it's brought lower temperatures and an increased chance you'll catch a cold. While we can't guarantee you'll stay 100% healthy all season, we can provide plenty of tips for staying healthy and lowering your chances of picking up an inconvenient illness.

Let's get started so you can begin your journey toward a healthier winter.

Wash Your Hands Regularly

This one's simple and incredibly effective. Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, you can easily spread germs on your hands when you touch contaminated surfaces or objects and then touch your mouth, nose or eyes. That's why it's so essential for you to wash your hands regularly throughout the day.

It's especially important to wash your hands after blowing your nose, sneezing or coughing, using the toilet or touching garbage.

But placing your hands under a running faucet isn't enough. The CDC advises you to wash them with soap for at least 20 seconds (or, if it helps, that's the length of time it takes to sing the "Happy Birthday" song twice).

Don't Forget Hand Sanitizer

Washing your hands is important, but if you aren't able to on the go, having hand sanitizer helps too. Fortunately, it's very easy to purchase travel-sized hand sanitizer that can easily slip into your pocket or bag. Plenty of communal spaces — from gas stations to stores — also make hand sanitizer available to customers looking to kill germs they've picked up while out and about.

Get Plenty of Sleep

The idea of sleeping through those cold winter days certainly sounds appealing, but it can actually help you stay healthy too. Mayo Clinic states that poor health in adults is linked to receiving fewer than 7 hours of sleep in a night.

For those ages 13 to 18, Mayo Clinic recommends 8-10 hours of sleep per 24 hours, and for those 19 and up, 7 or more hours per night.

Stay Hydrated

On cold days, you likely want something warm to drink, but don't lose sight of the value of consuming water daily. Drinking water regularly helps you maintain a normal temperature and encourages your body to rid itself of waste, according to the CDC.

When possible, try to choose water over overly sugary alternatives. And if you haven't already, consider getting a water bottle you can fill up regularly throughout the day.

Manage Stress

The holidays, more traffic, shorter days, icy roads, snow — all ingredients for increased stress. And while stress is pretty unavoidable sometimes, too much of it can do real harm to your body.

Per Mayo Clinic, it's easier for the body to get sick after stress has lowered the immune system. Additional effects of stress include fatigue, headaches, chest pain, stomach issues and sleep problems (and we already covered how important sleep is).

To better manage stress, remember to eat healthy, exercise and practice relaxation techniques, such as yoga or meditation.

Embrace Winter

Finally, embrace the winter season — it's not all bad, right? Find joy in the simple pleasures, like building a snowman or enjoying a cozy night by the fireplace. A positive attitude can do wonders for your physical, mental and emotional well-being.

Practice Healthy Habits Year-Round

All of these tips can help you this winter, but they work in spring and beyond as well. Germs never rest, so make sure you're defending yourself against them. Also, don't hesitate to reach out to AFBA for assistance managing your health and well-being.

Whether you're looking to land your dream job or transition to a different career, a new year represents a fresh start. And while traditional New Year's resolutions, like a desire to eat healthier or read more, are important, don't miss the opportunity to make New Year's career resolutions.

Here are a few to consider ahead of New Year's Eve.

Create or Refresh Your Resume

First, if you don't have a resume, be sure to create one. Your resume is your professional calling card, and a well-crafted one can open doors to exciting career prospects.

If you have one already, give it a thorough review to make sure it's fully up to date. Your contact information should be accurate and add any recent accomplishments. Per Indeed, a resume should only be one page in length for those with one to 10 years of professional experience. So take a critical look at older information that isn't relevant to the type of role you're looking to land. Do you really need to list the first job you ever had there? If not, delete and free up precious real estate for more important — and helpful — experience.

Finally, updating your resume doesn't just have to happen before the clock strikes midnight. Make it a regular part of your professional life as you advance in your career. Monster advises you to update your resume at such career milestones as when you start a new position, get promoted or pick up new skills.

Create or Update Your LinkedIn Profile

No matter how you feel about social media, it's hard to debate the value of LinkedIn for professionals. The platform boasts more than 950 million members around the world, so if you don't have an account, it's worth setting one up to increase your chances of finding your dream job.

If you have a profile, be sure to update it just as you would your resume. While other social media platforms like Facebook allow you to keep things more casual, you'll want to stay professional on LinkedIn. So definitely select a professional-looking headshot for your profile.

Craft a captivating summary that shares your professional story and showcases your unique value proposition. Then, remember that LinkedIn is a social platform, so connect with colleagues, mentors and industry professionals to expand your network. Engage with your network by sharing industry insights, commenting on posts and participating in relevant discussions.

Line Up References

Not every job you apply to will require references, but when they do request them, you want to make sure you have a few on standby. For potential employers, this is an opportunity to learn more about you beyond your resume and interviews — and decide whether they want to bring you on board. So you want to make sure you're putting careful thought into who you ask to serve as a reference.

Ultimately, you'll know best who in your life would do a good job fielding a potential employer's questions. But if you're looking for some pointers, Glassdoor singles out such authority figures as recent managers, college professors, high school teachers and coaches as good reference candidates. Just try not to use friends or family as your references unless they were also supervisors.

Remember to get your references' permission and contact information.

Seek Professional Career Assistance

Finally, know that you don't need to tackle your New Year's career resolutions alone. The AFBA career center provides help with career coaching, resume writing, LinkedIn profile development and more. So don't hesitate to reach out — and here's to a promising New Year filled with professional opportunities!

The holidays: A time for joy, giving, family and friends. Unfortunately, more than a few tech-savvy Scrooges are ready to spoil the fun and cause damage that can last beyond New Year's Eve.

During the holiday season, you're busier than ever — and, thanks to the need to purchase gifts for others — likely spending a lot more time online. But this is exactly where you can fall into a trap if you're not careful. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect yourself against scams this holiday season and remember year-round.

Social Media Scams

Forbes warns of the dangers associated with purchasing items through an ad that appears on a social media site, such as Facebook. The source points to research that shows Americans have lost more than $2 billion in recent years due to social media scams. In cases such as these, cybercriminals are targeting individuals on platforms where they're already spending significant time, catching up with friends and reading posts. But while shopping via social media links may seem convenient, Forbes advises you to make purchases via brands' actual websites.

Also, be on the lookout for ads that are looking for your engagement. Morgan Stanley states that social surveys that offer gift cards or vouchers are more about obtaining your personal information than spreading holiday cheer. Avoid them, no matter how appealing they may seem.

Finally, fraudsters could resort to any number of additional tactics, from creating fake charity pages to impersonating friends and family to extract money or sensitive information. Stay vigilant, scrutinize unsolicited requests and verify the legitimacy of accounts before engaging in any transactions.

Fake Website Scams

It's common to want to mix it up and not purchase every gift from major websites like Amazon, but a desire to support small and lesser-known businesses could land you in a lot of trouble.

The U.S. Attorney's Office, Western District of North Carolina flagged that fake online stores or "lookalike stores" could claim to offer electronics and jewelry at deeply discounted prices. But if the deals seem too good to be true, they should be viewed as red flags.

Scrutinize website URLs, ensure secure payment options and read reviews from other buyers. If you can't track down any reviews — or mentions of this website — stay far away from it.

Phishing Attempts

Cybercriminals often exploit the holiday spirit, sending deceptive emails disguised as shipping notifications, e-cards or exclusive deals. The goal is to trick recipients into divulging sensitive information. Always verify the legitimacy of unexpected emails before clicking any links or providing personal information.

Year-Round Cybersecurity Best Practices

While it's important to stay vigilant during the holidays, nothing is stopping you from being safe all 12 months of the year. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Shop at Trusted Stores: Always look for "https://" in the URL and a padlock symbol in the address bar, indicating a secure connection.

Choose Smart Passwords: Your name and birthday have no place in your password. The goal is to make them a mix of letters, numbers and special characters no cybercriminals could guess. And never reuse them across accounts.

Keep Your Devices Up to Date: Whether you're using a computer or a smartphone, be sure to install those regular software updates — they often include essential security patches that fortify your system against the latest threats.

Whether the holidays or beyond, remember that AFBA is also ready to help you stay safe online. Our financial and legal services can assist you with identity theft protection and other all-too-common threats in this rapidly evolving digital age.

Here's a fun fact: Did you know the National Guard is older than the Army and even the country?

December 13th, 2023 marks this military force's 387th birthday — a testament to its enduring legacy of service and sacrifice. As we celebrate this milestone, it's important to commemorate not just the history of the institution, but also the brave men and women who have served and safeguarded our nation for nearly four centuries.

Join us as we take a deeper dive into the history and significance of the U.S. National Guard.

When Was the National Guard Established?
Today, the National Guard includes both the Army National Guard as well as the Air National Guard. However, long before the invention of the airplane, the organization began as a colonial militia force, tracing its roots back to Massachusetts.

On December 13th, 1636, the Massachusetts Bay Colony organized the 181st Infantry, the 182nd Cavalry, the 101st Field Artillery and the 101st Engineer Battalion to protect itself. These four regiments still stand as the oldest units in the U.S. military.

What About the Air National Guard?
While the National Guard is older than the Army, the Air National Guard and the U.S. Air Force are actually the same age. That's because, prior to 1947, the two were part of the Army Air Corps (later changed to Army Air Forces during WWII). However, the National Security Act would officially separate the two branches on September 18th of that same year, eventually transferring the Army Air Forces units to the newly established Air National Guard as an aerial reserve component.

The Role of the National Guard
As a state-based military force, the National Guard plays a pivotal role in responding to domestic emergencies and natural disasters, as well as defending our country when necessary. They operate as a dual-purpose institution for both state and federal missions across U.S. states and territories — even deploying overseas. With diverse capabilities, from combat to humanitarian work, the National Guard is dedicated to responding to critical emergencies, preserving homeland security and supporting global peace efforts.

What Does it Mean to be Part of the National Guard?
While National Guard servicemembers are sometimes lampooned as "weekend warriors," this jab couldn't be further from the truth. Being a member of the National Guard carries an immense commitment to service, readiness and community. They may be citizen-soldiers, but they maintain a delicate balance of military duty with civilian work — all while undergoing rigorous training to prepare for times of crisis. That way, they're ready to defend, protect and serve the nation on a moment's notice.

Commemorating the National Guard's Birthday
The National Guard's birthday isn't a national holiday, nor is it a free day off of work or school. However, that doesn't mean the day isn't celebrated. Many servicemembers make a point to commemorate December 13th to honor military heritage as well as the sacrifice of their brothers and sisters in arms. One common event is the cake-cutting ceremony, in which the oldest member of a Guard unit and the youngest cut a large cake to share with everyone. Some units might also host local celebrations, gathering with other members of the Guard and the larger community.

Recognizing 387 Years of Service and Sacrifice
While there won't be any fanfare or parades this December 13th, civilians can still honor the National Guard's birthday by attending community events and expressing their gratitude toward those who have served. Taking the time to hear their stories, learn about their contributions, and actively support veterans and their families is a meaningful way to recognize their sacrifices and perhaps the best way to celebrate this observance.