Founded in 2000 by Vietnam Veteran Scott Higgins and his spouse, Lin, Veterans Advantage is a Public Benefit Corporation (PBC) that creates new, exclusive benefits and discounts for the greater military community (active duty, retired military, veteran, guard, reservist, or family member). And Veterans Advantage now issues the number one secure Military ID, providing a safe way to redeem military discounts.
The first national military discounts in the U.S. began when Veterans Advantage forged an exclusive discount with Amtrak, the national passenger railroad, and launched the VetRewards Card on Presidents Day in 2001. Their first member signed up from a nuclear submarine stationed in the Pacific, at 2:30 a.m.
Since then, the program has grown with over 400 rewards partners including United Airlines, which has been a partner since 2004. Veterans Advantage also advocates for “A Real Thank You®” for your service from name- brand retailers, travel industry leaders, and trusted service providers with better discounts. Veterans Advantage community members save money with the Military Discounts Marketplace and get the support needed through their blog, The Service; Veteran Advantage’s Military and Veteran Life resources; and the Jobs & Career Network.
Below, read about United Airlines’ commitment to its employees who are veterans and how some military family members use Veterans Advantage to the fullest. To learn more and sign-up, visit veteransadvantage.com
DIANNA KLEIN
Captain, B-737 based in Washington, D.C.
Dianna served in the U.S. Air Force Reserve and was based in Dover AFB, Delaware, and the West Virginia Air National Guard at Martinsburg, West Virginia from Dec. 2004 to Jan. 2014.
“I remember the camaraderie and the incredible people I served with,” Dianna said. “Those individuals were then and still are the epitome of service before self, integrity, and excellence.” Now a captain for United, Dianna draws from her discipline, dedication, and attention to detail while in the military and applies it to her duties with United. “The dynamic military flying environment more than prepared me for United’s operational tempo.”
SCOTT FERRIS
Director, Technical Operations – Calibrate
Scott served from 1989-1997 in the U.S. Air Force as an F-16 Tactical Aircraft Technician and was based in Texas, South Carolina, Saudi Arabia, and Las Vegas. He served a tour during Operation Desert Storm and was also selected as a member of the Air Force Thunderbirds. Currently, he is United’s Director of Technical Operations Calibrate Team, charged with building a current and future pipeline of new Aviation Technicians.
“The military has taught me so much about leadership, courage, trust and respect,” Scott said. “Being a veteran means that I am part of something much bigger than myself. I have no doubt that without my military experience, I would never have been so successful, and I will be forever grateful for my years in the service.”
TAYLOR GORDON
Professional dancer and director
Taylor’s brother, Nick, served two tours of duty in Afghanistan between 2014-2016. Sadly, he took his own life at age 25, a day before finishing his contract with the military. Taylor works with Exit12 Dance Company, an arts organization run by a former Marine that shares veterans’ stories through dance. “We teach movement workshops to the military community, and we believe that art heals,” Taylor said. She choreographed a piece about her brother that premiered on Memorial Day 2019 at the Arlington National Cemetery, where he is laid to rest. Taylor says she is grateful to Veterans Advantage and United Airlines for making it easier for her to travel with her dance company across the country, and the discounts Veterans Advantage provides members on food and shopping, as well as travel.
THOMAS DAVID
Retired U.S. Army and municipal government
Since 1955, Thomas served at various locations including Fort Dix (New Jersey); Fort Gordon (Georgia); and Fort Huachuca (Arizona). He was recalled to active duty during Operation Desert Shield/Storm from 1990 to 1991, worked with the Criminal Investigations Command, as well as various special assignments. “I am proud I was able to serve my country,” Thomas said. These days Thomas travels often, is a United Premier member and takes advantage of Veterans Advantage’s 5 percent discounts on many of United’s routes.
