Thank you to Direct Energy for sponsoring today’s post and inspiring me to help out the military veterans in my community.

As my mom and I were driving in a nearby town this week, we noticed that on several street corners there were panhandlers with signs asking for money, food, jobs, etc. The sad truth of the matter is that many of these people we passed were Veterans. These men and women have seen and endured things that those of us who are civilians could never imagine in our wildest dreams. Are they all lazy? Do they not want to work? No! Probably disabled and need of help? Most definitely. How are we as a country helping Veterans?

Direct Energy's Military Discount is Helping Veterans #DEcares

For a very dear friend of mine, Corporal Robert M. Roca, USMC, Desert Storm Veteran, the lack of benefits for veterans is a bitter topic for him. As a disabled Veteran who is unable to receive benefits, he agrees that many of the men and women seen asking for money and food on the side of the road are in need of true help because not even then government (the same one they’ve fought so hard to protect) is recognizing them as disable to give them the benefits they deserve.

“Military Veterans, both active or inactive, don’t truly get very many discounts for the sacrifices we have endured.

What most people don’t realize is that a military enlisted person’s salary is not very much at all. In some cases, it’s around poverty level. The reason we are paid so low is because we are offered housing, food, and medical care. But even with that, the pay is not very much, and a lot of military personnel are struggling financially while on active duty and even more so when they get out.

I would like to see more companies truly offer discounts to both active and inactive alike like Direct Energy Rate Plans for the military community. Ive come across companies on many occasions that have told me that they couldn’t give me a discount because I am no longer active duty or served till retirement. Yet I served during Desert Storm and fought for our country on a very small salary while most were safe at home.

It is my opinion that most people say they are grateful for veterans but aren’t prepared to make any sort of sacrifices for those veterans. It’s a very selfish world we live in, and military personnel get a very strong dose of reality when it comes to that.

It’s good to know that a company as large as Direct Energy is stepping out and helping Veterans and their families by providing benefits for Veterans with their Direct Energy Rate Plans.”

One question that Rob asked me during our interview was, “So how exactly how is Direct Energy helping Veterans?”

At Direct Energy, we are committed to giving back to those who have given so much to our country. That’s why we have recently launched the military portal, a dedicated space where military personnel can find discounted energy rates for their home energy needs. Plus, once you’re a Direct Energy Customer, you’ll have access to our on time bill payments rewards program, Refer-a-Friend Program, easy, on the go Online Account Manager and more.

To be eligible for the discounted military rates, you must enter your valid ID into the Direct Energy Military portal. Once it verifies, you will then be directed to a dedicated military plans page. You will then see plans available in your area.

I am very thankful for Rob and his willingness to serve our country and protect my family. I know it sounds cliche and redundant, but I’m very proud to be an American, and so honored to have a friend who is so passionate about his country and his fellow service men and women. I’m also thankful that Direct Energy has recognized the need for more military benefits and discounts.