Are military appreciation events genuine or publicity stunts?

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 23 May 2014 15:18:12 -0400

I'm not being ungrateful, but I'm wondering what the motive is, nothing is simply patriotic in the business world.
Why do sports teams, NASCAR, businesses etc. do Military Appreciation events and are they genuinely there to help the Military community? Or are they trying to look like the good guy in front of the public.

I Got free Military Appreciation tickets to an MLB baseball game one time and the seats were literally as far up and as high as one could get in the stadium. I was fearful that I was there, but I didn't feel very appreciated. Then I found out the ticket cost $5. Loved being at m the game though.
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Response by SSgt Gregory Guina made May 23 at 2014 3:23 PM

SSgt Gregory Guina — Fri, 23 May 2014 15:23:47 -0400

The bottom line of any business is to make money. If they can get you in the door they are going to make money on you buying refreshments/souveniers and what not. While I do feel that some are genuine others are just trying to get you in the door.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2014 3:37 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 23 May 2014 15:37:17 -0400

In fairness NASCAR fans tend to be some of the most patriotic people I know. It's one of the few sports that plays the anthem on TV...I can't remember the last time I saw the anthem on TV for basketball, baseball or football.
That all said, I think it's a little bit more than just a money maker (and I'm sure it is). It's a way of saying thank you a few times a year...generally in line with Memorial Day or the 4th of July. Is it all they can do, or do they always go about it the right way...no. But I think they feel inclined or motivated to do something. Does it make them the public good guy, maybe so. I genuinely hope it's because they feel they they have a responsibility to say thank you, not just because they will look poorly if they don't.

Response by PO1 G. Leslie /Stiltner made May 23 at 2014 6:07 PM

PO1 G. Leslie /Stiltner — Fri, 23 May 2014 18:07:45 -0400

I feel its a little of both!! I own a business and we are one of the few store in the Mall that offer a Military Discount, not just for the Military member but their dependents and spouse also As the toughest job in the Military is that of a Military Spouse!! I know I have been in both roles. I think Big Corporations do it more for the bottom line.

Response by Capt Whitney Davis made May 24 at 2014 1:29 AM

Capt Whitney Davis — Sat, 24 May 2014 01:29:57 -0400

If the motive was simply to help, or to say thank you, these businesses wouldn't advertise it nationally as the professional sports leagues do. Mind you, there are many businesses that quietly help active duty and veterans but you can bet that when Budweiser hosts a lieutenant's coming home party it isn't because they're respectful of his service. It's because they can make it into a Super Bowl commercial and use those patriotic, thankful, somewhat guilty feelings that the average public has to sell beer.

That said, take advantage of these offers when they are made. Many of these businesses are certainly taking advantage of you.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made May 24 at 2014 10:52 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 24 May 2014 10:52:37 -0400

I've had the free tickets to a ball game before as well, yeah the seats definitely suck. I appreciate the gesture, but I don't mind forking over the extra cash to sit down on the field. We bring in our own waters and peanuts so we don't have to sell our first born to buy the stadium food.

I also won't wear my uniform to any big corporate freebies. They're not paying me any money, why should I give them free advertisement (I feel the same way about car dealership stickers).

In the long term, I think businesses do want to help out but it's still about the bottom dollar. They're not going to just give away $300 dollar seats. It seems like a lot of the big corporations try to just skate by by donating to WWP, which is a different discussion all upon its own.

Response by SGT Michael Glenn made Jan 12 at 2015 1:50 PM

SGT Michael Glenn — Mon, 12 Jan 2015 13:50:56 -0500

Depends on what it is and the situation I guess.

Response by Sgt Ramon Nacanaynay made Feb 16 at 2015 1:10 PM

Sgt Ramon Nacanaynay — Mon, 16 Feb 2015 13:10:24 -0500

I see it more as a publicity stunt to raise money. People are desperate for money in this economy, still.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2015 1:20 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Feb 2015 13:20:15 -0500

I often wonder but it is a fair exchange of exploitation and free stuff. We do it too.

Response by TSgt David Holman made Feb 16 at 2015 1:21 PM

TSgt David Holman — Mon, 16 Feb 2015 13:21:26 -0500

Any company that isn't in the end thinking about the bottom line isn't going to last long. They may know that by showing support it will build their brand a little, but I think many do it because they do appreciate. What I hate is when a company says "We support our military" and then says "No, we don't offer a discount" (not that I am looking for one, but if you use us as advertising, at least give us 10% off our cheeseburger)

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2015 1:21 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Feb 2015 13:21:49 -0500

Better to be praised than punished for service.