On May 19, 2012 the National Park Service began issuing free “America the Beautiful” passes to active military personnel and their dependents.  This is a great opportunity, as the pass normally costs $80 each year (the military pass also must be obtained annually).  The pass allows the holder and those in the holder’s vehicle to enter National Parks, Monuments, Forests, Recreation Areas, and Historical Sights, as well as areas run by the Bureau of Land Management and Bureau of Reclamation, for free.  (At sights that charge a per-person rate, the pass covers up to the holder and three adults; children 15 and under are free).  You can read more about the pass at http://www.store.usgs.gov/pass/military.html