Westgate Resorts celebrated Veteran’s Day in a big way by offering 1,000 free vacations to U.S. military personnel and their families. On November 8, the first 1,000 people to call who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom and The War on Terror received a complimentary three-day stay at the company’s recently renovated Florida property, Westgate River Ranch Resort.

The cowboy-themed resort is the largest dude ranch east of the Mississippi and is located one hour south of Orlando and one hour west of Tampa. Families chose from four different accommodation types: glamping tents, lodge suite, lodge guest room, and deluxe lodge suites. In the four-year run of this program, Westgate has given 3,500 families the chance to relax and reconnect after deployments that have kept them separated for extended periods of time.

"As a veteran myself, I understand the dedication and sacrifice required of our troops," said David Siegel, Westgate Resorts founder and CEO. "I am incredibly proud of these national heroes, and it is our pleasure to thank them the best way we know how at Westgate Resorts - with an unforgettable vacation experience." After the initial bookings were filled, Westgate River Ranch Resort continued to offer its military room rate of 25 percent savings so that families could spend the quality time together that they deserved.