DETROIT -

Chevrolet announced Tuesday it will celebrate National Military Appreciation Month by expanding the GM Military Discount to military spouses and retirees.

During the month of May, the GM Military Discount program will be extended to spouses of active and reserve members, as well as retirees of the U.S. Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines, National Guard and Coast Guard.

The discount is available on most Chevrolet, Buick and GMC models, with discounts typically ranging between $500 and $4,000 off the suggested retail price.

In addition, they mentioned the GM Military Discount offers a $750 discount on select Chevrolet, Buick and GMC vehicles to eligible members of USAA, a financial services provider for the military community.

In 2010 alone, the automaker highlighted the GM Military Discount program provided more than 70,000 discounts to military personnel and their families with a cumulative value of more than $60 million.

For every person who purchases, leases or orders a new Chevrolet using the GM Military Discount in May, Chevrolet plans to provide an exclusive set of “honor” vehicle badges as well as contribute $100 to Cell Phones for Soldiers, a non-profit group that provides free communication tools to troops serving overseas.

Since May 2010, officials calculated Chevrolet and its dealers have collected more than 50,000 cell phones. Since the program began, proceeds from phone collections have provided more than 114 million minutes — or more than 200 years — of free calls home for U.S. troops. 

At the customer’s request, Chevrolet said its franchise dealers will install the badges on new models at no additional charge. The badge features a yellow ribbon and “honor” script, meant to be a subtle recognition of their service.

The automaker went on to note its Military Appreciation Month program will conclude with 99 “Honor & Valor” Limited Edition 2012 Chevrolet Camaro SS vehicles, which will debut during the Indianapolis 500 military personnel parade on May 28.

The limited-edition Camaro will be available to order through www.gmmilitarydiscount.com beginning in May.

Dan Akerson, General Motors chairman and chief executive officer, described the entire endeavor by stating, “We are committed to offering military professionals and their family members the best value in the industry.

“As a former Navy man, I hold the highest regard for the men and women of our Armed Forces — past and present — who help keep our country safe and preserve our precious liberties,” Akerson concluded.