Military life can be challenging. There are often sacrifices made by the spouses and children as well as the enlisted. It's a lifestyle that most people can't really understand unless they know someone living it.
Most service members feel they're just like everyone else; they're only doing their jobs. But their jobs are unlike the average persons' for so many reasons. The military has high rates of depression, PTSD, divorce and we're starting to see the longterm impact repeated deployments can have on their physical health.
There are so many organizations that support active duty, retired, spouses and children. As we approach the holidays, charitable giving becomes top of mind for many people. Please consider putting your resources, be it time or money, toward groups, non-profits and businesses that support our military.
"On the battlefield, the military pledges to leave no soldier behind. As a nation, let it be our pledge that when they return home, we leave no veteran behind." ~ Dan Lipinski
Free or Discounted Food Offers:
Denny's - Free Build Your Own Grand Slam 5am - Noon
Applebee's - Choose one meal from seven available entrees on a select menu
California Pizza Kitchen - Choose either an entree, pizza or salad from select menu
ClaimJumper - Free entree from select menu on Monday, November 9th only
Olive Garden - Free entree from select menu
On the Border - Free Choose 2 or Choose 3 Create Your Own Combo (up to $10.79)
Red Lobster - Free appetizer or dessert from select menu
IHOP - Free Red, White and Blue pancakes
Menchie's - Free 6 ounce frozen yogurt (seen on the Menchies Facebook page)
White Castle - Free Breakfast Slider and coffee
Little Caesars - Free Hot N Ready lunch combo
UNO Chicago Grill - Free B1G1 entree of personal pizza (through November 12th)
Wienerschnitzel - Free Chili Dog and Pepsi
Hooters - Free entree
Other offers:
Great Clips - Free haircut
Knott's Berry Farm - Military Tribute Days; one free admission and up to 6 discounted tickets from 11/1 - 12/20/2015
National Parks Service - Free entrance to parks
Sports Clips - Free haircut
Meineke - Free basic oil change
Offers.com is a great site to check year-round for military specific deals and offers.
Vettix - This company often has free tickets to concerts, sporting events, zoos, museums and a lot more. You have to be in the military to register and some of the high profile items (Disneyland tickets) are done via a lottery. We've scored some great tickets to Anaheim Ducks hockey games.
When I put together this list of free and discounted offers for Veterans Day, I try to choose restaurants and businesses that have locations nationwide. For each business, I've linked to the most direct source of information I could find (usually the press release). If you see any errors here please let me know.
**Always check with each location to ensure they are participating and to get any conditions of the offer (specific hours, need to be in uniform, need to show ID, dine-in only, beverage not included, gratuity not included, etc). For more offers (especially for restaurants not in California), visit these sites: Military.com, MilitaryBenefits.info, The Military Wallet and the Veterans Day offers page at Freebies.About.com. Referral link used for Vettix.
Photo credit: U.S. Embassy Montevideo in Uruguay on Flickr