Veterans and Active Military Honored With Free Meals, Haircuts

This Veterans Day, which falls on Wednesday, November 11, businesses and national chains across the country are saying thank you to veterans and active military members by offering freebies and discounts. Some of the deals are extended to family members.

Many of the deals require proof of service, including a Military ID Card (active/reserve/retired), VA ID card, current leave and earnings statement (LES), drivers license with veterans designation, photograph in uniform, wearing your uniform (if your service permits), Veterans Organization Card (e.g., American Legion and VFW), DD214, discharge paperwork, or other form of identification.

Please note that there is a New Federal Veterans ID Card coming soon. Other restaurants and companies may go by the honor system.

Here is a list of freebies for veterans and active military members. Unless noted, all discounts and freebies occur on November 11:

• Denny’s -- Active, inactive and retired military personnel can stop by participating Denny’s to build a “grand slam breakfast” from 5 a.m. to noon on Nov. 11.
• Starbucks -- Free traditional free tall-brewed coffee for active duty service members, veterans and military spouses. Starbucks will also donate $5 to the USO Transition 360 Alliance with every purchase in select stores.
• IHOP -- IHOP restaurants across the country will give free red, white and blue pancakes to veterans and active personnel from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Nov. 11.
• Hooters -- Hooters will offer a free “thank you” meal to all active duty and retired military. The deal is available until close on Nov. 11.
• Olive Garden -- Veterans and active duty military can enjoy one of five entree choices at Olive Garden. Family members dining with the service members will receive a 10 percent discount.
• Applebee’s -- Veterans and active duty military can pick a dish from Applebee’s “Thank You Meal Menu,” which include options like a 7 oz. house sirloin and cheeseburger.
• Bob Evans -- Veterans can take their pick of five breakfast items at participating Bob Evans restaurants on Veterans Day.
• Outback Steakhouse -- Free bloomin’ onion and a beverage for active and retired military members with a valid military I.D. at participating restaurants on Nov. 11. Outback is also offering all “Military Mates,” including active or retired military members and their families, 15 percent off their check from Nov. 12 - Dec. 31. Deployed military personnel can get a rain check by registering at Outback.com/Military.
• Golden Corral -- Free “Thank You” meal and drink for veterans and active duty.
• Red Robin -- Free Red’s Tavern double burger and bottomless steak fries for veterans and current service members.
• Little Caesars Pizza -- Free pizza or $5 HOT-N-READY lunch combo to all U.S. Armed Forces veterans and active military members between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Must show proof of military service, at participating stores nationwide. Call ahead to verify participation.
• LongHorn Steakhouse -- Complimentary Texas Tonion and non-alcoholic beverage. Offer good for Veterans and active-duty military members. Proof of service required. Visit their site to find a location near you.
• Red Lobster – Monday, November 9 through Thursday, November 12. Free appetizer or dessert during the week of Veterans Day with military ID or proof of service. Vets may choose from a select list of appetizers and desserts. Find a location near you.
• T.G.I. Friday’s -- Free lunch for all current military members and veterans from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Valid ID or proof of service required. Dine-on only at participating locations. Be sure to contact your local T.G.I Friday’s for details. Locations.

Other freebies:

• Great Clips -- Need a haircut? Great Clips is giving customers a free haircut card to give to a veteran they know on Nov. 11. The card is redeemable through Dec. 31, 2015.

Veterans and active military should call ahead to verify the restaurant or business’s participation.

Source: The Military Wallet