Welby O’Brien
Oregon writer of Love our Vets
Love our vets blog

We can never express enough gratitude to our honored veterans for their service and sacrifice.  For many the sacrifice will continue for the rest of their lives. We also want to acknowledge and thank the families and all loved ones of veterans for their support and sacrifices, which all too often go unnoticed.

In my recently released book, Love Our Vets: Restoring Hope for Families of Veterans with PTSD, I include a section about how we can best survive patriotic holidays such as Veterans’ Day.  For some it is a very positive time; for others however, it can be a dark, stressful time, both for our vets and their families. But there are some things we as loved ones can do to make it as positive as possible.  We do love and appreciate our vets!!

Here are some discounts I came across on the internet…be sure to check them out before you order your prime rib or lobster.  God bless you all!!!

**LIST OF FREE MEALS ON VETERANS DAY

 

OLIVE GARDEN

Veterans Eat Free. Olive Garden Restaurants offer a free meal (with proof of service) from a list of several entrees on a special menu. This special is scheduled for Monday, November 12, 2012. Additionally, some Olive Garden restaurants will also give out a $10 gift card to veterans for a future visit.

 

APPLEBEE’S

Military Veterans and Active-Duty Service Members will be able to eat FREE at any Applebee’s across the U.S. on Veterans Day, Sunday, November 11, 2012. There will be six entrées available from the menu. Guests will be asked to show one ore more of the following as proof of Service: a U.S. Uniform Services Identification Card, a U.S. Uniform Services Retired Identification Card, Current Leave and Earnings Statement, Veterans Organization Card, a photograph in uniform, or wearing a uniform in person. For more information about Veterans Day at Applebee’s, visit the Applebee’s website http://www.applebees.com/vetDay/default.aspx

 

GOLDEN CORRAL

Golden Corral’s 9th annual Military Appreciation Monday dinner will be held on Monday, November 12, 2012, from 4 to 9 pm in all Golden Corral restaurants nationwide. The FREE dinner meal is a special “thank you tribute” to any person who has ever served in the United States Military. If you are a veteran, retired, currently serving, in the National Guard or Reserves, you are invited to join us for Golden Corral’s Military Appreciation Monday dinner. To date, Golden Corral restaurants have provided over 2.2 million free meals and contributed over $3.3 million to the Disabled American Veterans organization.

 

CHILI’S

FREE meal, Veterans Day, Sunday, Nov 11, 2012. Chili’s is offering all Military Veterans past and present their choice of one of 6 meals. This offer is available during business hours at participating Chili’s in the U.S. only. Dine-in from limited menu only; beverages and gratuity not included. All Desserts priced $5.oo for Veterans and active duty military. Simply show proof of military service. See flier for more information.

 

T.G.I. FRIDAYS

In recognition of Service, ALL Veterans and Active Duty personnel are invited to EAT FREE this Veterans Day, Monday, November 12, 2012. To get the free meal, service men and women will have to show proof of service. Proof of service includes: U.S. Uniform Services Identification Card, a U.S. Uniform Services Retired Identification Card, Current Leave and Earnings Statement, Veterans Organization Card, a photograph in uniform, or wearing a uniform in person.

Valid only at: 3555 S. 2700 W., West Valley City.

130 W. 10600 S., Sandy.

4029 S. Riverdale Rd., Riverdale

**Don’t forget T.G.I. Friday’s offer a 10% Discount for all Service men and women with proof of service all day every day.

  

TEXAS ROADHOUSE

FREE meal, Veterans Day, Monday, Nov 12, 2012. Offer varies by location; our local Texas Roadhouse is offering a free meal from opening until 4pm. Other locations may vary in offer, hours, or availability. Call ahead to your local restaurant for more information. Visit the web site for locations and participation. http://www.texasroadhouse.com

 

SUBWAY

Free Six Inch Sub. Many Subway locations offer a free six inch sub to military veterans on Veteran’s Day, November 11, 2010. However, Subway restaurants are franchises, so this offer may only be available in select locations. Please contact your local Subway for more information regarding Veteran’s day specials.

 

KRISPY KREME DOUGHNUT

Free doughnut. Available only at participating Krispy Kreme stores. Offer available to all active-duty, retirees & veterans on Veterans Day, Sunday November 11, 2012. Be sure to call ahead to verify your local Krispy Kreme is participating.

 

Denny’s Restaurants

All-you-can-eat Pancakes. Participating Denny’s restaurants will be offering an all-you-can-eat pancakes meal on Monday, Nov 12, 2012. Remember to call ahead and verify that your local Denny’s is participating.

 

**OTHER DISCOUNTS ON VETERANS DAY

 

SKYRIDGE INN Bed & Breakfast

Free night stay. The Sky Ridge Inn B&B in Torrey, Utah is offering a free night stay to a veteran and a single guest. This offer is limited by availability of rooms. Reserving ahead of time is recommended. For reservations call (435) 425-3222.

 

CABELA’S OUTDOOR STORE

Veteran’s Day weekend, Cabela’s outdoor store is offering their employee discount to all veterans, active duty military and reserves, law enforcement, fire and EMS personnel on Nov. 11 and 12. Dubbed a “Hometown Heroes” event, eligible shoppers will need to check in at a table at the store to receive a coupon for the discount. The discount varies from 5% to 50%, depending on item. Some items may be excluded.

 

HOME DEPOT and LOWES MILITARY DISCOUNT

The 10% military discount is available to: Active-duty military members, National Guard and Reserve members, retirees, honorably discharged veterans and immediate family members of all those groups are eligible. Customers requesting a discount must be able to show a valid military ID card or other proof of military service (a DD Form 214 or VFW membership may qualify).

 

SPORTSCLIPS

FREE haircut to active-duty military & veterans. Offer only available at select locations on Veterans Day, Monday, November 12, 2012. Additionally, offers 20% discount on all services and products to Military and Veterans everyday. Sports Clips is currently participating in the Help-A-Hero program which provides free call time to deployed or hospitalized military

personnel. Please call to verify local participation.

 

SLEEP NUMBER STORES

This year Sleep number is offering a couple of discounts. Among these are $600.00 off on all I8 or M7 beds, 30% off all bedding items, and 0% interest on 24 months financing. This is only available to military and veterans. This special is going on now through Nov. 18. Contact your local store for more details.

 

SONIC CAR WASH

FREE car wash to Veterans on Veterans Day, Monday, November 11, 2012.

 The following companies offer discounts, but you may find that NOT all locations participate:  Restaurants: Arby’sA&WBurger KingCarl’s Jr.

Chevy’s Fresh Mex

Chick-Fil-A

Chipotle

Denny’s

Dunkin’ Donuts

IHOP

KFC

Long John Silver’s

McDonald’s

Panda Express

Pizza Hut

Quizno’s

Red Robin

Sonic

Taco Bell

Wendy’s

 

Travel:

AmTrak

Best Western

Choice Hotels

Continental Airlines

Cruise lines (most)

Hyatt Hotels

Marriott Hotels

Wyndham Hotels and Resorts

 

Car Care:

AutoZone

Checker Auto Parts

General Motors

Jiffy Lube

Kragen Auto Parts

Meineke

NAPA Auto Parts

Super Sonic Car Wash

 

Cell Phone Service Discounts:

Alltel

Cingular

Sprint/NexTel

T-Mobile

Verizon

 

Clothing and Shoes:

Aeropostale

The Children’s Place

Dress Barn

Fanzz (10%)

The Finish Line

Foot Action (15%)

Foot Locker (20%)

Hot Topic

Jos. A. Bank

Jockey

Kohl’s

Lerner

New York & Company

Pac Sun

Reebok

Timberland Outlets (active duty only)

Wilson’s Leather

 

Thank you again to all of our heroes,

both active duty and veterans.

We are here and free because of you!