Veterans Day 2016 Freebies And Discounts Guide For Shreveport-Bossier Area Veterans

The Shreveport-Bossier community has consistently demonstrated its appreciation for military service members through generous Veterans Day offerings. In 2016, local restaurants, businesses, and organizations provided a wide array of free meals, discounts, and services specifically designed to honor veterans, active duty military personnel, and their families on November 11th. This comprehensive guide compiles the verified offers available during that period, providing veterans and their families with practical information to maximize their benefit from these community tributes.

Local Restaurant Free Meal Offers

The dining landscape in Shreveport-Bossier during Veterans Day 2016 featured an impressive collection of complimentary meal offerings. Applebee's restaurants throughout the area invited veterans and active duty military members to enjoy a free meal from a limited menu, with service available from open to close. The company encouraged participants to call ahead to verify participation at their local establishment, as offerings could vary by individual restaurant.

Chili's presented a similar opportunity, offering a free meal from a special Veterans Day menu to veterans and active duty military personnel. This promotion ran throughout the day on November 11th and required valid military identification for participation. The restaurant chain has historically been one of the more generous participants in national Veterans Day programs.

Olive Garden extended its appreciation through a complimentary entrée from a special Veterans Day menu. This offer was available to all veterans and active duty personnel, making it an accessible option for those seeking a more upscale dining experience. The limited menu approach allowed Olive Garden to manage inventory while still providing substantial value to military families.

The Spread Buffet at Horseshoe Bossier City offered an all-day buffet experience with complimentary meals for veterans and active duty military with valid identification. The establishment operated extended hours specifically for the Veterans Day celebration, with lunch service from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and dinner service from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. This timing flexibility allowed veterans to choose their preferred dining window while enjoying the full buffet experience.

Legends Buffet also participated with a free lunch buffet available to veterans and military personnel from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This focused timeframe made it particularly appealing for those planning their day around multiple community events and celebrations.

Chain Restaurant Opportunities

Several national chain restaurants with Shreveport-Bossier locations provided Veterans Day offerings that extended beyond the immediate area. Denny's offered a free Build Your Own Grand Slam breakfast from 5 a.m. to noon, appealing to early risers and those preferring a morning celebration meal. This promotion specifically targeted military personnel, requiring valid identification for participation.

Longhorn Steakhouse provided a free appetizer or dessert to veterans, along with a 10 percent discount for guests who dined with veterans. This dual benefit approach encouraged community dining and supported veterans by making family and friend participation more affordable. The restaurant's policy of extending the discount to diners accompanying veterans demonstrated an understanding that military appreciation often involves family and community members.

Chipotle offered a buy one get one free discount for small burritos, bowls, or salads from 3 p.m. to close on Veterans Day. This offer was extended to all veterans, military personnel, and military spouses with proof of service, providing flexibility in portion selection and meal customization. The late afternoon timing made it ideal for those seeking lighter dining options or post-event meals.

Golden Corral provided a complimentary sit-in dinner on November 14th, which was slightly later than the actual Veterans Day but still within the extended celebration period. This timing adjustment likely allowed the restaurant to manage higher volume and provide better service to participating veterans.

Hooters offered a free meal for all military personnel, contributing to the diverse dining options available throughout the Veterans Day weekend. The casual atmosphere and generous portions made it appealing to younger veterans and military families.

Buffalo Wild Wings provided one free small order of wings and a side of fries, a modest but appreciated offer that aligned with the restaurant's sports-bar atmosphere. This option worked well for those wanting to watch sports programming while enjoying their complimentary meal.

Arby's contributed to the breakfast and lunch options with a free roast beef classic sandwich offer. This choice provided flexibility for different meal preferences and timing, allowing veterans to select their preferred meal period.

Service and Professional Opportunities

Beyond dining, several local businesses offered practical services that veterans could utilize on or around Veterans Day 2016. Mane Cutz at 1352 Airline Drive in Bossier City provided free haircuts on Friday, November 11th, for both veterans and active duty military personnel. This grooming service was particularly valuable for those preparing for formal Veterans Day events or seeking to look their best for family celebrations.

Richardson Auto Glass offered free rock chip repairs for veterans throughout the week of Veterans Day, from November 7th through 11th. The business, which operated Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., encouraged all veterans and active service personnel to stop by at their convenience during this period. This service addressed a common automotive maintenance need while demonstrating long-term appreciation beyond the single-day holiday.

Recreational and Entertainment Options

New Haven Golf Club in Texarkana presented a recreational opportunity with 18 holes available for the price of one at both New Haven and Oak Grove courses. This offer provided significant value to golfing veterans and their families, offering outdoor recreation and leisure time during the holiday weekend. The extended geography of this offer made it accessible to veterans willing to travel slightly outside the immediate Shreveport-Bossier area.

Community Events and Celebrations

The Shreveport-Bossier area hosted several community events that provided additional Veterans Day experiences beyond the commercial offers. The Bossier Council on Aging presented a "Celebration of Veterans" on November 11th from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at 706 Bearkat Drive, across from Bossier High School. This program included a posting of colors by the Bossier High School ROTC Honor Guard, commentary from Colonel John Johnson, and participation from retired Marine officer Ray Urban who led the Pledge of Alliance and opening prayer.

The event featured Marsha and Monty Brown, described as world travelers, performers, and volunteers, who presented a pictorial of their visits to Veterans memorials throughout Europe. This educational component added historical context to the celebration and honored the broader service of American military personnel across different conflicts and time periods. Light refreshments were provided, and the event welcomed all former and current servicemen and women from all branches of service.

First Baptist Church Shreveport honored veterans with a patriotic concert on November 11th at 6 p.m. in the church sanctuary located at 543 Ockley Drive. This cultural offering featured church and school choirs accompanied by a full orchestra, with the Honor Guard from Barksdale Air Force Base presenting the colors. The combination of musical performance and military ceremony created a solemn yet celebratory atmosphere appropriate for honoring military service.

Centenary College contributed to the area's Veterans Day observances with its 5th annual Veterans Day tribute starting at 11 a.m. on November 11th in Anderson Auditorium at the Hurley School of Music. The event featured keynote speaker Brig. Gen. Jonathan Ellis of Air Force Global Strike Command, followed by a luncheon benefiting the Yellow Ribbon Scholarship program, which provides financial aid to veterans and their dependents attending the college. This educational institution's involvement demonstrated the military's ongoing relationship with civilian education and community support.

Huntington High School held its Veterans Day ceremony at 9:45 a.m. on November 11th in the school gym, contributing to the educational community's recognition of military service. These school-based ceremonies often provide opportunities for younger community members to learn about and honor military service while connecting veterans with local educational institutions.

National Chain Offers Applicable to Shreveport-Bossier

Several national restaurant chains that operate in the Shreveport-Bossier area offered Veterans Day 2016 promotions that extended beyond the local market. While not specifically mentioned in local Shreveport-Bossier sources, these offers would have been available at participating locations in the area. Veterans could typically expect similar treatment at local franchises of these national chains, though individual location participation could vary.

These national offers often provided more consistency across different markets and could be verified through company websites or direct contact with local franchise operators. Many national chains used Veterans Day as an opportunity to demonstrate company-wide appreciation for military service, resulting in more reliable offer availability compared to independent local businesses.

Practical Participation Tips

Veterans and military families looking to take advantage of these offers received several practical recommendations from local sources. The most consistently advised approach was to call ahead to individual businesses to verify participation, as local franchise operators sometimes opted out of corporate-offered programs or modified terms based on local circumstances.

Bringing valid military identification remained a requirement for most offers, with many businesses specifically mentioning military ID, veteran status verification, or other forms of proof of service. Active duty personnel typically needed their current military ID, while veterans could use various forms of veteran identification depending on business requirements.

Planning ahead for popular restaurants and services was strongly recommended, as Veterans Day consistently generated increased customer volume at participating establishments. Early arrival or scheduling meals during off-peak hours could help veterans avoid long wait times while ensuring they could access the full range of offerings available that day.

Many sources encouraged veterans to take advantage of multiple offers throughout the day, as the variety of meal times and service categories made it possible to enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner options without duplication. This approach maximized the value of community appreciation while supporting local businesses that demonstrated commitment to military service.

Additional Considerations for Families

For military families with children or those planning group celebrations, several offers were particularly suitable for family dining. The buffet-style options at The Spread and Legends provided variety that could accommodate different dietary preferences and age groups. The extended hours at some establishments allowed families to plan around children's schedules while still participating in the Veterans Day celebration.

Some restaurants, like Longhorn Steakhouse, specifically acknowledged the role of family and friends in veterans' support systems by offering discounts to diners accompanying veterans. This approach recognized that military service appreciation often involved entire family units and social support networks.

Regional Impact and Community Response

The extensive list of participating businesses in the Shreveport-Bossier area reflected the significant military presence in the region, particularly the influence of Barksdale Air Force Base. This military installation has historically contributed to strong community support for veteran-related programs and events, creating an environment where businesses felt compelled to participate in military appreciation initiatives.

The concentration of free offers in the Shreveport-Bossier area demonstrated how local economies benefit from military population concentration, with businesses recognizing the purchasing power and loyalty of military families. This relationship often results in year-round support for military-related causes and events, extending beyond the single-day Veterans Day celebration.

Conclusion

The Veterans Day 2016 freebies and discounts available in the Shreveport-Bossier area represented one of the most comprehensive collections of military appreciation offerings in the region. From complimentary meals at national chains like Applebee's, Chili's, and Olive Garden to local service offerings like free haircuts and automotive repairs, the community demonstrated substantial commitment to honoring military service.

The variety of offerings ensured that veterans of different ages, preferences, and needs could find appropriate appreciation options. The community events added cultural and educational value to the commercial offers, creating a holistic celebration that honored both the individual service members and their families.

The practical advice provided by local sources, including verification requirements and timing recommendations, helped veterans maximize their access to these offerings while minimizing potential frustration or disappointment. This guidance reflected the community's understanding that effective military appreciation required both generous offers and practical accessibility.

The concentration of offerings in the Shreveport-Bossier area illustrated how military population concentration can benefit entire communities through increased business activity and enhanced quality of life for military families. This relationship continues to generate mutual benefits for both military installations and surrounding civilian communities, creating a supportive environment for those who serve and have served their country.

Sources

1. Free Meals for Shreveport-Bossier Veterans on Veterans Day November 11
2. How to Score the Best Free Deals for Veterans Day in Shreveport-Bossier
3. Where to find Veterans Day events, special offers
4. Arklatex businesses offer Veterans Day deals, freebies
5. Veterans Day Deals Shreveport
6. Veterans Day Freebies 2016