Veterans Day 2016 Freebies And Offers A Comprehensive Guide To Discounts And Complimentary Services
Introduction
Veterans Day 2016 brought an exceptional array of freebies, discounts, and complimentary services for military veterans, active duty personnel, and their families across the United States. This comprehensive guide presents the available offers, eligibility requirements, and redemption details for the wide variety of dining, retail, and service options that honored the nation's service members on November 11, 2016, and surrounding dates.
The offerings spanned numerous restaurant chains, retail establishments, and service providers, with many businesses extending gratitude through free meals, retail discounts, complimentary services, and special promotions. These deals were designed to thank veterans and active military members for their service and sacrifice, providing tangible expressions of national appreciation during the Veterans Day observance and throughout the holiday weekend.
Restaurant Freebies and Complimentary Meals
Casual Dining Establishments
Applebee's offered complimentary meals to veterans and active duty military personnel on November 11, 2016, at participating locations. The offer was valid for dine-in only, with entrée selection varying by location. Proof of military service was required, and customers could find participating locations through the restaurant's official website. This partnership represented Apple's ongoing commitment to supporting military families through tangible benefits.
Spaghetti Warehouse provided an attractive buy-one-get-one-free offer from November 11-13, 2016. The deal covered their famous 15-layer Lasagna, Spaghetti & Meatballs, and any original recipe Spaghetti entrée. Customers could either print the coupon from the company's website or have it emailed directly, providing flexibility in accessing this limited-time offer.
Outback Steakhouse honored military personnel with a complimentary Bloomin' Onion and Coca Cola specifically on November 11, 2016. This signature appetizer and beverage combination provided a distinctive dining experience while acknowledging the service of veterans and active duty members.
Family and Buffet Restaurants
Golden Corral's Military Appreciation Night represented one of the most substantial free meal offerings of Veterans Day 2016. On Monday, November 14, veterans, military retirees, active duty personnel, National Guard, and reserves enjoyed a free dinner from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The event was open to all military members, creating a significant community gathering opportunity during the Veterans Day weekend.
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store offered veterans a complimentary piece of Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake on November 11, 2016. This dessert special was available at all Cracker Barrel locations nationwide, providing a sweet conclusion to Veterans Day meals while supporting the restaurant's long-standing tradition of honoring military service members.
Bakers Square provided complimentary breakfast options from a select menu specifically on November 11, 2016. This morning-focused offering gave veterans and their families an opportunity to start their Veterans Day with a free meal at participating locations.
National Chain Restaurants
Texas Roadhouse offered all veterans a free lunch on November 11, 2016, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The offer was limited to active duty, retired, or former U.S. military personnel, providing a substantial midday meal option during a busy national holiday.
TGIFridays provided a free lunch to veterans and active duty military on November 11, 2016, also during the 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. window. This timing allowed military families to plan their Veterans Day activities around complimentary meal opportunities at participating locations.
Bob Evans offered free meals from a special Veterans Day menu exclusively on November 11, 2016. The specialized menu ensured that participating locations could efficiently serve the expected increased customer volume while still providing a meaningful free dining experience.
54th Street Grill celebrated Veterans Day with a complimentary entrée for veterans on November 11, 2016. This regional chain participated in the national movement to honor military service through tangible dining benefits.
Regional and Local Establishments
Bar Louie provided free appetizers or entrées to veterans and active military personnel on November 11, 2016. This flexible option allowed diners to choose their preferred meal type, whether they desired a light starter or a more substantial main course.
B.J.'s Restaurant offered a complimentary entrée under $12.95 to active duty military and veterans on November 11, 2016. This price cap ensured that the restaurant could provide quality meals while managing the costs associated with widespread free offerings.
Tap House Grill offered a complimentary meal specifically on November 11, 2016. This single-day offering provided veterans and active military members with a no-cost dining option as part of the broader community appreciation efforts.
Fast Food and Quick Service Options
White Castle provided free combo meals to veterans and all military members on November 11, 2016. This fast-food option allowed busy families to grab a quick, complimentary meal while participating in Veterans Day activities.
Wienerschnitzel offered a free chili dog, small fries, and 20 oz. drink to veterans and active duty military on November 11, 2016. This complete meal deal provided substantial value while acknowledging military service through food.
Twin Peaks provided a free menu item from their Annual Veterans Day Appreciation Menu on November 11, 2016, to active duty personnel and veterans. The specialized menu ensured that the restaurant could offer appropriate options that honored the day while managing their service capacity.
Ben's Soft Pretzels offered free jumbo soft pretzels to veterans at participating locations on November 11, 2016. This simple, enjoyable treat provided an accessible free option for veterans throughout the day.
World of Beer provided free select draft beer to all veterans or current service members on November 11, 2016. This beverage-focused offering allowed military personnel to enjoy a complimentary drink in a social setting while celebrating Veterans Day.
Yard House offered complimentary appetizers to veterans and active duty military on November 11, 2016. This starter-focused offering provided a light meal option while allowing families to enjoy time together during the holiday.
Breakfast and Coffee Options
Village Inn provided an "Inn-Credible V.I.B. Breakfast" to veterans and active military personnel on November 11, 2016. This breakfast special honored military service while providing substantial morning meal options.
Krispy Kreme celebrated Veterans Day on November 11, 2016, by offering free doughnuts of any variety and small coffee to all veterans at company and participating franchise locations. No purchase was necessary, and the offer extended to anyone identifying themselves as a veteran or active duty military personnel. This accessible offering represented one of the simplest ways to enjoy Veterans Day benefits.
Specialized Military Venues
Travel Centers of America provided free meals with beverages to military veterans who hold commercial driver's licenses (CDL) on November 11, 2016. This targeted offering acknowledged the significant overlap between military experience and commercial driving careers.
Sticky Fingers offered free pulled pork sandwiches with baked beans and coleslaw to veterans and active military all day on November 11, 2016. This substantial meal option provided significant value while celebrating military service.
Food Retail and Service Options
Sheetz gas stations offered a free 6-inch turkey sub, regular fountain drink, and car wash to military personnel with valid identification on Veterans Day 2016. This combination deal provided both food and vehicle services, creating comprehensive value for military families.
Bonefish Grill offered free Bang Bang Shrimp with valid military ID on November 11, 2016. While the source noted that all stores are franchise-owned and recommended asking before ordering, this seafood option provided a distinctive flavor profile among Veterans Day offerings.
Family Entertainment Options
Chuck E. Cheese offered two significant military deals for Veterans Day 2016. The Alpha package provided a large one-topping pizza, four drinks, and 45 tokens for $26.99 (representing a $40 value), while the Bravo package offered two large one-topping pizzas, four drinks, and 100 tokens for $44.99 (a $65 value). These deals required presentation of a Common Access Card or Uniformed Services ID Card, making them accessible to active military families while providing substantial entertainment value.
Service Industry Offers
Automotive Services
Participating locations offered free basic oil changes to all veterans on November 11, 2016. This automotive service provided practical value while acknowledging military service through essential vehicle maintenance.
Personal Care Services
Great Clips offered free haircut cards to customers who visited for services on November 11, 2016. These cards could be given to preferred veterans or redeemed by veterans themselves. The haircuts could be redeemed until December 31, 2016, providing extended access to this personal care service.
Retail Discounts
Rack Room Shoes provided a 10 percent discount on entire purchases to military personnel and their dependents on November 11, 2016. This retail discount allowed military families to save on footwear and accessories while shopping for Veterans Day.
Regional Variations and Local Participation
The availability and specific terms of Veterans Day freebies varied by location, with franchise-owned establishments sometimes operating independently of corporate initiatives. The source specifically noted that Bonefish Grill locations are franchise-owned, recommending that customers ask before ordering to confirm participation. This variation highlighted the importance of checking with local establishments to verify current offers and participation status.
Call-ahead verification was recommended across all restaurant and service categories, as participation could vary even within national chains. This proactive approach helped ensure that veterans and active military personnel could successfully access their desired freebies without disappointment.
Eligibility Requirements and Documentation
Most Veterans Day freebies required proof of military service, typically through presentation of a military ID, Common Access Card, or Uniformed Services ID Card. Some establishments accepted alternative verification methods, such as veterans' license plates or other forms of identification. The documentation requirements varied by location and business, with some establishments requiring strict ID verification while others accepted self-identification.
The requirements extended beyond active duty personnel in most cases, with many businesses including veterans, military retirees, National Guard members, and reservists in their appreciation programs. Family participation policies varied by establishment, with some businesses extending benefits to military dependents while others limited offers to service members themselves.
Timing and Availability Considerations
The majority of freebies were available specifically on November 11, 2016, though some establishments extended their offers to adjacent dates. Spaghetti Warehouse's buy-one-get-one-free offer ran from November 11-13, while Golden Corral's Military Appreciation Night occurred on November 14. Great Clips haircut cards could be redeemed until December 31, providing extended access to their service.
The timing of offers varied throughout the day, with many restaurants concentrating their free meal options during traditional meal periods. Texas Roadhouse and TGIFridays limited their offers to 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., while other establishments provided all-day access to their complimentary services.
Planning Considerations for Veterans Day 2016
Veterans Day 2016 fell on a Friday, creating a three-day weekend that allowed for extended celebration opportunities. This timing enabled veterans and military families to take advantage of multiple freebie offers throughout the weekend, from Friday's restaurant offerings through Monday's Golden Corral event.
The concentration of offers on November 11 required advance planning for families hoping to maximize their savings and dining opportunities. Many military families coordinated their Veterans Day activities around the available freebies, creating memorable experiences while taking advantage of the community's gratitude through tangible benefits.
The local event in Brownsburg, Indiana, represented a community-level example of Veterans Day appreciation that complemented the national freebie offerings. The Field of Honor display, featuring over 200 American flags honoring veterans while raising funds for the Indiana National Guard Relief Fund, demonstrated how local communities could extend their gratitude beyond commercial freebies to meaningful commemorative activities.
Redemption and Contact Information
Many national chains provided online resources for locating participating locations and accessing coupons. Applebee's directed customers to their website to find local participating restaurants, while Spaghetti Warehouse offered both printable and email coupon options. These digital resources helped streamline the redemption process while reducing the likelihood of confusion at the point of service.
Phone verification was recommended across all categories of offers, particularly for franchise-owned establishments where corporate policies might not automatically apply. This verification step helped ensure that veterans and active military personnel could successfully access their intended freebies without encountering unexpected barriers.
Conclusion
The extensive network of Veterans Day 2016 freebies represented a comprehensive expression of national gratitude through tangible benefits. From complimentary meals at major restaurant chains to specialized services like free haircuts and oil changes, the offerings provided substantial value while honoring military service. The variety of options ensured that veterans and active military personnel across the country could find appropriate freebies that matched their preferences and circumstances.
The success of these programs depended on proper planning, appropriate documentation, and awareness of timing limitations. Veterans Day 2016 demonstrated the private sector's significant role in supporting military families through concrete expressions of appreciation that extended far beyond symbolic gestures. The combination of national chains, regional establishments, and local service providers created a comprehensive network of gratitude that reached communities across America during the Veterans Day observance.
The documentation requirements and timing limitations inherent in these programs emphasized the importance of advance planning and proper verification. Military families who took the time to research available options, confirm local participation, and carry appropriate identification were able to maximize their Veterans Day benefits while participating in the broader celebration of military service and sacrifice.
Sources
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