Veterans Day Free Meals And Discounts Available To Macomb County Military Personnel

Veterans Day provides an opportunity for businesses and organizations throughout Macomb County to show appreciation for military service members by offering special discounts, free meals, and other benefits. These offers recognize the sacrifices made by veterans and active duty personnel and provide opportunities for the community to express gratitude. This guide outlines the various free meals, discounts, and services available to veterans and active military personnel in Macomb County and surrounding areas during Veterans Day 2012.

Free Meals at Restaurants

Numerous restaurants in and around Macomb County are offering complimentary meals to veterans and active military personnel in recognition of their service. These offers typically require proof of military service, such as a military ID, VA card, discharge papers, or DD-214 form. Some establishments may have specific timeframes or menu restrictions for their free meal offerings.

Restaurant Chain Offers

Several national restaurant chains with locations in Macomb County are participating in Veterans Day free meal programs:

• Golden Corral is offering free meals on Monday, November 12, 2012, from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at all locations. This offer is available to anyone who has ever served in the U.S. military or is currently on active duty. Notably, Golden Corral does not require identification to receive the free meal. In 2011, the restaurant chain served more than 375,000 veterans with their Veterans Day free meal program.

• California Pizza Kitchen is inviting all veterans and active military personnel to enjoy complimentary meals on Sunday, November 11, and Monday, November 12, 2012.

• Applebee's is offering free meals to veterans and active duty military personnel. However, participation may vary by location, so it is recommended to call ahead to confirm local participation.

• T.G.I. Friday's will provide free lunch for all veterans and active military personnel on Monday, November 12, 2012.

• Krispy Kreme is offering veterans a free breakfast that includes a doughnut and a small coffee.

• McCormick & Schmick's is providing a free lunch or dinner entree from a limited menu at participating locations on Sunday, November 11, 2012. Reservations are recommended, and acceptable forms of identification include VA card, VFW card, American Legion card, discharge papers, DD214, or other veteran's ID.

• Hooters is offering 10 free boneless wings to veterans and active military personnel on Sunday, November 11, 2012. A drink purchase is required, and military ID or proof of military service must be presented. This offer is for dine-in customers only.

• Little Caesar's is providing a free order of Crazy Bread at participating locations. It is recommended to call ahead to verify local participation, and a valid military ID must be presented.

• Hy-Vee grocery stores with in-store dining are offering free breakfast on Monday, November 12, 2012, with a variety of breakfast foods available on a buffet.

Local Restaurant Offers

Several local restaurants in the Macomb County area are also honoring veterans with special offers:

• Bubba's 33, with locations in Sterling Heights and Taylor, is offering all veterans (including active, retired, or former U.S. military) a free meal from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on November 11, 2012. Veterans can choose from six entrees: a classic Cheeseburger, Bubba's bacon burger, bacon chicken mac-n-cheese, grilled chicken salad, chicken tender salad, or any 12-inch pizza, plus a choice of any Coca-Cola product, sweet tea/ice tea, or coffee. Proof of service including military or VA card, or discharge papers is required.

• Saroki's Crispy Chicken and Pizza is offering veterans and active military personnel a choice of free three-piece chicken tenders or slice of pizza. Military ID proof of service must be presented for this offer.

• The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill is providing veterans 25 percent off all Gyros and Gyro Combo Meals during November.

• Srodek's Campau Quality Sausage Company in Hamtramck is offering a free dozen pizza pierogi to veterans and active military personnel on Monday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The company is located at 9601 Joseph Campau. Military ID, Veterans Affairs card, or discharge papers must be presented to receive the free pierogi.

Other Food Freebies and Discounts

In addition to full meal offerings, several establishments are providing specific food items or discounts to veterans:

• Sheetz is offering veterans and active duty military a free half turkey sub and regular size fountain drink at any Sheetz location. Extras and add-ons to the sub are included in the offer. Sheetz is also providing their $9 car wash option to veterans and active duty military for free at locations with car wash service. Military ID or proof of service must be presented to qualify.

Veterans Support Services and Food Pantry

Beyond restaurant offers and discounts, Macomb County provides essential support services for veterans and their families:

Macomb County Veterans Food Pantry

The Macomb County Veterans Food Pantry offers emergency food assistance to veterans and their families. Food insecure veterans can present a DD-214 discharge paper and state-issued photo identification to receive over 200 pounds of nonperishable staple food items, fresh fruit and vegetables, frozen meat, baked goods, dairy products, beverages, and snacks.

From January to September 2012, 381 families (999 individuals) received 85,725 pounds of food worth approximately $165,449. The pantry operates on donations of time, food, resources, and finances and does not receive any state or federal funding.

Food Drive for Veterans

Macomb Township is conducting a second annual veterans food drive to support the pantry. Food is being collected until November 11 at various locations, including: - Macomb Township offices and recreation center - Fire stations one and three - Clinton Macomb Public Library North Branch - Meijer store at 15375 24 Mile Road - Ray Weigand's Nursery at 47747 Romeo Plank Road - Koz Heating and Cooling, 7501 Triangle Drive, Sterling Heights

Vietnam Veterans of America Services

The Vietnam Veterans of America in Clinton Township, MI, provides comprehensive support to ALL veterans through various programs and services:

• Veterans Service Officers who assist with filing and managing claims with the Veterans Administration
• Honor Guard that helps families with dignified and appropriate veteran funerals/burials
• POW/MIA Initiative focused on bringing missing service members home
• Speaker's Bureau that shares knowledge about the Vietnam War
• Veteran's Treatment Court providing mentors to veterans involved in the court system
• Hospital Committee ensuring veterans in VA Hospitals are not forgotten
• Michigan Vietnam Veteran Traveling Memorial honoring Michigan's 2,654 killed in action
• Point man Ministries offering peer group reinforcement of spiritual aspects of life
• Al-Anon providing positive support for those struggling with substance abuse issues
• Scholarship Program for graduating high-school seniors of members

In addition to these formal services, community members are encouraged to take veterans out for free meals, free haircuts, discounted items, or free oil changes as a way to show appreciation for their service.

Conclusion

Veterans Day provides numerous opportunities for veterans and active military personnel in Macomb County to receive free meals, discounts, and other benefits as a token of appreciation for their service. From restaurant chains to local establishments, many businesses are participating in special offers. Additionally, the community provides essential support services through the veterans food pantry and various assistance programs.

Veterans and active duty personnel should be prepared to provide proof of service, which may include military ID, VA card, discharge papers, or DD-214 form, depending on the specific offer. It is also recommended to call ahead to verify participation and any specific requirements or timeframes.

While these offers are available specifically around Veterans Day, many businesses and organizations provide ongoing support to veterans throughout the year. The Macomb County Veterans Food Pantry and the Vietnam Veterans of America in Clinton Township continue to serve veterans' needs year-round through various programs and services.

Sources

1. Your Veterans Day Guide to Free Meals and Discounts for Military Personnel in Macomb Co.
2. Service Circuit: Holidays offers lots of opportunities to help out
3. Veterans Day events, discounts and giveaways
4. Giving Back to Veterans During the Holiday Season
5. Veterans and active military: Veterans Day freebies and discounts offered around Macomb
6. Free pierogi to honor veterans and active military