Sonoma County 2018 Veterans Day Freebies And Offers For Service Members

In 2018, Sonoma County and surrounding areas honored U.S. military veterans and active-duty service members with a variety of free meals, discounts, and special promotions on Veterans Day. These offers were part of a broader effort to express gratitude to those who have served the country, and they reflected a commitment to support military personnel through local businesses and community events. The year’s promotions included free food at select restaurants, discounts at local retailers, and unique opportunities to celebrate service members in a meaningful way.

The focus was on recognizing the contributions of veterans and active-duty personnel through tangible gestures, such as complimentary meals, special deals, and dedicated events. Many of the offers were time-sensitive and location-specific, requiring service members to confirm participation with the businesses involved. Below is a detailed look at the available promotions, including key locations, eligibility requirements, and the nature of the offers.

Restaurant Offers for Veterans and Active-Duty Personnel

A variety of restaurants in Sonoma County and nearby regions participated in the 2018 Veterans Day freebies and discounts. These promotions typically required military identification to verify service status, and some offered extended hours or special menus to accommodate veterans.

Acapulco

Acapulco offered a free 3-item combo to veterans and active-duty military personnel on November 11, 2018. The combo included options such as tacos, enchiladas, taquitos, tamales, and chile relleno. The offer was available from 3 p.m. until closing and was not available during brunch. This promotion provided a flexible and varied menu option for veterans seeking a casual meal.

Applebee’s

Applebee’s continued its annual tradition of offering a free meal to veterans and active-duty military personnel on Veterans Day. In 2018, the promotion included a selection of meals such as the Top Sirloin, Classic Bacon Cheeseburger, Chicken Tenders Platter, Double Crunch Shrimp, Fiesta Lime Chicken, Oriental Chicken Salad, and Three-Cheese Chicken Penne. The promotion was valid from November 11 to 12 and required proof of service, such as a U.S. Uniformed Services ID Card, DD214, or other military documentation.

Bar Louie

Bar Louie locations in Northridge, Tustin, and Downey offered free meals for veterans and active-duty military personnel on November 11, 2018. The promotion was available from open to close, providing flexibility for service members to visit during their preferred hours. This offer allowed veterans to enjoy a meal at one of the chain’s casual dining locations without charge.

Additional Free Meals and Special Deals

Beyond the specific restaurants mentioned, several other national and local chains participated in the 2018 Veterans Day promotions. These included:

• Buffalo Wild Wings: Provided six free boneless wings and fries with a valid ID at participating locations.
• Chili’s: Offered a free meal at participating restaurants to veterans and active-duty military.
• Chipotle: Implemented a buy-one-get-one-free deal from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Circle K: Provided free hot or iced medium coffee.
• Cracker Barrel: Delivered a free Sunrise Pancake Breakfast.
• Denny’s: Served a free Original Grand Slam from 5 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Dunkin’ Donuts: Gave free donuts while supplies lasted at in-store locations.
• Firehouse Subs: Allowed veterans to buy any size sub and get a second one free.
• Golden Corral: Offered a free dinner buffet and beverage from 4 p.m. to close.
• IHOP: Served a free Red, White, and Blueberry Pancake Combo as part of its "Heroes Eat Free" program.
• Insomnia Cookies: Gave a free deluxe cookie with a $5 purchase from November 8 to 11, available only in-store.
• Little Caesars: Provided a free lunch combo (including four slices of pizza and a 20-ounce Pepsi) from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Logan’s Roadhouse: Delivered a free meal from a select menu at 11 a.m.
• Starbucks: Gave free tall-sized coffee all day long.
• Hooters: Allowed veterans to receive a free meal with the purchase of a beverage.
• Krispy Kreme: Offered a free doughnut and coffee all day on Friday.
• Olive Garden: Gave a free meal from its special menu, including never-ending breadsticks.
• Red Lobster: Served Walt’s Favorite Shrimp, fries, and coleslaw from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Wendy’s: Provided free breakfast combos to those with a valid military ID from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

These offers were typically available at participating locations and required proof of military service, such as a military ID or DD214. Some promotions were time-specific, such as breakfast items offered in the morning or lunch combos available during lunch hours.

Retail Discounts and Everyday Offers

In addition to the food-related promotions, local businesses in Sonoma County provided discounts to veterans and active-duty personnel. The American Legion in Petaluma maintained a list of businesses that offered everyday discounts for veterans and military personnel. These discounts ranged from 10% to 15% and were available across a variety of categories, including food, clothing, home goods, hardware, automotive, crafts, and transportation. For example, free travel was available on Sonoma County Transit.

The discounts were not limited to major holidays like Veterans Day or Independence Day but were available year-round. This ensured that service members could continue to benefit from these offers regardless of the time of year.

Businesses Owned by Veterans or First Responders

Some businesses in Sonoma County were either owned by veterans or first responders, or they actively supported these communities. For example, Cecil DeLoach, a former firefighter, acquired Barbieri Ranch in the 1970s and continued to support local fire departments. Similarly, The Setting Wines released a limited edition wine to benefit the Navy SEAL Foundation.

These businesses demonstrated a commitment to supporting veterans and first responders through both their ownership and community initiatives. They often participated in special events or promotions to honor military service.

Community and Support Initiatives

In addition to individual business promotions, Sonoma County hosted broader initiatives to support veterans. These included events such as the Wine Country to the Rescue fundraising gala, which supported local fire departments. The event had a 60-year history and highlighted the region’s commitment to emergency responders.

Other initiatives included the Sonoma County Vintners’ donations to organizations like First Responders Resiliency, which addressed post-traumatic stress in first responders. These efforts demonstrated a long-term commitment to supporting both veterans and first responders in the region.

Veterans Village and Housing Support

A notable development in Sonoma County in 2018 was the dedication of the Veteran’s Village of tiny homes in Santa Rosa. Named after two local veterans—World War II Marine combat pilot John Zane and Iraq combat veteran Michael Wolff—the village provided housing for veterans in need. The project was delayed by weather but was expected to open on time.

This initiative reflected a broader commitment to improving the quality of life for veterans through housing and community support. The village was a collaborative effort involving local businesses and organizations, highlighting the importance of community-based solutions for veterans in need.

Conclusion

Sonoma County and surrounding areas demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting veterans and active-duty military personnel in 2018 through a variety of free meals, discounts, and community initiatives. These promotions provided tangible benefits to service members and their families, while also fostering a sense of appreciation and gratitude for their service. The offers were available at a range of locations, including local restaurants, national chains, and retail businesses, and they reflected the region’s dedication to honoring military service through action.

Whether through a free meal at a local restaurant, a discount at a retail store, or participation in a community event, veterans and active-duty personnel had multiple opportunities to be recognized and supported. These efforts were part of a larger movement to ensure that service members felt valued and appreciated by the communities they helped protect.

Sources

1. Where To Eat Free On Veterans Day 2018
2. Support Veterans and First Responders at These Local Wineries, Breweries and Distilleries
3. Petaluma Veterans Discounts
4. List: Places Offering Veterans Day Freebies and Discounts to Honor Those Who Served
5. These 12 Restaurants Are Offering Discounts on Veterans Day
6. Veterans Day Deals: See What Businesses Are Giving Away Freebies
7. Veteran Tiny Home Village Dedicated in Sonoma County