Freebies And Discounts For Veterans A Comprehensive Guide To Available Offers

Veterans and active-duty military personnel are frequently honored with special offers and discounts, particularly on Veterans Day. These promotions span a wide range of services and products, including food, beverages, entertainment, and more. This guide provides a detailed overview of the available freebies and discounts, with a focus on how they are structured, their eligibility criteria, and where they can be accessed.

Veterans Day Offers from Restaurants and Coffee Chains

On Veterans Day, many restaurants and coffee chains offer free items or significant discounts to veterans and active-duty personnel. These promotions are often designed to be accessed in-store, with some requiring verification of service.

Starbucks

Starbucks typically offers free beverages to veterans and active-duty military personnel on Veterans Day. While the specific offer may vary from year to year, veterans can usually choose from a selection of drinks, including hot and iced beverages. These offers are typically in-store only and may require showing a military ID or some form of service verification.

Dunkin’ Donuts

Dunkin’ Donuts provides a free doughnut to veterans and active-duty military members on Veterans Day. This offer is valid for in-store redemption only and does not require a purchase. Veterans can locate a participating store through the Dunkin’ website.

Wendy’s

Wendy’s offers a free Breakfast Combo to veterans and active-duty military personnel during breakfast hours on Veterans Day. This promotion is available at participating locations, and veterans can find a nearby Wendy’s using the chain's official website.

7 Brew Coffee

7 Brew Coffee provides a 25 percent discount on any drink for veterans on Veterans Day. This offer is available at participating locations, and veterans can find a store near them through the chain's website.

Scooter’s Coffee

Scooter’s Coffee offers a free medium drink to veterans and active-duty military personnel on Veterans Day. The promotion includes all items on the menu, including seasonal and limited edition offerings. Veterans can locate a participating store via the company’s website.

Applebee’s

Applebee’s offers a free meal to veterans on Veterans Day. The available meal options include: - The classic bacon cheeseburger - 6-ounce top sirloin - Chicken tenders platter - Double crunch shrimp - Fiesta lime chicken - Oriental chicken salad - Three-cheese chicken penne

In addition to the free meal, veterans also receive a $5 bounce-back card to be used within three weeks. This offer is available for dine-in only at participating locations.

Additional Restaurant Offers

Several other restaurants and food chains offer free meals or discounts on Veterans Day for veterans and active-duty military personnel. These offers often require a visit to a physical location and may include specific menu items or combinations.

Graeter’s Ice Cream

Graeter’s Ice Cream offers a free single dip sugar cone to veterans and active-duty military personnel in the Midwest. This offer is typically available on or near Veterans Day.

Granite City Food & Brewery

Granite City Food & Brewery provides a free lunch from a special menu to veterans and active-duty military personnel in the Midwest. This promotion is usually offered on Veterans Day.

Green Mill

Green Mill offers a free item from a select menu to veterans and active-duty military personnel in Minnesota and Wisconsin. This offer is available on Veterans Day and may require in-store redemption.

The Greene Turtle

The Greene Turtle offers a free meal (up to $15 value) to active and retired military personnel in New England. This offer is available for dine-in only at participating locations.

Grillsmith

Grillsmith provides a free entree for veterans and military personnel in Florida. This offer is available on Veterans Day and requires in-store redemption.

Hacienda Mexican Restaurants

Hacienda Mexican Restaurants offer a free large wet burrito for veterans and active-duty military personnel in Indiana. This promotion is available for dine-in or carryout, and a 10% year-round military discount is also available.

Hickory Tavern

Hickory Tavern offers a free meal (equal or lesser value) for veterans and active military with the purchase of another meal. This offer is available in the Carolinas and requires in-store redemption.

Hof’s Hut

Hof’s Hut provides a free Hofburger or Buttermilk Pancake combo for veterans and active-duty military personnel in California. This offer is available on or near Veterans Day and requires in-store redemption.

Coffee and Beverage Offers

Coffee chains and beverage providers also frequently participate in Veterans Day promotions. These offers often include free drinks or discounts on specific items.

7-Eleven

7-Eleven offers free coffee or a Big Gulp to veterans and active-duty military personnel who sign up or register with the 7Rewards program. In addition to the Veterans Day offer, military members also receive discounts on gas through the program year-round.

151 Coffee

151 Coffee provides a free coffee or drink to veterans and their families in Texas and Kansas. This offer is available on Veterans Day and requires in-store redemption.

Aroma Joe’s

Aroma Joe’s offers a free hot or iced 24-ounce drink to veterans and active-duty military personnel in New England and Florida. This offer is available on Veterans Day and may require in-store redemption.

Free Medium Cup of Brewed Coffee

Some coffee chains offer a free medium cup of brewed coffee to veterans and active-duty military personnel on Veterans Day. This offer may vary by location and may require showing a military ID.

Free Hot Brewed Coffee

Some coffee chains provide a free hot brewed coffee to veterans and active-duty military personnel. Locations are independently owned and operated, so veterans should call ahead to verify any deals.

Free 16-Ounce Coffee

Some coffee chains offer a free 16-ounce coffee at participating outposts, as well as a 25% discount in-store and online. This offer is available on or near Veterans Day and may require in-store redemption.

Additional Freebies and Perks

Beyond food and beverage offers, veterans and active-duty military personnel can also access a range of other freebies and discounts on Veterans Day.

Free Event Tickets

Vet Tix provides free tickets to sports and live events for verified military and veterans. The organization helps veterans find tickets to performances and events they are interested in attending. This is a valuable resource for veterans looking to enjoy entertainment without the cost.

Free Lodging

B&Bs for Vets helps active-duty military and veterans locate free rooms across the country to celebrate annual Veterans Day festivities. This offer is also available to members of the National Guard and U.S. Reserves. It provides an opportunity for veterans to take a much-needed vacation with their loved ones.

Free Legal Assistance

Veterans can access free legal assistance through the JAG (Judge Advocate General) program. This service provides basic legal services and protections to eligible military personnel and their families. Veterans can find military legal assistance near them through the JAG website.

Free Tax Filing

Military OneSource offers free tax filing services through MilTax. This service provides secure tax software and live help during the filing season. It is 100% free for eligible military personnel and their families.

TSA PreCheck Perks

Veterans and active-duty military personnel can use their DoD ID as their KTN when booking TSA PreCheck. This allows for expedited screening at airports and is available for eligible military personnel and their families.

Free Museum Admission

The Blue Star Museums program provides free admission to 2,000+ museums nationwide for active-duty military families each summer. This offer is available during the summer months and requires verification of service.

Complimentary SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Tickets

Waves of Honor provides complimentary tickets to SeaWorld and Busch Gardens for active-duty military personnel. Limited-time offers for veterans appear seasonally, and these tickets can be used for annual visits.

On-Demand Tutoring

Tutor.com, a DoD-funded program, offers on-demand one-to-one tutoring for eligible service members, dependents, and DoD civilians. This service is available for academic support and is a valuable resource for military families.

YMCA Military Outreach Initiative

The YMCA offers military outreach initiatives, including DoD-funded memberships and childcare for eligible families without nearby base facilities. This program supports military families by providing access to fitness and childcare services.

Everyday Discounts

In addition to special Veterans Day offers, many businesses provide everyday discounts for veterans and active-duty military personnel.

Home Improvement Discounts

Veterans and active-duty military personnel can access 10% off at several home improvement stores, including: - Lowe’s: 10% off most full-price items (verify online). - The Home Depot: 10% off (annual cap and exclusions apply).

To access these discounts, veterans should first enroll through SheerID to verify their military status.

Enroll for Discounts

To access everyday discounts, veterans and active-duty military personnel should enroll through SheerID. This service helps verify military status and provides access to a wide range of discounts from various retailers and service providers.

Conclusion

Veterans Day offers a unique opportunity for veterans and active-duty military personnel to access a variety of freebies, discounts, and perks. These promotions span a wide range of services and products, from food and beverages to event tickets and lodging. By taking advantage of these offers, veterans can enjoy the appreciation and gratitude of the communities they have served.

Veterans should verify the availability of these offers by visiting the respective websites or contacting the businesses directly. Many of these promotions are subject to change and may vary by location. It is also important for veterans to carry a military ID or some form of service verification to access these offers.

By staying informed and proactive, veterans can make the most of the available opportunities and enjoy the support and recognition they deserve.

Sources

1. Celebrating Our Veterans: Freebies and Discounts Today
2. Best Veterans Day Freebies
3. Free Stuff for Veterans
4. Rucksack to Riches: Free Stuff for Veterans