Veterans Day is a time to honor all Americans who have served in the U.S. Military; in war or in peace, alive or passed on. These brave men and women have made countless sacrifices for the freedoms we enjoy every day. Most have even put their own lives on the line.  

As paramount as their service is to the safety of our country, veterans are not always cared for when they return home. According to the National Coalition of Homeless Veterans, more than 40,000 veterans are homeless on any given night. Another 1.4 million veterans are considered at-risk of being homeless for reasons including poverty, untreated mental illness, and lack of supports.  

Transitioning back to life after service is not an easy fret for veterans. There are several risk factors challenging veterans when attempting to renter civilian society, including:  

  • Years of military training non-transferable to available employment; 
  • Shortages in affordable housing;  
  • Poor access to health care; 
  • High rates of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (P.T.S.D.) and other mental illnesses; 
  • Strained personal and family relationships from years away; and 
  • Substance abuse. 

New York City and its metropolitan areas are home to millions of U.S. veterans: 58,815 in Queens, 54,178 in Brooklyn, 38,577 in Manhattan, 37,495 in the Bronx, 21,502 on Staten Island.  

For all of the countless sacrifices veterans have made, these national heroes deserve more than a simple thank you. Here are some of the local establishments and organizations reaching out to help veterans and their families next week with freebies and deals.  

Free Meals (all on November 11) 

  • Applebee’s: Veterans and active-duty military receive a free meal from a limited menu at participating Applebee’s on November 11. Dine-in only.  
  • Chili’s Grill & Bar:: All Veterans and active-duty military personnel can get a free meal on Veteran’s Day Monday, November 11, 2019, at all participating Chili’s Grill and Bar restaurants.  
  • Golden Corral: Military Veterans, retirees, and active-duty members are being offered a free sit-in “thank you” dinner on Monday, November 11, 2019, from 5pm -9pm.  
  • Red Robin: Veteran’s and Active Duty Military are being offered a free dine-in Red’s Tavern Double Burger and Bottomless Steak Fries on Veteran’s Day, 11/11/2019.  
  • Grub Burger: Veterans and active military members can get a free meal at a Grub Burger Bar location. 
  • IHOP: All Active duty and Retired Veterans in observance of Veteran’s Day, November 11, are invited to come in to IHOP and enjoy a “free” breakfast.  
  • Texas Road House: Veterans and active military receive a free lunch on November 11, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at all Texas Roadhouse locations.  
  • TGI Fridays:: Military guests with a valid military ID will be treated to a free lunch menu item up to $12 on November 11, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. These guests also will receive a $5 coupon for their next meal on Fridays. 
  • Subway: Military Veterans with a valid ID are being offered a free six-inch sub on November 11 at select locations.  
  •  Manhattan Bagel Company: All active, former and retired military personnel with valid identification are invited to enjoy a free bagel and cream cheese at Manhattan Bagel Company’s participating locations on Veterans Day November 11.  
  • BJs Restaurant Brewhouse: Military and Veteran’s with a valid ID are being offered a free entree up to $14.95 and a free Dr. Pepper beverage on November 11.  
  • Houlihan’s: All military members – both active-duty and Veterans – will receive a free and complimentary meal on Veterans Day. Guests must come with proof of duty by an I.D., photo in uniform, earning receipt or any other form of proof. 
  •  California Pizza Kitchen: Veterans and active U.S. military members with proof of service have an invitation to enjoy a complimentary meal from CPK’s Veterans Day menu at all participating California Pizza Kitchen locations nationwide.  
  • Cici’s Pizza: All active duty or retired military with a valid military ID are being offered a free pizza buffet on November 11.  
  • Famous Dave’s: Military personnel and Veterans are being offered a free meal on November 11th at participating locations only. Proof of military service is required.  
  • Joe’s Crab Shack: Veterans and active-duty military with valid ID will enjoy 20 percent off on November 11.  
  • Little Caesars Pizza: Veterans and active-duty military with valid ID will receive a free $5 hot-n-ready lunch combo. On November 11, from 11am to 2pm. Please call ahead to your local Little Caesars Pizza if you have any questions about your Veteran’s Day Discount. 
  • Logan’s Roadhouse: Veterans and active-duty military with valid proof of service will receive a free American Roadhouse Meal on Veterans Day.  

Meal Discounts  

  • Hometown Buffet (November 11, 2019): Active duty, reserve, or retired military personnel in uniform or with a valid ID receive 15% discount on Military Mondays. 
  • Old Country Buffett (November 11, 2019): Active duty, reserve, or retired military personnel in uniform or with a valid ID receive 15% discount on Military Mondays. 
  • Fogo De Chao (November 8-11, 2019): Veterans and active-duty personnel receive discounts on November 8-11, which includes 50% towards their meal at Fogo De Chao, in addition to up to three of their guests enjoy 10% off.  
  • Outback (November 11, 2019): Veterans with a military ID can get a free Bloomin’ Onion and non-alcoholic beverage on November 11, and 20 percent off their check Nov. 12 to Dec. 31.  

Find more information on free meals and discounts here. 

Shopping Deals  

  • BJs Wholesale (November 11, 2019): Active duty military personnel and Veterans receive discounts on November 11, 2019, at BJs wholesale, which include 30% off standard membership fees. Additional incentives like extra money off coupons are occasionally offered for new members.  
  • The Home Depot (November 11): Veterans are being offered a 10% military discount on in-store purchases on select items. All veterans are eligible for this discount during the Veterans Day weekend.  
  • Walgreens (November 8-11): 20% off for military, Veterans and their families. Walgreens also provides free flu shots for VA-enrolled Veterans.  
  • Rack Room Shoes (November 11): United States Military and families with a valid ID receive 10% off your entire purchase on November 11. In-store only.  
  • Dollar General (November 11): Veterans and families receive an 11 % discount on qualifying items in-store and online. See the website for details. 
  • Living Spaces (November 4-24): For every purchase of a select Revive product, Living Spaces will donate a mattress to a Veteran. Qualifying Revive products range from select mattresses to adjustable bases 

Travel Deals  

  • La Quinta (November 11): Veterans and their families who book and stay at La Quinta hotels in the U.S. and Canada can take advantage of the 15% off military discount in light of Veterans Day on November 11.  
  • Legoland (November 11): Each U.S. service member on Monday, November 11, can receive a free American flag wristband and flyer (describing the discounts and events of the day) at the LEGOLAND Florida Resort ticket window. A wristband entitles the wearer to the special discounts on November 11 only.  
  • Harley Davidson Museum (November 11): All active military, Veterans and their families can gain free Museum entry into the Davidson Museum with valid Military or Veterans ID for 1 additional adult and up to 4 children 18 years old or younger on November 9-11.  
  • National Parks (November 11): Over 100 national parks will waive admission fees on November 11, 2019, in honor of Veterans Day. (Disabled Veterans eligible for free National Park Service Lifetime Access Pass) 

Free Haircuts 

  • Great Clips (November 11): Veterans and current military members can visit a U.S. Great Clips salon on November 11 to receive either a free haircut that day or the free haircut card to use at a later date.  
  • Sport Clips (November 11, 2019): Some locations will be offering free haircuts on November 11.  
  • SmartStyle Hair Salons (November 11, 2019): Current or former military members and veterans are being offered a 10% discount off any services and professional products on November 11.  

Health Services  

  • American Family Care (November 11): Veterans are being offered free flu shots on Veterans Day, Monday, November 11. Veterans interested in obtaining a free flu shot are encouraged to visit AFCUrgentCare.com to find the nearest American Family Care.  
  • True Rest Float Spa (November 11): Free True Rest Float Spa 60-minute float session for active-duty military and Veterans. 

Dental Services  

Dental365 will be hosting their third annual Free Dentistry for Veterans Day on Sunday, November 10th from 9am-2pm. Participating locations will be accepting walk-ins, or veterans can schedule an appointment for care by calling 877-759-6933. Services include cleanings, x-rays, full-mouth debridement, comprehensive examinations. Other same-day services will be offered at the following locations: 

  • Mt. Sinai, Long Island– 701 NY-25A Suite A1,  
  • Oceanside, Long Island– 3533 Long Beach Road  
  • Warwick, Orange County– 66 Galloway Road 

VetReward Card 

NYC veterans can apply for a VetReward Card to gain access to deals, savings, and freebies. The VetRewards Card is accepted at hundreds of New York City and national retailers for exclusive military savings extended to veterans and their families by a coalition of Veterans Advantage’s patriotic partners. These everyday discounts are good 365 days a year with no blackout dates.  

Next week, special deals will be available to veterans with the VetReward Card during Veterans Week NYC, a week created to spread awareness on the struggles veterans face and to give back for all they do. Here’s a schedule of events to come. 

Help Out NY Veterans 

Check-in with your veteran neighbors this week to see if they need any support. Some veterans are too proud to ask for the help they really need. Grab this list and see which services veterans in your community could benefit from the most. You can even start your own event!  

Our team at Siler & Ingber wishes everyone a Happy Veterans Day. Thank you to all who have served and for the sacrifices, you have made.  

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