Multiple sources document a wide array of free offers and discounts available to military members, veterans, and their families. These opportunities span food and beverage, travel, entertainment, and family support services. Access to these offers typically requires proof of service, such as a military ID, veteran status on a driver’s license, or participation in specific reward programs.
Veterans Day Food and Beverage Offers
Several restaurants and food chains offer complimentary meals and drinks to veterans and active-duty military personnel on Veterans Day, November 11. Eligibility generally requires valid military identification or proof of service.
Sit-Down Dining and Casual Restaurants A variety of casual dining establishments provide free entrées or meals on Veterans Day. TGI Friday’s offers a free meal to veterans with a valid ID between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. at participating U.S. locations. Options include a cheeseburger with fries, chicken fingers with fries and coleslaw, chicken Caesar salad, half rack of ribs with a choice of side, or Cajun shrimp and chicken pasta (half portion). STK Steakhouse provides a free entrée (maximum value of $69) for veterans and active-duty military dining in on November 11; alcohol is excluded from this offer.
Sonny’s BBQ offers a free Pork Big Deal to veterans, retirees, and active-duty service members on November 11. To redeem this offer, individuals must sign up for the restaurant’s rewards program by November 9. Buca di Beppo offers a free lunch portion entrée until 3:00 PM on November 11 for active military and veterans who present acceptable proof of service, such as a military ID, veteran’s ID card, or a driver’s license with a veteran designation.
The Brass Tap provides a free burger and fries at participating locations on November 11. No proof of service is required for this offer, and it cannot be combined with other deals. The Greene Turtle offers a free meal (up to a $15 value) to veterans on November 11 with a valid ID. This dine-in offer is available at select locations and cannot be combined with other deals. Thompson Restaurants offers veterans a 15% discount on their entire meal at all locations when they show a valid military ID.
Chili’s offers all military veterans past and present their choice of one of four meal options at participating U.S. locations. Wings and Rings, a national chain, offers a free lunch all day for veterans and active-duty military on November 11, dine-in only.
Fast Food and Quick Service Wendy’s offers a free small breakfast combo for veterans and active-duty military with no purchase necessary. White Castle offers a free breakfast combo or Castle combo for veterans and active-duty military. Wienerschnitzel (available in the Southwest, Northwest, and Midwest) offers a free chili dog, small fries, and small soda for veterans and active-duty military; bring military ID or dress in uniform. Teriyaki Madness offers a free JR or REG bowl (or a free bowl of their choice, per another source) for veterans and active-duty military on November 11 at participating locations.
Sheetz offers a free half turkey sub (including any extras/add-ons), regular-size fountain drink, and car wash (a $9 value) for veterans and active-duty military on November 11. Shoney’s offers a complimentary "Best Breakfast in Town" to veterans and active-duty military at participating locations on November 11. Ruby Tuesday offers a free Endless Garden Bar or Add-on Garden Bar for veterans, retirees, and active-duty service members on November 11, dine-in only. The Add-on Garden Bar offer can be combined with the Tuesday Daily Deal.
Coffee and Frozen Treats Ziggi’s Coffee offers a free 16-ounce drink to veterans at all locations. The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf offers a free regular-sized drink to veterans, active-duty military members, and their spouses on November 11 when a valid military ID is shown. Caribou Coffee offers a free large coffee of the day or cold press with valid ID on November 11. Scooter’s Coffee offers a free medium drink for veterans and service members on November 11. Starbucks offers veterans, military service members, and spouses a free 12-ounce hot or iced coffee on November 11, available dine-in or drive-thru only.
Bruegger’s Bagels offers a free cup of hot or iced coffee on November 11. This offer is sent via email to rewards members. Members should mention the offer to the cashier (Promo Code 8227 In-Bakery) or use Promo Code FREECOFFEE when ordering online or in the app. Shake Shack offers veterans and active-duty military a free Big Shack on November 11. TCBY offers the first six ounces of frozen yogurt free for veterans and active military on November 11.
General Food Discounts Bruegger’s Bagels also offers a 15% discount on entire orders for active military and veterans, though specific dates for this offer are not detailed in the source.
Community and Organization-Based Meals
American Legion, VFW, and other veterans’ organizations, as well as churches, Elks lodges, community nonprofits, and more, host special breakfasts, lunches, and dinners on and around Veterans Day, at which veterans eat for free. Checking local news listings is recommended to find these community events.
Retail and Service Discounts
Many retailers offer year-round military discounts, including Target, Home Depot, and Lowe’s. Additionally, businesses offering services such as travel and auto often provide year-round deals for veterans and military members.
B&Bs for Vets, an initiative by the Association of Lodging Professionals, lists B&Bs that offer a free room on November 10 and 11 to veterans and active-duty military so they can attend Veterans Day observances.
Travel and Sightseeing Freebies
Military members and veterans have access to several travel-related freebies, particularly during the summer months.
National Parks Veterans and active-duty military personnel enjoy free entry to National Parks. They are also eligible to apply for the annual America the Beautiful Pass.
Blue Star Museums Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, thousands of museums offer free entrance to military families. This program can save families hundreds of dollars in ticket costs. A map is available to find participating museums near you.
Eligibility for Blue Star Museums includes: - Active duty United States Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy, and Space Force members. - Members of the Reserves, National Guard, U.S. Public Health Commissioned Corps, and NOAA Commissioned Corps. - Up to five family members.
Space Available (Space A) Travel Space A flights allow eligible travelers to save significant money on air travel. These flights are available on DoD aircraft for certain categories of individuals, including active duty and retired military members, dependents, DoD civilians, and other eligible travelers. Travel is permitted after space-required passengers and cargo have been accommodated.
Kids' Freebies and Programs
There are numerous free opportunities specifically for children in military families, aimed at providing comfort, education, and entertainment.
Entertainment and Activities Kids Bowl Free is a program created with families in mind, offering children a fun and safe way to stay active and engaged all summer long. Registered kids receive two free games of bowling each day of the program throughout the summer. The program is designed to save money, keep kids cool in the summer heat, and provide a screen-free activity that is active and social. Over 40 million families participate in this program.
Comfort and Keepsakes The Armed Services YMCA provides military children age 6 and under with an original quilt made from photos submitted by a parent to help ease deployment anxiety. For children age 7 and older, they offer a standard-size, custom pillowcase. These keepsakes are handmade by volunteers.
The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society offers free Budgeting for Baby workshops to help new mothers develop a family budget. Every participant receives a gift that includes a baby blanket handmade by a Society volunteer.
Educational and Family Support Operation Paperback sends books to military families. Families can request books by submitting their address and reading preferences, including age ranges for children.
United Through Reading connects military families separated by deployment or assignment by providing the bonding experience of shared storytime. Service members can choose from a selection of books of varying topics and age ranges at participating locations. Families can check the Current Program Location list to see if their command has a United Through Reading site.
General Advice for Military Families
A key strategy for military families looking to save money is to always ask if a military discount is available. Many stores have discounts but do not advertise them.
Conclusion
Military members, veterans, and their families have access to a broad spectrum of free offers and discounts, particularly around Veterans Day. These offers range from complimentary meals at national restaurant chains to free travel opportunities and children's educational and comfort items. Access generally relies on valid military identification or enrollment in specific reward programs. Families are encouraged to utilize resources like local news listings and official program websites to find available offers in their area.