Veterans Day, observed annually on November 11, is a significant date for recognizing the service and sacrifice of military personnel across the United States. In Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and the surrounding Winnebago County, various businesses and organizations participate in this tradition by offering complimentary meals, services, and discounts to veterans and active-duty service members. These offers typically require proof of military service, such as a military ID, DD214, or other documentation, and are often valid only on the holiday itself or during a specific window of time. The availability of these benefits varies by location and participating establishment, with many offers extending to the broader Northeast Wisconsin region.
The following guide details specific Veterans Day freebies and specials available in the Oshkosh area, based on information from local news reports and business announcements.
Restaurant and Dining Offers
Dining establishments are among the most prominent participants in Veterans Day promotions, offering free meals and beverages to those who have served. These offers generally apply to dine-in customers and exclude alcohol, gratuity, and additional menu items unless specified.
Major Chain Restaurants
Several national chains with locations in Oshkosh have longstanding Veterans Day programs:
- Applebees: For the 18th consecutive year, Applebees offers veterans and active-duty military a special Veterans Day meal from a selection of entrees. This offer is valid for dine-in only; beverages and gratuity are not included. To redeem, customers must show proof of military service, such as a U.S. Uniformed Services ID, Retired ID card, current Leave and Earnings Statement (LES), veterans organization card (e.g., American Legion, VFW), DD214 and citation or commendation, or a photo in uniform. The Oshkosh location is at 1700 S Koeller St.
- Golden Corral: The Golden Corral at 580 S. Koeller St. in Oshkosh is offering veterans a free buffet meal and beverage from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday, November 17. This is a specific date that differs from the standard November 11 observance.
- Pizza Ranch: Participating Pizza Ranch locations, including those in Oshkosh, Appleton, Grand Chute, and Fond du Lac, offer a free buffet for veterans and current military personnel on Veterans Day.
- Olive Garden: Olive Garden provides a free meal for veterans on Veterans Day.
- Hardee’s: Veterans can receive $1 off any Angus Burger Combo, $1 off any Breakfast Sandwich Combo, and a free Sausage Biscuit on Veterans Day.
- Buffalo Wild Wings: Offers a 15% discount.
- Perkins: Provides 15% off regular priced menu items.
- Firehouse Subs: Veterans receive a free medium soda with the purchase of a sub.
- A & W Winneconne: Offers a 10% discount.
Local and Regional Dining Specials
In addition to national chains, several local establishments in the Oshkosh area provide specific Veterans Day meals:
- Cinder's Charcoal Grill: Located at 1002 N Main St, Cinder's will give veterans a free steak sandwich, fries, and soda on Veterans Day (Tuesday, Nov. 11).
- Ground Round: The Ground Round at 1 N. Main St. offers veterans one free entree up to a $10 value. This promotion excludes the "Buy 1 Burger, Get 1 Free" deal.
- Harbor Lights Coastal Sports Bar: Located in Sheboygan, this sports bar gives a free drink to all veterans on Veterans Day.
- 1919 Kitchen & Tap: Situated at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, this restaurant offers members of the military and veterans a 25% discount on food and non-alcoholic beverages through November.
Retail and Service Discounts
Beyond dining, various retail stores and service providers offer discounts to veterans. These range from percentage-off deals to special purchase incentives.
Retail Stores
- Fleet Farm: Fleet Farm is honoring all veterans and active military members with an extra 15% off their in-store purchases from November 6 through November 11. Additionally, customers can round up their in-store purchases at any Wisconsin Fleet Farm store, with proceeds going to H.O.O.A.H.’s mission to support Wisconsin veterans. The Packers will match up to $10,000 of these donations.
- The Packers Pro Shop: Located in Green Bay, the Pro Shop offers all active military members and veterans 20% off on Veterans Day. They also stock Salute to Service gear, with NFL profits benefiting military non-profit partners. Year-round, the Pro Shop offers 10% off for military members and veterans on all in-store items, with some standard exclusions.
- Natural Healthy Concepts: Offers 10% off supplements and other select products, though brand exclusions apply.
- Dream Jewelers: Provides 10% off in-stock merchandise, not available on clearance, special orders, or repairs.
- Carpetland USA: Offers a 5% discount.
- Red’s Boutique & Market: Offers 10% off your total full price purchase, in-store only.
- Crafts – N – Crap: Offers a 15% discount.
- Hrnaks Flowers and Gifts: Offers a 10% discount.
- Beiser Realty LLC: Offers a seller discount of 2% commission discount and a buyer incentive of a free 1-year Home Warranty.
Services and Entertainment
- Brown County Rifle Range: Offers free admission for veterans to the Reforestation Camp Rifle Range, normally $7 per gun/bow or shooter. Free gun and archery sighting is also provided for veterans and active-duty military members from 8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Targets and hearing protection are provided.
- Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center: Located in Manitowoc, veterans get in free Thursday, Nov. 6 through Saturday, Nov. 8. The center is closed on Mondays.
- Heritage Hill State Historical Park: Located in Green Bay, veterans receive free admission all day for the "Second Saturdays" presentation "Celebrating Veterans" on Saturday, Nov. 8, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- F.I.R.E. Fitness Camp: Located in Oshkosh, offers 20% off all memberships.
- DJ’s Insect Control: Offers a 20% discount.
- Buelow Wellness LLC: Offers 10% off products and services, though this does not apply to discounted packages.
- Death to Debt Financial Coaching Service: Offers a 25% discount on all financial coaching packages.
- Outdoor Independence LLC: Offers a 10% discount off of services.
- Player’s Pizza and Pub: Offers 10% off.
- Off the Wolf Supper Club: Offers 10% off food bills.
- Good Yolk: Offers 10% off.
Personal Care and Miscellaneous Offers
Several businesses offer personal services or unique items for veterans.
- Great Clips: The Great Clips locations at 2008 Jackson St. and 2075 Witzel Ave. in Oshkosh are offering veterans who stop in on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, a free haircut that day or a certificate good for a free haircut redeemable through Dec. 31.
- The Barbershop: Hosting its 4th annual veterans event at the Darboy location (W3192 County Hwy KK), offering free haircuts and services to men and women who served in the armed forces.
- Seroogy's Chocolates: Veterans who show identification at Seroogy's stores (De Pere and Ashwaubenon locations) on November 11 will receive a free Flag Bar.
- Scooter's Coffee: Anyone with a valid Military ID is invited to stop by any Scooter's location to receive a free medium drink. Locations include Green Bay, Ashwaubenon, Menasha, Oshkosh, Fond du Lac, and Appleton.
- Heart & Homestead: Located in Manitowoc, this veteran-owned business supports veterans every day and has a selection of Americana and Military items.
National Park Access
On Veterans Day, the National Park Service waives entrance fees for all visitors to national parks and units, including monuments, seashores, historic forts, and battlegrounds. This provides an opportunity for veterans to visit these sites at no cost.
Special Events and Community Recognition
Beyond individual business offers, community events in the Oshkosh area focus on honoring veterans.
Oshkosh Veterans Day Events
- Oshkosh North High School Assembly: Held in the field house at 1100 W. Smith Ave., Oshkosh, at 10 a.m.
- Winnebago County Courthouse: Located at 415 Jackson St., Oshkosh, with events at 10:45 a.m.
- American Legion Mannequin Children's Education Program: Taking place on Thursday and Friday.
EAA AirVenture Oshkosh
EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, a major aviation event, designates the Friday of AirVenture as Salute to Veterans Day. This celebration includes a breakfast, parade, and an honor flight with Northeast Wisconsin’s Old Glory Honor Flight organization.
- Veterans Breakfast: Friday at 8 a.m. at the Partner Resource Center. Veterans are invited to register themselves and one guest for a complimentary breakfast sponsored by Airbus. Reservations are required as space is limited.
- Parade of Veterans: Friday at 1:00 p.m., departing from Warbird Alley to Boeing Plaza. Veterans are invited to meet at the “Warbirds in Review” ramp at 12:30 p.m. for a patriotic tribute, assemble behind their service flag for the playing of their service song, and then depart.
Programs Supporting Veterans
Several programs exist to provide ongoing support to veterans beyond a single day of recognition.
- Honor Rewards: This program appears to offer various benefits to enrolled veterans, though specific details are not fully provided in the source material. It requires a valid current military ID or VA card to enroll for benefits such as no-fee luggage and priority boarding.
- Folds of Honor: Mr. Brews Taphouse partners with Folds of Honor to support educational scholarships for families of disabled and fallen veterans.
- H.O.O.A.H.: Fleet Farm's round-up program supports H.O.O.A.H.'s mission to support Wisconsin veterans, with matching funds from the Packers.
Important Considerations for Veterans
When seeking Veterans Day freebies and discounts, it is essential for veterans to be prepared with proper documentation. Most businesses require proof of military service, which can include:
- U.S. Uniformed Services ID card
- Retired ID card
- Current Leave and Earnings Statement (LES)
- Veterans organization card (e.g., American Legion, VFW)
- DD214 and citation or commendation
- Wearing a uniform or a photo of yourself in uniform
It is also important to note that many offers are for dine-in only, may exclude alcohol and gratuity, and are valid only on the specified dates. Some offers, like the Golden Corral buffet, are scheduled for a different date than Veterans Day. Customers should always verify details with the specific location before visiting.
Conclusion
Veterans Day in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and the surrounding region offers a wide array of freebies and discounts for those who have served in the military. From complimentary meals at major chains like Applebees and Golden Corral to local favorites like Cinder's Charcoal Grill, and from retail discounts at Fleet Farm to personal services like free haircuts at Great Clips, there are numerous opportunities for veterans to be recognized. Community events, such as the assemblies in Oshkosh and the special Salute to Veterans Day at EAA AirVenture, further underscore the community's appreciation. Veterans are encouraged to prepare their proof of service and check specific offer details to take full advantage of these tributes.