Seasonal promotional campaigns targeting specific professional and service groups represent a significant category of consumer offers. These initiatives, often tied to commemorative periods such as National Nurses Week and Veterans Day, provide free products, discounted services, and exclusive perks to eligible individuals. Based on information provided by KSAT, a local news outlet in San Antonio, Texas, specific offers were available during National Nurses Week in May 2024 and for Veterans Day in November 2025. Additionally, the source material details ongoing community events and sweepstakes available to residents in the San Antonio area.
National Nurses Week Offers: May 2024
National Nurses Week, observed annually from May 6 to May 12, serves as a designated period for healthcare organizations and retailers to acknowledge the contributions of nursing professionals. During this time, various brands structure promotions that require verification of healthcare employment status to access free products or significant discounts.
Food and Beverage Sector Promotions
Several major food chains participate in National Nurses Week with high-value giveaways. Chipotle offered a significant promotion during the 2024 observance, intending to distribute 100,000 free burritos to healthcare workers. To access this offer, eligible participants were required to enter their details on a designated website between May 6 and May 10. Following the entry period, randomly selected winners were contacted starting the week of May 13. The redemption process for this specific offer included a verification step where winners had to confirm their healthcare employment status to receive a digital gift card.
Other food and beverage offers included:
- Dunkin’: Participating locations provided nurses with a free medium hot or iced coffee on May 6. This promotion was unique in that it did not require a purchase or the presentation of identification to redeem the offer.
- Salata: This chain offered a 20% discount on total orders on May 6. Additionally, they provided 20% off catering orders of $200 or more from May 6 through May 10. Salata also extended a delivery perk to educators during this period, offering free delivery through DoorDash.
- EVO: Nurses could receive $10 off a food and beverage purchase through May 12. This discount was limited to one redemption per guest per day and required valid identification at the time of use.
Retail and Lifestyle Discounts
Beyond food service, other brands offered merchandise and service discounts. KIND Snacks provided a year-round 15% sitewide discount for nurses. To utilize this offer, nurses had to verify their identity using the ID.me service at the cart or checkout stage on the kindsnacks.com website.
The Good Feet Store presented a bundle offer involving a purchase requirement. Nurses with a valid nurse’s ID could receive three pairs of OS1st Comfort socks and a pair of architek Comfort Slip-On shoes for free. However, this giveaway was contingent upon the purchase of a Good Feet Arch Support System.
Veterans Day Promotions: November 2025
Veterans Day, observed on November 11, is another peak period for promotional offers directed at active-duty military members and veterans. The provided source material outlines a variety of dining discounts and free meal offers available at national chains and local establishments, most of which require proof of military service.
Dining and Meal Offers
The following establishments offered free meals or significant discounts on November 11, 2025, typically requiring a valid military ID or proof of service:
- Applebee’s: Offered a full-size free entree to active-duty military, veterans, reserves, and National Guard members. Guests also received a $5 Bounce Back Card for dine-in use within the subsequent three weeks.
- Chili’s: Provided a free meal from a limited menu for veterans and active military members upon showing proof of service.
- Pluckers Wing Bar: Allowed veterans and active-duty military to select a free meal (entree, side, and non-alcoholic beverage) up to a $16 value for dine-in only.
- Twin Peaks: Served a free lunch from a select menu between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. for active-duty military and veterans with a valid ID.
- Texas Roadhouse: Distributed free meal vouchers between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on November 11. These vouchers were valid for redemption through May 31, 2026.
- Perry’s Steakhouse & Grill: Offered a dine-in special menu available upon request from 4 p.m. to close. Reservations were required, and proof of service was necessary.
- The Lion & Rose British Restaurant & Pub: Provided two options for savings: buy one entree get one free (of equal or greater value) or 15% off the entire order. Proof of service was required.
Quick Service and Casual Dining
Other chains offered specific items or smaller discounts:
- Dunkin’: Provided a complimentary donut at participating locations on November 11. This offer was available in-store only while supplies lasted and did not require ID.
- Round Table Pizza: Offered 15% off the bill for carry-out, dine-in, and delivery using the promo code “RTP321”.
- Whataburger: Extended an offer through the end of the year, allowing active-duty military and veterans to pick up one free Taquito every Tuesday in-store during breakfast hours. This could be combined with their year-round offer of a free 16-ounce hot or iced coffee.
Retail and Entertainment
While the majority of the Veterans Day offers focused on food, some establishments provided alternative benefits:
- Burdick’s: The source material mentions veterans and active-duty military members at any location who buy one entree in-store will get the second entree for free, requiring a valid military ID.
- Ksat Connect: Although not a direct freebie, KSAT offered a platform for veterans and their families to share photos to honor veterans. Users could sign up for a free KSAT Insider account to upload photos or videos to the "Holidays" channel under the "Veterans Day" category.
Local San Antonio Events and Sweepstakes
The source material also highlights local events and sweepstakes available to San Antonio residents, offering entertainment and potential prizes at no cost.
HGTV Smart Home 2025 Sweepstakes
A notable sweepstakes mentioned is the HGTV Smart Home 2025, which is giving away a home in San Antonio. Residents can enter the sweepstakes twice daily via the provided link. This represents a high-value promotional offer distinct from standard product samples.
Community Events
- Dancing in the Dark: Swing Into Summer: Scheduled for May 27, this event at La Villita Historic Arts Village offers free dance lessons taught by a professional instructor. The event encourages attendees to arrive early to dine in the Village or purchase light bites and beverages. Free parking is available in City-owned lots and garages starting at 5 p.m.
- Pride River Parades and Celebration: Occurring on May 31, this event includes a celebration at La Villita’s Arneson River Theatre and river parades. Visit San Antonio organizes this event to promote inclusion and support for the LGBTQ+ community.
- Texas Reptile Expo: While specific dates are not detailed in the snippet, the source mentions a reptile expo where individuals can find pet reptiles, occurring during a period of record-breaking heat in Texas.
Conclusion
The promotional landscape for May 2024 and November 2025 illustrates how brands leverage National Nurses Week and Veterans Day to engage with specific demographics. For nurses, offers generally focused on food discounts and required verification through ID.me or direct ID checks. For veterans and active-duty military, the focus was predominantly on free meals and dining discounts, requiring valid military identification. Local San Antonio residents additionally have access to community events and high-value sweepstakes, such as the HGTV Smart Home giveaway. Consumers interested in these offers should monitor official brand websites and local news outlets for updated terms and availability.